The Learning Ladder

Computer Basics Module

Module : Computer Basics

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Word Processing Basics (continued)

Printing

When you're ready to see your document on paper, it's time to print.

Printing a document is very simple, but there's a basic checklist you should go through before you print:

1. Be sure your computer is connected to a printer!

Most printers connect to computers with cables. Be sure you can see it, and that it's securely connected to both the computer and the printer.

(Some printers are connected to computers over a network; if your setup is like this, you can skip this step.)

2. Be sure the printer is on, and is ready.

The easiest way to check this is to look at the printer's front panel; most have lights that tell you that it's on, and that the ink or toner levels are OK. Blinking or steady red lights are usually a sign that the printer isn't ready.

3. Be sure there's paper in the printer.

Once you're sure the printer is connected and ready to go, just open your document, and choose "Print..." from your word processor's File menu. You will see a window that gives you a few different choices, which can look very different depending on what kind of printer and computer you have. Here's a sample:

Print dialog

Most printers will print one copy of the document if you just click OK. Otherwise, you can normally set at least the following options:

Print quality (high quality and slow, low quality and fast)
Black and white or color (if your printer can print in color)
Number of copies
Layout (one page per sheet of paper, or sometimes two or four)

After you click OK, your document should begin printing. Depending on how long it is, and how complicated it is, it might take anywhere from just a few seconds to several minutes to print.

If you have trouble printing, ask your tutor for assistance. Setting up a printer to work properly can be complicated sometimes, although if you follow the installation instructions carefully, it should work pretty easily.

Congratulations! You've learned the basics of how to use your word processor. The last section of this module is about using the internet. Then you will be ready to start with the Learning Ladder website!


Click "next" to continue to the next section.