Startup

• The first step to using a computer is to turn on the machine. The computer case has a button with a light or a "1" or "0" labeled on it. The number 1 stands for "on," so press this button. The computer will startup and boot the operating system. The first screen you see is the Windows log-in screen, if a password protection setting is configured. For many personal computers, no password is set. In Windows XP and Vista, click the icon that corresponds with your username. This continues the startup process by loading personal settings in Windows.
  
  

Using Input Devices

• There are two main input devices used on the computer. The mouse and the keyboard are the two components used to control the computer. When you use the mouse and jiggle it around, you'll see the mouse icon on the screen move with it. Click an icon on the desktop. Double-clicking the icon (pressing the left mouse key twice) will open that application. When the application loads, the window has icons on the upper right corner. The "X" icon will close the window. The dash ("-") symbol minimizes the window, which means it only shows in the lower taskbar of the window.
  
  The other input device is the keyboard. Many mouse functions have shortcut keys associated with the input command. However, the main use for the keyboard is for typing and accessing information.
  
  

Shut Down

• Once you are finished using the computer, you need to properly shut it down. If you don't, it can cause damage to the hard drive. Using the mouse, click the Windows Start button on the bottom left of the screen. In this menu, there is an option to select "Shut Down." This will shut down your computer safely. Most newer computers automatically turn off the machine.