July 2013 - Computer Basics:

We all can learn how to use our computers better and faster whether you are a pro or a beginner. So lets start at the beginning. The computer is a tool with a very exact structure called an operating system. Most of us have Windows operating systems on our computers so this article will concern only Windows computers.

File System:

Windows uses a tree structure structure for storing information on the computer.:

This relies on Folders and Files. A Folder can contain other Sub Folders and files. Files are single items like a letter, a photo, or a single program. Files can only be a single item. Each file or folder must have a unique name.

For example:

My Documents :

             Letters

                    Business Letters

                           MMM

                                   2/23/12letterordertape.doc

                                   4/5/12letterprice quote.doc

                          General Motors

                          LetterStateofIllinois.doc

                    Personal Letters

                          Letter to Mary Jones

                          Letters to John Smith

                   My Thoughts

                        Knowledge for the Ages.doc

                   Photos

                   Music

We can see there is a folder called My Documents with a group of sub-folders called Letters, Photos and Music. The Letters Folder contains sub-folders for Business Letters, Personal Letters and My Thoughts. Business Letters folder contains Folders for MMM, General Motors and a file ( letterstateofIllinois.doc). The MMM Folder has 2 files, letters to MMM.

This system is used for all parts of the computer and stores everything on the computer in this system. When it was developed, it was call DOS , disk operating system. The Core Folder of most Windows computers is “C” the hard drive on your computer. Computer can have many drives or storage devices. They are always named using a single capital letter A”, “B” etc. Drives come in many forms flash cards, memory stick, hard drives, DVD write and DVD read drives. When a drive is attached to a computer it is assigned a letter by the operating system.

The computer has a series of commands created to allow the user to operate the computer. These appear as menus in the menu bar at the top of each program.

File, Edit, View, Favorites, Tools and Help. These are the same menus available in all programs on your computer and allow you to manage, create, edit and search your computer. Each of these drop downs offer a series of options. The ones that are black are available and the gray ones are not.. They also show keyboard short cut that allow you to use the command by pressing 2 keys at the same time. These keyboard short cuts allow you to keep your hands on the keyboard without reaching for the mouse. Again they work in all programs so learning them will speed up your computer time.

Where are the Programs?

Your computer came with many programs already loaded which allow you to type letters, make spreadsheets, and search the web. These programs are in a Folder “Program Files”. They also may appear on your Desk Top as “Shortcut icons”. You can start the program by clicking the icon twice.

Programs not on the desktop can be run by going to the Folder “ Program Files” and finding the program from the list. Most new programs that you install offer the option of creating a desktop icon.

Internet Fun and Useful things:

1. When searching for a specific item on the web you often are directed to a site and can't find your search term. When you open the site use a keyboard short cut to find the words. Click “Ctl + F”. A little window will open and type in the search word and enter. The words will be highlighted in web text. Click enter again and it will find the next usage.

2. We travel a lot and check road conditions before leaving. For Chicago area I like www.sigalet.com . It show any blockages and slow area. And also has web cams to see the traffic. Most State traffic can be checked using www.511.org .You type in the www.511__.org filling in the two letter abbreviation for the state and you will see a link to either the 511 site or a private state site showing traffic conditions. Most have traffic cams and show the present speeds of traffic. Each state site is slightly different, but all will give you a picture of conditions.
3. Thousands of radio station have gone to streaming of their broadcasts. In your browser search type in the city and state and type of radio you want and click enter. You will get a list of the station that are streaming on the web. Choose one and then click the listen live button. My Chicago favorite is WBEZ, an NPR radio station that is available anywhere in the world and gives Chicago weather and traffic hourly.