Learning

Introduction Do you ever feel like the only person who doesn't use email? You don't have to feel left out. If you're just getting started, you'll see that with a little bit of practice, email is easy to understand and use. In this lesson, you will learn what email is, how it compares to traditional mail, and how email addresses are written. We'll also discuss various types of email providers and the features and tools they include with an email account. Getting to know email Email (electronic mail) is a way to send and receive messages across the Internet. It's similar to traditional mail, but it also has some key differences. To get a better idea of what email is all about, take a look at the infographic below and consider how you might benefit from its use. Email advantages Productivity tools: Email is usually packaged with a calendar, address book, instant messaging, and more for convenience and productivity. Access to web services: If you

So you have a new computer and you're ready to set it up. This may seem like an overwhelming and complicated task, but it's actually a lot easier than you might think! Most computers are set up in a similar way, so it doesn't matter what brand of computer you have. If you're setting up a new computer that's still in the box, you'll probably find a how-to-guide guide that includes step-by-step details. Even if it didn't include instructions, you can still set up the computer in a few easy steps. We'll take you through the different steps needed to set up a typical computer. Watch the video below to learn how to set up a desktop computer. Setting up a laptop computer If you have a laptop, setup should be easy: Just open it and press the power button. If the battery isn't charged, you'll need to plug in the AC adapter. You can continue using the laptop while it charges. If your laptop has any peripherals, like external speakers, you

What is an application? You may have heard people talking about using a program, an application, or app. But what exactly does that mean? Simply put, an app is a type of software that allows you to perform specific tasks. Applications for desktop or laptop computers are somethings called desktop applications, which those for mobile devices are called mobile apps. When you open an application, it runs inside the operating system until you close it. Most of the time, you will have more than one application open at the same time, which is known as multi-tasking. App is common term for an application, especially for simple applications that can be downloaded inexpensively or even for free. Many apps are also available for mobile devices and even some TVs. Desktop applications There are countless desktop applications, and they fall into several categories. Some are more full featured (like Microsoft Word ), while others may only do one or two things (like a clock or calendar app).

An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the computer's memory and processes, as well as all of its software and hardware. It also allows you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak with computer's language. Without an operating system, a computer is useless. Watch the video below to learn more about operating systems.  The operating system's job Your computer's operating system (OS) manages all of the software and hardware on the computer. Most of the time, there are several different computer programs running at the same time, and they all need to access your computer's central processing unit (CPU), memory, and storage. The operating system coordinates all of this to make sure each program gets what it needs. Types of operating systems Operating systems usually come pre-loaded on any computer you buy. Most people use the operating system that comes with their computer, but it's possible to up

A mobile device is a general term for any type of handheld computer. These devices are designed to be extremely portable, and they can often fit in your hand. Some mobile devices - like tablets, e-readers, and smartphones -- are powerful enough to do many of the same things you can do with a desktop or laptop computer. Tablet computers Like laptops, tablet computers are designed to be portable. However, they provide a different computer experience. The most obvious difference is that tablet computers don't have keyboards or touchpads. Instead, the entire screen is touch-sensitive, allowing you to type on a virtual keyboard and use your finger as a mouse pointer.  Tablet computers can't necessarily do everything traditional computers can do. For many people, a traditional computer like a desktop or laptop is still needed in order to use some programs. However, the convenience of a tablet computer means it may be ideal as a second computer.  E-readers E-book readers - also called

A laptop is a personal computer that can be easily moved and used in a variety of locations. Most laptops are designed to have all the functionality of a desktop computer, which means they can generally run the same software and open the same types of files. However, laptops also tend to be more expensive than comparable desktop computers. Watch the video below to learn about laptop computers. How is a laptop different from a desktop? Because laptops are designed for portability, there are some important differences between them and desktop computers. A laptop has an all-in-one design, with a built-in monitor, keyboard, touchpad (which replaces the mouse), and speakers. This means it is fully functional, even when no peripherals are connected. A laptop is also quicker to set up, and there are fewer cables to get in the way.  You'll also have the option to connect a regular mouse, larger monitor, and other peripherals. This basically turns your laptop into a desktop computer, with o