AcademyComputer & Laptop SkillsOpen e-Learning Academy

Beginner-friendly • Free

Learn how to use a computer

From your first mouse click to browsing safely and mastering keyboard shortcuts. Read, practise and explain each step yourself.

Your progress0 / 10 lessons

Completed exercises are saved locally. Voice input is optional; typed practice is encouraged.

LESSON 1 OF 10

Getting to know your laptop

Identify the screen, keyboard, touchpad, charging port, USB ports and power button. Learn to turn on a computer safely, sign in and shut down using the system menu.

Try it yourself

  1. Find the power button and charging socket.
  2. Practise adjusting screen brightness and volume.
  3. Learn the difference between sleep, restart and shut down.

Writing practice

Explain the difference between restarting and shutting down a laptop.

Which action reboots the computer?

Keyboard shortcuts reference

On a Mac, most shortcuts use Command (⌘) instead of Ctrl. Some shortcuts differ by operating system, browser or app.

Ctrl + CCopy
Ctrl + VPaste
Ctrl + XCut
Ctrl + ASelect all
Ctrl + ZUndo
Ctrl + YRedo (most Windows apps)
Ctrl + SSave
Ctrl + FFind
Ctrl + PPrint
Ctrl + BBold
Ctrl + TNew browser tab
Ctrl + WClose browser tab
Ctrl + LBrowser address bar
Ctrl + RRefresh page
Ctrl + Shift + RHard refresh (most browsers)

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