Windows Basics

All About Windows

All about 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 can use Windows to browse the Internet, check your email, edit digital
photos, listen to music, play games, and do much more.

Windows is also used in many offices because it gives you access to productivity tools
such as calendars, word processors, and spreadsheets.
Microsoft released the first version of Windows in the mid-1980s. There have been many
versions of Windows since then, but the most recent ones include Windows 10
(released in 2015), Windows 8 (2012), Windows 7 (2009), Windows Vista (2007), and
Windows XP (2001).

About this tutorial

This tutorial is designed to show you the absolute basics of using a Windows
computer, including how to use the desktop, how to open different files and
applications, and how to move and resize windows. The information in this tutorial will
apply to more recent versions of Windows, including the ones mentioned above.
However, once you've learned the basics, you may also want to review one of our
version-specific Windows tutorials. Just select the version of Windows that's installed
on your computer:

▶︎ Windows 10

▶︎ Windows 8

▶︎ Windows 7

▶︎ Windows XP

Windows 8 vs. other versions

While most versions of Windows are relatively similar, Windows 8 works very
differently from other versions. However, if you have Windows 8 on your computer, you
should now be able to upgrade to Windows 10, which is more similar to earlier versions,
including Windows 7. We recommend upgrading your computer to Windows 10 if you
can. Review our Windows 10 tutorial to learn how.

However, we'll still point out any major differences between Windows 8 and other
versions, which means you'll see some Windows 8-specific information from time to
time. If your computer uses Windows 8, you'll want to review both this tutorial and our
Windows 8 tutorial to learn more about the differences.
Windows Basics
Navigating Windows

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 the desktop, open and close
windows, and turn off your computer.

Watch the video below to learn the basics of navigating Windows.

The desktop
Once your computer has finished starting up, the first thing you'll see is the desktop.
You can think of the desktop as the main workspace for your computer. From here, you
can view and manage your files, open applications, access the Internet, and much more.

Click the buttons in the interactive below to become more familiar with the
desktop.
 In Windows 8, you will usually see the Start screen before the desktop. To
learn more, review our lesson on Getting Started with Windows 8.

Working with applications

An application—also known as a program—is a type of software that allows you to
complete tasks on your computer. Windows comes with many built-in applications you
can use. For example, if you want to browse the Internet, you can use Microsoft Edge
(or Internet Explorer if you're using Windows 8 or earlier).

To open an application:
1 Using your mouse, click the Start button, then select the desired
application. If you don't see the one you want, click All Programs to see a
complete list of applications. In our example, we'll open Microsoft Edge.
2 The application will appear in a new window.

There is no Start menu in Windows 8, so you'll usually open applications

from the Start screen. Click the Start button to go to the Start screen, then
click an app to open it.
Working with windows
Whenever you open a file, folder, or application, it will appear in a new window. You
can have multiple items open at the same time in different windows. You'll use windows
all the time, so it's important to know how to switch between open windows, how to
move and resize windows, and how to close windows when you're done using them.

In Windows 8, some programs will open on the Start screen, not the
desktop. If you're using Windows 8, note that the information below
applies only to windows you have opened on the desktop.

Parts of a window
You'll see the same three buttons in the upper-right corner of almost every window.
These buttons allow you to perform several functions, including these below.

▶︎ Click the Minimize button to hide the window. The window will be
minimized to the taskbar. You can then click the icon for that window on
the taskbar to make it reappear.

▶︎ Click the Maximize button to make the window fill the entire screen.

▶︎ If the screen is maximized, the Maximize button will be temporarily

replaced by the Restore button. Just click it to return the window to its
original size.

▶︎ Click the Close button to close the window.

To move a window:
1 Click and drag the top of the window to move it to the desired location on
the screen. When you're done, release the mouse.
 2 The window will appear in the new location.

To resize a window:
1 Hover the mouse over any corner of the window, then click and drag the
mouse to make the window larger or smaller. When you're done, release
the mouse.

2 The window will be resized.

Switching between windows
If you have more than one window open at the same time, you can quickly switch
between them by clicking the icon for that window on the taskbar.

Shutting down your computer

When you're done using your computer, it's important to shut it down properly. The
procedure will vary slightly depending on which version of Windows you're using.

To shut down your computer:

▶︎ If you're using Windows 10, click the Start button, then the Power icon,
then click Shut down.

▶︎ If you're using Windows 8, click the Start button to access the Start
screen, click the Power icon near the upper-right corner, and select Shut
down. If you don't see this option, it means you'll need to upgrade to
Windows 8.1. Review this page from our Windows 8 tutorial to learn how.
 ▶︎ If you're using Windows 7 or earlier, Click the Start button, then select
Shut down.

Restarting and Sleep mode

You can also click the power button button for more options. For example, if your
computer has become unresponsive, you can choose Restart to quickly turn it off and
on again.

You can also choose to put your computer into Sleep mode. This turns off most of your
computer's processes, but it remembers which applications and files are open. It allows
the computer to start up more quickly because you won't have to wait for the
operating system and applications to load. Note that your computer may go into Sleep
mode automatically if you haven't used it for more than a few minutes.
 If you have a laptop, you can simply close the lid to put it into Sleep mode.

