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Computer Basics
Section editor
APC
mmtk@apc.org
Introduction
The computer is a versatile and powerful tool for you and your organization. It enables you to work more effectively and to communicate with people around the world.
A computer is a machine that receives, processes, and stores information electronically. Computers can pass information to each other in the same way that telephones do. Because computers do so many things, it's important to keep in mind that this is a tool to help you do what you want.
Some of the things computers can enable you to do include:
- creating documents
- accounting and calculating
- sending and receiving e-mail messages
- finding information
- publishing information
In the Computer Basics section we provide information on how to set up and maintain your computer, how to use common office productivity tools, and how to avoid injury and fatigue while using a computer. Don't be afraid to get to know your computer inside and out! Once you get started you'll wonder how you ever got along without it.
A Guide to Troubleshooting PCs
Developed by: Dirk Slater
Type of resource: Web guide
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
"Since computers have so many different functions and so many different elements working together on the same system (software, peripherals, etc.) the potential for problems is quite high. Programs can stop running properly, or even worse, the computer itself can fail to even start. If you are the person with the job of looking after the organisation's PCs and IT infrastructure, then this article should help."
Dhttp://www.icthubknowledgebase.org.uk/troubleshoot
ingpcs
Buying a Printer
Developed by: Lasa Information Systems
Type of resource: Web article
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
"Every organisation needs at least one printer. However, with massive choice spanning a wide range of options, how do you find your way to the right printer for the job?" This article by the Lasa Information Systems team will hekp you make an informed choice.
Dhttp://www.icthubknowledgebase.org.uk/buyingaprint
er2
Computer starting or running slowly?
Developed by: Lasa Information Systems Team
Type of resource: Web guide
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
"When you first acquired your shiny new PC or laptop you couldn’t believe how quick it was compared to your old one. The desktop appeared as if by magic and files opened at lightning speed. Then, over time, you realised that it was starting to take rather longer than it used to..." This article from the Lasa Information Systems Team looks at why this happens and links to resources to help you deal with it.
Dhttp://www.icthubknowledgebase.org.uk/slowcomputer
Editor's choice: Video: Computer Hardware in Plain English
Developed by: Common Craft
Type of resource: online video
Target audience: General, Trainers
Cost: Free access
A short online video which explains of the basic parts of computers and what they do to make computers work. The video focuses on the Hard Drive, RAM and Processor. Very good video to show in Basic ICT training activities.
Dhttp://www.commoncraft.com/computer-hardware
Eleven Tips for Troubleshooting Software: Things to do before you call a tech-support hotline
Developed by: TechSoup
Type of resource: Web articles
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
"Your computer software — be it a Web browser or a donor database application — likely plays a crucial role in your nonprofit's day-to-day operations. So when software problems such as unexplained crashes and strange error messages begin to occur, your workday can unceremoniously come to a silent (or not-so-silent) standstill." TechSoup looks at some solutions.
Dhttp://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/software/pa
ge6149.cfm
Helping others to help you — effectively communicating your ICT problems
Developed by: Lasa Information Systems Team
Type of resource: Web guide
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Getting the most out of your technical support requires explaining the problem in clear terms. The Lasa Information Systems Team shows you what to look for and how to communicate your problems effectively.
Dhttp://www.icthubknowledgebase.org.uk/communicatin
gproblems
Low-Power Computing
Developed by: IT +46
Type of resource: Downloadable PDF
Target audience: General, Trainers
Cost: Free access
A report/handout that discusses the requirements for the usage of a low power computers in rural environments, in hot and dusty locations, and powered to a solar backup system. The report lists some of the existing low power computing alternatives, and compares them with respect to different criteria, and draws conclusions about effective computing solutions for rural areas.
Dhttp://www.it46.se/courses/ict4sd/2008/projects/IC
T4SD_dematte_palmisano.pdf
MainTain IT Cookbook: Small and Rural Libraries
Developed by: The MaintainIT Project
Type of resource: Downloadable PDF
Target audience: General, Trainers, Information intermediaries
Cost: Free access
This Cookbook covers fundamentals that are valuable for any library, and is a great resource for someone wanting to know a bit more about supporting and sustaining public computers. Learn about locking down public computers, use a handy maintenance checklist, and more! These topics are covered: technology Planning, Computer Maintenance, Volunteer Recruitment, Technology Training Tips, Library Technology in the Future
Dhttp://maintainitproject.org/cookbooks/small-and-r
ural-libraries
Peter's Online Typing Course
Developed by: Peter Hudson
Type of resource: Web course (uses Macromedia Flash)
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
"By the time you finish this course, you will be able to confidently type all the letters, numbers and the most common symbols, with proper ten-finger touch typing technique."
Dhttp://www.typing-lessons.org/
Windows Vista: An FAQ for Nonprofits
Developed by: TechSoup
Type of resource: Web article
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
"Windows Vista, Microsoft's first new major operating system (OS) since the launch of the Windows XP line in 2001, is due to hit stores on January 30. Vista's launch has already generated some questions about upgrading, new features, tech support, and whether now is a good time to migrate your computers to this new OS." To help you make informed decisions about Vista, TechSoup has answered some questions which they think nonprofits will be most concerned with.
Dhttp://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/software/pa
ge6113.cfm
Five Steps to Extend Your Computer’s Life
Developed by: TechSoup
Type of resource: Web guide
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
John Avellanet sets out a five step routine to help keep your computer healthy.
Dhttp://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/hardware/pa
ge6006.cfm
PC Troubleshooting for Library Personnel: Workshop Materials
Developed by: INASP
Type of resource: Website with PDFs and other downloadable documents
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
The aim of this training pack is to enable each institution to develop a realistic PC troubleshooting diagnostic procedure appropriate to their circumstances.
These workshop materials consist of all of the materials that would be needed to run the full, four day workshop. The workshop materials include; presentation slides (with accompanying speakers notes), participant handouts and exercises, administrative documents and support guidelines. All materials are in a mixture of MS Word and Powerpoint formats.
Dhttp://www.inasp.info/file/651/pc-troubleshooting-
for-library-personnel-workshop-materials.html
Windows Support Centre
Developed by: James Eshelman
Type of resource: Web site
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Trouble starting up or shutting down Windows? James Eshelman provides advanced Windows tips and troubleshooting advice.
Dhttp://www.aumha.org/
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