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Basic Computer Skills · Lesson 1 of 8

Understand Your Computer

Learn what the main computer parts do, start and close the computer safely, and adjust the screen so it is comfortable to use.

Complete beginner
60 minutes
Guided practice
Windows 11 examples

Course progressLesson 1 of 8Lesson 1 of 8

Lesson outcomes

By the end of this lesson, you can…

Identify the main physical parts of a computer.
Explain the difference between hardware, software and an operating system.
Start, sign in, sign out and shut down safely.
Adjust text size, volume and pointer visibility for comfort.

Prepare

Before you begin

What you need

A Windows 11 desktop or laptop computer.
The computer power cable and an internet connection if available.
Your own user account or a supervised practice account.

Safe practice

Use a practice account and non-sensitive information. Ask the computer owner before changing settings, installing software or sharing files.

Learn

Understand and practise the skill

A computer combines physical equipment with software instructions. You do not need to know every technical detail; confidence begins by recognising the parts you use and understanding what a safe normal start and shutdown look like.

Key terms

Hardware

Physical parts you can touch, including the screen, keyboard, mouse and storage drive.

Software

Programs and apps that tell the computer what to do.

Operating system

The main software that manages the computer; this course uses Windows 11 examples.

User account

Your personal sign-in area containing settings and files.

Lesson 1 demonstration mediaAdd current screenshots or a short demonstration video before final publication when available.

Follow the demonstration

Identify the equipment. Locate the screen, power button, keyboard, mouse or touchpad, speakers and connection ports.
Start and sign in. Press the power button once, wait for Windows and sign in to the correct account.
Open Settings. Use Start to find Settings and identify System and Accessibility.
Adjust comfort. Change volume, text size or pointer size only as needed.
Shut down safely. Save work, close apps, choose Start → Power → Shut down and wait.

Worked example

Safe session routine
1. Start the computer
2. Sign in to your account
3. Complete and save your work
4. Close applications
5. Use Start → Power → Shut down

Your turn

Complete the guided activity

Repeat the demonstration using the safe practice items and tick each completed result.

I identified the computer, screen, keyboard, pointer device and power connection.I started the computer and signed in to the correct account.I opened Settings and found Accessibility.I adjusted one comfort setting and returned it if necessary.I signed out or shut down using the Windows power menu.

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Knowledge check

Check your understanding

Complete all three questions, then check your answers.

Complete the lesson

Review, reflect and continue

Success criteria

The learner can name the everyday computer parts.
The learner signs in and shuts down safely.
The screen and pointer are comfortable to use.

Reflection prompt

What can you now do independently, and which step would you like to practise once more?

Continue to Lesson 2