Computer & Technology Basics Course for Absolute Beginners

Summary

This comprehensive video script serves as an informative guide for both novice and intermediate users looking to enhance their computer literacy. It covers a wide array of topics, from understanding the fundamental components of a computer system, including hardware and software, to the nuances of personal computers, servers, and mobile devices. The script delves into operating systems, emphasizing the differences between Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and touches on the importance of applications in daily computing tasks. It provides a step-by-step approach to setting up a desktop computer and creating a home internet connection, highlighting the various types of connections available. The importance of cloud storage for data safety is underscored, alongside practical advice on maintaining computer performance through regular cleaning and updates. The script also addresses internet security, advising on anti-virus software, firewalls, and best practices for online safety. Ergonomics and the setup of a healthy workspace are briefly mentioned, with a focus on the benefits of taking regular breaks and adjusting monitor and chair positions for comfort. The guide concludes with an introduction to web browsers and their functionalities, encouraging users to explore the internet efficiently and safely.

Takeaways

• 💻 Computers are electronic devices that manipulate data, using a combination of hardware (physical parts) and software (set of instructions).
• 🖥️ Personal computers, which include desktops and laptops, come in various styles and operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS.
• 🔌 Computers have various buttons and ports for different functions, including power, USB, Ethernet, and audio jacks, which are crucial for connectivity and operation.
• 🧱 The motherboard is a central component in a computer, housing the CPU (processor), RAM (memory), and expansion slots for additional cards in desktops.
• 🔋 Laptops offer portability and come with a built-in battery, monitor, and often a touchpad instead of a mouse for convenience.
• 🌐 Operating systems (OS) like Microsoft Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android are essential for interacting with the computer and determining its capabilities.
• 🛠️ Setting up a computer involves connecting peripherals like the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers, and ensuring the power supply is correctly plugged in.
• 🏠 Home internet connections can be established through various types of connections like dial-up, DSL, cable, fiber, or cellular, with ISPs providing the necessary equipment and setup.
• ☁️ Cloud storage allows for saving files on internet servers, providing accessibility and a layer of data protection against local hardware failures.
• 🧹 Regular cleaning of computer components and maintaining proper ergonomics can enhance the lifespan and user comfort, while also preventing dust and dirt from affecting performance.
• 🛡️ Protecting a computer involves using antivirus software, performing regular updates, and backing up data to prevent data loss in case of hardware failure or malware attacks.
• 🕵️‍♀️ Online safety includes being cautious with email spam, avoiding suspicious links, and keeping your browser up to date to prevent scams and cyber threats.

Q & A

What is the primary function of a computer?

A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information or data, processing it into more complex forms such as movies, website games, and more.

What are the two main components that computers use?

Computers use a combination of hardware and software. Hardware includes physical parts like internal components and external devices, while software consists of instructions that tell the hardware what to do.

What is the difference between a personal computer and a server?

A personal computer is designed for individual use and can be a desktop or a laptop, while a server is a type of computer that sends information to other computers on a network and is often used to store and share files in offices.

What are some common operating systems for personal computers?

The most common operating systems for personal computers are Windows OS, macOS, and Chrome OS.

What are some examples of hardware and software mentioned in the script?

Examples of hardware include the monitor, keyboard, and mouse, while examples of software include a web browser, media player, and word processor.

What is the role of a motherboard in a computer?

The motherboard is a large circuit board that contains some of the most important parts of the computer, such as the CPU, RAM, and expansion slots for adding additional components.

What is the purpose of a power supply unit in a computer?

The power supply unit is designed to take power from the wall outlet and distribute it to all the different components within the computer that require power.

What are the benefits of using cloud storage for files?

Cloud storage allows you to save files on internet servers, making them accessible anytime you're connected to the internet. It provides an extra layer of protection against data loss due to hardware failure or physical damage.

How can you protect your computer from malware?

To protect your computer from malware, use an antivirus program, avoid suspicious downloads or links, regularly update your antivirus software and operating system, and back up your files to an external drive or online service.

What is the significance of ergonomics in a computer workspace?

Ergonomics in a computer workspace is about arranging the environment to maximize comfort and reduce the risk of injury. Proper keyboard and chair positioning, monitor distance and height, and regular breaks can help prevent issues like eye strain, neck and back pain.

How do tracking cookies work in relation to online advertising?

Tracking cookies are small files placed on your computer by websites to identify you when you visit. Advertisers use this information to build a digital profile, which helps them send targeted ads based on your browsing habits and interests across different devices and platforms.

Outlines

00:00

💻 Introduction to Computers and Their Basic Components

This paragraph introduces the audience to the basics of computer literacy, suitable for beginners and those looking to fill gaps in their knowledge. It explains that computers are electronic devices that manipulate data, and differentiates between hardware (physical parts) and software (instruction sets). The paragraph also covers various types of personal computers, including desktops, laptops, and mobile devices, each with their operating systems. Additionally, it touches on the roles of servers and the importance of recognizing computer buttons and ports for effective use.

05:02

🖥️ Exploring the Internal Components of Computers

The second paragraph delves into the internal components of a standard desktop computer, starting with the computer case which houses the main components. It discusses the necessity of a monitor for viewing content, the variety of keyboard and mouse types for interaction, and the compact design of all-in-one models. The paragraph also highlights the importance of the motherboard, CPU (central processing unit), RAM (random access memory), and storage options like hard drives and solid-state drives. It mentions the possibility of upgrading components through expansion slots in desktops, the role of the power supply unit, and the built-in battery in laptops that allows for portability and use as a backup power source during power outages.

10:04

📦 Laptops vs. Desktops: Understanding the Differences

This paragraph contrasts laptops and desktops, emphasizing the portability of laptops due to their compact design and built-in components. It discusses the smaller screen size of laptops and their use of a battery for power, which doubles as a backup during outages. The built-in touchpad of laptops is highlighted as an alternative to a mouse, and the paragraph explains that while desktops offer more flexibility in component selection, laptops can be connected to external monitors, keyboards, and mice to mimic a desktop setup. The importance of the operating system (OS) in facilitating user interaction with the computer hardware is also covered, along with the existence of mobile operating systems for touch screen devices.

