BBC First Click Beginners Guide
BBC First Click Beginners Guide
Beginners Guide
Contents
Welcome
1 3 5 10 16 21 27 32 37 45 49 50
1.1 Switching on your computer 1.2 Using a mouse 1.3 Desktop and icons 1.4 Using a keyboard 2.1 What the internet is 2.2 Searching the internet 2.3 Staying safe online 3.1 Sending and receiving email
4. Further help for beginners 4.1 Jargon Buster a glossary of useful terms 4.2 Know the basics? Want to learn more? 4.3 More places to get help
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Welcome
If you think computers and the internet are not for you, youre not alone. If you think youre too old or too stupid to use it, youre not alone. There are millions of people who feel the same way. Computers and the internet have become a part of everyday life from staying in touch with friends and family and sharing photographs to booking holidays and doing your shopping online. Its all really useful if you know how! That is why the BBC has created this guide to help those people who have never used a computer or the internet to understand and enjoy the benefits they offer. It takes you step-by-step through the very basics like using a mouse and a keyboard, through to searching the internet and sending emails. To help you practise these new skills, a number of the topics include links to interactive activities on the BBC WebWise website. As your confidence grows, you will be able to download more topics from the First Click website to include in your guide. It really is easier than you think so get ready to take your first click.
Disclaimer: T he BBC has created First Click materials to help support local partners to run beginners courses to using computers and the internet. The courses where these materials will be used will not be run or delivered by the BBC.
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1: Using a computer
1.1 Switching on your computer 1.2 Using a mouse 1.3 Desktop and icons 1.4 Using a keyboard
I really want to use the internet, but I need to get to grips with some computer basics
1: Using a computer
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1. Using a computer
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Desktop computer
Monitor
Laptop
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This section covers: What a mouse is for How to hold a mouse How to use a mouse to select, open and move items on your computer What you need to have covered already: Switching on your computer
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Most mouse designs have two buttons a left button and a right button.
A mouse needs to be flat on a surface with the end with the buttons pointing towards the computer. Most people find it easier to position the mouse to the side of the keyboard.
To hold the mouse you rest your hand over it and put your index finger on the left button and rest your thumb on the side.
If you are left-handed you may find it easier to put the mouse on the left-hand side of your keyboard and use your middle finger for the left button.
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You only need to use the left button for this section. If you click on the right button dont worry. Just click on the left button again.
When you move the mouse it moves a pointer or cursor on the screen.
The cursor will change shape depending on what you are doing.
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An hourglass (if using Windows Vista this will appear as a revolving circle) is asking you to wait while the computer does a task.
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You can use your mouse to do a variety of tasks select things, open things and move things.
To open things click twice on the left button think knock, knock on a door.
To move things, you need to drag and drop. Hold down the left button as you drag the mouse along. Let go of the button once you have positioned the item where you want it.
You can practise your mouse skills with the BBC WebWise game, Clicky Mouse. Your course leader can help you find it and get started with the game. www.bbc.co.uk/firstclick
To select things, move your cursor over the item, click once with the left button and let go.
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The start button lets you open programs and files on your computer.
The taskbar shows which programs and folder or documents you have open.
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When you open a folder or file by clicking twice on it with your mouse, its contents will appear in a window.
You can use the scroll bars to move around the window.
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The title bar displays the name of the folder, document or program.
The menu bar has commands where you choose what to do with your folder, document or program.
The tool bar has shortcuts to the commands in the menu bar.
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The active window has a highlighted title bar and is in front of the other windows.
The open windows are displayed as buttons on the taskbar. The active window button will be a different colour.
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To hide a window, click on the minimise button in the top right hand corner.
To make a window larger and fill the screen, click on the maximise button.
To close a window click on the close button. You have now covered Desktop and icons.
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This section covers: What a keyboard looks like What the different keys do and how to use them What you need to have covered already: Switching on your computer Using a mouse Desktop and icons
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The number keys run across the top of the keyboard and are also on the right of the keyboard.
The keys that surround the letters, numbers and symbol keys on the left, right and bottom of the keyboard, help you to choose where and how you type. The letter keys are in the centre of the keyboard.
