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Setting up a computer So you have a  new computer  and you're ready to set it up. This may seem like an overwhelming and complicated task, but it's actually a lot easier than you might think! Most computers are set up in a similar way, so it doesn't matter what brand of computer you have. If you're setting up a new computer that's still in the box, you'll probably find a  how-to guide  that includes  step-by-step details . Even if it didn't include instructions, you can still set up the computer in a  few easy steps . We'll take you through the different steps needed to set up a typical computer. >Watch the video below to learn how to set up a desktop computer.   Setting up a laptop computer If you have a laptop, setup should be easy: Just open it and press the power button. If the battery isn't charged, you'll need to plug in the  AC adapter . You can continue using the laptop while it charges. If your laptop has any  peripherals , like  exte

What is an application? You may have heard people talking about using a  program , an  application , or an  app . But what exactly does that mean? Simply put, an  app  is a type of software that allows you to  perform specific tasks . Applications for desktop or laptop computers are sometimes called  desktop applications , while those for mobile devices are called  mobile apps . When you open an application, it runs inside the  operating system  until you close it. Most of the time, you will have more than one application open at the same time, which is known as  multi-tasking . App  is a common term for an  application , especially for  simple applications  that can be downloaded  inexpensively  or even  for free . Many apps are also available for  mobile devices  and even some  TVs . Watch the video below to learn more about applications. Looking for the old version of this video? You can still view it  here . Desktop applications There are countless desktop applications, and they fa

  What is an operating system? An  operating system  is the  most important software  that runs on a computer. It manages the computer's  memory  and  processes , as well as all of its  software  and  hardware . It also allows you to  communicate  with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's language.  Without an operating system, a computer is useless . Watch the video below to learn more about operating systems. Looking for the old version of this video? You can still view it  here . The operating system's job Your computer's  operating system  ( OS ) manages all of the  software  and  hardware  on the computer. Most of the time, there are several different computer programs running at the same time, and they all need to access your computer's  central processing unit (CPU) ,  memory , and  storage . The operating system coordinates all of this to make sure each program gets what it needs. Types of operating systems Operating systems usually come 

  What is a mobile device? A mobile device is a general term for any type of handled compute r . These devices are designed to be extremely portable, and they can often fit in your hand. Some mobile devices—like  tablets ,  e-readers , and  smart —are powerful enough to do many of the same things you can do with a desktop or laptop computer. Tablet computers Like laptops,  tablet computers  are designed to be portable. However, they provide a different computing experience. The most obvious difference is that tablet computers don't have keyboards or touchpads. Instead, the entire screen is touch-sensitive, allowing you to type on a  virtual keyboard  and use your finger as a mouse pointer. Tablet computers can't necessarily do everything traditional computers can do. For many people, a traditional computer like a  desktop  or  laptop  is still needed in order to use some programs. However, the convenience of a tablet computer means it may be ideal as a  second computer . E-read

  What is a laptop computer? A laptop is a personal computer that can be  easily moved  and used in a variety of locations. Most laptops are designed to have all of the functionality of a desktop computer, which means they can generally run the same  software  and open the same types of  files . However, laptops also tend to be more expensive than comparable desktop computers. Watch the video below to learn about laptop computers. How is a laptop different from a desktop? Because laptops are designed for portability, there are some important differences between them and desktop computers. A laptop has an  all-in-one design , with a built-in  monitor ,  keyboard ,  touchpad  (which replaces the mouse), and  speakers . This means it is fully functional, even when no peripherals are connected. A laptop is also quicker to set up, and there are fewer cables to get in the way. You'll also have to the option to connect a regular mouse, larger monitor, and other peripherals. This basically

  Inside a computer Have you ever looked  inside a computer case , or seen pictures of the inside of one? The small parts may look complicated, but the inside of a computer case isn't really all that mysterious. This lesson will help you master some of the basic  terminology  and understand a bit more about what goes on inside a computer. Motherboard The  motherboard  is the computer's  main circuit board . It's a thin plate that holds the CPU, memory, connectors for the hard drive and optical drives, expansion cards to control the video and audio, and connections to your computer's ports (such as USB ports). The motherboard connects directly or indirectly to every part of the computer. CPU/processor The central processing unit (CPU), also called a  processor , is located inside the  computer case  on the motherboard. It is sometimes called the brain of the computer, and its job is to carry out commands. Whenever you press a key, click the mouse, or start an application