Unit I

LEARNING ABOUT THE COMPUTER

Lesson 1 THE COMPUTER AND HOW IT CAME TO BE

The Computer
Are you familiar with the machine you usually see at home and in school, the one with a TV-like screen and
used by your friends and kins? It is the computer, and you will learn a lot about it as we go along.

The computer is a group of devices that receives instructions and data, and works on these to solve
problems. It also remembers things, makes decisions, and gives results.

It is a big help to many people. Nowadays, it is being used in homes and offices in many parts of the
world.

DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTERS
Early Devices and Ideas
The computer, as we know it today, developed from early devices, inventions, and ideas.

An early device called the Abacus made it possible to perform computations beyond our limited number of
fingers and toes. The abacus is a system of strings and moving beads invented in Babylonia in about 500
B.C. Its design inspired the development of calculating machines.

In 1642, Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician, invented the Adding Machine. This device used toothed
wheels and cogs to add numbers. Five years later, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibnitz made improvements on the
Adding Machine to enable it to multiply numbers.

Charles Babbage, a British mathematician in the 19th century, thought of a machine that could perform all
kinds of mathematical operations. He called it the Analytical Engine. This machine was never built
physically because there was no electricity yet at that time. However, because of his ideas, Charles
Babbage is considered today as the Father of Modern Computers.

THE MODERN COMPUTER

One hundred years after, the development of the computer continued.

In the 1940s, Howard Aiken of Harvard University implemented the concept of Charles Babbage. In 1944,
he invented the MARK I, which performed all basic mathematical operations like addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division. This computer was used for military purposes during World War II.

In 1946, John Presper Eckert and John Mauchly designed the first electronic digital computer called ENIAC
(Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer). This computer had no moving parts. It is programmable
and capable of solving mathematical operations. It was very huge, heavy and complicated and was
powered by electricity in a circuitry of 18,000 vacuum tubes.

In the late 1940s, transistors were invented which replaced thousands of big costly, and unreliable vacuum
tubes. These transistors were smaller and more powerful than vacuum tubes. The invention of the
transistor was a big boost in the development of computers.

Later, in the 1960s, the integrated circuit or IC was introduced. The IC made it possible for a large number
of transistors to be built into a single, tiny silicon chip called a microprocessor. Beginning in the 1980s up
to now, improvements in IC design have continued. This led to cheaper, smaller, and faster computers.
With their increasing power and application in our day-to-day life, it is almost impossible in our modern age
to do our work or study without the help of computers.
Can you Recall

A. Draw a happy face in the box if the statement is true and a sad face if it is false.
1. Charles Babbage is know as the “Father of Modern Computers”.
2. A computer cannot solve mathematical operations.
3. Today, people use their fingers and toes to add and subtract large numbers.
4. MARK 1 is a modern computer used for military purposes during World Ward II.
5. John Presper Eckert and John W. Mauchly were the inventors of the abacus.
6. The analytical engine was built and displayed in France.
7. The IC or integrated circuit was invented and used in the early computers.
8. The transistors were smaller and more powerful than the vacuum tubes.
9. The abacus used toothed wheels
10. The microprocessor is a single, tiny silicon chip which contains thousands of
transistors.

B. Encircle the following words as you find them in the puzzle table.

TRANSISTOR COMPUTER BABBAGE

VACUUM TUBES DEVICES MARK 1
ABACUS PASCAL ENIAC

T S A S D E V I C E S J
R G B U Q Y N Z T U E X
A Z I C X R G I N G B S
N A L A N E I L A Y U L
S T Y B A M Y T H C T P
I E B A B B A G E M M H
S M A W I D H U L J U E
T S M A R K 1 A M X U W
O M B R J N C Y S I C E
R A C E O S R W U N A N
M M J R A R O U A E V O
C O M P U T E R C B W Q

Lesson 2 TYPES OF COMPUTERS AND THEIR USES

Computers may be classified according to certain types. They may be grouped according to
purpose and according to size.

TYPES of COMPUTERS ACCORDING TO PURPOSE

1. General-purpose Computers – are computers which are flexible enough to handle different tasks. The
Personal Computer, which we usually see in homes and offices, is an example of a general-purpose
computer. You can use many ways – for word processing, playing games, or communicating with other
people.