Waking your computer from Sleep mode

If your computer is in Sleep mode, you'll need to wake it to use it. To wake the
computer from Sleep mode, click the mouse or press any key on the keyboard.
Windows Basics
Working with Files

Working with files

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.

Watch the video below to learn more about using files and folders in
Windows.

What is a file?
There are many different types of files you can use. For example, Microsoft Word
documents, digital photos, digital music, and digital videos are all types of files. You
might even think of a file as a digital version of a real-world thing you can interact with
on your computer. When you use different applications, you'll often be viewing,
creating, or editing files.
Files are usually represented by an icon. In the image below, you can see a few different
types of files below the Recycle Bin on the desktop.

What is a folder?
Windows uses folders to help you organize files. You can put files inside a folder, just
like you would put documents inside a real folder. In the image below, you can see
some folders on the desktop.

File Explorer
You can view and organize files and folders using a built-in application known as File
Explorer (called Windows Explorer in Windows 7 and earlier versions).

To open File Explorer, click the File Explorer icon on the taskbar, or double-click any
folder on your desktop. A new File Explorer window will appear. Now you're ready to
start working with your files and folders.
From File Explorer, double-click a folder to open it. You can then see all of the files
stored in that folder.

Notice that you can also see the location of a folder in the address bar near the top of
the window.

To open a file:
There are two main ways to open a file:
 ▶︎ Find the file on your computer and double-click it. This will open the file
in its default application. In our example, we'll open a Microsoft Word
document (BdayInvites.docx), which will open in Microsoft Word.

▶︎ Open the application, then use the application to open the file. Once
the application is open, you can go to the File menu at the top of the
window and select Open.

Moving and deleting files

As you begin using your computer, you will start to collect more and more files, which
can make it more difficult to find the files you need. Fortunately, Windows allows you to
move files to different folders and delete files you longer use.
To move a file:
It's easy to move a file from one location to another. For example, you might have a file
on the desktop that you want to move to your Documents folder.

1 Click and drag the file to the desired location.

2 Release the mouse. The file will appear in the new location. In this example,
we have opened the folder to see the file in its new location.

You can use this same technique to move an entire folder. Note that
moving a folder will also move all of the files within that folder.

To create a new folder:

1 Within File Explorer, locate and select the New folder button. You can also
right-click where you want the folder to appear, then select New > Folder.
 2 The new folder will appear. Type the desired name for the folder and press
Enter. In our example, we'll call it School Documents.

3 The new folder will be created. You can now move files into this folder.

To rename a file or folder:

You can change the name of any file or folder. A unique name will make it easier to
remember what type of information is saved in the file or folder.

1 Click the file or folder, wait about one second, and click again. An editable
text field will appear.

2 Type the desired name on your keyboard and press Enter. The name will
be changed.
 You can also right-click the folder and select Rename from the menu that
appears.

To delete a file or folder:

If you no longer need to use a file, you can delete it. When you delete a file, it is moved
to the Recycle Bin. If you change your mind, you can move the file from the Recycle Bin
back to its original location. If you're sure you want to permanently delete the file, you
will need to empty the Recycle Bin.
 1 Click and drag the file to the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop. You can also
click the file to select it and press the Delete key on your keyboard.

2 To permanently delete the file, right-click the Recycle Bin icon and select
Empty Recycle Bin. All files in the Recycle Bin will be permanently deleted.

Note that deleting a folder will also delete all of the files within that folder.

Selecting multiple files

Now that you know the basics, here are a few tips to help you move your files even
faster.
Selecting more than one file
There are a few ways to select more than one file at a time:

▶︎ If you're viewing your files as icons, you can click and drag the mouse to
draw a box around the files you want to select. When you're done, release
the mouse; the files will be selected. You can now move, copy, or delete all
of these files at the same time.

▶︎ To select specific files from a folder, press and hold the Control key on
your keyboard, then click the files you want to select.

▶︎ To select a group of files from a folder, click the first file, press and hold
the Shift key on your keyboard, then click the last file. All of the files
between the first and last ones will be selected.
Selecting all files
If you want to select all files in a folder at the same time, open the folder in File
Explorer and press Ctrl+A (press and hold the Control key on your keyboard, then press
A). All of the files in the folder will be selected.

Ctrl+A is an example of a keyboard shortcut. We'll talk more about these

in our lesson on Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows.

If working with files and folders feels a little tricky right now, don't worry! Like anything
else, working with files and folders is largely a matter of practice. You'll start to feel
more comfortable as you continue using your computer. In the next lesson, we'll talk
about another important concept: how to find files on your computer that you can't
easily locate.
Shortcuts
If you have a file or folder you use frequently, you can save time by creating a shortcut
on the desktop. Instead of navigating to the file or folder each time you want to use it,
you can simply double-click the shortcut to open it. A shortcut will have a small arrow in
the lower-left corner of the icon.

