What is a laptop?
In this course, you will learn about a laptop - what it is and the essentials of how to use one. The course will teach you about how to turn on and power a laptop as well as how to use the keyboard and the trackpad.
This course has been specially designed for larger screens. So for the best experience, please view these activities on a laptop or desktop computer.
Watch this short video to get you started.
Transcript
Welcome to "What is a laptop?". In this video, we'll be looking at one of the most convenient types of computer, the laptop. A laptop is a type of computer that has all the parts of a desktop computer, but in a single case. It's small, light and easy to use almost anywhere. Even on your lap.
Laptops are also sometimes known as notebook computers because of the way they open. There is a hinge on one side and it opens up like a book. When the laptop case is opened, you can see a keyboard, a screen and a touchpad. The brain of the laptop is inside the case, underneath the keyboard. There will also be a power button for turning the laptop on. Its location may vary from laptop to laptop, but the power symbol will likely be the same. Press the button to start using the laptop. The screen will turn on at the same time.
The keyboard lets you enter text and numbers, so you can type information into the computer. The screen shows what's happening on the computer right now, just like the screen on a desktop computer. The touchpad is the laptop's version of the mouse. It lets you use your fingers to point to and click items on the screen, and is one way of controlling what you do on the laptop. Just like a desktop computer, a laptop comes with programs that let you do a range of things. Programs are also called software or applications. You can use your laptop to store photos, write letters and more.
Importantly, a laptop has a battery inside, so you can use it without being connected to mains power. Most laptops will go for several hours before the battery runs down. When this happens, you can recharge it easily by plugging the laptop into mains power with a cable. A laptop can do just about anything a desktop computer can, but while you're out and about. You'll learn more about laptop computers in the upcoming activities.
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1
So, what is a laptop?
5 min
2
Using the touchpad
4 min
3
How to charge a laptop
4 min