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Computer Basics Mastery

Your complete guide to hardware, software, file management, and essential computer skills

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Computer Basics Reference

Victory Code

SOFTWARE VS HARDWARE

SOFTWARE

Programs and apps that run on your computer

→ Google Suite (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive)
→ Adobe (PDFs, Photoshop)
→ Zoom (video conferencing)
→ Slack (team communication)
→ Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
→ Web browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox)

HARDWARE

Physical parts of your computer you can touch

→ Mouse
→ Keyboard
→ Monitor/Screen
→ Camera/Webcam
→ Hard Drive
→ USB Drive
→ Printer
→ Speakers/Headphones

INTERNET VS WI-FI

INTERNET

The worldwide network of information and websites that you can access from anywhere.

Think of it like: The information highway - all the websites, emails, videos that exist online

WI-FI

A wireless way to CONNECT your device to the internet (like a wireless bridge).

Think of it like: The on-ramp to the highway - how your device gets connected

Simple way to remember: Internet = the content. Wi-Fi = the connection.

FILE TYPES & EXTENSIONS

The letters after the dot (.) tell you what kind of file it is

.docxWord document (like a typed letter or essay)

.pdfPortable Document Format (can't easily edit, good for sharing)

.jpg, .pngImage files (photos, graphics, screenshots)

.csv, .xlsxSpreadsheet files (Excel, data tables, budgets)

.zipCompressed folder (multiple files packed together to save space)

.mp4, .movVideo files

.mp3Audio files (music, podcasts)

FILES VS FOLDERS

FILE

A single document (like a piece of paper)

Examples:

• resume.docx
• family_photo.jpg
• budget_2024.csv
• vacation_video.mp4

FOLDER

A container for organizing files (like a filing cabinet drawer)

Can have folders inside folders:

• Documents → Resumes → 2024
• Photos → Family → Birthday_2024
• Work → Projects → Client_Name

Pro Tip:

Keep your files organized in folders so you can find things easily. It's like keeping your physical papers in labeled folders instead of one giant pile!

ESSENTIAL KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS

These shortcuts work in almost every program and will save you tons of time!

Ctrl/Cmd + CCopy (duplicates text/files)

Ctrl/Cmd + VPaste (inserts copied item)

Ctrl/Cmd + XCut (moves instead of copies)

Ctrl/Cmd + ASelect All

Ctrl/Cmd + ZUndo (takes back last action)

Ctrl/Cmd + SSave document

Ctrl/Cmd + WClose window/tab

Ctrl/Cmd + QQuit entire app

Ctrl/Cmd + FFind/Search on page

Alt/Cmd + TabSwitch between open apps

Cmd + SpaceOpen app (Mac)

Win + SSearch (Windows)

Note: Ctrl is for Windows/PC. Cmd (⌘) is for Mac. They do the same thing!

Chrome Browser Essentials

Victory Code

BROWSER VS SEARCH ENGINE

BROWSER

The software/app you use to view websites

Think of it like: Your car that takes you places

→ Chrome (recommended - works with Google tools)
→ Safari (built into Mac/iPhone)
→ Firefox
→ Microsoft Edge (built into Windows)

Download Chrome: google.com/chrome

SEARCH ENGINE

The tool you use to find information on the internet

Think of it like: The map that helps you find what you're looking for

→ Google (most popular)
→ DuckDuckGo (privacy-focused)
→ Bing
→ Yahoo

BOOKMARKS

Save your favorite websites for quick access - like putting sticky notes on important pages!

HOW TO BOOKMARK:

Navigate to the website you want to save
Click the star icon in the address bar (or press Ctrl/Cmd + D)
Give it a name (optional - edit to make it easy to find)
Choose a folder (optional - helps organize)
Click "Done"

Keyboard Shortcut:

Mac: Cmd + D

PC: Ctrl + D

PRO TIPS:

→ Create folders to organize (Job Search, Resources, Shopping, etc.)
→ Use the bookmarks bar for quick access (View → Always Show Bookmarks Bar)
→ Right-click bookmarks to edit, delete, or move to folders
→ Bookmark frequently visited sites like Gmail, LinkedIn, job boards

BROWSING HISTORY

Chrome saves a list of every website you visit - useful for finding that site you forgot to bookmark!

HOW TO VIEW HISTORY:

Click the three dots in top right corner
Select "History"
Or use keyboard shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + H

HOW TO CLEAR HISTORY:

Open History (Ctrl/Cmd + H)
Click "Clear browsing data" on the left
Choose time range (last hour, day, week, or all time)
Check what to clear (history, cookies, cache)
Click "Clear data"

Privacy Tip: Use Incognito Mode (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + N) for private browsing that doesn't save history, cookies, or site data

MANAGING TABS

TAB SHORTCUTS:

Ctrl/Cmd + TOpen new tab

Ctrl/Cmd + WClose current tab

Ctrl/Cmd + TabSwitch to next tab

Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + TReopen closed tab

TAB TIPS:

→ Drag tabs to reorder them
→ Right-click tab for more options (pin, mute, close others)
→ Pin important tabs (they stay open and take less space)
→ Create tab groups to organize related tabs

CHROME EXTENSIONS

Add extra features and functionality to your browser with extensions!

WHERE TO FIND:

chrome.google.com/webstore

Search for what you need, click "Add to Chrome," confirm installation

RECOMMENDED EXTENSIONS:

Grammarly (Must-Have!)

Spell check and grammar suggestions everywhere you write online

Perfect for emails, LinkedIn, job applications

Loom

Screen recording and video messaging

Great for creating tutorials or explaining issues

LastPass or Bitwarden

Password manager for secure password storage

Remember one master password instead of hundreds

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