💻 TechnologyGrade 2Lesson 2
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Turning Devices On and Off Safely

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What you will learn

  • 1Follow the correct steps to turn a device on and shut it down safely
  • 2Explain why using the right procedure protects the device and saves files
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Mini Lesson

Every time you use a computer, tablet, or any digital device, there is a right way — and a wrong way — to turn it on and off. Following the correct steps keeps your work safe and protects the device from damage.

Turning a device ON — the start-up steps

  • Step 1: Make sure the device is plugged in or has enough battery.
  • Step 2: Press the power button once — do not hold it down or press it multiple times.
  • Step 3: Wait for the device to fully load. A loading screen or logo usually appears first.
  • Step 4: Log in with your username and password if required.
  • Example: Press the power button once, wait for the desktop, log in, and begin.

Turning a device OFF — the shut-down steps

  • Step 1: Save your work — save any open documents, then close the programs.
  • Step 2: Go to the Start menu (or power icon) and choose Shut Down, not Sleep mode (Sleep only rests the device).
  • Step 3: Wait for the screen to go dark — do not press the power button or unplug anything while it shuts down.
  • Step 4: If using a laptop, close the lid gently after the screen turns off.

Why does the shut-down order matter?

  • Holding the power button to force the device off can corrupt (break) files — your unsaved work may be lost.
  • Unplugging the device without shutting down first can damage the operating system.
  • Proper shut-down lets the computer finish its tasks and store everything safely.

Caring for the device when it is off

  • Store laptops and tablets flat or in a case — never pile books on top of them.
  • Keep devices away from water, food, and direct sunlight.

Words to know

Device

A computer, tablet, or phone you can use

e.g. A laptop is a device.

Power button

The button that turns a device on or off

e.g. I press the power button to start the laptop.

Shut down

To safely close a computer so it powers off

e.g. I shut down the computer before bed.

Save

To keep your work so you can use it later

e.g. I save my drawing before closing it.

Sleep mode

When a device rests but is not fully off

e.g. My tablet went to sleep mode after a minute.

Start-Up and Shut-Down StepsTwo columns of step cards: on the left, four green power-on steps; on the right, four shut-down steps, each numbered 1 through 4.Turning ONShutting DOWN1Check power /battery first2Press powerbutton once3Wait for thescreen to load4Log in andbegin1Save all openwork first2Choose ShutDown from menu3Wait for thescreen to go dark4Close lid gentlyor store safely
Start-up steps (green, left) and shut-down steps (blue, right), each numbered 1 through 4.
Safe vs. Unsafe Shut-DownTwo side-by-side cards: left shows the safe way to shut down using the menu, right shows the unsafe way of holding the power button with a red X over the screen.Safe or Unsafe?SafeSleepShut DownUse the menuSave work first,then chooseShut Down.Files are safe!UnsafeHold power buttonForces the deviceto stop suddenly.Work can be lost!Files may be damaged!
Side-by-side comparison: the safe shut-down method (using the menu) vs. the unsafe method (holding the power button).
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Ask yourself: "What is the very first thing I should do before turning a computer off? Why?"

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