Computer Lessons Index from Ted Elden 20 January 2010
1 Files: Introduction Learn about different file types (last names .doc .jpg) and programs to manage them. Learn of Total Commander, a free program to manage all files.
2 Common Shortcuts Save time, do more quicker and easier, select or mark a block of text, learn how to do Progressive File Save and never ever lose any of your work again !
3 Basic Set-up: Partition Hard Drive, each separate partition: OS, data, programs, Separate partitions make it easy to back-up you new work (data) without copying again your static, unchanging work like OS & programs. Aside, you should learn how to back-up your programs adn your data, so you never loose anything.
Computer and programs can be bought. What you type and save and internet web sites, are your own individual creation. If you lose them, you loose all your thinking and memory. Better to learn how to protect your work, then to let it be lost. You lose things because you don't know how to save and protect them. The most important thing to me is to make my computer system so it never looses anything that I do, write, find. You can also never lose any of your creative work, if and when you learn how.
Learn quick keyboard short cuts, learn differences in Note Pad, Word Pad, MS Word, Get, use Total Commander to manage all files & most programs
4 Make a link Clickable Make any web site link clickable, in e-mails or documents.
5 E Mail tips Clean them up before forwarding, what is different in reply & forward, Learn to Click and Shift Click to mark a block for action.
On Computer multiple key commands:
Hold border keys: Control, Alternate, Shift,
Pluck center keys.
6 Know your Word Processor: Copy text from any place, like web site, paste to word doc file, set to simple font, big text, 1 1/2 line spacing then read easily in Reading Layout, Prepare multiple columns. Your Word Processor can help you think, remember, learn !
7 Hot Keys
Set a Control + Alternate + key for any program or file,
. so you can load and use it quickly. If things take
time & trouble you won't do them.
Learning takes time, but then you are fast and easy in the future. You can do more !
8 Computer Maintenance: Clear old deleted files, temporary files, old web site links, and many things from your computer. Weekly maintenance will keep your computer from making mistakes and having problems. These programs are free adn easy to use. Your computer will run better, less errors and problems, when YOU do maintenance on it. Your knowledge determines your world. What you do not know or understand can and will eventually harm you.
Using Computers (on my web site) www.abodia.com/l L for lessons
Many people ask me basic questions.
Things everyone should know about their computers.
You can learn these in a class, and or from simple books, even from your library. There are many illustrated books that are handy to use. I have taught many different computer subjects to students and adult classes at George Washington High School.
You ability to work on a computer are very limited if you do not know the basic functions. Many will learn a word processor or a basic compute program, but still not know how to use windows.
This is a basic lesson on things you should know. Once you realize you need these you will seek to know how. I cannot teach those who are not convinced that they need to know.
Once you realize what you don’t know, ask your friends, read a book or take a class. I have taught 100s of people and many classes. I have been paid up to $ 50 per hour. You can get free help from many people that you know, once you know the question you need to know.
Get with your friends and practice what you know and or teaching each other.
Here are recommended basics, to do in windows, without and or before running any other software>
Learn how to
- open and close files, folders, windows.
- open & close programs,
- minimize, restore and close programs
- change your window sizes, and location
- how to select or close a file or folder
- select & rename it.
- open it, close it, delete it
Last names for files are very important.
If you have a file names Grocery List.doc
If you change the last name to .mp3
The computer will not be able to open and use it.
When naming or renaming a file be sure not to confuse the last name. It is most important.
When you think you click on a file to open it, rally the computer looks at the last name, and loads first an appropriate program to read that type of file, then that program opens the fire to read, view, edit, and or print that file.
Every file type has to have some program to run or use that type of file or you can’t use it.
People send various files over the internet, via e-mail and web sites. If you get a file that your computer cannot open, you may have to get a different program or driver to open or use the file.
If you accidentally change the last name of a file, that renders it unusable before you can use it again.
If you put a computer file or folder in a different place and or change the name, that can cause certain functions of your computer not to work.
A basic computer knowledge can make your work fast and easy.
Learning is only the beginning, it begins with desire then learning terms and practicing how to do things.
Get with your friends or classmates to practice.
A personal instruction is a great idea if you can find some tutor for a low prince or who will help you.
I get most of my knowledge form books and or just tying different things. When I figure things out I write them down. Because I use Total Commander (a free program) I can quickly find any of ¼ million files on my computer to remember, continue or instruct me.
You can get many books either in digital form or convert or retype them to digital.
Once things are digital, I think they are much easier to find, use, amend etc.
I’ve put many lessons here
www.abodia.com/l L for lessons
Some say that have gone to the web site and or printed the lessons.
The only thing that really helps you is if you read and practice, practice the lessons.
Having them is of no value, using and practicing is everything.
Of anything you want, you can usually find it for free by searching the internet. You may at first find things to buy, lessons, books, videos, but if you persist, you can also find most things for free. Learning to use the internet and your computer can give you great knowledge, ability and lower you prices on most everything that you do.
Argue this point and lose all that advantage. E-bay is another good resources.
Do this first, (suggestion) Read, study and print all my lessons, and know all that is in them, and practice and confirm these things with all your computing friends
If you still not satisfied, why not get 5 or more people together to come as a group to take 1 or more lessons from me. The teaching and learning are really easy, but unless you keep & study your notes recorded notes (my printed web sites) and have practiced many times the use of these functions, you will not retain them.
Some say they only learn when they need something. How silly.
I am constantly learning things I don’t know if I need or not.
But when I learn them, then I can use them.
If I do not learn them, I do not have the option to consider if I can use them or not.
Read any text easily in Reading Layout
Good luck in your computing.
Ted Elden