MODULE 1_BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS_CARDET_27072017_hv

MODULE 1
Basic Computer Skills
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication
[communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held
responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. [Project
Number: 2016-1-ES01-KA204-025026]

Contents
1. Hardware - basic elements .................................................................................... 3
2. Software - basic concepts ...................................................................................... 5
3. Windows - basic knowledge and functionality ...................................................... 6
4. Peripheral devices - types and handling ................................................................. 9
5. Internet .............................................................................................................. 10
6. Working with Documents .................................................................................... 13
7. Skype .................................................................................................................. 17
8. Facebook ............................................................................................................ 21
9. Google translate .................................................................................................. 23
10. Google maps ..................................................................................................... 25
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Executive Summary
The Module is built around 10 digital skills. It provides basic knowledge of computer handling - from
installing programs and using a computer and working with different documents to geographical
orientation in the local environment, and communicating with relatives and institutions. Each skills
consists of an introduction and theory for acquiring a basic idea, as well as training in successive
steps - how to work with specific digital tools. Emphasis is placed on the use of free - open software.
Specific examples of the use of these skills in the real life are given.
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1. Hardware - basic elements
The computer is an electronic device that works with information and data. It is designed to store,
retrieve, and process data. Used to create documents, work with data, search for information from
the internet, play games and watch movies, but can also be used to connect with familiar people
through special free programs and platforms (social networks, email, etc.).
This theoretical knowledge will be beneficial for daily life and
activities, cognitive aspects and employability opportunities,
because computer knowledge is an integral part of modern life and
work in EU.
Hardware is any part of a computer that has technical parameters and physical form,
such as a computer box, monitor, keyboard, or mouse. The most commonly used
and distributed are the following types of computers.
Desktops
The main parts of a desktop computer are the
computer box, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power
cord. Usually used for work at home or in the office.
This is the most common option because it can be
tailored to the financial capabilities of the user. Due to
its ability to be assembled (combined with different
parts) according to its purpose.
Notebooks - laptops
The second most common type of computer. Laptops
are portable, have built-in battery, newer models are
lighter, allowing them to be used almost anywhere. In
recent years, new, lighter and compact versions of
notebooks such as Tablet, Notebook, and others
without a keyboard and mouse have been
developed.They are controlled by touch styluses or
fingers touching the display.
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All internal computer components such as CPU, RAM, Mainboard, Hard drive, Video card, Sound
card, Power supply unit, and more are in the box.
1. A CPU (Central Processor Unit) is
inside the computer box on the
motherboard. Its task is to execute
the commands set via the keyboard
and mouse. The CPU is a small
square with a silicon chip. The
processor is covered by a radiator
with a fan that cools it during
operation. A better and stronger
processor can perform instructions
faster and in good combination
with other components, make the
computer faster.
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4. A video card is responsible
for what you see on the
monitor. The cheaper option is
the built-in graphics processor
on the motherboard, but in
order to get a better image and
quality graphics, an additional
video card must added.
2. The motherboard is the basic
board of the computer. This is a
thin PCB that connects the
processor, memory, hard drive and
optional devices, video and audio
cards.
3. RAM (Random Access Memory)
is the short-term memory of your
computer. Each time it performs
any work process, it temporarily
stores the data in the RAM until it
is powered off. When working with
documents, it's a good idea first to
record them on the hard drive
before they are closed, otherwise
you will lose the information.
When working with multiple
programs at the same time, the
computer may become slower,
meaning it does not reach RAM.
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5. Sound card (Audio card).
And it, as the video card can be
embedded, but the additional
sound card adds better sound.
6. Hard Drive is used to store
various programs, files, and all
available information on the
computer. It serves for longterm
storage of data. When a
file is saved, the data is copied
to the hard disk. The speed of
the hard disk has an impact on
the launch of the programs,
and its magnitude - on the
amount of information and
programs you can keep on it.
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2. Software - basic concepts
The hardware of any computer, is unusable without software. The software is an instructional
program that shows the hardware, what and how to do. One computer uses different software to
perform different actions - browsing in the Web is a web browser which is a program. Many
programs are also used for processing image and creation of document. These are the two basic
things for a computer, that one can not do without another - software and hardware.
The software is copyrighted and usually has a license to use. It regulates how the creator and the
end user are using it. Licenses provide the user with the right to use the software under certain
conditions.
Types of software
•One-time or periodically fixed
amount is paid for paid
software. The most common
method of payment is through
the internet through a credit
card.
Limited
usage
Lite Version
•Lite versions are for personal use.
This allows the product to be tested.
The goal is to convince a user to buy
exactly this software.
Usage linked
to an
advertisement
Free for use
•The product can be linked to
an advertisement - banner,
text, or sound. For some of
these programs, there is also a
paid version with no
advertisements.
