Turning On the Computer and Logging On

Turning the Computer On 
Let's get started! As you sit down at your desk, you can assume that your computer system is one of three states:
OFF: This is exactly what it sounds like: The computer is off, and no parts are running or working. The monitor is black (no images), there is no “whirring” sound from the CPU, and the computer is unresponsive to mouse movements or pressing keys on the keyboard. The power button (if it lights up) should not be lit up.

ON: When a computer is on, you should see images on the monitor, possibly hear a “whirring” noise coming from the CPU (hopefully not too loud!), and the pointer on the screen (the small white arrow) should respond when you move the mouse.
SLEEP MODE: Most computers have a mode called “Sleep,” in which the computer is on, but has assumed an energy-efficient, minimal power mode. To “wake” the computer, simply move the mouse around or press the space bar on the keyboard, and it will “wake up” and return to the exact same place that it was when it went to sleep. In other words, if you were using a word processing program and the computer went to sleep, it would return to exactly what you were working when it wakes up.
To turn a computer on, simply press the power button once (no need to hold the button—just press and release). We will go over how to turn a computer off later in this handout.
Logging On 
Once you turn the computer on, the computer will go through a series of automated tasks before it is ready for you to interact with it; this process is called “startup.” This process will last between one and two minutes. If the computer is not working correctly, you may see an error message during startup. If the computer is performing as it should, however, you will probably see one of the following screens:
This is called a “Log On” window, and it means that the computer is password protected. If you do not see this window upon starting the computer, you can assume that your computer is NOT password-protected and may be used by anyone. To log on, you simply enter your user name and password. If you are using a public library computer, this could be your library card number.