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Introduction to Multiple Hard Drives

In this lesson we will look at the principle of using multiple hard drives for backup or redundancy purposes. In later lessons we look at specific ways of achieving this. As we know, the hard drive is where permanent information and data is stored in our computer. Use the buttons below to navigate through the…

What is a Network?

In this lesson we will learn the basics of what is a computer network. In the early days of personal computing computers were usually disconnected from one another. They would be used for document writing and calculations, and special equipment was required to connect them together. Use the buttons below to navigate through the lesson…

How to install software in Windows

Windows operating system is very powerful, but it does not have the ability to do everything we might want to do with our computers. We can add new programs to our computer in order to increase our capabilities. In this lesson we will install some example new software. Use the buttons below to navigate through…

Creating User Accounts in Windows

In order to use a Windows computer you must log on with your user account. Here we see how to create a new account. Use the buttons below to navigate through the lesson We might want to have multiple accounts on our computer so that family members can share the same computer and yet have…

The Windows Start Menu

The Start Menu has been a standard feature in Microsoft Windows ever since Windows 95. It has changed and evolved over the years but the essential idea has remained the same: it is the central place where you can find all of the programs installed on your computer. Use the buttons below to navigate through…

Desktop and My Documents

The Windows desktop provides a convenient location for storing files and folders. The desktop can contain shortcuts to applications and documents that you access frequently. This lesson is based on Windows XP, but if you understand this you will understand how the desktop works in all the other versions of Windows too! Use the buttons…

Introduction To Windows

Operating Systems The most important piece of software on any computer is the operating system. The operating system gives the framework upon which all other services and applications run. The majority of home users use a Windows based machine. Most of today’s applications and games are designed to run solely on Microsoft systems. Microsoft Windows…

Introduction To Hardware

The interior of a computer looks very complicated at first glance. When the case is removed there is a mass of bits, cables and components that can intimidate the uninitiated. This lesson will seek to dispense some of the mist that may surround the hardware of a computer. Use the buttons below to navigate through…

Files and Folders

Files are organized on your computer in folders. If it helps, think of your computer as a filing cabinet. There may be drawers that group information or paperwork, e.g. one drawer for household items, another for personal items and so on. Inside the drawers there are dividers for sub groups such as gas, electricity, insurance…

Favorites

Favourites or bookmarks is a list of internet sites that have been visited and kept for future reference. As this list grows it can be come untidy and difficult to navigate. The following section will describe how to delete items and place favourites in folders for easier navigation. Use the buttons below to navigate through…