Introduction to computers - Omega - uk.net

Introduction to computers
How can a computer help you?
You can find information, including what help is available.
They’re an easy way to stay in touch with friends and family.
You can contact organisations quickly and cheaply.
You can use it to write letters and create documents.
You don’t need to own one to use one.
Computers are fun.
There’s no excuse nowadays for not using a computer...
“I’m too old.” .......................... You’re never too old
“They’re too expensive.” ....... You don’t have to own one to use one.
“They’re too complicated.” .... Use this and other guides to help you, find a computer taster
session, ask questions get in touch with Omega if you get stuck
“I don’t have time.” ................ Computers can save you time.
“I can’t type.” ......................... You don’t need to be very good at typing. A lot of the time,
you’ll be using the mouse to control the computer. Over time,
you’ll naturally get better at using a keyboard.
“I have poor reading skills.” /
“I am dyslexic.”...................... There should be support available in your community.
Contact Omega for help accessing it.
What computers can do for you
A computer will allow you to navigate the internet or world wide web - this is a term used to
describe the millions of pages held on computer around the world which are linked together.
Pages feature anything including the news, television and lots of other information. Omega
has a website you can access it at www.omega.uk.net. Computers also allow you to talk to
other people online via email or Skype, and to write letters or other documentsl. Before we
get to all that, let’s look at the equipment.
The basics
There are usually four main parts to a standard computer: a screen, a
mouse, a keyboard and the computer box itself. Now we will look at
these in a bit more detail.
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The screen is like a television. It allows you to view information. Unlike a television screen,
you can see a document you have written using a keyboard.
The keyboard is just like a typewriter that allows you to type words and
phrases into your computer. These words and phrases can be seen on
the screen. Most keys on a keyboard have a single character (a letter or
number). Some have two or more.
The mouse gets it’s because of its shape, size and because the cable
resembles a tail. A mouse has two buttons as standard; some will also
have a scroll wheel and extra buttons on the top or sides.
All you need to get started is the left hand button, which you click to
make something happen. For example you can follow links; links take
you to new information, and connect pages together.
Moving the mouse around controls a small arrow on the screen, which is
called the pointer.
Move the pointer over something on the screen you are interested in. If it
is linked to further information, the pointer will turn into a hand or another
shape. When this happens, click the left button once.
The computer itself will often look like this; this is a PC tower some
computer bases are flat. Here you will find the on/off button, disk drives
and sockets for the monitor, keyboard, mouse and other devices such as
a printer. If you have a Laptop it will have all these components in a
slimmed down version. If you need extra help to get familiar with your
machine please ask.
About Omega
Omega exists to tackle some of the wider determinants of health, including social and
economic issues. We achieve this by providing access to opportunities, information and a
range of other non-clinical support. We work with unpaid family carers, people nearing the
end of life, the bereaved, socially isolated individuals, the frail and the elderly.
Omega's Work
Supporting unpaid carers, particularly those looking after people with life-limiting or
long-term health conditions
Supporting former carers, the bereaved and the isolated frail-elderly
Undertaking outreach activity to identify those in need of support
Helping to raise standards in end of life care
Collating and sharing information and resources
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Collaborating with other organisations to improve quality of end of life care in the
community
Omega facilitates group sessions, organises social activities and encourages peer support.
We work with clinicians, Third Sector organisations, care professionals, expert advisors,
businesses, volunteers and others, to achieve tangible improvements in general care and
palliative care. We are keen to reach out in new areas and welcome offers of collaborative
work.
Contact Omega
Email
carers@omega.uk.net
Phone 0845 259 3163
Fax 0845 519 1130
Web
Post
www.omega.uk.net
Freepost RSGB-CYBY-HSCX
Omega, London House, Town Walls, Shrewsbury, SY1 1TX
Created by BL, September 5 th 2012
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