Note that creating a shortcut does not create a duplicate copy of the folder; it's simply a
way to access the folder more quickly. If you delete a shortcut, it will not delete the
actual folder or the files it contains. Also note that copying a shortcut onto a flash drive
will not work; if you want to bring a file with you, you'll need to navigate to the actual
location of the file and copy it to the flash drive.

To create a shortcut:
1 Locate and right-click the desired folder, then select Send to Desktop
(create shortcut).

2 A shortcut to the folder will appear on the desktop. Notice the arrow in the
lower-left corner of the icon. You can now double-click the shortcut to open
the folder at any time.

You can also hold the Alt key on your keyboard, then click and drag the
folder to the desktop to create a shortcut.
Windows Basics
Finding Files on Your Computer

Finding files on your computer

In the previous lesson, we talked about how folders can help to keep your files
organized. However, there may be times when you have trouble 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 lesson, we'll show you different techniques you
can use to find your files, including searching and looking in common places.

Watch the video below to learn more about finding files in Windows.

Common places to look for files

If you're having a difficult time finding a file, there's a good chance you can find it in one
of the following places:

▶︎ Downloads: By default, your computer will place downloaded files in a

specific folder, known as the Downloads folder. If you're having trouble
finding a file you downloaded from the Internet, such as a photo attached
to an email message, this is the first place you should look. To view the
 Downloads folder, open File Explorer, then locate and select Downloads
(below Favorites on the left side of the window). A list of your recently
downloaded files will appear.

▶︎ Default folders: If you don't specify a location when saving a file, Windows
will place certain types of files into default folders. For example, if you're
looking for a Microsoft Word document, you could try looking in the
Documents folder. If you're looking for a photo, try looking in the Pictures
folder. Most of these folders will be accessible on the left side of the File
Explorer window.

▶︎ Recycle Bin: If you deleted a file by mistake, it may still be in the Recycle
Bin. You can double-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop to open it. If
 you find the file you need, click and drag it back to the desktop or to a
different folder.

Searching for files

Let's say you recently downloaded a few photos that were attached to an email
message, but now you're not sure where these files are on your computer. If you're
struggling to find a file, you can always search for it. Searching allows you to look for
any file on your computer.

To search for a file (Windows 10):

In the Cortana Search Box next to the Start button, type to search for a file. The search
results will appear above the search box.
To search for a file (Windows 8):
Click the Start button to go to the Start screen, then start typing to search for a file.
The search results will appear on the right side of the screen. Simply click a file or folder
to open it.

To search for a file (Windows 7 and earlier):

Click the Start button, type the file name or keywords with your keyboard, and press
Enter. The search results will appear. Simply click a file or folder to open it.
Tips for finding files
If you're still having trouble finding the file you need, here are some additional tips.

▶︎ Try different search terms. If you're using the search option, try using
different terms in your search. For example, if you're looking for a certain
Microsoft Word document, try searching for a few different file names you
might have used when saving the document.

▶︎ Open the last application used to edit the file. If you know you used a
certain application to edit a file, open that application and select File >
Open > Recent from the menu. The file may appear in the list of recently
edited files.

▶︎ Move and rename the file after finding it. Once you've located the file,
you may want to move it to a related folder so you can find it more easily
in the future. For example, if the file is a picture, you might move it to your
Pictures folder. You may also want to give it a file name that will be easy to
remember. You can review our lesson on Working with Files to learn more
about managing files.
Windows Basics
Common Computer Tasks

Common computer tasks

Learning how to use a computer can feel overwhelming at times. Fortunately, there are
some common computer 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 talk about some common commands you
can use in almost any application, including cut, copy, paste, and undo.

The Menu bar

Most applications have a Menu bar at the top of the window. Each menu has a set of
commands that will perform a specific action within the program. While each
application is different, there are some common commands that work the same way,
no matter which application you're using. Whenever you open a program for the first
time, try clicking these menus to see the various options available.

File menu commands

You'll find the File menu on the leftmost side of the Menu bar in almost every
application. The File menu will usually have the same type of commands. For example,
you can create a new file, open an existing file, and save the current file, among other
functions.
Cut, copy, and paste
Many applications allow you to copy items from one place and then paste them to
another. For example, if you're working with a word processor, you might copy and
paste text to avoid typing the same thing over and over. If there's something you want
to move from one place to another, you can cut and paste instead.

To copy and paste:

1 Select the item you want to copy. In our example, we'll select a word in a
document.

2 Right-click the mouse and select Copy from the menu that appears. You
can also press Ctrl+C on your keyboard.

3 Locate and right-click the desired location for the item, then select Paste.
You can also press Ctrl+V on your keyboard.
 4 The item will be copied to the new location. Notice how the original text
that was copied has not been moved or changed.

To cut and paste:

1 Select the item you want to cut. In our example, we'll select a paragraph of
text in a document.

2 Right-click the mouse and select Cut from the menu that appears. You can
also press Ctrl+X on your keyboard.

3 Locate and right-click the desired location for the item, then select Paste.
You can also press Ctrl+V on your keyboard.
 4 The item will be pasted, or moved, to the new location. In our example, we
used the cut and paste commands to move the second paragraph above
the first paragraph.