The symbol keys to the right of the letters include symbols such as the question mark and full stop.
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When you open a document or click in a box to type, you will see a flashing vertical line. This is the cursor. It tells you where you are going to start typing on the page or screen.
Press the letter keys for letters. You will notice they are laid out in a non-alphabetical order. This is called a QWERTY layout.
Press the number keys for numbers and press the symbol keys for symbols.
Cat
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Pressing the Shift key lets you type capital letters and the symbols at the top of the keys. The Shift keys are on the left and right of the keyboard, with the arrow pointing upwards. For capital letters, press down the shift key and hold and then type the letter. For symbols at the top of a number key, press down the shift key and then type the symbol. You can use the Shift key to type any symbol at the top of a key. When you let go of the Shift key you will begin to type lower case letters and numbers again. The Caps Lock key lets you write in capital letters. To turn it on, press it once and then type. To turn it off, press it again. The Shift key The Shift key The Caps Lock key
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2.1 What the internet is 2.2 Searching the internet 2.3 Staying safe online
Pat
I like finding new recipes online and find websites a great way to find out more about the things that interest me.
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This section covers: Understanding how the internet works Using a web browser Browsing the internet What you need to have covered already: Switching on your computer Using a mouse Desktop and icons Using the keyboard
On the internet you can read the news, shop, pay bills, send emails, watch television programmes and more.
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The information on the internet is contained in websites and on webpages. To connect to the internet you need an Internet Service Provider or ISP. Your mobile phone company, home phone, cable television provider or even your local supermarket chain can offer you an internet connection. A broadband internet connection allows you to access the internet.
The address bar has the address of the website you are on. Every website has an address, which is also called a URL. For example, the URL for the BBC website is: www.bbc.co.uk The www stands for World Wide Web. Most websites have this at the beginning. The BBC is the name of the website. The .uk shows the BBC website is in the United Kingdom.
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You view websites and webpages in a web browser. A web browser is simply a way of being able to view webpages.
You can normally open your web browser from a shortcut on your desktop. Two of the most popular browsers are Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. Internet Explorer
http://bbc.co.uk/news
Mozilla Firefox
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At the top of the browser you will find an address bar. To go to a website you need to put its address into the address bar.
To do this click with your cursor and type the address www.bbc.co.uk directly into the address bar.
If there is already an address in the address bar, click on it to highlight it and start to type.The new address will start to appear.
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A web browser also has a toolbar. You use the toolbar buttons to move around websites and update webpages.
Click the Home button to go to the first page you see when you open your web browser. The home button looks like a house. Click the Back button to go back to a page you have already visited. Click the Forward button to go to the page you were on before you pressed the back button. Click the Refresh button to reload or update a page you are on. Click the History button to see what websites and webpages you have already visited.
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To explore inside a website you need to click on links. This is called browsing or surfing the web. A website is like a book which has a front cover or home page, and lots of other pages, which are called webpages.
A link can take you to a webpage in the website. A link can also take you to a different website. A link can be text, a button or an image. Links are highlighted so you can spot them. Your cursor will change to a hand when it moves over a link. You have now covered What the internet is.
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This section covers: Why use a search engine Opening and using a search engine Making your search better What you need to have covered already: Switching on your computer Using a mouse Desktop and icons Using a keyboard What the internet is
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The internet has millions of websites and webpages. You can search for almost anything from recipes and local news, to history and gardening tips. To search the internet effectively you need a search engine. A search engine will scan through thousands of websites and webpages on the internet and collect and organise the information it thinks is most relevant to you. Some of the most popular search engines are: Google www.google.com Yahoo www.yahoo.com Bing www.bing.com
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To use a search engine, for example Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox, you need to open your web browser Type in the address of the search engine you want to use in the address bar Click the arrow key on the address bar or press the enter key on the keyboard. This will take you to the search engine The search engine has a search box or search field
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To search you type key words into the search box and press the search button Key words are words that describe what you are looking for in the most simple and direct way, for example growing tomatoes The result from your search will appear as a list of websites and links. The most popular or relevant will be at the top of the list To visit a site, click on a link
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You can make your searching more effective by following a few handy tips: Use key words not full sentences or questions. For example, instead of typing I need tips for growing tomatoes simply type growing tomatoes If you cant find what you want, try to use different words or a different way of expressing it Practise putting key words into the search box and pressing the search button A list of search results will appear, with the most popular websites near the top of the list To view a website, simply click on the link Practise searching the internet You can practise your searching skills with the BBC WebWise Searching the internet challenge game. www.bbc.co.uk/firstclick Your course leader can help you find it and get started with the game.
