Computer Basics

Welcome to our guide to computer basics

Use the menu on the left to start learning

Basic icons

Start Menus- The Start menu provides access to programs installed on the computer, and as "Start" implies, it's often the place that you'll go to start or open things. To open the Start menu, click the the Start menu button at the bottom-left corner of the screen or press the Windows key on the keyboard.

My Documents- Icon that allows access to saved files, images, music, videos and programs.

Web Browsers-  Allows user to search the internet. Different icons represent different companies that created the browser.

Google                     Internet Explorer         Firefox           Apple Safari 

My Computer- Allows access to hard drives (where programs are saved) and removable disks (such as CDs or Flash Drives).

Recycle Bin-  Folder for deleted files. User can retrieve/restore files if necessary or empty permanently. 

Volume Control- Used to increase/ Decrease volume. 

WiFi Signal- Displays WiFi connection and signal strength. 

Keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard Shortcuts are a combination of keys on a keyboard to perform a function.

Keyboard shortcuts are universal and time saving. 

Ctrl-C:  Copy highlighted text, image or content.

Ctrl-X:  Cut highlighted text, image or content.  

Ctrl-V:  Paste highlighted copied text or content. 

Ctrl-Z:  Undo previous action.

Ctrl-P:  Print current page or document. 

Ctrl-F:  Find text on page. 

Ctrl +: Increase text size on screen.