To copy and paste files:

You can use the cut, copy, and paste commands for a variety of tasks on your computer.
For example, if you wanted to create a duplicate copy of a file, you could copy it from
one folder to another.

1 Right-click the file and select Copy from the menu that appears. You can
also press Ctrl+C on your keyboard.
2 Locate and right-click the new location, then select Paste. You can also
press Ctrl+V on your keyboard. In our example, we'll paste the file to the
desktop.

3 The duplicate file will appear. Notice how the original file has not been
moved or changed. Also, note that if you make a change to the original file,
it will not update any copies of that file.
 Copying a file is not the same as creating a shortcut. You can review our
lesson on Working with Files to learn more about using shortcuts.

Undoing changes
Let's say you're working on a text document and accidentally delete some text.
Fortunately, you won't have to retype everything you just deleted! Most applications
allow you to undo your most recent action when you make a mistake like this. Just
locate and select the Undo command, which is usually in the upper-left corner of the
window near the Menu bar. You can also press Ctrl+Z on your keyboard. You can
continuing using this command to undo multiple changes in a row.

Note that the Undo command will work almost all of the time, but not in
every situation. For example, if you empty the Recycle Bin to permanently
delete a file, you can't undo the action.

Now you know some of the most commonly used commands, which you'll be able to
use in almost any application on your computer. As we mentioned earlier in this lesson,
you can also use keyboard shortcuts to perform these commands even faster. We'll
talk more about keyboard shortcuts in our lesson on Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows.
Windows Basics
Common Applications in Windows

Common applications in Windows

Windows comes with several useful applications already installed. These applications
can help you with many common 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 navigate the Start menu to find the app
you're looking for. Take a look at our Navigating Windows lesson to learn more.

Web browsers
Internet Explorer is one of the most well-known applications on the Internet, primarily
because it has come bundled with many versions of Windows for the past 20 years. It
has a simple interface and most standard web browser features, including bookmarking
your favorite websites.
Microsoft Edge replaces Internet Explorer in Windows 10 but serves the same function.
It has a few new features over Internet Explorer, including an option to display
webpages in an easy-to-read format and integration with other parts of Windows 10.

Productivity
Windows 8 and Windows 10 include several productivity apps that can help you with
daily tasks, like managing your email and calendars, finding directions, and organizing
notes.

Mail and Calendar are apps that connect your accounts with other services, such as
Microsoft, Google, and Apple. They synchronize your mailboxes and calendars within
these services and display them in a single window on your computer.

Maps, an app powered by Bing Maps, gives you access to all of the same navigation and
search features. It adds a few other features as well, like pinning locations and saving
directions on all of your Windows devices.
OneNote is the advanced note organization software originally included with Microsoft
Office, but now it's a default app in Windows 10. OneNote lets you create a collection of
notes that you can then search and share.

Media
Photos, introduced in Windows 8, is a digital photo organizer that helps you store, sort,
and display photos on your computer. It also includes features for editing, online
storage, and sharing to social media.

Groove Music and Movies & TV are apps included with Windows 10 that access
Microsoft's online media services. Groove Music can play music stored on your
computer and OneDrive, and it can stream online music with the purchase of a monthly
subscription. You can play video files stored on your computer with Movies & TV, and
you can use it to shop for movies and TV shows online as well.

Windows Media Player is Microsoft's default basic media player that has come with
most versions of Windows. It can play most types of audio and video files stored on your
computer.
Settings
The Control Panel is where you can adjust your computer's settings and configurations.
The Settings app, introduced in Windows 8, gives you access to most of your
computer's settings but is designed in a new tablet style instead of the classic Windows
style.
Windows Basics
Opening Files with Different Applications

Opening files with different

applications
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 as how to
change the default application so a file will always open in your preferred program.

If you're using Windows 8, files will usually open in a Start screen

application, even if you opened it from the desktop. If you prefer to work
in the desktop, you can choose to open the file with a desktop application.
For example, a jpeg picture in Windows 8 will open in the Photos
application by default, but you can open it on the desktop in Windows
Photo Viewer instead.

Opening a file in the default application

As you learned in our lesson on Working with Files, you can locate and double-click a
file to open it. It will open in the default application for that type of file.
To open a file in a different application:
Sometimes you may want to open a file in a different application without changing the
default. For example, you may want to open a photo with Microsoft Paint to crop or
resize it.

1 From the desktop, right-click the desired file.

2 From the drop-down menu, click Open with, then select the desired
application. In this example, we'll select Paint.

3 The file will open in the selected application.

To change the default application:
You may prefer to change the default application for certain types of files so they'll
always open in the new app when you double-click them. For example, you may want
your photos to always open in Windows Photo Viewer instead of the Photos
application.

1 From the desktop, right-click the desired file, select Open with, and click
Choose another app from the menu that appears.

2 Select the desired application. If you don't see the one you want, click
More apps or Look for an app in the Store to look for other applications.
 In this example, we want to open the file in Windows Photo Viewer. Then
check off Always use this app to open .jpg files and click OK.

