Tutorials & Exercises for Learning Basic Computer Skills

Below are tutorials and exercises for those who are new to computing. Basic computer functions like using the mouse and keyboard as well as simple Windows operations like copy and paste are explained. The most basic file operations are also covered[i].

Please complete each tutorial/exercise in sequence (1., 2., 3., …) as they appear as you move down the page.  Some you just read, some you actively participate in – follow instructions as they appear.

Each numbered item will open in a new window.  To make the window larger, click the double-box picture in the top right-hand corner of the window. 

When you’ve finished a tutorial/exercise, click the “x” in the top right-hand corner of that window to close that window.

Class contents:

I.      Mouse Moves

II.     Key to Keyboarding

III.    Introduction to Windows

Please work at your own pace and remember to have fun!

I. Mouse Moves

1. Absolute Beginners guide to using your computer[ii].

2. Guide to Clicking the Mouse

        A table explaining left-click, right-click; single-click, double-click.

3. Mousing Around Tutorial

This tutorial will help you learn the mouse and how it interacts with the computer[iii]  

4. More Mouse Moves Practice:

             Mouserobics Exercise your mouse!

             Control the Magic Paint Brush with your computer mouse

             Drag and Drop to build Rosie’s face [iv]

             Mousing Games Various games to build skill (try one or two now.  Save the rest for  

         more practice later).

5. Search, Find, Click!

This tutorial teaches how to use your mouse to be active on the Internet. Discover and utilize links, radio buttons, scroll bars, drop-  down menus, and much more!   

II. Key to Keyboarding

1. A survey of some of the keys on a PC keyboard

A tutorial in Macromedia Flash 6 format showing some of the different keys on a PC keyboard.

2.  Arrow Skills

Learn the arrow keys which are necessary for reading and writing on the computer.

3. Typing Lesson

    Typing Lesson

4. Numeric Keypad Tutorial

Learn correct finger positioning for the numeric keypad on the keyboard and practice using the keys.

III. Introduction to Computers

1. Slide show introducing computers

Presents elementary concepts of how computers work and what the essential components such as the CPU, RAM, and the hard drive are. Briefly describes the concept of an operating system and what the file system is.

2. Slide show introducing the file system

Describes the basic concepts of how information is stored in files and folders. Introduces the idea of different types of file formats requiring different software

3. Elementary Windows menu operations

An interactive Flash tutorial for practicing very basic operations with the standard Windows menus "File" and " Edit"

[i]Laurie, Vic. http://winbeginners.com/index.html

[ii] http://library.ipswich.qld.gov.au/training/mouselinks.htm

[iii] Palm Beach County Library System Mousing Around Tutorial. http://www.pbclibrary.org/mousing/default.htm

[iv] http://library.ipswich.qld.gov.au/training/mouselinks.htm