•These programs are highly sought
after and used. The user does not
pay for the use of this software.
Examples of these will be reviewed
here too - Google Translate, Google
Maps and Google Docs.
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3. Windows - basic knowledge and functionality
Windows is an operating system created by Microsoft in 1980.
Windows 10 is currently in use. The operating system is what lets
you use your computer.
All programs you want to use depend on the operating system. There are other operating systems
such as Linux, OS X and the still new Chrome OS.We will look at basic concepts that are related to
working with the Windows operating system.
The desktop is the first thing that appears on
the screen after the Windows boot is
finished. From here it can be work with
documents, Internet browsers, applications
and programs.
A user works with files. The file is every thing that is contained in the computer's
memory - a document, a photo, a music, a movie, and others. They are presented
with an icon, according to their type.
The strip that appears at the bottom of the monitor is called Taskbar. It makes it easy to
switch from one open program to another by clicking on the desired program, document,
or browser.
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Documents
Which program will
open the file.
Images
File extensions
File suffixes
Audio
Video
Digital_literacy.pptx
.pptx
Microsoft PowerPoint
Websites
Applications
Compressed Files
Most common suffixes used in computers
Documents Images Audio Video
.doc, .docx, .pdf .jpg, .jpeg, .gif .mp3, .wav, .flac .avi, .mp4, .wmv
Websites Applications Compressed Files
.html, .htm .exe .zip, .rar
To open a file, you must first find it through the File Explorer and double-click its file icon. The file
will be opened by the program with which it is recorded.
The folder is used to organize the files. It can be renamed by choice or content. For example, when
applying for a job, all the necessary documents - scanned or written - can be put together in a folder
with an appropriate name. The folder name can include, in addition to letters, also numbers and
some characters.
Typical image of a folder
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File Explorer (or Windows Explorer in older versions
of Windows) is a built-in application for faster access
to folders. It opens by clicking on the “File Explorer”
icon in the taskbar. Another possible way to open
Explorer is through a key combination (Win Key + E).
To create a new folder, right-click the mouse where it
will be located (for example, Desktop) and choose
“Create – Folder” from the menu. A folder icon will appear with a field for the name you want to fill
in and then press Enter.
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4. Peripheral devices - types and handling
Peripheral devices have different functions and are used for various purposes related to the ease of
work or activity we perform with the computer. They are usually plugged in through additional ports
of computer.
One of the most commonly used is
the printer. It is used for printing
documents and photos. There are
different types: inkjet, laser,
monochrome and color. The
fastest and with best quality are
laser printers. Multifunction
devices are also very popular. They
usually include, besides a printer,
another scanner and copier.
The scanner makes it easy to keep a
digital copy of a document, photo,
book. Not only do we save the
image, but we can also process it
through additional programs.
Before the scanner was a separate
device. With the appearance of
multifunction devices, it was
assembled to most printers. This
also facilitates the copying of
documents. The prices of these
devices are comparatively lower
than buying them separately.
Audio files are played on the
computer through speakers. Voice
and headphones are increasingly used
for sound reproduction. They can be
connected via a cable or Bluetooth
device.
Another additional device that
facilitates communication is the
microphone. It allows you to talk in
real time through programs with
others over the Internet.
The webcam serves both for video
chat in Internet in real-time and for
recording videos.
The most common way to transfer
information today is by using the USB
Flash drive. This device is a small
circuit board protected by a rubber,
plastic or metal sheath. It can store
information from the computer - files,
photos and documents. Depending on
the size of the space, the size of the
files are measured in MB (MegaBytes)
or GB (GigaBytes) - can take a
relatively large amount of data.
* Most laptops feature built-in cameras, speakers and a microphone.
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5. Internet
Internet is a global network of billions of computers and electronic devices all over the world.
Internet
Access
information
Learn
Communicate
Serach
information
Work
[add related images]
The World Wide Web (or simply Web) merges all existing websites with Internet access.
TEXT
IMAGES
VIDEOS
They can be viewed through a web browser that is software
specifically designed to work with the Internet.
Internet can provide networking. One of the many benefits of
the network is the ability to communicate with different people
on different channels (E-mail, social networks, Skype) and even
make a visual connection with them.
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Everyone who uses the Internet usually has an Email. It is extremely
necessary nowadays to do any activity and to declare your physical
presence. From receiving emails and shopping online, to creating a
social networking account and performing online banking.
Internet access takes place in various ways, the most common and used
are the ones presented below.
Via Wi-Fi, which allows multiple devices to be
connected to the Internet.
DSL uses a broadband connection over a telephone
line but does not require a telephone. If present,
this connection allows simultaneous use of the
phone and the Internet.
Cable TV is again used broadband connection, but this
time through cable television. Cable TV does not need
to be used, but there must be a provider in the living
area.
