Computer Basics

Welcome to Computer Basics

If you're new to computers or just want to improve your knowledge or skills, this is the place for you.

More to Learn: For continued skills development, see the Technology Project for FamilySearch, Ancestry, MyHeritage, or Findmypast.

Note to coaches and mentors: If you are helping someone who is new to the computer, the person can read with you on this computer and then try the skills on the other computer being used for training. Also, the Projects and Goals in Computer Basics assume that the beginner has a computer or mobile device already set up for use.

A helpful site for technology definitions, insights, and references is Webopedia.com.

Computer Basics Projects Vault

Click a Project below to get started. If you need help with laptops, tablets, or smartphone computing, click here. For a glossary of computer terms, click here. For additional articles and videos about Computer Basics, visit the Vault page.

Project 1: PC Basics

Turn your computer on and off, identify the basic parts, learn the basics of Windows and file navigation, gain basic Internet skills, and more.

Project 1A: Mac Basics

Turn your Mac on and off, learn the basics of OS X and file navigation, gain basic Internet skills, and more.

Mobile Devices: Laptops, Tablets, and Phones

Get started using mobile devices such as laptop computers, tablets, and phones.