3 The file will open in the new application. The next time you double-click a
file of that type, it will open in the new default application.
Windows Basics
Working with Flash Drives

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 with you and open them on a different
computer. You could also use a flash drive to back up important documents and other
files. In this lesson, we'll show you how to use a flash drive with your computer.

To connect a flash drive:

1 Insert the flash drive into a USB port on your computer. You should find a
USB port on the front, back, or side of your computer (the location may
vary depending on whether you have a desktop or a laptop).

2 Depending on how your computer is set up, a dialog box may appear. If it
does, select Open folder to view files.
 3 If a dialog box does not appear, open Windows Explorer and locate and
select the flash drive on the left side of the window. Note that the name of
the flash drive may vary.

Working with a flash drive:

Once you've connected a flash drive, you can work with it just like any other folder on
your computer, including moving and deleting files.

1 If you want to copy a file from your computer to the flash drive, click and
drag the file from your computer to this window.

2 The file will be duplicated, and this new version will be saved to the flash
drive. The original version of the file will still be saved to your computer.
 3 If you want to copy a file from your flash drive to your computer, click
and drag the file from this window to your computer.

4 If you want to remove a file from your flash drive, click and drag the file
to the Recycle Bin. A dialog box will appear. Click Yes to confirm that you
want to permanently delete the file.

To safely remove a flash drive:

When you're done using a flash drive, don't remove it from the USB port just yet! You'll
need to make sure to disconnect it properly to avoid damaging files on the drive.

1 Right-click the flash drive, then select Eject (or Disconnect).

2 You can now safely remove the flash drive from the USB port.
Computer Basics
Understanding Applications

What is an application?
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 runs inside the operating system until you close it.
Most of the time, you will have more than one application open at the same time, which
is known as multi-tasking.

Watch the video below to learn more about applications.

App is a common term for an application, especially for simple

applications that can be downloaded inexpensively or even for free.
Many apps are also available for mobile devices and even some TVs.
Desktop applications
There are countless desktop applications, and they fall into several categories. Some
are more full featured (like Microsoft Word), while others may only do one or two
things (like a clock or calendar app). Below are just a few types of applications you
might use.

▶︎ Word processors: A word processor allows you to write a letter, design a

flyer, and create many other types of documents. The most well-known
word processor is Microsoft Word.

▶︎ Web browsers: A web browser is the tool you use to access the Internet.
Most computers come with a web browser pre-installed, but you can also
download a different one if you prefer. Examples of browsers include
Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari.

▶︎ Media players: If you want to listen to MP3s or watch movies you've

downloaded, you'll need to use a media player. Windows Media Player
and iTunes are popular media players.
 ▶︎ Games: There are many types of games you can play on your computer.
They range from card games like Solitaire to action games like Halo. Many
action games require a lot of computing power, so they may not work
unless you have a newer computer.

Mobile apps
Desktop and laptop computers aren't the only devices that can run applications. You
can also download apps for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Here are a
few examples of mobile apps.

▶︎ Gmail: You can use the Gmail app to easily view and send emails from your
mobile device. It's available for Android and iOS devices.

▶︎ Instagram: You can use Instagram to quickly share photos with your
friends and family. It's available for Android and iOS.
 ▶︎ Duolingo: With a combination of quizzes, games, and other activities, this
app can help you learn new languages. It's available for Android and iOS.

GCFLearnFree.org offers a variety of mobile apps. You can go to our Mobile

Apps page to download them for free.

Installing new applications

Every computer and mobile device will come with some applications already built in,
such as a web browser and media player. However, you can also purchase and install
new apps to add more functionality. You can review our lessons on Installing Software
on Your Windows PC, Installing Software on Your Mac, and Free Software to learn
more.
Computer Basics
Bringing Your Files with You

Bringing your files with you

When you're working on a document or other computer file, you can always save it to
your computer's hard drive. But sometimes you may want to bring your file with you
and open it on a different computer. In this lesson, we'll talk about two ways to save
your files so you can access them from almost anywhere.

▶︎ Flash drive: Flash drives are small removable hard drives that plug into
the USB ports on your computer. They are relatively inexpensive (usually
less than $20) and can be purchased at any store with an electronics
section.

▶︎ Cloud storage: Cloud storage means you save your files on servers on the
Internet using an account with a cloud service. With cloud storage, you can
access your files from any computer with Internet access without having to
keep track of a physical device.

Flash drives and the cloud can also be used to back up your files. To learn
more, check out our lesson on Backing Up Your Files.

Using a flash drive

Flash drives make it easy to carry your important files and documents with you in a
portable form. You should always back up the files on your flash drive elsewhere,
however, just in case it gets lost or breaks.
To connect a flash drive:
1 Insert the flash drive into a USB port on your computer. You should find a
USB port on the front, back, or side of your computer (the location may
vary depending on whether you have a desktop or laptop).

2 If you're using Windows, a dialog box may appear. If it does, select Open
folder to view files. On a Mac, a flash drive icon will usually appear on the
desktop.

3 If a dialog box does not appear, open Windows Explorer—or Finder if

you're using a Mac—and select the flash drive on the left side of the
window. Note that the name of the flash drive may vary.