15:07

🛠️ Setting Up a Desktop Computer and Internet Connectivity

The fourth paragraph provides a step-by-step guide on setting up a desktop computer. It advises unpacking and arranging components before connecting, starting with the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. It touches on wired versus wireless devices and the need for pairing wireless devices. The importance of connecting speakers or headphones, power supply cables, and using a surge protector is also mentioned. The paragraph then shifts to discuss the benefits of a home internet connection and outlines various types of internet connections, including dial-up, DSL, cable, fiber, and cellular. It concludes with advice on purchasing internet service from an ISP and the process of connecting to the internet, which may involve a technician's visit.

20:10

🌐 Internet Setup and Online Safety Measures

This paragraph explains the process of setting up an internet connection at home, including the use of a modem and, if necessary, a separate wireless router. It details the steps for creating a wireless home network, including choosing a network name (SSID) and enabling encryption for security. The paragraph also addresses the concept of cloud storage as a means of protecting files from loss due to accidents or hardware failure. It highlights the use of cloud-based apps and services for accessing and managing files online. Additionally, the paragraph provides guidelines on cleaning computer peripherals and the importance of maintaining proper airflow around the computer case to prevent overheating.

25:13

🧹 Maintaining Computer Health and Protecting Against Malware

The sixth paragraph focuses on the proper cleaning of computer equipment, including keyboards, mice, and monitors, to ensure the computer's longevity. It provides specific cleaning techniques and cautions against the use of certain cleaning agents. The paragraph also emphasizes the importance of protecting the computer from malware through the use of antivirus programs and regular updates. It mentions features like storage sense and defragmentation tools in Windows to optimize the computer's performance. Furthermore, it advises on the importance of backing up data using external hard drives or online backup services to prevent data loss.

30:17

🖱️ Ergonomics and Internet Safety for Prolonged Computer Use

This paragraph discusses the importance of ergonomics to maintain comfort and health during long hours of computer use. It provides tips on keyboard positioning, chair adjustment, and monitor placement to prevent physical strain. The paragraph also covers the benefits of taking regular breaks and adjusting screen brightness to reduce eye strain. Additionally, it touches on the issue of digital tracking and targeted advertising, highlighting privacy concerns and potential misuse of browsing data. It concludes with an introduction to the Windows interface, including the desktop, taskbar, and file explorer, and how to navigate through them.

35:23

🍎 Navigating macOS and Understanding Web Browsers

The final paragraph introduces the macOS interface, highlighting the desktop, menu bar, dock, and features like Launchpad, Spotlight, and the Notification Center. It explains how to open and close applications, use full-screen mode, and navigate through files and folders. The paragraph also discusses the natural scrolling feature and multi-touch gestures in macOS. It concludes with an overview of using a web browser, including navigating through web pages, opening links in new tabs, bookmarking sites, and accessing browsing history across different browsers.

Keywords

💡Computer Basics

Computer Basics refers to the fundamental knowledge and skills required to use a computer effectively. In the video, this concept is central as it is a course designed for individuals who are new to computers or those who wish to fill in gaps in their knowledge. The script covers a range of topics from understanding what a computer is to the different components and uses of computers in modern life.

💡Hardware and Software

Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer, such as internal components and external peripherals like monitors and keyboards. Software, on the other hand, consists of the set of instructions that direct the hardware to perform tasks. The video emphasizes the interdependence of hardware and software in operating a computer, highlighting how they work together to enable various functions.

💡Personal Computer (PC)

A Personal Computer, or PC, is a computer designed for individual use. The script distinguishes between different types of PCs, including desktops and laptops, and mentions their capabilities. PCs are a primary focus of the video as they are common tools for a wide range of users, from novices to those with some experience.

💡Operating System (OS)

An Operating System is the program that manages computer hardware resources and provides essential services for computer programs. The video discusses various operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, Chrome OS, iOS, and Android, and how they cater to different types of devices, from personal computers to mobile devices.

💡Server

A server is a computer that provides data, services, or programs to other computers over a network. The script explains the role of servers in delivering internet content and their use in offices for file sharing. Servers are crucial for the functioning of the internet and modern digital infrastructure.

💡Ports and Buttons

Ports are the physical interfaces on computers for connecting external devices, while buttons are used for controlling the computer's functions. The video provides an overview of common ports such as USB, HDMI, and Ethernet, and buttons like the power button, illustrating their importance in computer usability and connectivity.

💡Cloud Storage

Cloud Storage refers to the practice of storing data on remote servers accessed via the internet, rather than local computer storage. The script discusses the benefits of cloud storage, including accessibility, backup, and protection against data loss due to hardware failure or physical damage.

💡Malware

Malware, short for malicious software, is any software used to harm a computer system or steal data. The video outlines the importance of using antivirus programs to protect against malware, emphasizing the need for vigilance in avoiding suspicious downloads and maintaining up-to-date security measures.

💡Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the study of designing equipment and devices that fit the human body and its movements comfortably. In the context of the video, ergonomics is discussed in relation to computer use, advising on proper keyboard and monitor placement, chair adjustments, and taking breaks to maintain comfort and prevent strain or injury.

💡Internet Connection

An Internet Connection is the link between a user's computer and the internet, enabling access to online resources. The video script explores various types of internet connections, such as dial-up, DSL, cable, fiber, and cellular, and the importance of a stable connection for tasks like email, online shopping, and entertainment.

💡Web Browser

A Web Browser is a software application for accessing information on the World Wide Web. The video explains how to navigate the internet using a web browser, including entering web addresses, using bookmarks, and accessing browsing history. It also touches on the importance of browser updates for security and functionality.

Highlights

This course is designed for beginners and those looking to fill knowledge gaps in computer basics.

A computer is an electronic device that manipulates data, represented as ones and zeros.

Hardware and software are the two main components of a computer system.

