Starting and Shutting Down a Computer

1. Starting a computer

Step 1: Check that power is connected if needed. Step 2: Locate the power button. Step 3: Press it once. Step 4: Wait for the startup process. Step 5: At the sign-in screen, select the correct account if necessary. Step 6: Enter your password or PIN. Step 7: Wait for the desktop to finish loading before launching many programs.

2. Signing in safely

Keep your password private. Position yourself so people cannot easily read it. If you are using a shared computer, sign in only to your own account and do not save private passwords in an account that other people use.

3. Locking the computer

Locking keeps the session open but requires authentication before someone can continue. On Windows, press Windows key + L. Use this whenever you step away from a computer that contains your information.

4. Sleep, restart and shut down

Sleep uses low power while keeping the session ready to resume. Restart turns the operating system off and starts it again; it is often useful after updates or when troubleshooting. Shut down closes the session and turns the computer off.

To shut down on Windows: 1) save your work, 2) close or leave programs as appropriate, 3) click Start, 4) click the Power icon, 5) click Shut down, 6) wait for the computer to turn off.

5. What not to do

Do not hold the power button to force the computer off as your normal shutdown method. A forced shutdown may cause unsaved work to be lost. Use it only when normal controls are unavailable and the situation requires it.

6. Practice task

Practice the full cycle: start the computer, sign in, lock it, unlock it, open one program, save any required work, then shut down correctly. Say out loud which action you are performing and why.

Quick practice

Now perform the practical task in this lesson on a real computer whenever possible. If you cannot perform it yet, repeat the steps slowly until you can do them without guessing.

Mastery test

Take the mastery test only after you have read the lesson and attempted the practical tasks. You need 80% or higher.