To work with a flash drive:

Once you've connected a flash drive, you can work with it just like any other folder on
your computer, including moving and deleting files.

1 If you want to copy a file from your computer to the flash drive, click and
drag the file from your computer to this window.
2 The file will be duplicated, and this new version will be saved to the flash
drive. The original version of the file will still be saved to your computer.

3 If you want to copy a file from your flash drive to your computer, click
and drag the file from this window to your computer.

4 If you want to remove a file from your flash drive, click and drag the file
to the Recycle Bin on a PC or the Trash can on a Mac. A dialog box may
appear appear. If it does, click Yes to confirm that you want to permanently
delete the file.

If a dialog box does not appear, you may need to empty the Trash can to
permanently delete the file.
To safely remove a flash drive:
When you're done using a flash drive, don't remove it from the USB port just yet. You'll
need to make sure to disconnect it properly to avoid damaging files on the drive.

1 Right-click the flash drive and select Disconnect (or Eject).

2 You can now safely remove the flash drive from the USB port.

If you're using a Mac, you can also click the Eject button next to the flash
drive in Finder to eject it.
Saving files to the cloud
There are many services that allow you to create a free account and save documents,
images, and other files to the cloud. Some of the most popular are Google Drive,
OneDrive, and Dropbox. The free storage space that comes with these accounts
(usually around 15GB) should be plenty if you're using your account for regular
personal, work, or school purposes. If you own a business and want to keep all of your
documents in the cloud, you may want to pay your cloud service for more storage.

Unlike physical media, the cloud can't break or get lost, so you don't necessarily need
to back up the files you keep on it. Files in the cloud are also easier to share so you can
collaborate with friends and coworkers. However, when you save something online,
there's always a risk that unauthorized users will try to gain access to your personal
information. To protect your files, create a strong password and pay attention to the
privacy settings and policies of the cloud service you're using.

To learn more about services that allow you to store your files in the cloud,
check out our tutorials on Google Drive and OneDrive and Office Online.
Tech Savvy Tips and Tricks
Taking Screenshots

Taking screenshots
There may be times when you want to
explain or show something that's
happening on your computer screen or
mobile device. Knowing how to take a
screenshot—or a picture of the
screen—can be handy in a variety of ways,
like:

▶︎ When you'd like to capture an error message to show tech support

▶︎ If you're on the phone with someone who needs help finding something on
his or her computer, you can send a screenshot of your computer to show
that person what to look for

▶︎ If you'd like to save the confirmation number of a purchase rather than

printing it or writing it down

Screenshots are captured by using keyboard shortcuts or a screenshot application.

There are a few screenshot options available, depending on how much of the screen
you want to capture. You can choose to take a screenshot of the entire screen, the
active window, or part of the screen. In this lesson, we'll share how to take
screenshots for Windows and Mac OS X computers, as well as for mobile devices.

If you need to review how to perform shortcuts with your keyboard, go to

our Keyboard Shortcuts lesson.

Taking screenshots in Windows

When taking a screenshot in Windows, you'll use the Print Scrn key in your keyboard
shortcuts. The image will copy to the clipboard. It's important to note that only one
image at a time can be copied to the clipboard.
 ▶︎ Print Scrn: This copies the entire screen.

▶︎ Alt+Print Scrn: This copies the active window or dialog box.

Once you've taken a screenshot, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+V
to paste it into applications like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Paint, and
Photoshop. You can then edit and save the image.

Taking screenshots in Mac OS X

When taking screenshots in Mac OS X, these keyboard shortcuts will automatically save
the picture to your desktop as an image file.

▶︎ Shift+Command+3: This takes a screenshot of the entire screen.

▶︎ Shift+Command+4: The mouse changes into a crosshair . You can then

choose from two options:
▶︎ Click and drag the mouse to take a screenshot of part of the screen.
 ▶︎ Press the space bar. The mouse changes into a camera . Then
click on a window to take a screenshot of that window.

Screenshot apps
An alternative to using keyboard shortcuts is to
use a built-in screenshot app, such as the
Snipping Tool (included with many versions of
Windows) or Grab (included in all versions of
Mac OS X). If you'd like additional options like
the ability to edit your images or add callouts,
you can download an app like Jing, Snagit, or
Skitch. Snagit and Skitch also feature a time delay setting for capturing an action, like
opening a menu.

If you're interested in creating screen recordings (screencasts), you can

download one of these apps: Jing, ActivePresenter (Windows), or Screeny
(Mac OS X).
Taking screenshots on mobile devices
▶︎ To take a screenshot on an Apple mobile device, all you have to do is press
the Home button and the Sleep/wake button at the same time. This will
take a photo of what's on your screen, and the image will save to your
camera roll (in the Photos app).

▶︎ To take a screenshot on most Android mobile devices, just press the

Volume Down button and the Power button at the same time. This will
take a picture of your screen, and the image will save to your gallery.
Tech Savvy Tips and Tricks
Finding Your Downloads

Finding your downloads

While you may spend a lot of time
browsing the Web, you can also use the
Internet to download files to your
computer. From email attachments to
photos, music, movies, applications,
and more, you've probably downloaded
lots of different files from the Web.