Personal computers include desktops and laptops, with varying operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS.

Servers play a crucial role in sending information across networks and storing office files.

Common computer buttons and ports include power, USB, and Ethernet connections.

Desktop computers have a tower case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse as standard components.

Laptops offer portability and can be connected to external devices to function like a desktop.

The motherboard is the central circuit board containing the CPU, RAM, and expansion slots.

Solid-state drives (SSDs) are faster and more durable than traditional hard drives.

Laptops differ from desktops in their portability, built-in components, and use of a battery.

Operating systems like Windows and macOS allow users to interact with the computer hardware.

Applications or apps are software programs that perform specific tasks on devices.

Setting up a desktop computer involves connecting the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power supply.

Different types of internet connections include dial-up, DSL, cable, fiber, and cellular.

Cloud storage allows for online file storage and access from any internet-connected device.

Regular cleaning of computer components helps maintain performance and longevity.

Protecting a computer from malware involves using antivirus software and avoiding suspicious downloads.

Ergonomics in workspace design can prevent physical strain and improve productivity.

Web browsers provide security features to warn users of potentially harmful content.

Digital tracking allows for targeted advertising but also raises privacy concerns.

Navigating the Windows and macOS interfaces involves understanding features like the taskbar, desktop, and file explorer.

Web browsers use history and bookmarks to suggest sites and assist in navigation.

Transcripts

This course is a computer basics course for people who are brand new to using computers.

It's also great for people who have some knowledge, but just want to fill in some

gaps. There are a variety of topics and you can use the time codes in the description

to skip right to the topic you want to learn about. This course was developed by gcf global dot-org.

Computers are all around us. From laptop computers to smartphones to smartwatches,

they're changing the way that we live our lives. But have you ever asked yourself

what exactly is a computer? a computer is an electronic device that manipulates information

or data. The computer sees data as ones and zeros, but it knows how to combine them

into much more complex things such as a though movie.

Website game and much more.

Computers use a combination of hardware and software. Hardware is any physical part

of the computer, which includes the internal components and the external parts like

the monitor and keyboard. Software is any set of instructions that tells the hardware

what to do, such as a web browser, media player, or word processor.

When most people say computer, they're talking about a personal computer.

This can be a desktop computer or a laptop.

Which has basically the same capabilities but in a more portable package. Personal

computers come in a few different styles. Most common type uses the windows operating system.

Max or macintosh computers feature the mac os operating system while chromebooks run on chrome os.

Smartphones and other mobile devices mostly use the ios or android operating systems.

Will talk more about operating systems in a later video.

Computers come in many other shapes and sizes, tvs, game consoles and even appliances

like refrigerators can have built in computers. Although they may not do everything a desktop or laptop can.

There's another type of computer that plays an important role in our lives. Servers

a server sends information to other computers on a network. In fact, every time you

use the internet, web servers deliver the web pages that you want to see to your computer.

Servers are also used in many offices to store and share files.

As you can see, there are many types of computers out there in each one plays a part in our modern world.

Every computer has its own set of buttons and ports. In this video, we're going to

talk about some of the most common ones, including what they're for, and how to recognize

them. Some buttons are universal, like the power button, depending on the type of

computer. You have it maybe on the front.

On the back behind the screen.

Or even on the inside when you open the lid.

The power socket is where you'll connect the power cord. If you have a laptop, you'll have a charging port instead.

Most computers provide more than one usb port, so you can plug in any device you might

need. Keyboards, printers, and usb drives are all common examples.

Some computers even have usb seaports, which can be used for many different things

not just plugging in devices. Laptops, for instance, often use the format for the charging port.

If you have a desktop, you'll use the monitor port to connect the monitor. There are

a few types of monitor connections, ranging from hdmi to the usbc style we just mentioned.

If you have a laptop, you can connect a separate monitor. As long as you have the

right equipment, just look for the display port and plug in the appropriate cable.

The ethernet port lets you connect to the internet. If you're not using wi-fi, all

you need is an ethernet cable, which you can then connect to your modem or router.

If your computer has an audio jack, you can use it to plug in wired headphones or

speakers. You may or may not have a disk drive, depending on how old your computer

is and who makes it. The disk drive can be used to insert a cd, a dvd, or a blu-ray disc.

If you have ports that look like this, therefore older peripherals like mice, keyboards,

and printers. Newer versions of these devices usually connect via usb or wirelessly.

That covers the basics of buttons and ports. Of course, every computer is different

and technology is always changing. To find out what options you have, take a closer look at your computer.

There are many different types of computers, but they all use similar parts to operate.

In this video, we're going to show you what these parts are and what they're used

for, starting with a standard desktop model.

The computer case holds the main components of the computer. This is where the actual

processing happens today. Most cases are what we call tower cases which ins they

stand up vertically but they can also come in other shapes and sizes. To view things

on your computer, you'll need a monitor. The monitor uses the video processor inside

your computer case to display images, text, and other content. Most monitors have

an lcd or led display, both of which are very thin so they don't take up much space.

All-in-one models are even more compact since they combined the monitor and the computer

case and to a single unit. To interact with your computer, you'll need a keyboard

and a mouse. Keyboards come in many different styles, including wireless and ergonomic.

The mouse is used to control the mouse pointer on the screen so you can click and

interact with your computer. Most mice detect movement using an optical sensor on

the bottom. Underneath, you'll find a small electronic guy.

Laptops combine all of these things into one that includes the components that are

normally inside the computer case plus a built-in screen.

Keyboard and touchpad. The touchpad is a small touch sensitive area that takes the

place of a traditional mouse. It lets you control the mouse pointer using a drawing

motion with your finger. Laptops offer the best of both worlds when it comes to portability.

You can use them on the go thanks to the built-in battery. Or you can connect a separate

monitor, keyboard and mouse, effectively turning your laptop into a desktop. So those

are the basic parts of any computer setup. As you can see, each part plays an important

role, which you'll come to understand as you spend more and more time with your computer.

