What is a flash drive? A flash drive is a small, removable hard drive that plugs into a USB port on your computer. You can purchase a flash drive for less than $20 at just about any retail store with an electronics department, and even at some grocery stores and pharmacies. Flash drives are a convenient way to bring your files […]
When you open a file in Windows, it will usually open in the default application for that type of file. For example, a photo will open in Windows Photo Viewer (or the Photos application in Windows 8) by default. But you may not always want this. In this lesson, we’ll show you how to open a file in a different application, as well […]
Windows comes with several useful applications already installed. These Common Applications can help you with many tasks, including browsing the Internet, managing your calendar, and shopping for music. Most of these apps can be opened by clicking the Start button, then clicking the icon of the app you want to open. You may need to […]
What are keyboard shortcuts? Keyboard shortcuts are keys or a combination of keys you can press on your keyboard to perform a variety of tasks. Using keyboard shortcuts is often faster than using a mouse because you can keep both hands on the keyboard. Keyboard shortcuts are also universal, which means you can use many of the same shortcuts in […]
What are user accounts? A user account allows you to sign in to your computer. By default, your computer already has one user account, which you were required to create when you set up your computer. If you plan to share your computer with others, you can create aseparate user account for each person. Why use separate user accounts? At […]
At some point, you may want to adjust your settings. For example, you might want to change your desktop background or modify your Internet settings. You can change these settings and more from the Control Panel. However, in Windows 10, the Control Panel has mostly been replaced by the Settings app. The Control Panel is still available, but most of the […]
Learning how to use a computer can feel overwhelming at times. Fortunately, there are some common computer tasks and skills that will work the same way in almost any situation. Once you learn how to use these skills, you’ll be able to use them to perform a variety of tasks on your computer. In this lesson, we’ll […]
Finding files In the previous lesson, we talked about how folders can help to keep your files organized. However, there may be times when you have rouble finding a certain file. If this happens to you, don’t panic! The file is probably still on your computer, and there are a few simple ways to find it. In this […]
File basics Understanding how to work with files and folders is an important part of using your computer. Once you understand how files and folder work, you’ll use them all the time. In this lesson, we’ll show you the absolute basics of working with files, including how to open files, move your files into folders, and delete files. What is a file? There […]
Navigating Windows Whether you’re new to computers or just Windows, it’s important to learn the basics of using your computer. If it all seems a little overwhelming right now, don’t worry! We’ll take you through it step by step and show you some of the most fundamental things you’ll need to know, including how to work with […]
What is Windows? Windows is an operating system designed by Microsoft. The operating system is what allows you to use a computer. Windows comes preloaded on most new personal computers (PCs), which helps to make it the most popular operating system in the world. Windows makes it possible to complete all types of everyday tasks on your computer. For example, you […]
In this free Windows Basics tutorial, you’ll learn all about navigating, finding and sending files, using shortcuts, and more. Windows is an operating system designed by Microsoft. The operating system is what allows you to use a computer. Windows comes preloaded on most new personal computers (PCs), which helps to make it the most popular operating system in the […]
