Helena VelasquezTech Tips & Insights

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From the very basics of using a computer to getting the most out of everyday apps.

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Computers: The Very Basics

The basics include becoming familiar with the parts of a computer, what they can do, and when and how to use them. Turning on a computer, accessing the internet, and typing an email all start here.

Why Use a Computer?

Computers help us look up information quickly, stay connected to friends and family, store important information, make purchases, and so much more.

Laptop vs. Desktop

A laptop is a portable computer that folds in half and contains all its parts in one unit. A desktop stays in one place and usually has larger parts that can be detached.

Booting Up a Computer

Most computers turn on with a power button showing the universal power symbol. Once on, it may ask for your login or take you straight to the desktop.

Clicking vs. Double Clicking

The mouse moves the cursor on screen. A single click is most common. Double-click is usually only needed to open items from the desktop.

Right Clicking

Clicking with the right mouse button is always a single click, and it usually brings up a menu of options.

Opening Programs

From the desktop, open programs by double-clicking their icon to access the internet, create a document, or send an email.

Computer Parts

Motherboard
The “backbone” of the computer that lets all the parts communicate.
CPU
The “brains” of the computer.
RAM
Short-term memory that helps the computer recall current tasks.
Video/Sound Card
Sends graphics and audio to the monitor and speakers.
Hard Drive
Long-term memory that stores information to be retrieved later.
Monitor
Displays images, similar to a television.
Keyboard
Lets you type letters, numbers, and commands.
Mouse
Moves the cursor, usually with left and right buttons and a scroll wheel.
Trackpad
A touch-sensitive pad on laptops that works like a mouse.
Headphone Jack
A small round port for headphones or speakers.
USB Port
Rectangular ports for keyboards, mice, storage, and more.

Keyboard Keys

Tab
Indents text or moves to the next text box.
Caps Lock
Types all letters as capitals.
Shift
Capitalizes the next letter while held.
Enter
Starts a new line. It can also act as a click.
Backspace
Deletes the previous character.

Email

Email Whitelisting Guide

Never miss important emails again. Whitelisting (or safelisting) tells your email provider "I trust this sender!" so their messages always reach your inbox instead of the spam folder.

Gmail

  1. 1Log in to your Gmail account
  2. 2Click the gear icon in the top-right corner and select “See all settings”
  3. 3Open the “Filters and blocked addresses” tab
  4. 4Select “Create a new filter” and enter the address in the “From” field
  5. 5Click “Create filter”, then check “Never send to spam”

Tip: On mobile, open the spam folder, find the email, and tap “Report not spam”.

Outlook / Microsoft

  1. 1Click the Settings gear icon in the top-right corner
  2. 2Select “Mail”
  3. 3Choose “Junk email”
  4. 4Enter the email address under Safe senders

Yahoo Mail

  1. 1Go to Settings on the right side
  2. 2Select “More Settings”
  3. 3Choose “Filters” and add a new filter with the email address
  4. 4Save your changes

Tip: AOL treats your contact list as your safe sender list automatically.

Apple Mail & iCloud

  1. 1Open the Mail app and go to the Mailboxes screen
  2. 2Open the Junk folder and find the email
  3. 3Swipe left, tap the three dots, and choose “Move to Inbox”
  4. 4Tap the sender’s name and choose “Add to Contacts”