Turning the computer on
- Press the power button once. Do not hold it down — one short press.
- Wait. The computer takes a minute to wake up. Lights may blink and the screen will change several times. This is normal.
- When the login screen appears, click your name (if asked) and type your password, then press the Enter key.
What you are looking at: the desktop
When the computer is ready, you see the desktop:
- The wallpaper — the background picture. It is just decoration.
- Icons — small pictures you can click to open things.
- The taskbar — the strip along the bottom of the screen. It holds the Start button (bottom-left corner) and shows which programs are open.
- The clock — bottom-right corner.
Turning the computer off — the right way
Never switch off at the wall or hold the power button while the computer is working. The computer needs a moment to pack everything away — like tidying a desk before leaving.
- Click the Start button (bottom-left corner).
- Click the power symbol ⏻.
- Click Shut down.
- Wait for the screen to go dark. Now it is safe.
Why it matters
Pulling the plug is like walking out of the kitchen mid-cooking — things get left in a mess, and next time the computer may complain or lose your work. The proper shutdown takes ten seconds and keeps everything healthy.