How to use your computer's calculator

It's easy when you know how

Many people never get around to exploring their computer and seeing what is on offer. Apart from all the software, that you may install onto your computer over the years, there are a few basic tools that come ready and waiting when you purchase a new computer.

One of these tools, that is useful to have around, is your computer's calculator.

Did not know that your computer even had a calculator?

Well let me show in a few, quick and easy steps how to access and utilise your computer's calculator.

Instructions

Step 1

Finding the calculator on your computer

On a Personal Computer:-

Click your left mouse button on START at the bottom left of your desktop.
Next click on ALL PROGRAMMES.
Move your mouse up to the ACCESSORIES folder
Select CALCULATOR.

For APPLE MAC'S access via the APPLE MENU

Step 2

The Calculator

Standard Calculator

This is what a standard computer calculator looks like.

Step 3

More than one mode

This is what the calculator looks like in scientific mode.

Standard or Scientific mode is selected via the VIEW tab at the top of the calculator.

Step 4

Using the calculator

The computer calculator is used in the same way that a traditional calculator is used for calculations.

You can:-

Type the numbers on your keyboard and they will appear in the white space. Try it now on your computer's calculator.
Alternatively you can use your mouse. Left click each number that you want.
Use your mouse to select the + - x /. That is plus, minus, multiply and divide. Sometimes the muliply will be an asterisk *
You can also select pertcentage and square root.

Step 5

Example transactions

4 times 3. 4 x 3 = You will get the answer 12
You must remember to add any decimal points needed and the EQUALS symbol when you have finished.
Alternatively you can press ENTER on your keyboard to complete the calculation.
6 divided by 3. 6 / 3 = You will get the answer 2
Remember also to slect C or CE to clear the calculator for the next calculation.
If you, for example, try 6 times 4 plus 3 you will find that after you have pressed 6 x 4 that when you press + you will see 24. Once you type the 3 and press enter or = you will see the answer of 27

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HINTS AND TIPS

Right click your mouse over the calculator. From the menu that pops up select CREATE SHORTCUT
A SHORTCUT will appear at the bottom of the accessories folder.
Simply drag and drop this shortcut onto your desktop.
You will find the calculator quick and easy to access from your desktop.
There is a HELP MENU in the toolbar at the top of your computer's calculator.
Practise a few simple calculations until you are confident.
If you think that you may hit the same number twice, by error, set your keys so that they make an audible sound when pressed. Via Start > Control Panel > Accessibilty Options > Select TOGGLE KEYS.
Make sure that your keyboard's NUMBER LOCK is selected.

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