You may already know that there are many important parts inside a computer, but what

exactly do they do? let's take a look inside and learn about the various components

that make a computer work, whether it's a desktop computer or a laptop. Every computer

has a large circuit board called a motherboard. This contains some of the most important

parts of the computer, such as the cpu, also known as the central processing unit

or processor. Cpu can be considered the brain of the computer because it processes

information and carries out commands. Since it tends to get hot, it's covered by

a piece of metal called a heat sink, which draws heat away from the processor.

The motherboard also contains the computer's ram or random access memory.

This is the short-term memory that the computer uses whenever it's performing calculations.

However, you cannot store your files there because the ram is weird when you shut off the computer.

The hard drive provides long-term storage, keeping all of the computers data, even

when it's turned off. Many hard drives use a magnetic platter to store data, but

many newer computers have solid state drives, which are faster and more durable, but also more expensive.

On many desktop computers, the motherboard has expansion slots that allow you to upgrade

by adding expansion cards. You can add a video card to get better graphics performance,

or you can add a wireless card to connect to your wireless home network. Most laptops,

however, don't have expansion slots. Of course, the computers components need electricity

to run. The power supply unit is designed to take power from the wall outlet and

send it to all of the different components that need power. Laptops also contain

a built-in battery that lets you use them anywhere. A computer is a pretty complex

machine, but now that you've seen what goes on inside, it should be a little less mysterious.

If you're thinking of buying a computer, you may have wondered is a laptop right for

me? depending on how you plan to use it, the answer may be yes. In this video, we'll

look at some of the ways that a laptop is different from a desktop to help you decide.

The biggest difference is portability. Laptops have to be small and light so that

you can pick them up and take them with you. Since all of the basic parts are built

in, setting up a laptop is as easy as opening it. The downside is that the monitor

is usually smaller than a desktop monitor, so you'll have less screen space.

Another important difference is that laptops use a battery. The battery can provide

power to the laptop when you're on the go, and it will recharge whenever it's plugged.

An added benefit of having a battery is if the power goes out, the battery can work as a backup power source.

Instead of a mouse, laptops usually have a built-in touchpad, also known as a trackpad.

You can control the pointer on the screen by using a drawing motion with your finger.

If you haven't used a touch pad before, the experience is a little bit different

from using a mouse, and it may take a while to get used to.

If you're buying a desktop computer, you can mix and match almost any monitor, keyboard,

and mouse that you want. With a laptop. You won't have quite as much freedom since

everything is built-in. However, if you want to have the best of both worlds, you

can use your laptop sports to connect a separate monitor, keyboard and mouse, basically

turning your laptop into a desktop. And of course, whenever you want to, you can

simply disconnect everything and take your laptop with you.

As you can see, there are some important differences between laptops and desktops.

So depending on your preferences, you can decide which one best suits your needs.

Did you know that you and your computer speak different languages? it doesn't speak

spanish or swedish or chinese. It speaks in ones and zeros.

You can't communicate directly with your computer, but that's where your operating

system comes in. The operating system, or os, is the program that lets you interact

with your computer together. The operating system and computer hardware form a complete

system that determines what your computer can do.

There are many different operating systems. Two of the most common ones are microsoft windows and mac os.

Windows comes pre-loaded on most personal computers while mac os runs on all new macs.

Operating systems aren't just for desktop and laptop computers. Mobile devices run

mobile operating systems like apple ios, or google android, which are designed for

interactions with smaller touch screens.

Before downloading a new program or application, be aware that it may not be available

for your operating system. Some applications work on all devices, while others only work on certain ones.

So get to know your operating system to see how it works and what it can do.

If you woke up this morning, thanks to the alarm on your smartphone, or if you like

watching videos or playing games on your tablet, you're using applications also known

as apps. An app is a software program that lets you do things. For lack of a better

word, you'll find apps on all of your devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers.

Some apps help you complete tasks.

While others are just for fun. Here's some examples of ways you can use apps.

Mobile apps are apps that run on your smartphone or tablet. They can make many things

in life more convenient. For instance, if you're looking for a place to buy coffee,

an app like google maps can determine your current location and then recommend nearby coffee shops.

Apps aren't just for mobile devices though. The programs and applications on your

computer can also be considered apps. If you've ever used microsoft word to create

a document or a web browser to visit a website or check your email, guess what? you've used an app.

Some apps come already installed, but you can easily download or buy more. Online

apps are about communication, productivity, entertainment, and more. With so many

possibilities, you're sure to find several apps that are perfect for the things you do.

Are you having trouble putting your computer together? are you feeling overwhelmed?

don't worry. Take a deep breath. We're going to show you step-by-step how to set up a desktop computer.

First, unpack everything from the box and remove any plastic covering or protective

tape. Think about where you want your workspace to go, and how you want to arrange

the different components before you start plugging things in.

Next, let's connect the monitor. If you have an all-in-one computer where everything

is built-in, for example, an imac, you can skip this step otherwise locate your monitor

cable. Newer monitors often use hdmi or usb. See connections, while older monitors

may use vga, dvi, or another type of connection, it just depends. Now find the monitor

port on the back of your computer case and plug the cable in. Most cables are designed

to fit a certain way, so if it's not working, don't force it. When you're done, connect

the other end to your monitor. Now it's time to plug in your keyboard and mouse.

If they're wired, they most likely have a usb connector so you can use any of the

ports you see here. You could also plug your mouse into the usb port on your your

keyboard. If it has one, if you have a wireless mouse or keyboard, it's going to

work a little differently. Some wireless devices connect using technology that's

built into your computer, while others need an adapter.

You will also need to pair the device with your computer before you can use it. You

may want to read the instructions that came with your wireless device to learn more

about pairing. At this point, you can plug in your speakers or headphones. If it

uses a typical audio plug, look for the green audio port on the front or back of your computer case.

However, some speakers, headphones, and microphones use usb connectors. Finally, it's

time to connect the power supply cables and plug the computer in. You should have two cables. One goes with your monitor.

