Libraries, Archives, Museums: Digital Literacy Guide: Computer Fundamentals

Computer Basics

Computer Skills Center (LearningExpress)
Use the materials in the Computer Skills Center to learn the basics of computers, from searching the Internet to using popular software programs for word processing, creating spreadsheets and databases, implementing design and more. (FREE REGISTRATION REQUIRED)
Technology Buying Guide (GCF LearnFree)
Before you use a computer or mobile device at home, you need to buy one. Let this guide show what's available and how your needs affect what you might get.
Computer Basics (GCF LearnFree)
Information on hardware, parts of a computer, types of computers and more.
How to decide when to get a new computer (GCF LearnFree)
Suggestions on when you might want to buy a new computer, regardless of age. May help some people hang on to their systems longer.
Cut, Copy and Paste [computers, phones, tablets] Computer Hope
Demonstrates several ways to do copy and paste on various devices and operating systems. Includes practice tasks.
Tips and Tricks (GCF LearnFree)
Tips on keyboard shortcuts, taking screenshots, privacy and more.
Using a Keyboard (Learn My Way)
Video and printable guide to using a computer keyboard.
Using a Mouse (Learn My Way)
Video and text tutorial on using the screen pointing device known as a mouse.

Storage Devices

SSD vs. HDD: What's the Difference? (PC Magazine)
Most computers come with two types of long term storage for your files. This article explains the two types and suggests what might be right for you.
Backing Up Your Computer (GCF LearnFree)
Explanation of the ways you can make copies of important files so they will not be lost when your computer crashes.
Cloud Backup (GCF LearnFree, 2020)
YouTube video explaining "cloud" storage and how you might use it. Using cloud storage uses your internet bandwidth, which might be a problem in some rural areas.
Free up drive space in Windows 10
Windows 10 advice on reducing disk space.

Operating Systems - PC

Windows 10 (GCF LearnFree)
Get started with Microsoft's latest (2015) operating system.
Linux (PC World)
Linux is an open source alternative to Windows. Might be harder for a beginner. This tutorial offers suggestions on selecting and using one of the popular Linux distributions.

Operating Systems - Apple

Mac OS (GCF LearnFree)
Tutorials for a number of Mac OS systems. Includes link to YouTube playlist last updated in September 2020.
Mac OS Help (Apple)
Official Apple documentation for the Mac OS.

Operating Systems - Chrome OS

What is Chrome OS? Here's everything you need to know (Make Use Of)
Article describing aspects of Google's Chrome OS to help you decide if it's right OS for you.
What is Chrome OS? | Chrome OS Basics for Newbies (ItGenius via YouTube)
13 minute video demonstrating the Chrome OS operating system.
Chromebook help
Main Google support site for chromebooks, the main computer running Chrome OS.

How Computers Work

How Computers Work is a six part series on how all computers work created by Code.org and the Khan Academy. Each video is no more than five minutes long:

Ep. 1: Introducing how computers work
Ep. 2: What makes a computer, a computer?
Ep. 3: Binary & data
Ep. 4: Circuits and logic
Ep. 5: CPU, memory, input & output
Ep. 6: Hardware and software

Cleaning Your Electronics

How to Spring Clean Your Electronics (PC Magazine)
Tips on how to safely clean desktops, laptops, phones and tablets and more.