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

Computer Basics

Computer Skills

Computer Basics (GCF LearnFree)
Information on hardware, parts of a computer, types of computers and more.
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.
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.

Finding Your Computer

How to Know It's Time For a New PC
This article from Microsoft Support offers a few signs that it might be time to get a new PC.
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.
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.
Laptop and Chromebook Guide - Consumer Reports
April 2024. This Consumer Reports Buying Guide goes over the differences between different types of laptops and Chromebooks, and offers helpful tips for deciding what to buy.

Storage Devices & Cloud Storage

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.
Best Cloud Storage and File-Sharing Services for 2024
From PCMagazine.
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.
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.

Operating Systems - PC

Meet Windows 11
Windows 11 is the most recent version of Windows (as of 2021) - get to know how it works with this guide from Microsoft.
Windows 10 (GCF LearnFree)
Get started with Windows 10.
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 - MacOS

MacOS (GCF LearnFree)
Tutorials for a number of MacOS systems. Includes link to YouTube playlist last updated in September 2020.
MacOS Help (Apple)
Official Apple documentation for the MacOS - the current version is Sonoma.
What version of MacOS do I have?
Not sure what version of MacOS your computer is running? Check out this help page from Apple Support. It includes a version history table.

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.

Operating Systems - iOS & iPadOS & Android

iOS is Apple's phone Operating System. iPadOS is Apple's tablet Operating System. Both are only available with Apple devices
Android is Google's phone operating system. Android can be used with phones and tablets from many different manufacturers.

Android vs. iOS: Which Phone OS Really is the Best?
This article from PCMagazine looks at various features of iOS 17 and Android 14 to come up with an overall winner. Use this article to see how the two operating systems compare on key features like security, gaming, camera, etc.
iPhone vs. Android: Which Should You Get
This article from Forbes is similar to the one above - looking at the pros and cons of each 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.