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This section covers: Software that keeps your information safe on your computer How to recognise and prevent suspicious emails How to create strong passwords for use on websites How to shop safely on the internet Where else to go for more information What you need to have covered already: Switching on your computer Using a mouse Desktop and icons Using a keyboard What the internet is
The internet is a wonderful tool that has lots of benefits and can make your life better. Unfortunately, the features that make it easy for honest people to use can also be exploited by criminals and people intending to cause disruption. But you should not let fear stop you using the internet. There are a few simple precautions that can keep you and your password information safe.
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Its important that your computer at home is protected. You do this with special programmes: Firewall software Anti-virus software Anti-spyware software You can also find other tips for keeping your computer safe at www.bbc.co.uk/webwise or www.getsafeonline.org
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People may send you emails to try and access your private information such as bank account or credit card details. You may also get SPAM emails which are sent to thousands of people and usually advertise products or services. To protect yourself against these types of emails follow these tips:
Dont open an email from someone you have never heard of. Delete it immediately If you do open it by accident, dont click on any links. Never reply to a SPAM email You can put a block on unwanted SPAM email on your email account this will also block most fraudulent emails too Use an up-to-date web browser as these can warn you against sites that may try to gain your information fraudulently Dont give away your password or any personal information. No legitimate company will ever ask you for your password
PLEASE In Section 3 you will learn all NOTE about sending and receiving emails.
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It is safer to have different passwords for different websites. You use your username and password to log in to a website After you have used a website you should always log off Remember never give your password to anyone Practise creating a strong password using the BBC WebWise game, Password High Striker. You can find it at www.bbc.co.uk/firstclick Your course leader can help you find it and get started with the game.
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One of the benefits of the internet is the ability to shop from a wide range of stores and buy items on auction sites. To protect yourself when shopping online follow these tips:
Use retailers that have a good reputation as high street shops, or established brands Follow the security advice carefully on websites that you trust as its there to help you Never download illegal software, music or videos Make sure that you are on a secure site when you need to give credit or debit card details There will often be a padlock symbol either next to the address or at the bottom right corner of the page You can find out more information about staying safe on the internet by clicking on Safety and privacy section on www.bbc.co.uk/webwise
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3: Using email
Geoff
Learning how to use email has helped me to keep in contact with family and friends who live abroad
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This section covers: What is email Sending and receiving an email Sending attachments Forwarding an email and using contacts Your email folders What you need to have covered already: Switching on your computer Using a mouse Desktop and icons Using a keyboard What the internet is Staying safe online
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Electronic mail or email is a quick way of sending messages to people using the internet. You send an email to a persons email address. An email address is made up of the following parts: tom is the persons name or user name the name they use The @ stands for the word at and means that they are connected to the bbc.co.uk part of the address After the @ is the name of the place where the person works or the place which provides the email address .uk shows that the email address is for someone in the United Kingdom
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An email appears in your inbox You can tell it is a new or unopened email as it will appear in bold. You can see who the email is from and the subject of the email. An email has the following features: An address bar where you put the email address A subject bar where you write what your email is about The main body of the email, where you write your message You can practise sending and receiving email with the BBC WebWise game, Email with Dick and Harry. www.bbc.co.uk/firstclick Your course leader can help you find it and get started with the game.
