GCF Learn Online Training
This site offers such topics as social media, mobile apps, technology, work and career along with labs to name just a few of their features and subjects on this FREE site! Looking for a quick video on how to take a screenshot or create a strong password?. Here are a few sites to visit for free assistance on your technical needs.
Getting to Know Computers
What is a computer?
Watch the video (2:39).
A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. You can use a computer to type documents, send email, and browse the Web. You can also use it to handle spreadsheets, accounting, database management, presentations, games, and more.
Computer Basics
Getting to Know Computers
What is an operating system?
Watch the video (2:13).
An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the computer's memory, processes, and all of its software and hardware. It also allows you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's "language." Without an operating system, a computer is useless.
Computer Basics
Getting to Know Computers
What is an application?
Watch the video (2:17).
You may have heard people talking about using an application, or an app. But what exactly does that mean? An app is a type of software that allows you to perform specific tasks. Applications for desktop or laptop computers are sometimes called desktop applications, and those for mobile devices are called mobile apps. When you open an application, it runs inside the operating system until you close it. Much of the time, you will have more than one application open at the same time, and this is known as multi-tasking.
Computer Basics
Getting to Know Computers
What is the cloud?
Watch the video (3:28).
You may have heard people using terms like the cloud, cloud computing, or cloud storage. But what exactly is the cloud? Basically, the cloud is the Internet—more specifically, it's all of the things you can access remotely over the Internet. When something is in the cloud, it means it's stored on servers on the Internet instead of on your computer. It lets you access your calendar, email, files, and more from any computer with an Internet connection.
Computer Basics
Getting to Know Computers
Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer
Watch the video (2:08).
The basic parts of a desktop computer are the computer case, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord. Each part plays an important role whenever you use a computer.
Watch the video to learn about the basic parts of a desktop computer.
Computer Safety & Maintenance
How do I keep my computer healthy?
Watch the video (4:15).
Computers are expensive, and with all big purchases you probably want to protect your investment. Luckily, it is not difficult to keep your computer healthy and in good working order. Maintaining a computer involves three things: keeping it physically clean, protecting it from malware, and backing up your important files.
Browser Basics
Introduction
A web browser is the tool you use to access the World Wide Web. In order to get the most out of the Web, it's important to understand the various features of a browser.
In this lesson, we'll talk about navigating the Web with a browser, downloading files, bookmarking your favorite websites, tabbed browsing, and plug-ins.
Search Engines and Strategies
Introduction
With billions of webpages on the World Wide Web, how can you find exactly what you're looking for? By using a search engine.
Search engines are specialized websites that help you find what you're looking for on the Web. All you have to do is type in one or more keywords, and the search engine will look for matching websites from all over the Web.
In this lesson, you'll learn the basics of using a search engine, as well as some techniques you can use to get better search results.