Cursor

A cursor is the position indicator on a computer display screen where a user can enter text. In a program with graphics, the cursor is also a visible and moving pointer that the user controls with a mouse.

Hardware

Computer hardware is the actual parts that are connected to your computer. Examples of hardware would be: printer, keyboard, mouse, floppy drive, LCD projector etc…

Organize Your Desktop

Just like a file cabinet, the papers on your computer could be kept in a folder so they can be found quickly and easily. Click on “File” at the top of your screen. Go down and click “new folder”. A new folder will appear on your desktop and you can write anything you want underneath it to name the folder. For example, put all your homework assignments in one folder and all your documents about field trips in another folder.

To keep the folders organized on the desktop click on “view” at the top of the page, go down to “view options” and click the box that says “keep arranged by_________” You can decide how to keep it arranged. Alphabetically is the easiest.

Many people have multiple copies of the same item on their desktop. This happens when we download files from the internet as we work on our computers. Most of these show up on our desktop as PDF files. If you found it on the internet you will find it again. You don’t really have to save these documents. These PDF files can be put in the trash.  If you have some you want to save, put them in a folder.

Adding An Attachment To Your Email

We are often asked to send someone a document, spreadsheet or even a picture that we created on our computer. Here’s how you do it, in 5 easy steps:

1. With Entourage open, click on “new” to compose a new email. Write the person’s email address in the “to” box and a description of your email in the “subject” box.

2. At the top of the box you’ll see a small icon, or picture, of a paper clip. It’s to the right of the trash can. Click on the paper clip icon.

3. Now, you have to find your document. You are the only one who knows where it is and what you called it. Is it on your desktop? Is it in a folder? I think you’ll be able to see how to search for your document in this box. When you do find it, click on “open” in the lower right corner of the box.

4. If you did it correctly, you should see the name of the attachment under the subject box and next to the word attachment.

5. Now, you may write your email. It’s a good idea to explain what is in the attachment for your recipient.

If you are using other email programs like Outlook, Yahoo or Hotmail, the process is similar. There is usually a paper clip icon somewhere in a new mail message to get you started. Sometimes, you have to click on the word “attach” after you find the document, instead of “open” as in Entourage.

How To Upgrade Firefox

If you are having trouble writing your goals or working on Infinite Campus it may be that your computer does not have the newest version of Firefox. Now, you can download the most recent version yourself! (today that would be 2.0.0.9)

Open Firefox to find out what version you currently have. Then, click on the word “firefox” at the top of the page. Go down to “about Mozilla Firefox”. If you still have version 1.0.7 you will need to follow the nine steps below to upgrade.

Step 1: Write “mozilla.com” in the address bar of your web browser.
Step 2: Click on “download Firefox-free”. It’s a green rectangular button. You will then see a download box. It says dmg at the top.
Step 3: In the download box click “save to disk” and then “ok”
Step 4: Quit Firefox
Step 5: Double click on the icon that has now appeared on your desktop. It will say “Firefox 2.0.0.9.dmg”
Step 6: Click on the word “accept”
Step 7: Slide the old Firefox icon out of your dock. If you have the plain white Firefox icon on your desktop you can trash that too. The new one has the colors of Firefox on it.
Step 8: Slide the new Firefox icon into your dock.
Step 9: Put the dmg file in the trash.

Now, how do you find out if you did it right? Follow the steps in the second paragraph to see what version you have now.

Operating System

An operating system is a series of programs which organizes and controls a computer. Every computer comes with one set of programs already on it’s hard drive. The operating system is the most important of those programs. When the computer is turned on, the operating system tells it what gadgets are linked to the computer. The operating system, or OS, controls the hardware (keyboard, mouse, printer) and it controls the operation of the software.

We still have some older computers in our school that are running on OS 9. These are mostly the extra, student computers in the classrooms. The newer computers use OS X (10) but they also have OS 9 built into them so you can still use some older software that needs 9 to work. Operating system 9 is also called “classic”.

Application Software

An application, also known as applications software, is a program or set of programs that performs a specific task. A program is a list of instructions, written in computer language, for the computer to carry out.

There are thousands of different types of applications software covering almost every topic you can imagine. There are programs for farmers, programs for games, programs for writing and programs for drawing just to name a few.

Some of the most used programs are word processing (we use Microsoft Word), data base programs (Infinite Campus is data base software), and spreadsheet software, like Excel. New programs are being developed all the time and the programs we use regularly are constantly being made better. (That’s what software updates are all about)

Many applications are already installed in our computers when we buy them. Others need to be purchased separately. If you are in the market for a new computer be sure to ask which programs are already installed to be sure you have everything you need.

Selecting and Using Passwords

In today’s world, with identity theft so rampant, the proper use of passwords becomes a major issue. Even here at school, if someone gets their hands on your email or Infinite Campus passwords, they can access your personal information (paycheck, benefits, etc…) and/or they can access student information that is very personal. In this article you’ll find some Dos and Don’ts for how to manage your passwords.

Do:

1. use a different password for each site that requires a password.
2. use questions for clues to your password when given the option.
3. turn your words into numbers (like on a telephone)to make your password harder to figure out.

Don’t:

1. Never give your password to anyone else for any reason. (be like George Costanza!)
2. Never keep passwords written on papers near your computer.

How To Save Your Work

I’m sure many of us know the feeling of working hard on a document and then not being able to find it the next time we look. We can eliminate this kind of stress easily. I’d like to tell you how I teach the kids to save their work.

No matter what application, or program, you are working on, click on “file” at the top of the page and go down to “save” or “save as”. This will give you the save box/window. There are three important things to do in this box. First, give it your name in the “save as” line. Just your first name or just your last name should suffice. Second, in the same line, give the document a name. (example: susan-class list) The third and final thing you should do in the save box is to tell the computer WHERE to save your work. I have the students save all their work on the “desktop”. This is a good way to double check that you actually saved it. You’ll see the icon for your paper on the screen of your computer after you quit the program. Then, you can drag it into the folder that you created for this topic.

It’s a good idea to take care of this saving piece as soon as you begin the project. Sometimes, if we wait until we are done, we’re in too much of a hurry and the work doesn’t get saved right. Then, as you’re working, you can use the shortcut (first press the “apple” key and then press the “s” key. ) to save as you go.

Folders

Just like in a filing cabinet, a folder holds papers or documents that have a similar theme. Your desktop, ideally, should have mostly folders on it rather than mostly documents so you can find things easier and faster.

To make a new folder click on “file” and then go down to “new folder” . An untitled folder will appear on your desktop. At this time you may name the folder anything you want. To change the name of a folder or document click on it so it becomes highlighted (selected). Then type the name that you want.

It’s a good idea to organize your folders alphabetically, thereby making them easier to locate. To arrange them this way click on “view” at the top of the page. Go down to the option that says “arrange by name”. You’ll see all your folders and desktop items move into place.