And the other plugs into the back of your computer case. Now, plug both cables into

a power outlet. We recommend using a surge protector to keep your equipment safe

in the event of a power surge. When you're ready, plug the surge protector into a

regular outlet. If it has a power switch, you may need to switch it on. That's all

there is to it. Now take a minute to make sure you're happy with your workspace.

Then turn your computer on.

There are lots of reasons to set up a home internet connection. For example, you'll

have access to email, news, shopping, tv shows, and much more. And once you have

a working internet connection, you can create a wireless home network, which will

let your whole family connect their computers, smartphones, and other internet-ready

devices. Let's look at a few different types of internet connections that you can

have. Dial-up connects to your phone line. It's usually much slower than other types

of internet connections, but in some areas, it may be the only option available.

Generally, dsl and cable are better options. Dsl plugs into your phone line and cable

uses your cable tv connection. These are both known as broadband internet connections

because they offer much faster speeds than dial-up. This makes it easier to watch videos, play games, or browse the web.

Fiber is the fastest type of broadband currently available using fiber optic cables.

It can provide speeds that exceed even dsl or cable, however, it may not be available

where you live and it tends to be more expensive.

Cellular is sold under a few different names, including 4g, lte, and 5g. There. Types

of wireless internet connections often use by smartphones, but you can also get these

types of connections for your home. Depending on where you live, a cellular connection

may be a good broadband alternative. No matter what kind of internet service you

choose, you'll need to purchase it from an internet service provider or isp. Chances

are you can buy internet service from your phone or cable company or you may want

to shop around for a better price. Your isp will guide you through the entire process

of connecting to the internet. They will usually need to send a technician to your

home to turn on your connection. Your isp may also give you a modem mm and set it up for you.

But if you prefer, you can buy a modem from a computer store and use the included

instructions to set it up yourself. These instructions will vary, but the basic idea

is that you'll connect the modem to your phone jack or cable tv connection, and then

connect your computer to the modem using an ethernet cable. Once you have everything

set up, you can open your web browser and begin using the internet. If you want to

connect several devices to the internet, you can create a wireless home network,

also known as a wi-fi network. To do this, you'll need a wireless router, which takes

the internet connection from your modem and broadcasts it throughout your home. Your

modem may already have a wireless router built-in, so you may not need to buy one.

To set up your wireless connection, follow the instructions included with your router.

You'll need to choose a network name, also known as an ssid. Also, for security,

you should turn on wpa2 or wpa three encryption depending on what your router supports.

Then make sure you choose a strong password. After you've set up your wireless network,

go into each device as wi-fi or network settings. Select your network name and type your password.

If any of your devices are not wireless ready you can simply plug them into your router

with an ethernet cable or you can purchase a wireless card.

Setting up an internet connection and wi-fi network takes a little bit of work. But

once you get it set up, your family will be able to use the internet without being limited to one computer.

So you're at your computer working on some important files. Suddenly a meter i burst

through the window and flattens the computer. But as you stare into the crater, you

smile and think at least my photos, music and important documents are stored online in the cloud.

When something is stored in the cloud, that means it's saved on internet servers instead

of on your computer. It's like having an extra hard drive you can access anytime

you're connected to the internet. You can access your files anywhere by using cloud-based

apps, some run inside your computer's web browser. These are called web apps, and

some of them can also be installed on your mobile device. For instance, google docs

is a cloud-based app that you may already use. It's free, and it allows you to view,

create, and edit many types of projects. You can access google docs from almost any

device device with an internet connection. Since you only need a connected device

to access the cloud, you can take your files wherever you like. You can take a photo

on your smartphone and upload it to a cloud based photo storage service, like google

photos or dropbox. Then you can access that photo on any of your other devices, like

your computer or tv. You can even work on a document when you're far away from your

desk and share it with anyone you want instantly.

Storing files in the cloud is a great way to protect them from accidents, viruses,

and more. You can use cloud based storage services like i drive or backblaze to back

up the contents of your computer. These services run continually and backup automatically.

This way, you will always have the most recent versions of your files stored in secure

online servers. If something bad happens to your device, you can easily transfer

your backup files from the cloud to another device.

Whether you're backing up photos and music that you love or are using a file on the

go, the cloud has a lot to offer. Plus, when your files are stored in the cloud,

you won't need to worry about losing them to a computer malfunction or a rogue meteorite.

It's important to keep your computer clean not only because it looks nice, but also

because things like dust and dirt can affect your computer's performance. But there's

a right way and a wrong way to do it. Here's the right way to clean your computer case, monitor, mouse, and keyboard.

First, always turn off or unplug the item before you clean it just to be safe. If

it has a ps/2 connector like this, make sure the computer is shut down both when

you unplug the cable and when you plug it back in to clean your keyboard, turn it

upside down, and gently shake it to remove any dust, dirt, or crumbs. It's not uncommon

for stuff to get stuck inside, which can affect the way your keyboard works. You

can also use a can of compressed air to really get between the keys. To clean the

surface, use a cotton cloth or paper towel that's moistened with rubbing alcohol.

Never actually pour alcohol or any other liquid on your keyboard. If you spill something

by accident, don't panic. Shut your computer down immediately, then disconnect the

keyboard and turn it upside down so the liquid can drain. If the liquid is sticky,

you can rinse your keyboard under running water just like this. Turn to the side,

then let it drain upside down for two days before reconnecting it. It may not be

repairable at this point, but it's worth a try. The best way to avoid this is to

keep drinks away from the computer area altogether.

Next, take a look at your mouse if you have an optical mouse. Good news. These don't

require much cleaning at all because they don't have any moving parts. Just keep

an eye on the lighting mitr underneath. If something gets stuck here, even a piece

of dust, it can keep your mouse from working smoothly. To clean a mechanical mouse

again, make sure it's unplugged. Then remove the tracking ball. By turning the ring

counterclockwise. It should pop right out. Use a cotton cloth or paper towel to wipe

it with a little rubbing alcohol. You can wipe the inside of the mouse to make sure

all the parts are dry before you put them back together.

