A shortened link to this page is http://vanderbi.lt/computer

Understanding My Computer Bootcamp

Do you find yourself confused when installing software or trying to find files? Are you terrified with the prospect of using the command line? This bootcamp is designed for the person who wants to beef up their basic computer skills and feel comfortable with their computer’s operating system.

Each topic in this series includes parallel pages for Windows and Mac. The Windows pages provide examples for Windows 10 and the Mac pages provide examples for macOS 10.14 (Mojave), although earlier versions will be similar. Since Macs run on top of a Linux operating system, some of what is presented for Macs also applies to generic Linux.

Lessons

This bootcamp covers six general lessons. It is best to work your way through the lessons in order, since the later lessons assume that you understand the earlier ones

Lesson 1: Files

Topics include:

• Am I an idiot?
• What is the desktop?
• Files and programs
• File associations and extensions

Go to Lesson 1: Files for Mac or for Windows

Lesson 2: Directories

Topics include:

• The directory tree
• File Explorer (Windows)/Finder (Mac)
• Copying vs. moving files
• Cloud services for files

Go to Lesson 2: Directories for Mac or for Windows

Lesson 3: Installing software

Topics include:

• Parts of installed applications
• Application shortcuts (Windows)
• Ways to install software
• Uninstalling software

Go to Lesson 3: Installing software for Mac or for Windows

Lesson 4: Connections

Topics include:

• Physical ports on your computer
• Device drivers
• Printers
• Removable storage
• Multiple monitors

Go to Lesson 4: Connections for Mac or for Windows

Lesson 5: Backup

Topics include:

• Risks
• OS-dependent tools
• Suggested strategies

Go to Lesson 5: Backup for Mac or for Windows

Lesson 6: Command line

Topics include:

• The console (Terminal in Mac, Command Prompt in Windows)
• File paths and navigating through directories
• Running programs
• The system PATH variable
• Localhost web servers

Go to Lesson 6: Command line for Mac (Unix shell) or for Windows (DOS)

---

Revised 2019-05-06

Questions? Contact us

License: CC BY 4.0.
Credit: "Vanderbilt Libraries Digital Lab - www.library.vanderbilt.edu"