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Getting to know your computer's OS

Now that you know the absolute basics of using a computer, it's time to learn more about your computer's operating system. We'll be talking about the two most common operating systems in this lesson: Microsoft Windows and macOS.

Watch the video below to learn the basics of using Windows.

Watch the video below to learn the basics of using macOS.

Getting to know the interface

Both PCs and Macs use a graphical user interface (GUI), and they each have their own look and feel. The interactives below will introduce you to the Windows and Mac interfaces.

Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn more about the Windows interface.

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Recycle Bin

When you delete a file, it is moved to the Recycle Bin. This allows you to recover the file if you change your mind.

To permanently delete the file, you will need to empty the Recycle Bin.

Items on the Desktop

You can keep folders, files, and shortcuts on the desktop so they'll be easily accessible.

Open Folders

When you double-click a folder, it will open in a specialized program called File Explorer (also known as Windows Explorer). This allows you to navigate to the specific folder or file you want.

Start Button

In most versions of Windows, you'll click the Start button to open the Start menu.

Shortcuts on the Taskbar

Some programs will have shortcuts on the taskbar for easy access. In this example, there are shortcuts to Microsoft Edge, File Explorer, and the Windows Store.

Taskbar

The taskbar contains shortcuts to applications, the date and time, and more. When you open a program or file, it will appear on the taskbar, and you can easily switch between different programs by selecting them on the taskbar.

Desktop

The desktop is the main workspace of your computer. From here, you can access files, folders, and more.

You can also customize the desktop by choosing a desktop background image, also known as a wallpaper.

Date and Time Settings

On the right side of the taskbar, you will see the date and time. There will also be shortcuts to various settings, like Internet settings and sound volume.

Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn more about the macOS interface.

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Apple Icon

In the top-left corner of the screen is the Apple icon, which you can click to access your System Preferences, recent documents, and more. You can also use it to shut down your computer.

Menu Bar

The menu bar will contain different menu options depending on which program you're using. In this example, the active program is Finder.

Open Folders

When you double-click a folder, it will open in a specialized program called Finder. This lets you navigate to the specific file or folder you want.

Date and Time Settings

On the right side of the menu bar, you will see the date and time, along with shortcuts you can click to adjust settings like sound volume.

Spotlight

When you click the magnifying glass icon, it will open Spotlight. Spotlight allows you to find a file or application by typing the name (or just part of the name).

Notification Center

The Notification Center displays an alert when you've received an update. It can be customized to let you know of upcoming appointments, tweets, news, and other real-time events. It remains hidden until you click its icon in the top-right corner.

Items on the Desktop

You can keep folders, files, and shortcuts on the desktop so they'll be easily accessible.

Trash

When you delete a file, it is moved to the Trash. This allows you to recover the file if you change your mind. To permanently delete a file, you'll need to empty the Trash.

Launchpad

Launchpad allows you to see a list of all of your applications. It is designed to make it easier to find and organize your applications.

Desktop

The desktop is the main workspace of your computer. From here, you can access files, folders, and more.

You can also customize the desktop by choosing a desktop background image, also known as a wallpaper.

Dock

The Dock can contain shortcuts to applications, files, and folders. If you have multiple programs open, you can use the Dock to quickly switch between them.

If you have difficulty seeing or hearing—or if you have trouble manipulating the mouse or keyboard—there are many settings that can help make your computer easier to use. To learn more, check out our lesson on Using Accessibility Features.

All about your computer's file system

No matter which operating system you use, your computer uses folders to organize all of the different files and applications it contains. Folder icons on your computer are designed to look like file folders full of documents or pictures.

Each operating system has its own file system, which helps you find your folders and files. If you have a Windows PC, you'll use the File Explorer (also known as Windows Explorer). If you have a Mac, you'll use Finder. Here, we'll talk about the basic functions that are common to all computer file systems.

To find out more about file systems on Macs, check out the lesson on Working with Files in our macOS Basics tutorial. To learn more about PC file systems, take a look at the Working with Files lesson in our Windows Basics tutorial.

Opening your computer's file system

Whether you're using a PC or a Mac, the file system icon will be on the toolbar. On a PC, the File Explorer icon looks like a folder, as in the image below.

On a Mac, the Finder icon looks like a face on the Dock, as in the image below.

In both operating systems, you can also open the file system by clicking a folder from your desktop.

Basic navigation

Whether you're using File Explorer or Finder, basic navigation will work the same way. If you see the file you want, you can double-click it with your mouse. Otherwise, you can use the Navigation pane on the left side of the window to select a different location.

Deleting files

macOS and Windows use a Trash can—or Recycle Bin—to prevent you from accidentally deleting files. When you delete a file, it is moved to the Trash can. If you change your mind, you can move the file back to its original location.

If you want to permanently delete the file, you will need to empty the Trash or Recycle Bin. To do this, right-click the icon and select Empty.

Opening files and applications

Each application on your computer has a group of file types—or formats—it is able to open. When you double-click a file, your computer will automatically use the correct application to open it. In our example, we're opening a Microsoft Word document (Cover Letter), which will open in Microsoft Word.

However, there may be times you may want to open an application directly, instead of just opening a file.

• To open an application in Windows, click the Start button, then select the desired application. If you don't see the one you want, you can click All Programs/All Apps to see a full list, scroll through the application list in Windows 10, or simply type the name of the application on your keyboard to search for it. In the example below, we're opening Microsoft Edge from the tiles.
  
• To open an application on a Mac, click the application's icon on the Dock. If you don't see the one you want, click the Spotlight icon in the top-right corner of the screen, then type the name of the application on your keyboard to search for it. In the example below, we're opening Safari.

Adjusting your computer's settings

When you start using a new computer, you may want to begin by adjusting the computer's settings. Adjusting your settings can range from simple tasks such as changing your desktop background to more advanced tasks like adjusting your security or keyboard settings.

• In Windows 10, click the Start button, then select Settings.
  
• In Windows 8.1 and earlier, click the Start button, then locate and select the Control Panel. Check out the Adjusting Your Settings lesson in our Windows Basics tutorial to learn more about the Control Panel.
  
• On a Mac, click the Apple icon, then select System Preferences. Check out our Adjusting Your Settings lesson in our macOS Basics tutorial to learn more about System Preferences.
  

Shutting down your computer

When you're done using your computer, it's important to shut it down properly.

• To shut down Windows, click the Start button, then select Shut down from the menu (in some versions, this may say Turn Off Computer or look like the power symbol).
  
• To shut down a Mac, click the Apple icon, then select Shut Down.
  

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