Here's an easy tip. You can give your mouse a quick cleaning by rubbing it back and

forth on a clean white sheet of paper. Sometimes this is enough to remove the dust and dirt that can get stuck underneath.

Your monitor is going to be even easier to clean, but there are a few things to keep

in mind. Never spray the screen directly with water cleaner or any other kind of

liquid. It can leak into the monitor and damage the components inside. Never use

glass cleaner like windex. This can damage your screen if it has an anti-glare coating.

The safest method is to unplug the monitor, then wipe it with a soft cloth moistened with water.

You should also give some thought to cleaning other parts of your workspace, like

the back of your monitor and your computer case. These areas can get pretty dusty

if you're not careful. A lint-free cloth, sometimes called a microfiber cloth, is

great for wiping the casings. If you see a lot of buildup in the ventilation fans,

you can use a can of compressed air to clean them out. Never use furniture cleaner

or strong solvents on any of these surfaces. Instead, take your cloth or even a paper

towel and spray it with glass cleaner. Now, wipe the case and monitor housing, but

not the monitor screen. In a downward motion. You can make your own solution using

ammonia, diluted with water. The milder, the better. One more thing you can do to

make sure your computer stays physically healthy is to watch the airflow around the

case. That means no books, no stacks of paper, nothing that might block the fans

in the back, which are designed to keep your computer from overheating. In fact,

if you have a desk with a compartment for the case, you may want to position the

case a little towards the front or leave the compartment open. If it has a door.

Both of these steps will help your computer stay cool.

Looks good to me. Just remember to clean your equipment regularly the right way and

your computer is sure to stay healthy for years to come.

We rely on our computers for many different things. We trust them to keep our information

safe, including our files and personal data. That's why it's important to protect

your computer and do your best to keep it running smoothly. Here are some tips that

can help. One of the biggest threats to computer safety is malware. Malware is any

type of software that's designed to damage your computer or gain unauthorized access

to your personal info. This can include viruses, spyware, trojan horses, and other malicious software.

Windows computers, max and even chromebooks can get malware.

To protect your computer, you should use an anti-virus program like kaspersky, norton, or the built-in windows defender.

This helps prevent viruses from being installed, and also lets you scan your computer

and remove any viruses that are found. Keep in mind, no antivirus program is perfect

to stay safe. You should still avoid suspicious-looking ads or downloads, run regular

updates to your antivirus program, and also run updates to your operating system

to keep your computer running smoothly. The latest version of windows offers a couple

useful features, including storage sense and defragment, and optimize drives.

You can access both of these and settings or you can find them using the search bar.

When you turn it on, storage sense helps you free up space on your hard drive by scanning

for temporary files and other files that can be deleted. Once on, it will run automatically

in the background. Older versions of windows offer a similar feature called disk cleanup.

Defragment and optimize drives rearranges the data on your hard drive to help your

computer run faster and more efficiently. It should be running automatically on a

weekly basis, but you can easily check or change the schedule anytime.

If something bad does happen to your computer, you could lose all of your important

files. To prevent this, you should back up your computer regularly.

One option is to buy an external hard drive and copy your files to it. To make this

process even easier, you can use software like windows backup or time machine if you're using a mac.

Of course if something happens to your computer and your backup drive, you'll still

lose all of your files. For more security, you can use an online backup service like

i drive or carbonite. You may have to pay a monthly fee to use these services, but

the advantage is that your files will stay safe in the cloud no matter what happens to your computer.

Following these tips can help you protect your computer and keep your information

safe. You can rest easy knowing that all of your files will be there when you need them.

The staring at the computer for hours make you feel tired. Do you suffer from frequent

aches and pains? looks like you could use some help with ergonomics. Ergonomics is

a big subject, but basically it's about you and the things that you can do to make

your workspace more comfortable. As strange as it sounds, sitting at a desk all day

is actually very hard on your body, but if you arrange your workspace with ergonomics

in mind, you can avoid things like eye strain and neck and back pain. Here are some

tips to help you stay safe, comfortable, and productive all day long. Keyboard position

is important when you're typing. Your wrist should be straight and relaxed to avoid

any string. If you do start to fill any wrist pain, you might want to look into certain

products that can give you extra support, for example, an ergonomic keyboard. Next,

raise and lower your chair so that your wrists are in the correct position. If your

feet no longer reach the floor, you can find a footrest. When you're in your chair,

you should be sitting in a natural comfortable position. Try to avoid hunching or

sitting to straight. Many office chairs are adjustable and designed to give you extra

support in places where you need it. Like the lower back. Take the time to learn,

learn how your chair works. Your monitor should be a comfortable distance away from

your eyes somewhere between 20 to 40 inches or about an arm's length. The top of

the screen should be about eye level, but this may vary depending on the size of the monitor.

If you are working from a laptop, consider purchasing an external mouse and keyboard.

That way you can still place your screen at the proper distance and height while still being able to type comfortably.

Adjust the screen brightness on your monitor so that it matches your surroundings.

If you're looking at your screen and it feels like you're looking into a bright light,

it's too bright. If it looks dark and murky key, it's to dem. Some monitors also

allow you to change the color so that the screen imitates less blue light. This feature

might be called night mode or night shift, and some people find that it greatly reduces eyestrain.

Another way to avoid strain and fatigue is to take frequent breaks. For example, look

away from your monitor every once in a while. 20, 20, 20 is a good rule to follow.

Every 20 minutes. Focus your eyes on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

You can even download apps that will remind you when it's time to take a break. It's

also important to get up and move every hour or so. Walk around, have a snack, whatever

it takes to avoid sitting in the same position for too long.

Even if you work at a standing desk, it's still important to move every now and then.

Clutter is another common problem, and it can lead to strainer injury if you're not

careful. In some cases, like loose power ports, it can even be a tripping hazard.

If you have paperwork or supplies that can be put away, it's best to store them somewhere

else. Instead of leaving them on your desk, let's review. Sitting at a desk all day

is surprisingly hard work, but a little attention to ergonomics will help you stay

safe, comfortable, and productive all day long.