Personal Computers
Personal computers have revolutionized the way people work, play, and organize their lives. These
photos show the versatility and functionality of computers.

2. Special-purpose Computers – on the other hand, can do only one type of work. The calculator, for
example, is a special-purpose computer that handles only mathematical operations. The chess
computer, on the other hand, can only play chess games. The video game console can only play video
games, while the ATM can only process money transactions. These computers cannot be used for word
processing, creating spreadsheets, or for any other work which they are not programmed for.
 Braille Calculator
Electronic advances have made the calculator available to almost everyone. This specialized calculator
has a Braille keyboard and a raised display, so that people with impaired vision can perform and read
computations easily.

TYPES of COMPUTERS ACCORDING TO SIZE

1. Small Computers – are common for home and office use. These may be the small ICs inside your
televisions and cellphones. The Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) is a handled computer which acts like
a notebook, where you can put important information.

2. Medium-sized Computers – on the other hand, include the Personal Computer, also called the desktop
computer, and the laptop and notebook computers, which can easily be brought anywhere. These
computers have more memory and ability and are used by more people than any other computer for
their day-to-day needs.

Personal Computers
Personal computers have revolutionized the way people work, play, and organize their lives. These
photos show the versatility and functionality of computers.

3. Large Computers – are usually shared by many users through connections with other computers. They
have very big memories to process complicated calculations. These computers are also called
mainframe computers. These are usually used for scientific research.

Mainframe Computer
This mainframe computer room was typical of the layout in the 1970s and 1980s. The photograph,
taken in London, England, shows a computer operator surrounded by equipment and accessories.

USES OF THE COMPUTER

People use computers in many ways. Look at these examples:
For Business
Computers are used in scanning the prices of goods at the supermarket, in tracking sales and invoices, and
in computing the flow of money in banks and other financial institutions.

They are also used to process the payroll of employees and compute various other business transactions.

For Entertainment
Computers are used to create beautiful sounds and movies which are digitally recorded in laser discs.
Electronic games or video games also provide entertainment to many people.

For Research
Scientists use computers to solve problems which are too complicated for the average mind. They can
also be used to make models that may be costly to build, such as simulating the sample atmosphere of
another planet or simulating an aircraft flight. Computers are also being used to operate robots and other
machines.

For Communications
Computers handle the messages we send through our cellphones, as well as the transmission of data by
satellites.

The Internet – the communication tool of the modern age – is a network of computers all around the world.
We can send mail (in electronic form) which can be received readily by another person in another part of
the world. We can also do research using the Internet’s different websites, chat with friends, and do many
other activities.

Different kinds of Communication Device:

1. cellular phone
2. laptop
3. telephone
4. desktop
5. satellite

CAN YOU RECALL

A. On your paper, write small, medium, or large depending on the size of the computer.
1. remote control device
2. game boy
3. mainframe computer
 4. laptop computer
5. personal digital assistant
6. personal computer
7. electronic wristwatch
8. sony playstation
9. cellphone
10. computer used for scientic research
B. On the box, write how the given computers are used. Write B for business, E for entertainment, R for
research, and C for communication.
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Lesson 3 HOW COMPUTERS WORK

A computer is designed to work efficiently and provide meaningful results. However, a computer
cannot generate information on its own. This means that you have to tell the computer what to do by
giving instructions. You also have to supply data which the computer can work with. You will provide these
things to the computer through the use of an input device such as the keyboard and mouse. These data or
instructions will undergo processing at the Central Processing Unit (CPU). After processing, the computer
will give you the results through an output device like the monitor and printer.

Computers work this way: INPUT is PROCESSED to produce OUTPUT. This procedure – INPUT –
PROCESS – OUTPUT – is known as Electronic Data Processing.

INPUT
PROCESS
OUTPUT
Computers consist of both hardware and software. The hardware is the machine itself and all its
“hard” components. The software includes instructions, data, and information. For example, the
components in your video cassette recorder (VCR) are the equivalent of your computer’s hardware, while
the movie itself (recorded on tape) is the software.

HARDWARE
 Computer hardware includes the following components which are linked together in a computer
system:

The Central Processing Unit or CPU. This acts as the brain of the computer. This is where your data
and instructions are processed. The CPU consists of one or more microprocessors and the electronics that
help it work. These chips can do various operations to transform raw data into meaningful information.
They are housed inside a case with various controls and indicators.

