Getting to know your computer's OS

[Titan ;x]

Opening files and applications
Each application on your computer has a group of file types—or formats—it is able to open. When you double-click a file, your computer will automatically use the correct application to open it. In our example, we're opening a Microsoft Word document (Chicago Trip Details), which will open in Microsoft Word.
 

However, there may be times you may want to open an application directly, instead of just opening a file.

To open an application in Windows, click the Start button, then select the desired application. If you don't see the one you want, you can click All Programs/All Apps to see a full list, or simply type the name of the application on your keyboard to search for it. In the example below, we're opening Internet Explorer.

To open an application on a Mac, click the application's icon on the Dock. If you don't see the one you want, click the Spotlight icon in the top-right corner of the screen, then type the name of the application on your keyboard to search for it. In the example below, we're opening Safari.

Adjusting your computer's settings
When you start using a new computer, you may want to begin by adjusting the computer's settings. Adjusting your settings can range from simple tasks such as changing your desktop background to more advanced tasks like adjusting your security or keyboard settings.

In Windows 10, click the Start button, then select Settings.

In Windows 8.1 and earlier, click the Start button, then locate and select the Control Panel. Check out the Adjusting Your Settings lesson in our Windows Basics tutorial to learn more about the Control Panel.

On a Mac, click the Apple icon, then select System Preferences. Check out our Adjusting Your Settings lesson in our OS X Basics tutorial to learn more about System Preferences.

Shutting down your computer
When you're done using your computer, it's important to shut it down properly.

To shut down Windows, click the Start button, then select Shut down (in some versions, this may say Turn Off Computer or look like the power symbol).

To shut down a Mac, click the Apple icon, then select Shut Down.