While you're using the internet, you may be picking up spyware, downloading malware,

or using fraudulent sites without even knowing it. But don't worry, your browser

does a number of things to help make sure you avoid running into malicious websites

and there are also some precautions you can take to stay safe.

Something as simple as double-checking domain names can save you from accidentally

visiting a site with unsafe content. Malicious sites often use deceptive web addresses

to trick users into believing they are on a legitimate site. Many web browsers will

highlight the domain when you're typing in a sites web address. In this case, it's

just a darker font than the rest of the web address. Being able to clearly read the

domain name makes it easier to double-check and make sure it's correct. This will

help make sure you're going to the real trusted site and not a phony site with a similar web address.

And if you are about to access a site that contains malware or other malicious content,

many web browsers will show you a warning.

Some websites will display this padlock image, or a similar image. When you see this,

you know that that site has added additional layers of protection by making sure

your connection to the site is secure so third parties can't see your personal information.

This is most commonly seen on certain types of sites, like banking sites. You won't

see this on all websites and that's okay. Not all sites need the extra security.

Finally, another easy way to make sure your browser is providing as much protection

for you as possible is by making sure you have the most recent version of your browser.

Your browser will usually notify you when it has a new version, or if there's an

update available. But if you think you've missed or ignored updates, you can manually

check for updates in chrome. Click the menu button.

Then select about google chrome.

By practicing just a few simple safety measures. You can browse the internet more safely.

The internet has become an essential tool for communicating, which is partly why it

is also become a popular target among scammers and cyber criminals. In order to safeguard

yourself from email scams, harmful software, or identity theft, it's essential that

you understand the ways you might be at risk. In this video, we'll go over the basics

of identifying and avoiding potentially harmful content on the internet.

The first line of defense begins with your email inbox. You've probably heard the

term spam before. In reference to junk email, spammers can send an email to thousands

of people at the same time, and they can do so anonymously, making anti-spam laws

hard to enforce, so it's important to be cautious when it comes to opening emails.

Fortunately, though, many email services now provide customizable features to help

you protect your inbox. For example, the ability to turn female images. Spam contains

images that senders can track when you open the email, the images load, and the spammer

will be able to tell if your email works, possibly resulting in more spam.

If you're using gmail like i am, you can turn off email images by clicking the gear icon.

And then selecting settings from the drop-down menu.

Choose ask before displaying external images.

Then click save.

Now if i get an email with images, gmail will ask if i want the images to be displayed.

Most email services. Also, check to see if incoming messages are spam. If it finds

spam, it will store the mail in a spam folder so you don't accidentally open it when

you're checking your email. Spam. Blocking systems aren't perfect though, and there

may be times when legitimate emails end up in your spam folder, so it's a good idea

to regularly check and make sure you aren't missing important emails.

To check your spam folder in gmail. Click more in the left pane, then select spam.

And here you can see all the emails that have ended up in your spam folder.

Many email services have a feature you can use to mark emails as spam in gmail. I

can just select the email and then click this button to mark it as spam.

This helps your email provider to filter out these types of messages in the future.

Some spam emails are simply annoying advertisements.

Others will claim to be contacting you about something important when what they're

really trying to do is steal your personal information. This is known as fishing.

It's a type of scam in which an email pretends to be from a bank or another trusted

source. In order to trick you into handing over your personal information. By asking

you to complete some sort of action they may want you to re enter a password, verify

or update sensitive information like phone numbers, addresses, or credit card numbers.

And they almost always tell you to do so by following links they provide. It's a

good idea to avoid clicking links in emails. Instead of clicking the link, re-type

the url into your browser's address bar to ensure that you go to the correct website.

For example, here's an email that looks like it's from bank of america saying that

some personal information has been changed and asking me to verify the changes by

following a few links. It looks real enough at first glance, but it's surprisingly

easy for scammers to create deceiving details such as these. Remember, fishing emails

won't always look like they're fishing. The whole purpose is to look like they're

from your bank credit card or another trusted company.

Think of it this way. If someone came to your house saying they worked for your bank

and they needed your social security number to verify that your the account holder,

would you give it to them? chances are you wouldn't give out that information. Look

at emails the same way. Just because an email says it's from a familiar company doesn't mean it really is.

Spam scams and phishing schemes will keep evolving just as the technology to stop

them does. But if you know what to look for and what to avoid, you can keep your inbox that much safer.

Suppose you're shopping online for shoes. Then you decide to check a health site and

you see an ad for shoes. You switch over to youtube to watch a hilarious kitten video.

But first you have to watch a shoe add. Later you open the facebook app on your phone

and guess what sponsored post about a shoe sale? how do all of these sites know that

you're shopping for shoes? well, websites use various methods to track your browsing

habits. Each site it may only gather a little bit of information, but together it

forms a sort of digital profile that advertisers can use to learn all kinds of things

about you. An advertiser can plant a small file on your computer called a tracking

cookie, which they can use to identify you the next time you visit one of the sites

they advertise on. They can also get a pretty good idea of which devices you use

based on your social media and email accounts or by using a technique called probabilistic

matching, which makes guesses about which devices belong to the same person. So one

way or another, all of your devices are connected to you and that means companies

can send you targeted ads no matter which device you're using. This does raise some

privacy concerns since the information is collected without your knowledge and there

is a fear of how this information could possibly be used. For instance, could and

insurance company deny coverage based on a person's browsing history.

You can take steps to limit the amount of data collected, such as blocking, tracking,

cookies in your browser settings, but with the current sophistication of tracking,

they're pretty easy to get around. However, there are potential upsides to all this

data being collected. It allows sites to recommend articles and videos based on your

interests and help search engines more quickly find the results you're looking for.

As the technology continues to advance, sites will find new ways to tailor their

content to better meet your needs. It's hard to say exactly italy where this will

lead. But for better or worse, digital tracking is part of the modern online reality.

