How To Use A Computer With Pictures

These are the only things required to be connected to the computer in order to use it. You can add more peripherals and accessories later. If you are using a new laptop, you will have significantly less to set up. Plug your laptop into a power source to ensure that it is charged, and then press the power button to turn it on.

When creating any type of account, you’ll need to come up with a strong password to protect your personal information. Even if you’re the only one who will be using the computer, you’ll still want to protect it with a password to prevent hackers and thieves from accessing your data. If you’re aren’t asked to set up a new account, you may already have an account on the computer. If the computer is at your workplace or school, you’ll usually be assigned a username and password by your administrator. Contact your work or school’s IT department to find out which username and password you should be using.

If you’re using Windows 10, you’ll have a horizontal bar at the bottom of the screen—this is called the Taskbar, and it’s where you’ll find the Windows Start menu (sometimes just called the “Windows menu” or “Start menu. " This icon looks like a flag made of 4 small squares, and it’ll be at the bottom-left corner of the screen. Click this icon to find the applications (apps) on your computer. Windows 8 has replaced the Start menu with the Start screen. It functions much the same way, but is fundamentally different in the way it displays information. If you have a Mac, you’ll see a horizontal bar with icons at the bottom-center part of the screen. This is called the Dock, and it’s where you’ll find your apps, folders, files, and quick shortcuts. To find your apps, click the Launchpad icon on the Dock—this looks like a rocket on some Macs, and like 9 multicolored squares on others. [1] X Research source Also on your Mac is the menu bar, which is the horizontal bar running along the top of your screen. The menu bar is where you’ll find the controls for the currently-active app, as well as the Apple menu, which is represented by an Apple icon. The Apple menu is where you’ll find the settings and preferences for your Mac.

Learn how to use a mouse to navigate. Your mouse allows for pinpoint navigation and control, and is necessary for a wide variety of activities. There are a variety of mouse types, and some have more buttons than others. A mouse on a Windows PC usually has two buttons—the left button is your primary mouse button, while the right mouse button generally opens menus and features. You’ll usually need to double-click (click twice quickly) to open files and folders. A mouse on a Mac tends to have only one button. If you are used to using Windows and switching to a Mac, this may be confusing, especially when you’re told you need to “right-click” something. To right-click on a Mac, you’ll press and hold the Command key as you click your mouse button. If you’re using a laptop that has a trackpad (a finger-controlled mouse) rather than a separate mouse, you can move the cursor around by dragging your finger on the pad. Some trackpads have separate buttons you can click, while others don’t appear to have buttons at all. On a trackpad, you’ll usually click by double-tapping, or by pressing hard enough to click the entire pad with one finger.

Windows: The Windows file browser is called File Explorer. You can open it by clicking the folder icon on the Taskbar, or by pressing Windows key + E on the keyboard. macOS: The Mac file browser is called Finder, and you can open it by clicking the two-toned smiley face icon on the left side of the Dock.

Windows: If you’re using Windows, you can use the Microsoft Store to browse for and install all types of apps. Some apps are free, while others cost money. You’ll find the Microsoft Store in the Windows menu, but you can also open it by typing store into the Search bar and clicking Microsoft Store in the search results. macOS: Your Mac has an app called App Store, which allows you to browse, search for, and install free and paid apps. Click the blue icon with a white “A” on the Dock to open the App Store. Once you learn more about using your computer, you can start installing apps from places outside of the Microsoft Store and App Store. Both Windows and macOS have their own unique apps, and installing those apps is a little different on each operating system.

Windows: To copy, press Ctrl + C. To paste, press Ctrl + V. You can also copy and paste by right-clicking on the selection with your mouse and selecting Copy or Paste from the menu. macOS: Copy by pressing Cmd + C, and paste by pressing Cmd + V. You can also copy and paste by right-clicking (or by holding Cmd as you click) the selection with your mouse and selecting Copy or Paste from the menu.

You will also usually find the option to save files in the File menu, which is usually at the top-left corner of the app (or the top-left corner of the screen, if you’re using a Mac. If you have a lot of important files on your computer, consider setting up a backup system. This will ensure that you have at least one extra copy of all your important files should something happen to your computer. Windows and macOS both have backup systems built into the operating system.

Connect your computer to a wireless (Wi-Fi) network. If your home, office, or school has a wireless network set up, you can use your computer to connect to it. Most laptops can connect to a wireless network without any fuss, while some desktops will need to have a wireless network card installed. A wired network connection can be faster and more stable. If your computer is physically close to your internet access point (router or modem), you might want to consider using an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to the network. This is much more viable with a desktop, since they are typically immobile. A wired connection will not experience interference like wireless network might, and transmission speeds are much faster.

With an anti-virus program, you can scan any flash drives that you plug into your computer. [2] X Expert Source Luigi OppidoComputer & Tech Specialist Expert Interview. 31 July 2019.

Connect your Mac to a TV. Connect your laptop to a TV. Connect your desktop PC to a TV.

The first thing you should try whenever you are encountering a problem is restarting your computer. Believe it or not, this will resolve a large number of issues you are having with a program or function. To restart your Windows PC, click the Windows Start menu, click the Power button (it looks like a circle with a vertical line at its top), and then select Restart. To restart a Mac, click the Apple menu at the upper-left, select Restart…, and then click Restart to confirm. If you are having connectivity problems when browsing the internet, resetting your connection may fix your problem.

Besides viruses, adware and spyware can cause serious problems for your computer and your security. These are often installed alongside other programs, and can be very difficult to get rid of. You’ll often hear the word “malware” used to describe things like viruses, adware, and spyware.

Uninstall programs on a Mac. Uninstall programs in Windows.

If you have a laptop, you may be able to upgrade the hard drive or install more memory. Most laptops don’t offer upgrades beyond that. You can also consult with a computer specialist to see what the best option for your computer is. [4] X Expert Source Luigi OppidoComputer & Tech Specialist Expert Interview. 31 July 2019.