3G and 4G it is mainly used by mobile phones and
connects wirelessly through the ISP network.
In order to gain access to the Internet you must contact an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Most ISPs
offer several variants of the service with different internet speeds, typically measured in Mbps
(megabits per second). If you use the Internet for e-mail, social networking, and online shopping,
no fast internet (up to 5 Mbps) is needed.
Tip: An important condition is the price. More faster the connection is, more expensive is it.
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The web browser is a type of software that allows you to find and
browse Web sites on the Internet. The most used ones are:
Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
Internet Explorer is still the standard web browser for most
Windows computers and comes pre-installed on every
computer that is being purchased. But, in recent years,
Google Chrome has become more popular. It is free and
has many features and capabilities, including
compatibility with all operating systems. It is desirable for
the device (computer) to have at least two browsers. There may
be a problem opening a web site with a specific browser. This will allow
another browser to load a web site.
Google Chrome is extremely intuitive, loads the search in a single field and presses “Enter’’ on the
keyboard. A list of suggested topics is displayed.
Internet can also be used for storing data online - in “a cloud”. This is very convenient because the
information does not take place on the computer's hard drive but is on the Internet on a server. The
user can always access it - from anywhere in the world. You will learn more in the next section.
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6. Working with Documents
For working with documents, besides paid programs, there are
also free ones.
You can use free software, such as Google Docs, which is
linked to work on Google Drive - a free virtual location that
serves to store information and files. From there, the user
has access to his documents, presentations, pictures, and
music. This virtual space is 15GB. It is also available from
anywhere and eliminates the need to send e-mail or
transfer information via USB Flash Drive. It also allows you
to share files with others while working or printing on
paper.
https://www.google.com/drive/
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To use Google Drive, you'll need a Google Account. Google Accounts are free. In order to create a
Google Account, you must enter the usual information on
https://accounts.google.com/SignUp?hl=en.
Name and surname
Date of birth
Location
Creating a Google Account will automatically create an email address in Gmail and a Google+ profile.
If the user has an email in Gmail, he already have a Google
Account. Just log in and the Google Apps icon is located in the
upper right corner. One of these is "Drive".
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Google Drive not only stores files. It also allows you to create, share and manage documents. Some
of the applications may resemble those of Microsoft Office. These are the types of files on Google
Drive:
Documents are used to create letters, flyers,
essays, and other text files.
Spreadsheets are used to store and organize
information and calculations in tables view.
Presentations are used to create slideshows.
Forms are used to collect and organize data.
Drawings are used to create simple charts or
diagrams.
The process of creating new files is the same for all file types. To create a new file, you must select
New from Google Drive, then the document type.
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2
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After you create the file click on the top left corner in the "Untitled Document" and rename it with
the appropriate name, confirm with OK.
It does not need to be saved by pressing a button. Google Drive automatically does so when editing.
There is always access to these files, just need internet and a computer or smartphone. You can
follow this link to find out more.
To print a file from Google Drive, it must first be downloaded. Find the file you want, then right-click
the file and choose Download. This will be downloaded to your computer. Google Drive will choose
the most common file format by default. If this is a document, it will automatically be saved as a
.docx file that is used by Microsoft Word. If it is needed in another format, you just open the
document, choose File, and then "Download as ...", then select the file type you want. Now you can
switch to print. Again, the "Print" option is selected through the document and "File".
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7. Skype
Skype is a free program that allows you to talk to family, friends
and colleagues via a computer or mobile device.
You can use Skype to chat in real time via video
chat. Skype can be used on desktops, laptops
and mobile devices (smartphones and tablets).
Using Skype allows you to talk and hear sound
through the microphone and speakers. Here are
the advantages of laptops because these devices
are built in or it is need to be used headphones.
Webcam is required if video calls are to be made.
Most laptops and different types of mobile
devices also have built-in.
Load in the browser www.skype.com. The Skype homepage will appear. There are 3 options-
"Download Skype", "Sign In" and "See What You Can Do".
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The page gives a lot of information - it should be considered carefully and in detail. It is possible to
use one account simultaneously on different devices. The version of Skype is available for Windows,
Mac and Linux. The type of operating system must be selected and the version of the program
should downloaded. There is Skype for Web - www.skype.com, the program runs on all devices and
there is no difference in the visualization of the different versions.
The registration form appears first. Follow the instructions and enter the requested information:
name, date of birth and gender. You must choose a username (which may be a nickname, an
acronym of the real or other), which will create contacts and be searched for in Skype. Then you
review the Skype Service Privacy Policy and Privacy Statement, and agree. Profile is created.
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Enter your personal information here.
If you already have an email you can enter your email here.