If you're just getting started with windows, learning how to navigate the interface

is a great place to start. Let's take a look at the desktop, which is the screen

you see here. It includes a desktop background, also known as your wallpaper, and

the taskbar at the bottom of the screen.

The taskbar is where you'll find shortcuts to some of the applications on your computer, as well as the start button.

In most versions of windows, you can click the start button to see a list of applications, files, and settings.

But if you're using windows 8, you can click the start button to return to the start screen.

The taskbar is also where you'll find file explorer, which allows you to view and

open files and folders. For now i'm going to close the window by clicking the x.

Let's check out more features on the desktop instead. The desktop is the main workspace

for your computer. To open a program, file, or folder, just double-click the icon.

Each time you want to open something, it will appear in a new window.

You have the ability to move windows by clicking and dragging the top of the window.

When you're done, just release the mouse. If you have more than one window open at

a time, you can quickly switch between them by clicking the icon for that window on the taskbar.

Almost all windows allow you to maximize the window so that it fills the entire screen. Just click the button here.

Click the button again to return the window to its original size.

When you're finished closing the window is easy. Just click the x.

That covers the basics. Now that you know your way around windows, you can start taking

advantage of everything it has to offer.

If you are just getting started with os10, learning how to navigate the interface

is a great place to start. First, we're going to take a look around at the desktop, which is the screen you see here.

It includes a desktop background, also known as your wallpaper.

The menu bar at the top and the dock at the bottom.

The dock is where you'll find shortcuts to some of the folders and applications on

your computer, for example, itunes, safari, and finder. To open any of the items on your dock, just click the icon.

There are actually several different ways that you can navigate to files, folders,

and apps and os 10 the finder feature is one of them will talk more about how to

use the finder later though. For now, i'm going to close the window by clicking the red button in the upper left corner.

Let's check out launchpad instead, which you can also find on your dock.

As you can see, launch pad gives you access to all of your applications at once, making

it easier to find and access the programs on your computer. To open a program, click the one you want.

Exiting applications is just as easy. Let's zoom in on the menu bar so you can see

how it works. To exit an application, click the name of the app and the upper left corner.

Then choose quit from the menu.

Also on the menu bar is the apple icon.

This gives you access to your system preferences, recent files, folders, apps, and

much more. You'll also use the apple icon whenever you want to restart or shutdown your computer.

On the right side of the menu bar, you'll find an icon that looks like a magnifying

glass. This opens a feature called spotlight, which you can use to search the contents

of your computer. If you're having trouble finding something, just type what you're

looking for, for example, a file or an app, and you'll get a list of search results.

The last icon in the menu bar opens the notification center, which has been included

in each version of os 10 since mountain lion. Here, you can keep track of the alerts

you receive for different applications, including events on your calendar, reminders,

and more. The notification center can be customized to show as few or as many alerts as you want.

The desktop itself is one more place where you can store files, folders, and even

shortcuts for easy access. This time, however, to open an item, you'll need to double click your mouse.

Some apps have a full-screen mode that you can activate by clicking the double arrow in the upper right corner.

This causes the window to expand so you can focus on the application without any other distractions.

To return to normal view. Press control. Command f on your keyboard.

Not all apps support this feature, but it's available in several of the apps that come pre-installed on your computer.

The last thing i'd like to talk about is using your mouse in os 10, specifically a

feature called natural scrolling. You can learn more about how it works by going to system preferences.

Then choosing mouse or trackpad depending on what you have. In this case, we'll choose mouse.

As you can see from the demo, natural scrolling is basically the reverse of traditional

scrolling. It's almost like you're pushing the content up and down on the page. This

may seem awkward at first, but it's actually how many touchscreen devices work. Natural

scrolling is the default setting, but you can always disable it by checking the box

here. I recommend trying it both ways to see which one you prefer.

While you're in this window, you can also take a look at multi-touch gestures.

For example, here's one that lets you go back and forth between pages using a simple

swipe. Os 10 supports many different types of gestures, including pinches, taps,

and double tabs. Depending on what your mouse or trackpad is capable of, each gesture

performs a specific task. To learn more, i recommend visiting this resource again

once you become more familiar with os 10.

That covers the basics. Now that you know your way around, you can start using os

10 and taking advantage of everything it has to offer.

A web browser is a tool you use to access the internet in order to make the most out

of the internet. It's important to understand the basics of using a web browser.

There are many different web browsers, including chrome, safari, firefox, and internet

explorer. All of them allow you to view websites, but they each have a different

look and feel, so picking one will depend mostly on your personal preference. Right

now, i'm using chrome. When you open your browser at the top of the window, you'll

see the address bar. This is where you'll type the web address of the page that you want to visit.

If you've been to a website before, your browser may suggest it or even automatically

complete the address for you. If you see the address you're looking for in the suggestions,

you can just click it or press enter when you're done typing.

Most of the time you're going to go from one page to another by clicking on links.

To go back to the page you were just on, you can click the back button.

To return to the first page. Click the forward button.

If you see a link that you want to click, but you don't want to navigate away from

the page that you're on, you can open the link in a new tab. Just right click the link.

And select open in new tab.

This opens the page behind the current page so it doesn't take you away from the original

site. You can also create a new tab by clicking here.

And then typing in the address or name of any site you want to visit.

To close a tab, just click the x.

If you're on a website that you know, you'll want to visit again later or website

that you go to frequently, you can bookmark it. Most browsers have a button right

next to the address bar that lets you easily bookmark any site.

Once you've bookmarked a page, you'll be able to go to it again. In chrome. You'll click the settings button.

Select bookmarks and then select the website you're looking for from the list.

Even if you don't bookmark a site, there's still a way to find it again later. Your

browser keeps track of all the websites you visit in a feature called history. All

browsers allow you to access your history in chrome. You can access this by clicking the settings button.

You can then click on a site to go to it.

And as you may remember from before, you can begin typing in the address bar and your

browser will make suggestions. These suggestions come from your history and bookmarks.

The locations of these buttons and other options may vary a little depending on which

browser you're using, but you should be able to perform all of the same actions no matter which browser you decide to use.