Sometimes, however, it can be difficult to locate those files after downloading them. In
this lesson, you'll learn how to find your downloads easily on both Windows and Mac
OS X computers.

Using the Downloads folder

By default, most computers will save downloaded files in a specific folder, known as the
Downloads folder. If you're having trouble finding a downloaded file, this is the first
place you should look.

Using the Downloads folder in Windows:

▶︎ Open Windows Explorer (also known as File Explorer), then locate and
select Downloads in the Navigation pane. A list of your downloaded files
will appear.
Using the Downloads folder in Mac OS X:
▶︎ Locate and select the Downloads folder on the right side of the Dock. A list
of your downloaded files will appear in a Stack above the folder.

If you don't see the Downloads folder on the Dock, you can use Spotlight
to search for it. Simply click the Spotlight icon in the top-right corner of
the screen, then type Downloads in the search box.
Viewing recent downloads in your
browser
You can also view downloads directly from your web browser. This is especially helpful
for finding files you've downloaded recently, but it may not display every file in your
Downloads folder.

We'll use Internet Explorer in the example below, but other web browsers
will have similar options for viewing recently downloaded files.

▶︎ In Internet Explorer, click the gear icon then select View downloads
from the drop-down menu.

Searching for files

Sometimes you may not be able to find the file you need in the Downloads folder. If you
believe the file is still on your computer, you can always search for the file.

Searching for files in Windows:

▶︎ Click the Start button, type the file name or keywords, then press Enter.
 If you're using Windows 8, simply navigate to the Start screen and start
typing the file name.

Searching for files in Mac OS X:

▶︎ Click the Spotlight icon, type the file name or keywords, then press
Enter.

If you still can't find the file you need, you may be able to redownload it
from the original source on the Web.
Tech Savvy Tips and Tricks
Working with Zip Files

What is a zip file?

A zip file is a way of grouping, or archiving, multiple files so
they act like one file. For example, let's say you want to email
a folder of Word documents to someone. You could attach
each file individually, but it would take a long
time—especially if there are a lot of documents. A better
solution would be to put all of the files into a zip file, and
then attach the zip file to your email.

Another advantage of zip files is that they are compressed, which means the total file
size is smaller. If you're emailing a zip file to someone or posting it to the Web, it takes
less time to upload—and your recipients will also be able to download it more quickly.

Some file formats, like MP3s and JPEG images, are already compressed.
You can still zip these types of files, but the file size may not get much
smaller.

Creating zip files

Whether you're using Windows or Mac OS X, you don't need additional software to
create and open zip files. That's because the basic zip file features are built into the
operating system.

To create a zip file in Windows:

1 Select the files you want to add to the zip file.
2 Right-click one of the files. A menu will appear.

3 In the menu, click Send to and select Compressed (zipped) folder.

4 A zip file will appear. If you want, you can type a new name for the zip file.

In Windows, once you've created a zip file you can then add more files to it
by dragging them onto the zip file's icon.
To create a zip file in Mac OS X:
1 Select the files you want to add to the zip file.

2 Right-click one of the files. If right-clicking is not enabled, you can hold the
Control key and then click. A menu will appear.

3 In the menu, click Compress 12 Items (the number will vary depending on
how many files you have selected).
 4 A zip file will appear. By default, the file name will be Archive.zip.

5 If you want, you can type a new name for the zip file.

In OS X, once you've created a zip file you cannot add more files to it. If you
need to add files, you will need to create a new zip file that contains all of
the files you want.

Adding a password to your zip file

Some people prefer to use zip file programs such as 7-Zip, PeaZip, and StuffIt. These
programs have additional features, like password protection. If you add a password to
your zip file, it's important to tell recipients what the password is so they can open it.
Opening zip files
To open a zip file in Windows:
Windows treats zip files just like folders. You can open a zip file, move files in and out of
it, and open individual files just like you would if they were in a folder.

1 Double-click the zip file.

2 The zip file will open. You can now double-click any file to open it.

Because Windows makes it easy to work with zip files, there's generally no
need to unzip them. However, if you would prefer to unzip them you can
simply right-click the zip file's icon and select Extract All.
To open a zip file in Mac OS X:
Opening a zip file in OS X is slightly different from Windows. Instead of opening the zip
file directly, it will unzip the files and place them in a new folder. You can then open
the folder to access individual files.

1 Double-click the zip file.

2 A folder will be created with the same name as the zip file. You can double-
click the folder to open it.

3 You can now double-click any file to open it.

Tech Savvy Tips and Tricks
Backing Up Your Files

Backing up your files

As we become more dependent on technology to help
accomplish our everyday tasks, we tend to forget how
easily the information stored on our computers can be
lost. Imagine what would happen if your computer was
misplaced, damaged, or even stolen. Would you lose
any important music, documents, photos, or other files?

While it may be possible to repair or recover your computer, the files could be lost
forever. You can protect your files from accidental loss by creating a backup on an
external hard drive or online backup service. Should anything happen to your
computer, you can rest easy knowing your files are still safe and secure.

