Getting Started
Learn what the computer is, how to turn it on and off safely, and what you see when it starts.
Explore this skillAll classes are online through Microsoft Teams. No in person class location is available. You must download and install the Microsoft Teams app before class. Download Microsoft Teams.
COMPUTER BASICS
Basic Computer Skills for Adult Beginners
You do not need to know computer language before you begin. These resources introduce the everyday skills that form the foundation for using a laptop computer with confidence. Windows laptops are the primary platform, and Chromebook users are welcome.
THE LEARNING JOURNEY
From “I do not know” to “I can do this.”
Each skill builds on the one before it. Take your time, practice, ask questions, and return to a lesson whenever you need it.
Mouse & Keyboard
Practice clicking, double clicking, scrolling, typing, using keys, and understanding basic controls.
Explore this skillFiles & Folders
Learn how information is stored, how to create folders, and how to save and find your work.
Explore this skillInternet Basics
Learn how browsers, websites, searches, links, tabs, and basic online navigation work.
Explore this skillEmail & Communication
Understand email messages, replies, attachments, and the basic skills needed for digital communication.
Explore this skillOnline Safety
Recognize suspicious messages, protect passwords, avoid scams, and think carefully before clicking.
Explore this skillLESSON 01
Getting Started
Before we can use a computer, we need to become comfortable with the computer itself.
BEGINNER VIDEO
Start with the basics
Watch a beginner friendly lesson that introduces the Windows computer and the basics of getting started.
We demonstrate
- Parts of a laptop computer
- Power button and safe startup
- Desktop and screen basics
- Windows and applications
- Safe shutdown
Practice goal
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to identify the basic parts of your computer and start and shut it down with confidence.
LESSON 02
Mouse & Keyboard
The mouse and keyboard are how we communicate with the computer.
BEGINNER VIDEO
Practice the mouse and keyboard
Follow a beginner lesson that introduces the mouse, keyboard, and basic computer controls.
We demonstrate
- Pointing and moving the mouse
- Single and double clicking
- Scrolling
- Typing letters and numbers
- Space, Enter, Backspace, Shift, and other useful keys
Practice goal
Practice moving, clicking, scrolling, and typing until these actions begin to feel natural.
LESSON 03
Files & Folders
Your computer needs a way to organize the things you create and save.
BEGINNER VIDEO
Learn where your work goes
Watch a beginner Windows lesson and follow along as you learn how the computer organizes your work.
We demonstrate
- What a file is
- What a folder is
- Creating and naming folders
- Saving a document
- Finding, opening, and renaming files
Practice goal
Create a simple folder, save a practice document, close it, and find it again.
LESSON 04
Internet Basics
The internet becomes much less intimidating when we understand the basic pieces.
BEGINNER VIDEO
Learn how to navigate a website
Watch a short beginner lesson that introduces websites, links, and basic online navigation.
We demonstrate
- Opening a web browser
- Using the address bar
- Searching for information
- Opening links and tabs
- Understanding websites and web addresses
Practice goal
Open a browser, search for something you want to know, open a result, and return to your search.
LESSON 05
Email & Communication
Email is one of the most useful everyday computer skills.
BEGINNER VIDEO
Get started with email
Watch a beginner email lesson covering the basics of sending, receiving, and working with messages.
We demonstrate
- Understanding an inbox
- Writing and sending a message
- Replying to an email
- Recognizing attachments
- Basic email organization
Practice goal
Understand the path of a basic email from writing to sending, receiving, reading, and replying.
LESSON 06
Online Safety
Learning how to use technology also means learning how to protect yourself.
BEGINNER VIDEO
Recognize scams and protect yourself
Watch a beginner safety lesson about common online fraud and scams, then practice stopping before you respond.
We demonstrate
- Creating and protecting strong passwords
- Recognizing suspicious links
- Understanding phishing and common scams
- Protecting personal information
- Pausing before responding online
Practice goal
Build the habit of stopping, looking carefully, and thinking before clicking, downloading, replying, or sharing information.
REMEMBER
You are learning a skill, not proving yourself.
It is normal to forget a step. It is normal to ask the same question twice. The goal is not to rush. The goal is to understand enough that you can keep going.
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