LInC Prerequisites: Computer Basics
To benefit from a LInC class, you should be familiar with
the basics of operating a PC (Mac or Windows), sending and
receiving e-mail, and using a web browser. If you will be
participating in sessions at Fermilab, you will need to know
how to do these things on a Mac, as well as on whatever system
you have at home or at school.
Computer Operation Skills
These skills are important for using nearly any computer
application, and can be learned from the online tutorial that
comes with your computer. If you will be participating in
sessions at Fermilab, you will need to know how to do these
things on a Mac, as well as on whatever system you have at home
or at school. You should know:
- How to turn the computer on, shut it down, and reboot
it.
- How to create, move, name, find, and discard files and
folders/directories.
- How to start and exit software applications, how to use
the standard file menu to save or print files, and how to
save files under another name.
- How to use the standard file dialog box to select a file
or folder.
- What the "currently active application" is, and how to
change it.
- How to move, resize, bring forward, and close windows on
the screen.
- How to arrange two application windows side-by-side on
the screen.
- How to cut, copy, and paste from one place or application
to another.
- Prior experience with any word processing program.
E-mail Basics
Electronic mail is an integral part of your LInC coursework.
Related skills can be learned from a tutorial. In order to
successfully complete even the first few classes, you need to
know:
- How to configure your e-mail application to use your
Internet Service Provider (ISP).
- How to send an e-mail message.
- How to check for e-mail.
- How to read e-mail messages.
- How to reply to an e-mail message.
- How to send and receive e-mail attachements.
Browser Basics
A World Wide Web browser will be another important tool
needed for your LInC class. In order to have access to
critical class materials, you need to know:
- What a Web page is, what a link is.
- How to recognize a link, how to follow a link, how to
tell whether you have followed a link before.
- How to use the Forward, Back and
Home buttons to get around.
- How to use a navigation bar of links on a Web site to
find your way around the site.
- How and when to use Stop.
- How to print a page.
- How to use the Open button or Location
field to type in an Internet address (go to a URL
directly).
- What a Bookmark or Favorite is; how to add
a bookmark; how to visit a link that you have
bookmarked.