computer basics for beginners

 

computer basics for beginners

• Monitor: This is the screen where you see everything you do on the computer.
  
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• Keyboard: This is where you type in text and commands.
  
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• Mouse: This is how you move the cursor on the screen and click on things.
  
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• Central Processing Unit (CPU): This is the brain of the computer and it does all the calculations.
  
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  Central Processing Unit
• Memory: This is where the computer stores information it is currently using.
  
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• Storage: This is where the computer stores all of your files and programs. This can be a hard drive or a solid state drive (SSD).
  
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Software is the set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do. It includes things like:

• Operating System (OS): This is the main software that controls the computer and allows you to run other programs. Some popular operating systems are Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  
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• Applications: These are the programs that you use to do specific tasks, such as word processing, web browsing, or playing games.

Windows Operating System Shortcuts: A Comprehensive List

Navigating and Launching:

• Open Start Menu: Windows Key
• Open File Explorer: Windows Key + E
• Go to Desktop: Windows Key + D
• Minimize All Windows: Win + M
• Minimize/Maximize Window: Win + Down/Up Arrow
• Cycle Through Open Windows: Alt + Tab (hold Tab to choose)
• Switch Desktop (Win 11): Windows Key + Tab
• Lock Screen: Win + L
• Shut Down: Win + X, then U or Alt + F4

Text Editing and Selection:

• Copy: Ctrl + C
• Paste: Ctrl + V
• Cut: Ctrl + X
• Undo: Ctrl + Z
• Redo: Ctrl + Y
• Select All: Ctrl + A
• Find: Ctrl + F
• Replace: Ctrl + H
• Go to Beginning of Line: Home
• Go to End of Line: End
• Go to Beginning of Document: Ctrl + Home
• Go to End of Document: Ctrl + End
• Select Word: Double-click
• Select Line: Ctrl + Right-click
• Select Paragraph: Shift + Home/End

Window Management:

• Resize Window: Drag borders or hold Shift while dragging
• Snap Window to Side: Win + Left/Right Arrow (snaps to half screen)
• Move Window: Click and drag title bar
• Close Window: Alt + F4 or Close button
• Minimize Window: Win + M

Screenshots and Multimedia:

• Take Screenshot: PrtScn (full screen), Alt + PrtScn (active window)
• Open Snipping Tool: Win + Shift + S
• Play/Pause Media: Spacebar
• Skip Previous/Next Track: Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow
• Volume Up/Down: Ctrl + Up/Down Arrow
• Mute: Ctrl + M

System Commands:

• Open Task Manager: Ctrl + Shift + Esc
• Force Quit Program: Click process and choose "End Task" in Task Manager
• Open Run Dialog: Win + R
• Command Prompt: Win + X, then C
• Power Options: Win + L, then click Power icon

Bonus Shortcuts:

• Open Quick Access Menu: Win + X
• Show Desktop Peek: Win + Spacebar
• Night Light: Win + I, then System > Display > Night Light
• Sticky Keys: Hold Shift five times
• Magnifier: Win + Plus
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• Advanced Navigation:

• Jump List: Win + Q (search apps and files)
• Virtual Desktops: Win + Tab (create and switch between desktops)
• Split Screen: Win + Left/Right Arrow (snaps two windows to each side)
• Task View: Win + Tab (shows all open windows and desktops)
• Desktop History: Win + Tab, then click timeline icon (see past window arrangements)

File Exploration:

• Navigate Back/Forward: Alt + Left/Right Arrow
• Show/Hide File Extensions: Ctrl + Shift + L
• Open in New Tab: Ctrl + T
• Copy Path: Ctrl + C (on address bar)
• Open File Location: Shift + Right-click file, then "Open file location"

Text Formatting:

• Superscript/Subscript: Ctrl + Shift + +/Shift + Ctrl + =
• Strikethrough: Ctrl + ~
• Change Text Case: Shift + F3 (cycle through Uppercase, lowercase, Title Case)
• Insert Emojis: Win + . (period)
• Insert Special Characters: Alt + Ctrl + Space

System Utilities:

• Network Connections: Win + R, then type "ncpa.cpl" and Enter
• Device Manager: Win + X, then M
• Control Panel: Win + X, then P
• Event Viewer: Win + X, then V
• System Information: Win + R, then type "msinfo32" and Enter