Input Device. These components let you enter instructions, data, or programs for processing by
the CPU. An example of an input device is the keyboard, which acts as a console containing letters,
numbers and various symbols so that you can communicate with the computer, make instructions, and
provide data.

Another input device is the mouse. It has a rolling ball in its base to allow you to position a pointer
arrow anywhere on the screen. It also has buttons to enable you to choose certain commands.

Storage Devices. Computers keep and remember things using storage devices. Basic data and
instructions needed by the computer to run are stored in the Read Only Memory (ROM) chip. The
contents of this storage device cannot be altered. Other data are stored in the Random Access Memory
(RAM) chip, which can be changed to suit your needs. Both ROM and RAM are built into the computer.

The main storage device for most computers is the Hard disk. This device can store large
programs that you can run. Although it can be removed, the hard disk usually remains inside the CPU
because it contains all the necessary data and programs of a particular computer.

Removable storage devices are used to transfer data from one computer another or to store
personal files. These include the floppy disks, compact disks, and ZIP disks. They can store data much
smaller than those stored in hard disks. They are inserted in the disk drive of a CPU unit to read their
contents.

Output Devices. These devices let you see the results after the data or information you entered
have been processed. A common output device is the monitor, also know as the screen or terminal. This
is the part of your computer that looks like a TV. You can see on the screen whatever is going on so that
you can respond accordingly.

Another common output device is the printer. You can use this machine to put on paper the data or
results that you want.

SOFTWARE
The computer will not run by itself. We need to put instructions into the computer to tell it what to
do. These computers are grouped into “programs”. All instructions, programs, and procedures are
referred to as software.

There are many kinds of software being used today. Among them are the following.

Operating Systems. These are programs which coordinate the work between hardware and
software. They control almost everything, from controlling the interaction among memory, data, and other
parts of the computer, to printing documents. Previously, the most popular operating system was the Disk
Operating Systems or DOS. Now, it is the WINDOWS Operating System, with its various versions, Windows
95, Windows 98, or Windows XP.

Application Programs, on the other hand, allow you to perform useful tasks with your computer.
These include word processors like MS Word, spreadsheets such as Lotus 123 and MS Excel, Database
Managers like Dbase and Access, graphics programs, desktop publishing (DTP) programs, games like NBA
Live, Red Alert, and other applications.

Most often, software is stored in disks. Such can be installed or put into the computer’s hard disk.
However, there are some small programs that can affect or destroy your useful programs or data.
These small programs are what are known as viruses. Viruses, made by computer programmers with bad
motives, can spread from one computer to another if you use infected disks. If this happens, the computer
becomes “sick” and behaves in an unpredictable manner. Fortunately, good programmers have created
anti-virus programs to warn you if your computer is affected and delete these viruses from your machine.

PEOPLEWARE
While it is true that a computer consists of hardware and software, people are still needed to
operate it. Otherwise, it cannot do anything. Peopleware refers to the person who work with computers.
Peopleware includes the following:
1. User – he or she is anyone, including you, who uses the computer in various ways.
2. Encoder – he or she is someone who types data or information that the computer will process.
3. Programmer – he or she is someone who makes programs or sets of instructions that tell the computer
what to do. This person knows a computer language which he or she uses to instruct or command the
computer.

CAN YOU RECALL

A. Complete the following diagram that shows how the computer processes data.

B. Fill in the boxes with the three components of a computer system.

C. Fill in the boxes with the components that make up computer hardware
HARDWAR
E

D. What are the two major types of computer software? Write them below.
 SOFTWARE

E. Fill in the boxes with the three kinds of Peopleware.

PEOPLEWARE

F. Give examples of the following concepts to complete the computer tree.

(Operating Systems)

(Input Devices)

(Output Devices)

(Storage Devices)

(Application Programs)

G. Study your keyboard. Then supply the missing letters, numbers, and characters of the keyboard figure
below.
H. Fill in the blanks. Choose your answers from the box that follows.
1. ___________________ is a series of instructions or simply a program, which is designed to perform specific
tasks inside the computer.
2. ___________________ are small programs that can spread easily from one computer to another by using
disks.
3. A ___________________ is anyone, including you, who uses the computer.
4. Someone who types the data that the computer needs to process is called an ___________________.
5. Someone who types the data that the computer needs to process is called an ___________________.
6. The physical components of the computer itself, including the CPU, the storage devices, the
input/output devices, and other components is called the ___________________.
7. ___________________ is known as the “brain” of the computer.
8. ___________________ contains letters, numbers, and special characters to allow you to input data or
instructions.
9. The machine that puts data or information on a piece of paper is called a ___________________.
10. ___________________ is a storage device usually placed inside a computer to store large programs or
data.
11. The ___________________ has a rolling ball in its base and buttons to allow you to choose certain
commands.
12. An ___________________ device lets you see the results after the data you entered have been processed.

