Setting Up a Printer

Windows

When you connect a printer to a computer for the first time you need to set up the printer in Windows. Click on Start, point to Settings, click on Printers, and then double-click on Add Printer. Follow the instructions in the Add Printer Wizard. If the software (driver) for your printer doesn’t come with Windows, you will need to use the software that came with your printer. If for some reason you don’t have this software, most manufacturers make it available on the Internet.

You’ll need to choose a “default” printer if more than one printer has been setup on your computer. Click on Start, point to Settings, and click on Printers. Click on the printer you want to use. Click on the File Menu and then click on Set as Default until you see a checkmark beside it. You should see the name of this printer when you try to print a document.

Mac OS

Many new printers come with an installation program that automatically copies the printer software (extension) to the right place on your hard disk. If this isn’t the case you should copy the printer software and place it in the system folder on your hard disk. When you do this the computer should automatically place it in the extensions folder.

Software for many different types of printers will be installed in your computer. You need to indicate which printer you will be using. Go to the Apple Menu and point to Chooser. Click on the type of printer you are using on the left side. If you are using a network printer you will then click on the name of the printer you want to use. If you are using a printer directly connected to your computer you will then click on a picture of the printer port.

Getting Started with Word 97

Here’s a quick introduction to using some of the basic features of word processing in Microsoft Word 97. The operations described here can be completed using any word processing software, but the location of the commands may be slightly different.

At the top of your Word screen you will see a list of many words like File, Edit, View, etc. This is called the Menu Bar. Each of these words is a title of a drop down menu of information. A picture of the File Menu and all of its contents is shown at the right for your reference.

To start a new document, click once on the word File in the Menu Bar at the top of the screen (1). Then in the dropdown menu, click once on the word New (2). You will now have many choices. You can start with a blank document, which is just a plain white screen, or you can choose from one of the many templates provided by the software company. In Microsoft Word, some of the template choices include: Letters and Faxes, Memos and Resumes.