There are free programs available for almost any purpose you can imagine. If you’re looking for free software for a specific task or want to find a free alternative to an expensive commercial program, it’s probably somewhere on the Internet. Often, the most difficult part is finding the safest, most reliable free programs among the […]
Downloading and uploading While exploring the Internet, you’ve probably encountered the terms downloadingand uploading. Downloading means receiving data or a file from the Internet on your computer. Uploading means sending data or a file from your computer to somewhere on the Internet. These terms describe activities you may have already learned how to do. If you’ve ever opened an example document […]
Understanding file extensions Your computer has many different types of files on it, and each one has its own file extension. A file extension is a three- or four-letter identifier found at the end of a file name and following a period. These extensions tell you about the characteristics of a file and its use. In […]
Undo your mistakes: Have you ever made a big mistake while doing work on a computer and wished it hadn’t happened? Don’t worry, there’s a feature that can help. Most programs have an Undo command that reverts back to the last change you made to your current project. If your last change was adding or pasting text into […]
How to use your computer’s built-in help Everyone needs to look for help sometimes. Luckily, when you want help with a computer program, it’s usually easy to find. Most programs have a help feature somewhere, and learning how to use it can make a big difference. You may not find everything you need, but your […]
A computer is more than just another household appliance. The vast amount of information and possibilities can be overwhelming. But you can accomplish a lot with a computer, and using one can be a good experience. Let’s walk through getting started with your first computer. Turning on a computer for the first time can be […]
If you are looking for basic computer skills or to upgrade computer skills you already have, review our free Basic Computer Skills tutorial. Basic Skills Getting Started with Your First Computer How to Use PC’s Built-in Help Undo Your Mistakes Understanding File Extensions Downloading and Uploading Free Software What is a PDF File? Setup and […]
Troubleshooting Do you know what to do if your screen goes blank? What if you can’t seem to close an application, or can’t hear any sound from your speakers? Whenever you have a problem with your computer, don’t panic! There are many basic troubleshooting techniques you can use to fix issues like this. In this lesson, we’ll show you […]
Creating a safe workspace In addition to keeping your computer healthy, it’s important to think about your own health. Using a computer involves a lot of repetitive motions such as typing and using the mouse. Over time, these motions can begin to negatively impact your body, especially your wrists, neck, and back. Staring at a monitor for long periods of time can […]
Protecting your computer Your computer faces many potential threats, including viruses, malware, and hard drive failure. This is why it’s important to do everything you can to protect your computer and your files. Safeguarding against malware Malware is any type of software that is designed to damage your computer or gain unauthorized access to your personal information. It includes viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and spyware. Most malware […]
Keeping your computer physically clean Dust isn’t just unattractive—it can potentially damage or even destroy parts of your computer. Cleaning your computer regularly will help you keep it working properly and avoid expensive repairs. Cleaning the keyboard Dust, food, liquid, and other particles can get stuck underneath the keys on your keyboard, which can prevent it from working properly. […]
What is the cloud? You may have heard people using terms like the cloud, cloud computing, or cloud storage. But what exactly is the cloud? Simply put, the cloud is the Internet—more specifically, it’s all of the things you can access remotely over the Internet. When something is in the cloud, it means it’s stored on Internet servers instead of your computer’s hard drive. Why […]
Getting started with the Internet The Internet is a global network of billions of computers and other electronic devices. With the Internet, it’s possible to access almost any information, communicate with anyone else in the world, and much more. You can do all of this on your computer. Connecting to the Internet A device has […]
How do I connect to the Internet? Connect to the Internet: Once you’ve set up your computer, you may want to purchase home Internet access so you can send and receive email, browse the Web, stream videos, and more. You may even want to set up a home wireless network, commonly known as Wi-Fi, so you can connect multiple devices […]
Getting to know your computer’s OS: Now that you know the absolute basics of using a computer, it’s time to learn more about your computer’s operating system. We’ll be talking about the two most common operating systems in this lesson: Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. Getting to know the interface Both PCs and Macs use a graphical user interface (GUI), and […]
A computer is more than just another household appliance. The vast amount of information and possibilities can be overwhelming. But you can accomplish a lot with a computer, and using one can be a good experience. Let’s walk through getting started with your first computer. Turning on a computer for the first time can be […]
Setting up a computer: So you have a new computer and you’re ready to set it up. This may seem like an overwhelming and complicated task, but it’s actually a lot easier than you might think! Most computers are set up in a similar way, so it doesn’t matter what brand of computer you have. If you’re […]
You may have heard people talking about using a program, an application, or an app. But what exactly does that mean? Simply put, an app is a type of software that allows you to perform specific tasks. Applications for desktop or laptop computers are sometimes called desktop applications, while those for mobile devices are called mobile apps. When you open an application, it […]
What is an operating system. An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the computer’s memory and processes, as well as all of its software and hardware. It also allows you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer’s language. Without an operating system, a computer is useless. The operating system’s job Your computer’s operating system (OS) manages all […]
What is a mobile device: Mobile device is a general term for any type of handheld computer. These devices are designed to be extremely portable, and they can often fit in your hand. Some mobile devices—like tablets, e-readers, and smartphones—are powerful enough to do many of the same things you can do with a desktop or laptop computer. Tablet computers […]