MICROPROCESSOR VIRUSES ENCODER

KEYBOARD PROGRAMMER HARDWARE
SOFTWARE USER PRINTER
OUTPUT HARD DISK MOUSE

Unit II
EXPLORING YOUR COMPUTER

Lesson 4 TURNING YOUR PC ON AND OFF

A computer is an electronic device made up of electronic circuits like the ICs and the transistors.
For it to run, it needs power coming from electricity.

The power chord of the computer must be plugged into a device called AVR (short for Automatic
Voltage Regulator). This device controls the flow of electricity and ensures that there will be no sudden
spikes, which breaks down the computer. The computer connects the AVR and the AVR cable plug
connects into an external outlet.

Before starting up the computer, be sure that all the devices are properly wired and connected to
each other.

STARTING UP THE COMPUTER

When all the devices have been properly set-up, you may now proceed to the steps in starting-up
the computer. Do this under the supervision of your teacher or guardian.
1. Plug the AVR carefully to the electrical outlet just as you do with your TV or radio.
2. Switch ON the AVR. (You will notice that the power button of the AVR lights up after switching on. If
the power button does not light, then there is a problem with your AVR.)
3. Push ON the power button of the CPU. (You will find this button in front of the CPU case.)

You will know that you have just started the computer because it will show signs of being “alive”.
Tiny indicators in the CPU case will light up. Soft sounds can be heard. The screen will turn on showing
you what is presently going on. (In case none of these happens, check all cable connections and see if the
power button is pushed ON.)

Your computer will now perform self tests followed by the Windows trademark which will appear on
your monitor. It can either be Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000 or Windows XP depending on the
operating system installed on your computer.

After this, the Windows Desktop, consisting of a background picture or wallpaper, some icons, and
some menus, will appear. An arrow symbol at the middle of the screen serves as the mouse pointer, which
you will use to point to programs. You are now ready to explore Windows even more.

SHUTTING DOWN THE COMPUTER

Suppose that you have already done some work on your computer and you want to stop. You
cannot just turn off your computer. You need to shut it down properly.

To do this, move your mouse to the Start button and click. A menu will appear. At the bottom of
the list, click Shutdown.

A dialog box will appear which will give you three choices. You can either change or choose an
option by clicking the mouse or by using the down arrow or up arrow key in the keyboard.

Here are the choices and their results:

1. Shut down the Computer
The computer will close all files, and will ensure that the hard disk is parked (closed) properly. Then the
computer will automatically terminate.

2. Restart the Computer

The option has the same function as the Reset button located in front of the CPU case. If you choose
this option, the computer will temporarily close but will start all over and will proceed again to the
Desktop screen.

3. Restart the Computer in MS-DOS Mode

If you choose this option, the computer will also start from the beginning but this time it will not
proceed to the Windows environment; instead it will go to the DOS prompt.

After choosing an option, point your mouse to the OK button and click.

In some computers, the screen will display this message before shutting down.
PLEASE WAIT WHILE THE COMPUTER SHUTS

A few seconds later, this message will be displayed:

IT’S NOW SAFE TO TURN OFF YOUR

If you see this message, it means that it is the right time to shut down the computer manually. You
may now turn off your computer. Today, however, these messages do not appear anymore in most
computers. Most modern computers just shut down automatically after choosing Shut Down in the dialog
box.

It is important to shut down the computer properly. Be sure that all programs have been closed.
Improper shut down of the computer will lead to loss of data or to a computer system error.

At this point (under the supervision of your teacher or guardian), you may now:
1. Push OFF the power buttons of the monitor and the CPU;
2. Switch OFF the power button of the AVR; and
3. Unplug the AVR cable carefully turned from the electrical outlet.

You have now successfully turned your computer ON and OFF.