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You open an email by clicking twice on it, for example in the subject line. Once an email is open you can reply to it. You reply by clicking on the Reply button. This will open a new email The address will already be completed as you are replying to the email The subject line will be completed and will start with RE: You type out your message in the main body of the page You send by clicking on the Send button To create a new email you click on the New button You type the email address in the address bar and a subject in the subject bar Type in your message and then press Send
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An attachment is a type of file such as a photo or document. You can send an attachment with an email. To add an attachment you need to click on the Attach button. The Attach button often has a paperclip as its symbol When you click on the Attach button it opens up a new window The window shows you files and folders on your computer Find and then click on the file you want to attach and press OK The file will now show as an attachment in your email The name of the file will be shown next to a paperclip
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You forward an email when you want somebody else to see it, such as another friend. To forward an email you need to open it first Next, click on the Forward button. A new email will open It has FW: in the subject line to show it is being forwarded. You can type the email address in the address bar or find it in your contacts To find an address in contacts you click on the To button Choose your contact from the list that appears by ticking the box and clicking OK. The address will appear in the address bar. You can write a message and then send the email to forward it to your contact
Remember: When you forward an email its important to check that you are only sending information that you want the other person to see.
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There are different folders that you use for email. These help you manage and organise your emails. The Inbox holds emails that people have sent to you A Sent box holds emails that you have sent to people A Junk folder holds emails that your computer thinks are junk or SPAM A Trash can or folder holds emails that you no longer need and have deleted. To delete an email you select it and then click on the Delete button A Contacts folder stores your email addresses and contact details of your friends, family and colleagues
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If youre thinking of setting up an email account, there are a number of popular providers to consider: Gmail (run by Google) Hotmail (run by Microsoft) Yahoo! Mail (run by Yahoo)
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4: Further help
4.1 Jargon Buster a glossary of useful terms 4.2 Know the basics? Want to learn more? 4.3 More places to get help
Tahira
Ive been learning for a little while now but I still get stumped by all the computer and internet jargon!
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First Click First Click aims to help people who have never used a computer before. The First Click website uses the best of online BBC content, like WebWise, to help people take their first steps to getting started with computers and the internet.
WebWise WebWise offers lots of video guides and activities to help you practise new skills from using a mouse and keyboard, through to searching the internet and sending email. www.bbc.co.uk/webwise
Tom Andrews Our friendly presenter, Tom Andrews, is on hand to talk you through each topic. With Tom you can try out some simple games to help you practise the basics. As you become more confident, you can download extra topics designed to help you explore a range of popular BBC websites and the internet more widely. You can add these to your beginners guide for a completely personalised experience. www.bbc.co.uk/firstclick
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Age UK
www.ageuk.org.uk
Digital Unite
www.digitalunite.com
Next Step
www.nextstep.direct.gov.uk
The UK online centres network was set up by government in 2000 to provide public access to computers. It has a large network of centres across England providing help and support to people wishing to learn how to use computers and the internet. Many use myguide and Online basics to introduce people to the world of computers. myguide www.myguide.gov.uk is designed to make getting online easy and intuitive. Online basics sits within myguide as a first-steps course introducing people to the keyboard and mouse, email, searching and internet safety.
Age UK are working with a network of community projects which specialise in computer and internet training for older people. The projects give straightforward training, using jargonfree terms and aim to get as many older people as possible enjoying the advantages of computers and the internet. www.ageuk.org.uk/workand-learning/technology-andinternet/computer-trainingcourses
Digital Unite specialise in supporting older people to use digital technologies from internet and email, to social networking and blogs.They have a network of tutors throughout the UK who are specially trained to deliver digital skills training. www.tutors.digitalunite.com/ faqs/book-a-lesson They work with everyone from learners and trainers; to public businesses and private enterprises; to older peoples friends and family, to promote digital skills to learners of all ages. www.learning.digitalunite.com/ category/beginners-help
Next Step provides information and advice to help adults make decisions about learning and work opportunities. This free service offers help via its website, telephone hotline or face-to-face advice.
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Notes
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Notes
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Notes
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Notes
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Published in October 2010 by BBC Learning Media Centre, Room MC4 A4, 201 Wood Lane, W12 7TQ www.bbc.co.uk/learning BBC 2010
The BBC has created First Click materials to help support local partners to run beginners courses to using computers and the internet. The courses where these materials will be used will not be run or delivered by the BBC.
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