To make a video call, you must first click on the selected
person in the box on the left. There is a list of contacts.
online
away
not disturb
Each contact at the bottom of the picture has a character
that reflects the current state of the person. This status is
set by the first option (Skype – Online status) on the menu
bar at the top of the window.
On the upper right corner of the screen you will find three
buttons. You can select a number of choices.
Video
call icon
Call
icon
Add
contacts
icon
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When you make a video call a ring must be heard until the other side answers. The video stream
from your webcam will appear at the bottom, showing what the other person will see. If either
person does not have a camera or does not want to be seen, only a sound will be transmitted.
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8. Facebook
Facebook is the site - the world's largest free online social
networking site in over 70languages. It serves to maintain social
contacts with familiar and unfamiliar people around the world and
track local and world news.
Each user chooses by himself, what information he / she has to make about himself, and what
groups or individuals he / she can access. Communication across network users occurs in many
ways, including sending personal messages, sharing photos, text, videos, creating and participating
in interest groups. It is most convenient for discovering and communicating with people over long
distances or searching for acquaintances around the world.
Registration is very easy and fast as long as you have a connection to the Internet. In the browser
search box enter www.facebook.com, then press Enter. The homepage of the social network will be
load.
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This is where the registration takes place - the name, surname, number or e-mail, the password
must be filled in - it must contain letters, numbers and characters and to be a combination of at
least 6 characters. Below are the date of birth and gender. After that, a confirmation email is
received that allows you to sign in to the new account. The account is entered through the home
page of Facebook. You get a blank blue profile that is easy to fill in. To keep in touch with people,
you need to enter a name and give personal information as well as a profile photo. Photos are
another option for users to upload albums and photos. Finally, it is the "status" through which
consumers tell their friends about their location and what they do.
None of these things is a must - everyone decides how much and what information he will give to
himself. Account access can be restricted and other information is not visible.
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9. Google translate
Google can also be used to translate text from one language to another. It's very easy to use. Access
to this feature does not differ much from regular Google search. A word, text, document or book in
a foreign country can be translated into a familiar language through Google Translate. There is
currently a big choice between 104 world languages. To open this option you need to enter in the
browser’s address bar “translate.google.com”. A clear window with two main fields will open. You
can enter the translation text on the left and the translated text will appear on the right.
1. Visit the website: translate.google.com
1
Place the text you want to
translate here.
2. Select the languages you want to translate
2
Click here to select
the language you
want to see the
translated text and
then click on the
“Translate” option.
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Google will automatically find the language and display the translation in the box on the right box.
You may also change the language that Google translates from or to by clicking on the language at
the top left of each of these fields and choosing another language from the drop-down menu. Users
have an audio feature to listen to the words in a foreign language. The words that are inserted into
the text box will be played through the sound. To do so, use the "Listen" button located in the lower
right corner of the text input field. The button is displayed as a microphone.
Google Translate also translates entire web sites that do not have built-in other languages. This is
done by copying the site address (URL address) and placing it in the translation field. Sets the
language to be translated. A link appears in the right section. It has to be clicked on and the already
translated site goes out. This automated translator is being developed over time, except that new
languages are added, and its base is expanded with new expressions and words.
You can listen to the
pronunciation by clicking
here.
Click here to access
the translated page.
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10. Google maps
This application is a free online map. It is accessible through a
browser or as a mobile app. It provides step-by-step directions for
finding a specific place.
Google maps, besides giving way to a location, can navigate when an Internet
connection is enabled. It is enough to openMaps.google.com and when the internet
is turned on, the location will be automatically detected - country, city, street, and
so on.
Click here to enter
the information.
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A map will appear with where the user is currently located. Directions are selected. There will be a
menu with two fields to fill in. In the first you must enter a starting point. The address of the current
location is entered. The destination field is entered in the second field. If you do not know the
address you can search for it by starting to write. There will be suggestions to choose from. Another
option is to find the end point of the map, click on it with the right mouse button on it and select
"Directions to here".
It is very convenient to get directions for driving, traveling by public transport or walking for each
diferent city. This is done by selecting the appropriate icon from the Directions drop-down menu.
Google maps shows several different ways to navigate to the destination. The current route is
colored in blue color. When the route is selected, click on Details. A full list of instructions, step-bystep,
will appear. If needed, you can print out and take the paper map. Just click on the print icon.
You may choose to print the map and the instructions or just the text.
Click here to enter the
street view mode.
Google maps can help you navigate to institutions, schools / universities and social services.
In addition to detailed satellite views, Google maps also offers street-shot photos, also known as
Street View. These panoramic images allow you to see pictures of places, buildings and objects in
more than 40 countries. Street View can be used to see the real-looking object. To use the option
at the bottom right corner, there is an orange figurine of a man called “pegman”. Drag and drop the
pegman at the top of the map scroll bar to enter Street View mode. A convenient option to find an
object for which there is no initial visualization.
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