Date First Published: 24th January 2024
Topic: Computer Systems
Subtopic: Computer Hardware
Article Type: Computer Questions & Answers
Difficulty: EasyDifficulty Level: 3/10
Learn about 15 general computer tips for new users in this article. This is the 900th article.
For new users, using a computer can sound hard at first, especially without much experience of using a computer. Below are 15 general computer tips for new users to improve their skills and enhance productivity.
Keyboard shortcuts are a combination of keys that provide access to a certain function. Memorising keyboard shortcuts improves efficiency and can help you perform tasks more quickly. For example, instead of manually trying to find the 'copy' option, you can use the keyboard shortcut 'Ctrl + C'. Instead of navigating menus and links, keyboard shortcuts allow you to perform tasks by clicking a few buttons, saving time for tasks you often perform.
Using folders to keep files in is beneficial. It can keep files organised, helping you to find folders of the same category more quickly. Do not let all of your files build up into one folder over time. This will lead to clutter and will delay you from finding what you need.
Updates for operating systems and software can fix bugs and vulnerabilities that have been discovered by other users, keeping you secure from security risks. They also allow you to access the latest features, so if you receive notifications for updates for operating systems or software, it is recommended to install the update and not ignore it.
Especially when in a public place, leaving a computer unlocked when unattended, even when you are going to be away from it for a few minutes, is risky. This is because someone else will be able to see personal data, files, and other information that you might not want them to see. When you are going to be away from your computer, but know that you will be using it again soon, you can lock it, which will require you to enter your password to gain access. After you have finished using a computer, you can properly sign out.
Malware, such as viruses, Trojan horses, worms, spyware, and ransomware is specifically designed to harm your computer. It can do almost anything of the creator's choice, such as stealing sensitive information, taking control of your computer, and deleting, modifying, or encrypting your files. To keep your computer safe from malware, you can use antivirus software and avoid downloading files or attachments from websites you don't know.
Computers need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Over time, dust can build up around the fans and other components, which can block the air vents and cause the components to overheat. To clean your computer, fully turn off and unplug your computer, remove the side case, and use a small brush or a dusting cloth to get rid of the dust from each component.
Before turning your computer on again, make sure that each component is free of dust, not just the fans or air vents. It is best to do this at least once every six months to prevent too much dust from building up inside your computer. If you are using a laptop, you can use a small brush or dusting cloth on the small vents on the sides.
Backing up important files is a key part of data management. Backing up the important files stored on your computer will protect them if an unexpected event deletes or corrupts them, causing them to become impossible to recover.
If you don't back up the important files that are stored on your computer, you are at risk of losing them in case of an unexpected event. If your computer stops working, your hard drive fails, your computer gets stolen, or your computer catches a virus that deletes, corrupts, or encrypts your files, your files will be gone with no way of recovering them. You could even lose years worth of files, some of which may be too valuable to lose.
When using a computer for long periods of time, it is important to take regular breaks to reduce the risks of eye strain, poor posture, neck pain, and back pain. It will also help with productivity as working on a computer for hours without a break can make it harder for you to concentrate.
Customising the interface of your operating system and software by changing the theme, background, and colour, from default, and arranging icons will make it feel more personal. This can make it more visually appealing and make a big difference in your workflow.
If you have apps that you know you won't use in the future, you can delete or uninstall them to free up storage space and speed up your computer. This is useful if you are running low on storage space. If you change your mind, you can always reinstall them.
You should be wary of suspicious emails that come from people you don't know. Although it is very unlikely that your computer will get a virus just by opening an email message in a web browser, do not click on any links in the email, download or run any attached files, or load pictures in any emails that look suspicious. Even if the email is from someone you know, if the attachments look off or suspicious, it is best not to open it and confirm with the recipient that it is the file they intended to send.
All computers should be rebooted once in a while, which means fully turning off a computer and starting it up again. This improves speed because flushing the RAM and clearing up temporary processes and files gives it a fresh start and prevents too many processes from building up in the RAM over time.
There is a program or add-on available for almost any task you can think of, but before installing it, consider whether you really need it. You may already have a program or built-in feature already capable of doing what you want. Installing extra programs for every task you want to perform will gradually slow down your computer and increase the risks of getting infected with malware.
If you are unsure of something, you should look for the included help files in the program first. The keyboard shortcut 'F1' can direct you to the help page. If that does not answer your question, you can then search the internet to find an answer to your question.
Sensitive information can be kept secure using encryption. To keep your sensitive information secure, look for the padlock icon in your web browser. The padlock icon means that data is encrypted to make it unreadable by anyone monitoring the connection, securing any sensitive information. The padlock is a key thing that you should look for when entering sensitive information on any site.
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