Learn Basic Computer

This app will help you understand how computers work and how to use them. We'll talk about how to set up a computer, the difference between hardware and software, and the types of computers you can use. We'll also explore operating systems, applications, the cloud, and a whole lot more.

Using a computer

Whether you're getting started with your first computer or are just looking to learn more about how they work, you'll find all of the information you need in our written lessons, videos, and interactives. When you're done, you'll have a fundamental understanding of how to use a computer. You'll also be ready to learn even more about computers with some of our other app.

What is a computer?

A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. You may already know that you can use a computer to type documents, send email, play games, and browse the Web. You can also use it to edit or create spreadsheets, presentations, and even videos.

Hardware vs. Software

Hardware is any part of your computer that has a physical structure, such as the keyboard or mouse. It also includes all of the computer's internal parts, which you can see in the image below.

viewing hardware.

Software is any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do and how to do it. Examples of software include web browsers, games, and word processors.

viewing software.

Everything you do on your computer will rely on both hardware and software. For example, right now you may be viewing this lesson in a web browser (software) and using your mouse (hardware) to click from page to page. As you learn about different types of computers, ask yourself about the differences in their hardware. As you progress through this tutorial, you'll see that different types of computers also often use different types of software.

Hardware and software

The main components of a computer, including input and output devices

The function of communication devices such as smartphones and tablets

The role of Operating Systems, programs and apps.

Windows

Turning on the computer and logging on

The Windows screen

Running programs from the Start Menu

Minimising, maximising, moving, resizing and closing windows

Logging off and shutting down your computer.

Working with programs

Running multiple programs

Desktop icons and creating a desktop shortcut

Managing programs from the taskbar

Closing programs.

File management

Managing Windows Explorer

Creating, moving, renaming and deleting folders and files

Understanding file extensions

Viewing storage devices and network connections

Managing USB flash drives.

Word processing

Creating documents in Microsoft Word

Typing text, numbers and dates into a document

Easy formatting

Checking the spelling in your document

Making and saving changes to your document.

Spreadsheets

Understanding spreadsheet functionality

Creating spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel

Typing text numbers and dates into a worksheet

Easy formulas

Easy formatting

Making and saving changes to your workbook

Printing a worksheet.

Printing

Print preview

Print settings

Managing the print queue.

Using email

The Outlook mail screen elements

Composing and sending an email message

Managing the Inbox.

Accessing the internet

Going to a specific website and bookmarking

Understanding how to search/Google effectively

Copy and paste Internet content into your documents and emails

Stopping and refreshing pages

Demystifying the Cloud

Computer security best practices