External hard drives

One of the easiest ways to back up your files is to copy
them to an external hard drive. You'll need to purchase
an external drive to get started. Western Digital, Lenovo
and Seagate produce some of the most popular external
hard drives. Conduct some research on which product
best suits your storage needs, or ask a computer sales
representative for recommendations.

Keep in mind that an external hard drive is subject to the same risks as your computer,
including fire, theft, and accidental damage. Thus, it is important to keep your drive in a
secure location (away from your computer) when not in use—we recommend a small
fireproof safe for greater protection.

Backing up files manually

If you only want to back up certain files, you can copy them directly to an external hard
drive. This is an easy way to protect your most important files and folders, like certain
documents or an important project.
 ▶︎ To back up a file or folder, connect the external hard drive to your
computer, then simply click and drag the desired items to the external
drive. A copy will now exist on both the computer and the external drive.

Backing up files automatically

While it's easy to copy files and folders to an external hard drive, it's also easy to forget.
You never know when you might need to access your files, so you'll want to back them
up regularly to make sure you always have a copy of the most recent version. To
simplify the process, most computers can automatically back up certain files or even
your entire hard drive.

▶︎ Using Windows
Windows Backup (also known as File History in Windows 8) allows you to
create automatic copies of certain files or folders. You can also use
Windows Backup to save a system image, which creates a backup of your
entire hard drive, including your files and any applications you have
installed. Check out Windows Backup and Restore from Microsoft to learn
more.

▶︎ Using Mac OS X
When active, Time Machine automatically creates a backup of your entire
hard drive, including your files and applications. If something goes wrong,
it's easy to restore your computer to a previous date and pick up right
where you left off. Visit Mac 101: Time Machine from Apple to learn more.
 If you choose to back up your entire hard drive, the initial backup could
take several hours. Select a time when you do not need to access your
computer—overnight usually works best. Additional backups should be
scheduled on a regular basis, but these will usually take less time because
the drive will only need to copy your most recent files.

Backing up your files online

Even if you back up your files regularly on an external hard drive, it's still possible to
lose your data. For added security, you can also back up your files in the cloud. When
you store something in the cloud, it's saved online to servers instead of a hard drive. The
main advantage of cloud-based storage is that your files are much less vulnerable to
risks like theft or accidental damage.

Visit Web Apps and the Cloud in our Computer Basics tutorial to learn
more about cloud storage.

Backing up files manually

If you want to back up a few files or folders
online, you'll need to sign up for an account
with a cloud-based storage service. Most
services will give you a small amount of free
storage, which should be enough to store
your most important files. You can also buy
additional storage for a monthly fee.

Best of all, you'll also be able to access your files from any device with an Internet
connection and share files with your family, friends, and coworkers. Learn more about
some of the most popular cloud-based storage services below:

Dropbox
Dropbox is a simple way to back up your most important files online.
Dropbox offers 2GB (gigabytes) of free storage and allows you to share
files and even entire folders with anyone you choose.

Google Drive
Google Drive is a cloud storage service from Google, offering 15GB of free
 storage. From Drive, you can also access Google Docs, which allows you to
create, share, and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, presentations,
and more. Visit our Google Drive and Docs tutorial to learn more.

OneDrive
OneDrive (previously called SkyDrive) is a cloud-based storage service from
Microsoft, offering 15GB of free storage. You'll also have access to Office
Online, a free online version of Microsoft Office that includes Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, and OneNote. Visit our OneDrive and Office Online tutorial to
learn more.

Backing up files automatically

While simple cloud-based services are great for backing up your most important files, it
can be easy to forget to back up your files regularly. If you want to automatically
back up a lot of files or even your entire computer, you'll need to purchase storage from
an online backup service.

The amount of storage provided by these services varies, and you will have to pay a
monthly or annual fee for adequate space. While these options may seem expensive,
they often cost the same as an external hard drive while offering the added security of
storing your files in the cloud. Learn about some of the most popular online backup
services below:

Carbonite
If you don't want to think about
backing up your files, Carbonite's
automatic backup service ensures
that all of your files are always up-to-
date. Carbonite has no limits on the
amount of storage you can use,
beginning with basic service for $59.99
per year.

Mozy
If you want more control over when your files are backed up, Mozy offers
both automatic and scheduled backups. It has a variety of monthly pricing
plans to suit your storage needs, offering 2GB of free storage and additional
space starting at 125GB for $9.99 per month.

iCloud
Unlike Mozy and Carbonite, iCloud is specifically designed to back up Apple
apps, including documents created with iWork applications (Pages,
Numbers, and Keynote), as well as content downloaded from iTunes and
the App Store. Any apps, music, movies, or TV shows you purchase are
automatically backed up if your computer is lost, damaged, or stolen. You
can also use iCloud to back up your content and settings for any iOS devices,
such as iPhones and iPads.

One drawback to online backup services is that the initial backup can be
very slow—it may take days, weeks, or even longer to upload all of your
files. However, subsequent backups should take much less time.