CAN YOU RECALL

A. Number the steps in the box (1, 2, and 3) to show the correct order when you want to start your
computer.
______ 1. Push ON the power button of the CPU and the monitor.
______ 2. Plug the AVR carefully to the electric outlet.
______ 3. Switch ON the AVR.

B. Number the steps in the box below (1, 2, and 3) to show their correct order when you want to shut
down your computer.
______ 1. Push OFF the power button of the monitor and CPU.
______ 2. Unplug the AVR cable carefully from the electrical outlet.
______ 3. Switch OFF the AVR.

C. Write down the list of choices in shutting down your computer.

__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

D. Fill in the blanks.

1. AVR is short for ________________________________________________.
2. Computers need power coming from _______________________________.
3. Sudden ____________________ breaks down the computer.
4. The AVR cable plugs into an ______________________ outlet.
5. After starting-up, the computer will perform ________________________.
6. to 8. The computer is “alive” when tiny _________________ in the CPU light up, soft __________________ are
heard and the _________________ turns on.
9. When the Windows _______________appears on your monitor, it is followed by the Windows Desktop.
10. In case your computer does not start, check the _________________ connection.

YOUR TURN
Do the following under the supervision of your teacher:
A. Start up the computer and shut it down properly.
What happens? Write the result below.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

B. Start up the computer and shut it down, but choose Restart the Computer
What happens? Write the result below.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

C. Start up the computer and shut it down, but choose Restart the Computer in MS-DOS mode.
What happens? Write the result below.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

Lesson 5 ACTIVATING WINDOWS

If Windows is installed in your computer, it will automatically activate when your start your
machine. Your Windows may be one of the following versions: Windows XP, Windows 2000, or Windows 98.
Nevertheless, all these versions have almost a common appearance.

After starting up your computer, it will execute preliminary commands, after which will proceed to
the Windows opening screen. Then, the Windows desktop will appear.
Icons
Wallpaper

Taskbar

In the Windows Desktop, you can see the following:

Icons - small objects on the screen which activate certain programs.
Wallpaper - the background design which fills most of the screen.
Taskbar - located at the bottom of the screen. It is where the Start button is located.

What now? The first thing to do is to click the Start button.

A menu shows up containing several items. Position your mouse pointer to each item. Notice that
as you pass over each group, another menu pops-up. In particular, position your mouse pointer over the
Programs items and view the pop-up list. It contains all the programs installed in your computer.

Click anywhere outside the list to make the menu disappear. You can also use the escape key (Esc)
located in the keyboard to go back to the Windows Desktop.

Suppose you want to play the computer game Solitaire. Click the Start button from the Taskbar.
Then from the list of items that shows up, position the mouse pointer to Programs. A list pops-up. Now,
position the mouse pointer to Accessories. Again, another list will pop-up. From this menu, choose Game
then position the mouse pointer over it. You will notice that a list of games shows up. Then, choose the
game Solitaire and click it. After a few seconds, you will see the following:

Now, try to play the game for some time. Take note of the three buttons located at the upper right
portion of the window. You can use them to switch modes or to quit the program.

The Maximize button will make your game or program occupy the whole screen. You can click it
again to bring it back to its previous size.

The Minimize button will hide your game or program by reducing it to an icon on the Taskbar.

The Close button will close your game or program.

Always remember that every application window has these three buttons: Maximize, Minimize, and
Close. With these buttons, it will be easier for you to switch from one program to another or to quit your
programs.

For example, you can open the game Solitaire and then open also the game Minesweeper. Click
Start button, then go to Programs, then to Accessories, then to Games and then choose Solitaire. The
Solitaire program will appear on screen. Click Start again, then go to Programs, then to Accessories, then
to Games and then choose Minesweeper. The Minesweeper game will appear on screen, becoming the
“active” program, while the Solitaire program will become passive, remaining on the background. We will
deal more with the rules of these applications and games in Chapter 6, “Exploring Small Utilities”.

You can switch between the active and passive programs by clicking on the program that you want
to make active. You can also minimize the programs to hide them on screen. Close the programs by
clicking on their Close button.

CAN YOU RECALL?

