Q&A for How to Use a Computer

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  • Question
    What are the benefits of a computer?
    Community Answer
    With computer, you can do simple tasks like writing email, using the internet, online banking, surfing on different websites, playing games, watching movies, and overall, have some fun. And you can customize your computer to do what you want it to do.
  • Question
    How can I send photos from an email in a text message?
    Community Answer
    Open the email on your phone and save the photos to your phone. Then attach the photos to the text message as you would any others.
  • Question
    How do I use a USB memory stick?
    Community Answer
    When you plug in the stick you should hear a sound. Click the "Start" icon on the bottom left of the screen, which prompts a number of applications to choose from. Click "Computer" and the application will appear. You will see two different options: "Hard Disc Drives" and "Devices with Removable Storage". On "Devices with Removable Storage" you will see "Removable Disc (E:)". Double click on it and you can access the USB drive. To save a picture or document to the USB stick open and right click on it, and choose "Send to Removable Disc E".
  • Question
    Which is cheaper, upgrading a PC (processor, RAM, hard disk), or buying a new one?
    Community Answer
    It is often cheaper to upgrade your current machine, depending on what you want for a machine. RAM and hard drives are a sum total of $100-150 depending on size, and processors don't cost much, either.
  • Question
    What is the best computer to use?
    Community Answer
    For your average user, a normal prebuilt desktop PC will do. For PC gaming, making one yourself might be the cheapest option. You could also get a laptop if you prize mobility.
  • Question
    Where do I download a mouse?
    Community Answer
    A computer mouse is not something you download. It is a physical object used to manipulate the arrow pointer on the screen. You may purchase it at any computer store.
  • Question
    How do I start a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation?
    Community Answer
    Open the presentation you want to show. Navigate to the Slide Show tab and use the comments in the "Start Slide Show" group to play your presentation. You can either play it from the beginning or from a specific slide.
  • Question
    What if the computer starts then stalls (ie: doesn't accept commands from keyboard)?
    Community Answer
    Make sure the keyboard is plugged in firmly. Check "Devices and Printers" and make sure the keyboard is visible there as well. If that doesn't work, restart the computer.
  • Question
    Can I use a Chromebook?
    Community Answer
    Yes, if that's what you'd prefer. I think they're good computers myself.
  • Question
    How do I update Microsoft Office?
    Community Answer
    Open any Office program, like Word, and navigate to the File tab. Under Account (or Office Account in Outlook), select Product Information, Update Options, and Update Now. If there are any updates available, you can download them there.
  • Question
    How do I choose the right laptop for me?
    Community Answer
    Buying a laptop can be difficult because you have so many things to consider. Generally, Windows laptops are more programmable, and you can choose from lots of styles. Mac is more user friendly but less programmable. If you have a hard time working with a computer, use a Chromebook. If you are really into programming, buy a Linux. This is just my opinion though -- you should do plenty of independent research on each model/brand, their benefits and drawbacks, etc. to choose exactly what you need.
  • Question
    How do I exit the computer?
    Community Answer
    Windows users should click "Start", then click "Shut Down". Or click "Turn Off". Chrome book users should click the "Power" icon of hold the "Power" button for about 4 seconds.
  • Question
    What should I do if my disk cleaner is not working on my computer?
    DracoBug
    Community Answer
    Try a different disk cleaner, or take your computer to a repair shop. The disk reader may be broken, unfortunately.
  • Question
    How can I make my computer work better?
    Community Answer
    See How to Make a Computer Run Better for some tips. Make sure you have an antivirus installed as well.
  • Question
    How do I make apps show up on the desktop?
    Community Answer
    Go to the File Explorer and right-click the application you want to add to your desktop. Then, hover over the "Send to" option and click Desktop. This should create a desktop shortcut.
  • Question
    Can wikiHow not copyedit stuff?
    Top Answerer
    wikiHow doesn't have a way that auto-copyedits stuff. However, using tags, we have the Copyedit Greenhouse found in the Community Dashboard that allows users to copyedit articles as they are found. If you found an article that needs copyediting, please edit it to copyedit the article. If you don't have time to copyedit it, please tag it with the {{copyedit}} inside an edit, and someone will get to it as soon as possible.
  • Question
    When I sign in to another computer account, do I use my own password or a new one?
    Community Answer
    You use the password associated with the account you are trying to access. On any computer, you are usually able to create multiple accounts and each one will have its own password. The important thing to know is which account is the administrator, because that will allow you to make changes to details about the machine. Make sure you don't delete the system administrator account.
  • Question
    What are the uses of Command Prompt?
    Community Answer
    Command Prompt has many uses, ranging from automating basic computer tasks (with a .bat file), to finding information about the computer (IP address, drives) or changing settings. Most of the time you don't need it unless you are doing more complex lower level things.
  • Question
    The hand icon on my laptop isn't moving. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Press the power button on your computer. Shut your computer all the way down, then restart your computer. If that doesn't work, you may have to take your computer into an electronics store to get it fixed.
  • Question
    How do I put pictures on the front of my computer?
    Community Answer
    If you are asking how to change the desktop background, then it will depend on your system, but you can usually right-click on the desktop and click an option that says something like "Display Settings, "Personalize," etc. That should bring you to a page where you can change your desktop background. If you're asking how to put pictures on the outside of your actual computer, you can just use some tape to secure them.
  • Question
    How can I change my screen displays?
    Community Answer
    All computers are different, but most modern monitors have settings buttons on the bottom right corner. Clicking one of these should bring up a menu to edit your screen display.
  • Question
    How do I find saved items on a computer?
    Community Answer
    Check the Downloads, Documents, and Pictures folders.
  • Question
    How do I save a document on a computer?
    Community Answer
    Depends on the program you're viewing the document in, but generally, there is a Save button you can click, or there is a Download button if the file needs to be downloaded from the internet, or you can go to File at the top left of the window and then Save, or you can press and hold Ctrl and press S on your keyboard. Then you can rename the document if you want and choose the location you want to save it to.
  • Question
    How do I open a new Facebook page on the computer?
    Community Answer
    Navigate to your web browser (Safari, Chrome, etc.) and type "www.facebook.com" into the search bar at the top of the page. If you're asking how to create a new profile, then log out of your current, existing profile (if you have one) and then use the "Create a New Account" process on the Facebook login page to create a new page.
  • Question
    My PC brightness can not be shortened or made long. What is the problem?
    Community Answer
    You need the change the brightness through your monitor. There may be button at the side/bottom of your monitor.
  • Question
    How do I merge documents on my laptop?
    Community Answer
    You can just copy and paste one into the other.
  • Question
    How do I download more RAM?
    Angel
    Community Answer
    It is not possible to download more RAM because it is a physical object. If you do download "RAM," then it may be a scam, or a virus.
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