Select files and text. You can use your mouse or keyboard shortcuts to select files on your computer and text on documents and website. Click and drag the mouse across the text you want to select, or press Ctrl + A (PC) or Cmd + A (Mac) to select everything in your current location. Once you’ve selected files or text, there are several different actions you can take.

Copy and paste. “Copying” a file or text leaves the original intact, while creating a copy on your computer’s clipboard. You can then “Paste” the file or text elsewhere:

• 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.

Save and open files. Many programs such as word processors, photo editors, and more allow you to create and save documents and files. When working on a computer, it is wise to save often. You never know when the power might go out, costing you hours of unsaved work. Get in the habit of saving often, and if you are making major revisions to a file it might be wise to create a new copy. You can quickly save your work in most programs that allow saving by pressing Ctrl + S (Windows) or Cmd + S (macOS).

• 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.

Find and sort your files. As you use your computer more and more, your personal collection of documents, media, and files may start to get a bit out of control. Take some time and organize your personal folders in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS). You can create new folders to help create a directory of easily-accessible information.

Set up a connection. In order to connect to the internet, your computer will need to have access to an internet connection. This may come in the form of a wireless network, or you may need to connect your computer directly to your network’s router or modem. All of this depends on how the network at your location is configured, and the capabilities of your computer.

• 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.

Open a web browser. The web browser is the software that allows you to view webpages, watch online videos, download files, and do essentially everything else internet-related. All computers come with a browser installed by default—the default web browser in Windows is called Microsoft Edge, and it’s represented by a small “e” icon. If you’re using a Mac, the default web browser is Safari, and it’s the compass icon. There are also several popular alternative browsers, including Google Chrome and Firefox.

Install an antivirus application. Both Windows and macOS come with built-in protection from viruses and other malware (bad apps). If you’re new to the internet, it may be helpful to install additional antivirus protection to keep hackers and identity thieves out of your personal files. Some popular options are Malwarebytes, Avast, and AVG.

• With an anti-virus program, you can scan any flash drives that you plug into your computer.^[2]

Browse safely when online. There is a lot of bad stuff on the internet, so be sure to stay safe while browsing. This means avoiding giving out personal information, only downloading from trusted sources, and steering clear of viruses, scams, and other illegal and dangerous activity.

Send an email. Emailing is one of the most common forms of communication these days, and knowing how to send an email is now an essential computer skill. You can set up a free email account with a variety of different services, and can be composing an email in just a few minutes.

Download a file. The internet is chock full of different types of files that you can download to your computer. Popular types of files include images, music, and programs. There are thousands of places to find files to download, and a variety of different ways to do so.

Install a printer. If you’re setting up a home office or are planning on using your computer for school, you’re probably going to want to print sooner rather than later. Installing a printer on modern computers is incredibly straight forward—you’ll usually just plug the computer in via USB to one of the available USB ports on the computer. Many printers are also wireless, which means that all you’ll need to do is connect the printer to the same Wi-Fi or wired network as your computer.

Set up a home network. Networks allow multiple computers to interact with each other and share the same internet connection. Connecting all of your computers and devices can give you quick access to files across devices, allow anyone on the network to print on the shared printer, play games together, and much more.^[3]

Install a webcam or microphone. A webcam lets you video chat with friends and family around the globe through programs like Skype and Zoom. If you’re using a modern laptop, you’ll usually have a webcam that’s already built in and ready to use! If not, you can buy a webcam from any computer or department store and plug it in to a USB port. [Image:Use a Computer Step 19 Version 3.jpg|center]]

Add speakers. While virtually all laptop computers have speakers built-in, desktop computers generally need external speakers or headphones in order for you to hear sound. Most computers have speaker connectors built-in that can be accessed on the back of the tower. Computer speakers are generally color-coded, so simply match the colored speaker plugs to the correct port.

Connect your computer to your TV. If your computer is located close to your TV, or you have a laptop that you can set nearby, you can turn your computer into a home theater machine by displaying the image on your TV. With the right cables, you can play your sound through your TV speakers or home theater system.

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

Learn basic troubleshooting tips. Like anything electronic, your computer will occasionally encounter problems. Knowing some basic troubleshooting tips can help save you a lot of time and potentially money. You don’t have to be an expert, but knowing what to try first can be very beneficial.

• 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.

Know how to recognize a virus. Viruses are destructive and invasive files that can pose a serious threat to your information and files. Viruses can slow a computer to a crawl, or cause you to lose everything you have stored. Most viruses can be avoided by practicing smart internet behavior.

• 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 troublesome programs. As you add more and more programs to your computer, you’ll find that there are some you use more than others. If you have old programs installed that you no longer use, they’re taking space on your computer that could be used for other things. Certain programs may be running in the background as well, even if you’re not using them, which can significantly impact your computer’s performance. Regularly uninstalling programs you no longer use is a good way to maintain your computer’s health.

• Uninstall programs on a Mac.
• Uninstall programs in Windows.

Clean out the dust to keep your computer running cool. Heat is your computer’s worst enemy, and as it gathers dust it will start building up more heat. You can keep your computer running cool by regularly cleaning out the inside of the case with compressed air, and by vacuuming the outside. Try to clean your computer at least two times a year, more if you have pets or are a smoker.