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Start the Computer and Windows
Make sure you have read the instruction manual for your computer carefully before turning it on. You should ensure that all the necessary leads and cables are securely plugged into the correct sockets.
You should also be familiar with the layout of the controls on the front of the computer.
Computers are built differently depending on the manufacturer, but most should contain the basic controls shown:
Desktop computer case controls
To switch on a desktop computer
Ensure that the computer is plugged in and that there is no disk in the floppy disk drive
Press the Power On/Off switch 
Wait for a few seconds. The computer should beep and the monitor should turn itself on.
If the monitor does not switch on, press the Power On/Off switch on the monitor case
Some text will be displayed on-screen while the computer starts up. After a minute or so, a screen prompting you to log on to the computer is displayed.
To switch on a laptop/notebook computer
Release the catch and open the laptop's screen
Slide the Power On/Off switch - you may need to select a release switch first
User Log On
Windows is a secure operating system. You need to log on to Windows with a user name (and often a password as well) in order to access folders, files, and applications.
If your computer is part of a network, logging on will also give you access to network resources, such as shared folders and printers.
Your IT systems administrator will have given you a user name and password. This is your log on ID, the means by which you are recognised as a registered user of the computer.
The log on process will vary, depending on how Windows is set up. When Windows starts, you may be presented with a dialogue box or a screen of user names and icons (the Welcome screen).
To log on to Windows using the Log On to Windows dialogue box
If you see a dialogue box when you start Windows, you need to type your user name and password manually. You may first see a dialogue box prompting you to press Ctrl+Alt+Delete. This is an additional security feature.
If the Welcome to Windows dialogue box is displayed, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete
The Log On to Windows dialogue box is displayed. This dialogue box allows you to enter your user name and password. Your user name will already be typed in the box if you were the last person to use the computer.
In the User name: box, type your user name if necessary then press Tab
OR
Click in the Password box
Type your password
The password that you type will not be displayed on the screen - you will see black dots.
Click OK
Windows will start and the Desktop is displayed.
To log on to Windows using the Welcome screen
With the Welcome screen, when you start the computer a list of user names is displayed.
Welcome screen
Use the mouse to point to your name
The mouse pointer changes to a pointing finger .
Click once with the left mouse button
If necessary, type your password in the box displayed
The password that you type will not be displayed on the screen - you will see black dots.
Click the arrow  or press Enter
Windows will start and the Desktop is displayed.
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