Laptop Basics

An introductory course for those just beginning to use laptops

Goals for Today

Introduce some of the unique features of laptops

Understand the Windows 7 desktop and its features

Practice using the laptop keyboard and touchpad

Create and save documents Access the library’s wireless network Prepare you to practice using laptops on your

own!

Laptops vs. Desktops

Portability Battery Risk of theft All the parts of the computer in one piece

(including speakers, USB ports, CD-ROM drives, etc.)

Wireless card Smaller keyboard Touchpad instead of mouse Price

Parts of a laptop

CPU(under the keyboard)

Monitor

Touchpad

Keyboard

CD/DVD drive, USB ports, etc.

Windows 7 Desktop

Start button

Windows Explorer

Windows Media Player

Internet Explorer

Start button

Your Files

Popular Programs

SearchShut down (log off, restart)

The Dock!Desktop icons

Place your most popular shortcuts here. You can customize this, and move it to other areas of the desktop

Taskbar

Volume & Date/Time

Action Center – messages about your PC Wireless Network

More icons – also option to customize taskbar Power – Remaining battery

“Driving” the Computer

You will need to tell the computer what to do using the keyboard and touchpad

Type with the keyboard Point and click with the touchpad

Get to Know the Touchpad

Your touchpad is like a mouse and drives the pointer on the screen

• By gliding your finger on the touchpad, move the pointer to

the item you want to click on. This is called pointing.

• Press the left mouse button OR tap on the touchpad This is

called clicking.

• To scroll on the touchpad, glide your finger along the right

side of the pad

You can always plug in a mouse if you don’t like the touchpad

Get to Know the Keyboard

Start button

Arrow keys

Delete & more

Enter key

How to Access a Wireless Network

Click on Wireless Network for list of available networks. Click on desired network (hblibrary). Enter password if prompted.

Create and save documents

Doubleclick on Word icon to open

Click on Office button Click on New Create your document To save: Click on Office button Click on Save or Save As Select location for your file Name your file

Next Steps

PRACTICE! The best way to get comfortable using computers is to

keep doing it!

Visit the Computer Coaches Most hours that the library is open

Monday 1 – 9 Thursday 9 – 9

Tuesday 9 – 9 Friday 11 – 5

Wednesday 9 – 5, 7 – 9 Saturday 11 – 5 Hours are subject to change. Please call ahead to

confirm: 714-842-4481

Don’t forget that we’re here to help! Good luck!