Files, Folders and Operating Systems
How to work with windows, files and folders
and do common tasks such as copy and paste
in different types of computers
Who is this for?
These lessons are for people who want to understand how to use a computer. The lessons are listed under operating systems.
An operating system or OS is a software installed on a computer's hard drive that enables the computer hardware to communicate and operate with the computer software. Without a computer operating system, a computer and software programs would be useless. (from the Computer Hope Glossary)
The two main operating systems are Windows and Mac. If you are using a Chrome Book, the operating system is Chromium. If you are using a tablet, you may find this Introduction to Tablets helpful.
You can do the same things in all operating systems but you might do them a little differently.
In the lessons linked here you can learn about the operating system you are using and how to work with files, folders and windows in that operating system.
If you come across a term you do not understand, try looking it up in the Computer Hope Glossary.
Click or tap the arrows on the right to open a section.
computer-software-captioned.mp4Computer Software in Plain English
A short explanation of how operating systems and software programs work together to make computers useful and customizable.
File Management
Wisconsin Technical Colleges Basic Computer Skills MOOC
Perform Basic File Management Techniques
This is a course. Each section covers related computer skills divided into Learning Activities and concludes with a test. You can sign up if you want to take the tests or you can go through the material as a guest.
The sections are:
Create and Organize Files
How to Manage and Back Up Files
Search Files and Folders
Perform Basic File Management Techniques Test
Using a PC (Windows)
GCFLearnFree
This a tutorial. Scroll down to find lessons about about Windows, working with files and folders, and common computer tasks such as cut, copy and paste.
This a tutorial. Scroll down to find lessons about about the features of Windows 10.
If you are using an older version of Windows, you can find all the Windows Tutorials at this link.
NOTE: If you want to save your progress as you work through GCFLearnFree tutorials and lessons, you can create an account and log in each time you do some work here.
DigitalLearn
If you know a bit about using a mouse and keyboard but don't know your way around using a computer just yet, this is the class for you. Learn how to use a PC (Personal Computer) with the Windows 10 Operating System.
There are six short lessons in this module. It should take 15 minutes to complete all six lessons. You will learn about Windows 10, how the desktop works, and the basics of how to work with files and folders.
The lessons are slideshows with pictures and a voiceover. You will need speakers or headphones to hear the voiceovers. If you do not have speakers or headphones, you can read along and pause when you like. There are also PDFs of all the lessons that you can save and read later.
Wisconsin Technical Colleges Basic Computer Skills MOOC
This is a course. Each section covers related computer skills divided into Learning Activities and concludes with a test. You can sign up if you want to take the tests or you can go through the material as a guest.
The sections are:
Examine the Windows Operating System
Use Windows and the Windows 7 Operating System
Use Personalization Features & Access Software Programs
Navigate an Operating System Test
Digital Unite Technology Guides
A series of guides about Windows 10.
Here are two to get started.
A summary of the features in Windows 10.
Getting started with Windows 10
A quick overview of how to find your way around Windows 10 and easily access your files and programs
You can read the web pages or print them out.
Using a Mac
GCFLearnFree
This a tutorial. Scroll down to find lessons about about OS X, working with files and folders, and common computer tasks such as cut, copy and paste.
NOTE: If you want to save your progress as you work through GCFLearnFree tutorials and lessons, you can create an account and log in each time you do some work here.
DigitalLearn
If you know a bit about using a mouse and keyboard but don't know your way around using a computer just yet, this is the class for you. Learn how to use a Mac (Apple) with the OS X Operating System.
There are six short lessons in this module. It should take 15 minutes to complete all six lessons. You will learn about how the desktop and dock works and the basics of how to work with files, folders and windows.
The lessons are slideshows with pictures and a voiceover. You will need speakers or headphones to hear the voiceovers. If you do not have speakers or headphones, you can read along and pause when you like. There are also PDFs of all the lessons that you can save and read later.
Using a ChromeBook
GCFLearnFree
This a tutorial. Scroll down to find lessons about about macOS, working with files and folders, and common computer tasks such as cut, copy and paste.
NOTE: If you want to save your progress as you work through GCFLearnFree tutorials and lessons, you can create an account and log in each time you do some work here.