Match column A with column B. Choose the letter of the correct answer.
Column A Column B
_____ 1. This button will make your program occupy the full screen. a. Start button
_____ 2. These are the small objects located in your Desktop screen b. Taskbar
which can activate programs. c. Wallpaper
_____ 3. This is a bar where the Start button is placed. It is located in d. Icons
The lower part of the Desktop screen. e. Maximize
_____ 4. This is the picture or design that is placed as the background
of your Desktop screen.
_____ 5. This button is found on the left side of the taskbar. It is used
to show the different Windows menus.
YOUR TURN
A. At the Windows Desktop, click the Start button. You will notice that a list of menu pops-up. Write some
of the items on the list in the blanks below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________

B. Play the game Solitaire for a few minutes. Then do the following:
1. Click the Minimize icon. What happens?
2. Click the Maximize icon. What happens?
3. Click the Close or Exit icon. What happens?

C. Click the Start button. Then go to Programs, then to Accessories. Then to Entertainment. List down
the applications that are available.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________

D. Click the Start button. Then go to Programs. Then to Accessories. Then do the same procedure but
this time activate Minesweeper.
1. Click on any part of the Solitaire program. What happens?
2. Click on any part of the Minesweeper program. What happens?
3. Close one of the programs. What happens?

Lesson 6 EXPLORING SMALL UTILITIES

Windows comes with some small programs that can be used for fun and for work. It is best to
experiment with the menus and icons in Windows so that you can be familiar with these small programs.

SOLITAIRE
Solitaire is a game featuring cards on the screen. Its objective is to use all the cards in the deck to
build up the four suits from the aces to the kings.

How to Activate Solitaire

1. Click Start. Then go to Programs. Then to Accessories. Then to Games.
2. On the Games menu, click Solitaire. The Solitaire game will appear.
How to Play Solitaire
1. On the Games menu, click Deal. The computer will deal an arrangement of cards on the screen.
2. Click any areas on the top of the seven row stacks to move them to the spaces at the top right of the
screen. Then make any other plays available on the board.
3. You will be building two kinds of stacks: row stacks and suit stacks. To free up cards that you will need
to build the suit stacks, you must build row stacks to enable you to move a card from one row to
another. Drag it. To move card to a suit stack, double click it.
4. When you have made all the available plays, click the Deck to begin turning over the cards. A card that
is face up on top of a deck is available for play.
5. You win if you complete the four suit stacks. You lose if you fail to complete the four suit stacks.

MINESWEEPER
Minesweeper is another game that comes with Windows. Its objective is to identify the locations
of all the mines as quickly as possible without blowing up any one of them.

How to Activate Minesweeper

1. Click Start button. Then go to Programs. Then to Accessories. Then to Game.
2. On the Games menu, click Minesweeper. The Minesweeper game will appear.
How to Play Minesweeper
1. On the Games menu, click New.
2. Click any square on the playing field. This will start the timer. The number that appears on the
square indicates how many mines around the numbered square. You can then click other squares.
3. If you uncover a mine, you lose the game.
4. To mark a square that you think contains a mine, right-click it. If you have marked all mines
correctly without blowing up any mine, you win.

Solitaire and Minesweeper are not the only games you can play on your computer. There are many
games available, including space battles, basketball games and car racing games. You can ask Mom or
Dad to put some games on your computer.

However, you must make sure that you play computer games only on your spare time and for a
limited duration. These games can be addictive. It is better to use your computer for your studies most of
the time.

We will explore other fun application in a later chapter.

THE CALCULATOR
Windows has a built-in calculator which you can use for computing numbers.

How to Activate the Calculator

1. Click Start button. Then go to Programs then to Accessories.
2. On the Accessories menu, click Calculator. The built-in calculator will appear on your screen.
3. You can then use the mouse to click the numbers, or you may just type the numbers using the
keyboard.
4. Use the following keys for your computations:

+ - addition
/ - division

- - subtraction
C - clear the screen

* - multiplication - the backspace key clears the

rightmost number

CAN YOU RECALL?

A. Complete the procedure in activating Solitaire.

Click ,

then go to ,

then to ,

then go to .

On the Games menu, .

click
B. Complete the procedure in activating Calculator.

Click ,

then go to ,

then to .

