{"id":45,"date":"2026-04-23T13:18:06","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T13:18:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indianatech.edu\/sdl\/?page_id=45"},"modified":"2026-04-23T18:33:55","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T18:33:55","slug":"computer-skill-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.indianatech.edu\/sdl\/computer-skill-basics\/","title":{"rendered":"Computer Skill Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"wp-block-group pixels seafoam-pixels has-white-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading pixels\">Computer Skill Basics<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>This module introduces the fundamental skills needed to confidently use a computer and navigate the internet. Learners will explore how to power devices on and off, understand windows and the desktop environment, use a mouse and keyboard effectively, manage email communication, and perform basic web browsing tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the end of the session, participants will have the essential knowledge required to operate a computer independently for everyday activities such as communication, searching for information, and accessing online services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:2em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"video-container\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5281chDQsU8?rel=0\" rel=\"0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-right is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-765c4724 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-dark-blue-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianatech.edu\/sdl\/staying-connected\/\">Next Lesson &nbsp;<span class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\"><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-group has-mist-gray-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lesson Content<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Turning a Computer On and Off<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every computer has a power button, but the location can vary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On laptops, the power button is usually near the top-right of the keyboard.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On desktop computers, the power button is typically on the tower, and the monitor also has its own power button to display the screen.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding Windows<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A <strong>window<\/strong> is a rectangular area on the screen that allows interaction with a specific program or file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Common window controls:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Maximize<\/strong> \u2013 The square button next to the red X makes the window full screen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Minimize<\/strong> \u2013 The line button sends the window to the taskbar. Click the taskbar icon to reopen it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Move a window<\/strong> \u2013 Click and hold the top bar of the window, then drag it to a new position.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Using the Mouse and Keyboard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>mouse<\/strong> is divided into left and right buttons with a scroll wheel in the middle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clicking selects items on the computer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The scroll wheel moves pages up and down when content does not fit on the screen.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>keyboard<\/strong> contains:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Letters in the center<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Numbers across the top or on the right side<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A space bar at the bottom center<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Function keys (F-keys) on the top row that perform shortcuts depending on the computer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding the Desktop<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Desktop layouts may look different depending on the computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Key parts of the desktop:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Taskbar (bottom bar)<\/strong> \u2013 Contains pinned apps, settings, power\/sign-out options, and user information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Desktop background area<\/strong> \u2013 Stores files, apps, and images placed directly on the desktop.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All open windows and graphics appear within the desktop workspace.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Email Basics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Setting Up an Email Account<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Common providers include Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, and Proton.<br>Steps typically include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Create an account using a first and last name.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enter birthday and gender.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose or create an email address.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create a password.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add a phone number for verification.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agree to terms and conditions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sending an Email<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Click <strong>Compose<\/strong> (usually top-left).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enter the recipient\u2019s address in the <strong>To:<\/strong> field.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add a short <strong>subject line<\/strong> explaining the purpose.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Write the message.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click <strong>Send<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Receiving Emails<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Inbox<\/strong> shows received messages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other folders like <strong>Spam<\/strong> or <strong>Snoozed<\/strong> may contain filtered messages.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Attaching Files<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Click the <strong>paperclip icon<\/strong> in the compose window.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose a file from the computer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click <strong>Open<\/strong> to attach it to the message.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Navigating the Internet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Using a Web Browser<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Browsers such as Google Chrome, Safari, or Yahoo allow searching the internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Click the search bar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Type what you want to find.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Press <strong>Enter<\/strong> to view results.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Example: Using Amazon<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go to <strong>amazon.com<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Search for an item.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scroll through results or filter on the left side.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click an item to view details.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select <strong>Add to Cart<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click the cart icon and <strong>Proceed to Checkout<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enter shipping and payment information.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-group has-white-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:24% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"831\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.indianatech.edu\/sdl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/91\/1-1-831x1024-1.png\" alt=\"Maggie Trowbridge\" class=\"wp-image-54 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.indianatech.edu\/sdl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/91\/1-1-831x1024-1.png 831w, https:\/\/www.indianatech.edu\/sdl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/91\/1-1-831x1024-1-243x300.png 243w, https:\/\/www.indianatech.edu\/sdl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/91\/1-1-831x1024-1-768x946.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 831px) 100vw, 831px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Maggie Trowbridge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"subtitle\">Digital Literacy Educator<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maggie focuses on helping older adults feel confident and capable in today\u2019s digital world. She enjoys breaking down complex technology into simple, practical skills; whether that\u2019s navigating smartphones, recognizing online scams, or using digital tools to stay connected with family and community. Her goal is to make technology feel less intimidating and more empowering, meeting learners with patience, clarity, and understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking ahead, Maggie hopes to continue working at the intersection of cybersecurity and public service, building secure systems while staying committed to the people those systems are meant to protect and support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/maggie-trowbridge\/\"><span class=\"fa fa-linkedin-in\"><\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Maggie Trowbridge on LinkedIn<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Computer Skill Basics This module introduces the fundamental skills needed to confidently use a computer and navigate the internet. Learners will explore how to power devices on and off, understand windows and the desktop environment, use a mouse and keyboard effectively, manage email communication, and perform basic web browsing tasks. By the end of the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"full-width-no-margins.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-45","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Computer Skill Basics - Senior Digital Literacy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianatech.edu\/sdl\/computer-skill-basics\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Computer Skill Basics - Senior Digital Literacy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Computer Skill Basics This module introduces the fundamental skills needed to confidently use a computer and navigate the internet. 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