On the Accessories menu, .

click

YOUR TURN
A. Activate Solitaire. Play it with one of your friends.
Did you complete the stack? What can you say about the game?
_________________________________________________________________________________________

B. Activate Minesweeper. Play it with one of your friends.

Did you win or did a mine blow up? Describe the game?
_________________________________________________________________________________________

C. Activate the calculator. Compute the following using the calculator to get your answers.
88 43 12 36
+ 66 - 12 x 6 ÷ 12

Note: Use the slash (/)sign to divide and asterisk (*) sign to multiply in the Windows Calculator.

Lesson 7 USING NOTEPAD

Notepad is an application program that comes with Windows. The Notepad is used to create
simple documents. It opens and saves in text formats only. You can use Notepad to save words,
paragraphs, or information that you may want to see again later. You can edit or change the data at a
later time using Notepad.

ACTIVATING NOTEPAD
To start Notepad, click the Start button. Point to Programs. Point to Accessories. Then click
Notepad. The Notepad program will appear.
Program Title Bar Insertion Point Menu Bar Control Buttons

Scroll Bars

TYPING YOUR TEXT

You can type any information (letters, words, paragraphs, practically anything) at the insertion
point. Use the letters and characters in your keyboard.

Type the following:

Notepad is a nice
program.

Use your keyboard as an ordinary typewriter. You may also use the following keys in typing your
text:
 SHIFT – Hold this while typing a letter to capitalize it.
CAPS LOCK – Press this to capitalize the whole text you are typing.
ENTER – Use this to make a new line.
DELETE key – Use this to delete a letter to the left.
ARROW keys – Use the arrow keys to go to a particular portion on the screen.

Now, type the following text in the next line (press Enter before typing a new line):

I will use Notepad to write a

diary.

Your screen will now look like this:

SAVING YOUR TEXT

After typing your text, you can save it so that you can use or see it again when needed. Here’s how:
1. Go to File, then choose Save. The Save As dialog box will appear.

2. On the Filename row, type the name you want for your file. In this case, type Note1.
3. Click OK. The text is now saved.
The program title bar shows the name of your document and contains the control buttons
(maximize, minimize, and close). The menu bar contains options for you to use. The insertion point is
where you insert your text. You can scroll over a long text using the scroll bar.

OPENING AND CLOSING YOUR FILE

If you want to open your file at another time, just do the following:
1. Go to File, then choose Open. The Open dialog box will appear.

2. Type the name of your file in the Filename row or click it in the file list.
3. Click Open. Your file will be opened and shown on the screen.

4. To close your file, go to File and choose Exit.

CAN YOU RECALL?

A. Fill in the blanks with the correct answers.
1. The ___________________ is where you insert your text.
2. To go to a particular position on the screen, use the __________________ keys.
3. The ________________ key is used to make a new line.
4. The _________________ bar shows the name of your document.
5. To capitalize a letter, hold the _____________________ key while typing.
6. You can scroll over a long text using the ________________________.
7. To capitalize the whole text you are typing, press ____________________.
8. Notepad opens and saves in __________________ format only.
9. Use the ___________ key to delete a letter to the left.
10. The program title bar also contains the control buttons, the ___________________, ________________, and
_________________ buttons.
B. Fill in the boxes to complete the procedure in saving your text.

Go to

then
choose

The dialog box will appear.

On row, type the name you wan for your

the file.

Clic . The text is now saved.

k

C. Fill in the boxes to complete the procedure in opening your text file.

Go to

then choose

The dialog box will appear.

Type the name of your file in the Filename row or click it

in the

Click . Your file will be opened and shown on the screen.

YOUR TURN
A. Do the following:
1. Activate Notepad. Maximize the windows. What happens?
2. Press any letter on the keyboard. Now, type the same letter while holding the Shift Key. What
happens?
3. Press the Enter Key to make a new line. Then type your name. Press the Enter Key again. Press the
Caps Lock Key. Then type your name again. What happens?
4. Press the Backspace Key. Then Press it again. What happens?

B. Do the following:
1. Activate Notepad. Type three lines about what happened yesterday.
2. Save your work as file named YESTERDAY.
3. Close your file.
4. Go to File choose New. Type three lines about what you think will happen tomorrow.
5. Save your work as file named TOMORROW.
6. Close your file.
7. Open the file named YESTERDAY.
8. Make a new line. Then type the date yesterday.
9. Save the text under the same file name. Then close the file.
10. Open the file named TOMORROW.
11. Make a new line. Then type the date tomorrow.
12. Save the text under the same filename. Then close the file.