LibGuides: Computer Training: Windows 10 Help

About

Welcome to the GCLS Computer Research Guide.

This page of the guide covers the basics of Windows 10 from getting started to working with the many new features it offers.

GCLS Computer Classes

Quick Start Guides

What's New with Windows 10
Check out the new features Windows 10 offers in this guide.

Check out the newest features of Windows 10 in these handy guides.

Getting Started with Microsoft Edge
Check out the new features Microsoft Edge, the replacement for Internet Explorer, has to offer in this guide.

Catalog Searches

Use these convenient links to find books about Windows 10.

Questions and Answers

Check out these quick answers to common Windows 10 questions. Hover over a question for the answer.

Is there a fee to upgrade to Windows 10?
Currently, the upgrade is free for genuine Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users. However, this is subject to change. Check microsoft.com/windows for current information.
What happened to Windows 9?
Skipping Windows 9 and jumping to 10 was a decision made by Microsoft. It also signifies that this is their latest "big" release.
Where are my programs?
Click on the Windows icon in the lower left of the screen and then click on "All Apps" to locate all of your programs.
Where are my files?
If you can find a file, you can search for it by name in the search box at the bottom left of the screen, next to the Windows icon. Also, you can use the file explorer at the bottom in the task bar.
What is Microsoft Edge?
Microsoft Edge is the replacement for Internet Explorer. It is a brand new, updated web browser with many new, cool features.
Can I still use Internet Explorer?
Yes, at the bottom of the screen in the search box next to the Windows icon, type "Internet Explorer" and choose it from the list.
Where can I change settings?
Settings are located by clicking on the Windows icon at the lower left corner of the screen and choosing "Settings" toward the bottom of the list.
What is Cortana?
Cortana is a personal assistant like Apple's Siri. She's best at reminders, handling scheduling, and searching your devices and the web. Learn more at windows.com/cortana
What is Windows Hello?
This is a new security feature that allows for fingerprint scanning or facial recognition instead of using a password to protect your device. Please note: you MUST have a device that supports these features to use them.
What is TWINUI? Should I open a file in it?
TWINUI is a system library that started with Windows 8 and is included in 10. Yes, you can open a file with TWINUI. It will automatically open PDFs in Microsoft Edge and Photos for image files.
Does Windows 10 have a free antivirus program?
Yes, Windows 10 comes with Windows Defender automatically running. It will scan everything you download and run on your PC to ensure it is safe.

You can choose to install another antivirus program as well.

Computer Safety

Help keep yourself and your family safe online with these resources:

A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety
Created by the FBI, this guide serves as an introduction for parents in understanding the dangers present online, how to identify them, and protect their children from them.
Avast Antivirus
Protect your computer from a variety of malware and spyware with the freely available Avast. The free version provides all the security essentials a basic computer user needs.
Computer Safety and Maintenance
A one-page list from Norton that provides ways to maintain your computer physically and virtually.
F-Secure's Knowledge Base
Get educated and informed on the latest computer threats with F-Secure.
Internet Safety
Learn about Internet Safety through this series of tutorials by GCFLearnFree.org
Virtual Privacy Lab
Created by the San Jose Public Library, this site features links, tips, and resources to empower yourself and take control of your privacy online.

GCLS Subscription Databases

Are you new to using Windows 10 and looking to learn more about it? GCLS provides several databases filled with online courses and tutorials for Windows 10, computer basics, and much more. All you need is a library card to get started!

For help with these resources, check out these videos:

LearningExpress: Computer and Internet Basics
View interactive lessons on the understanding and using your computer as well as using the Internet.
LearningExpress: Software Skills
View these interactive lessons on using and a understand a variety of programs including Microsoft Offices, Adobe Photoshop, Windows 10, and more!
Universal Class: Intro to Windows 10
View this interactive class with Universal Class! This course provides a complete introduction to Windows 10.

Getting Started with Windows 10

Is this your first time with Windows 10? Take a look at the links below to introduce yourself to the new operating system.

Get to Know Windows 10
Want a quick introduction to the new features and functions of Windows 10? View this quick video created by Microsoft to learn all this new operating system has to offer!
What's New in Windows 10?
Want to know what the big updates to Windows 10 were? This guide, created by the publishers of the "For Dummies" books, covers it in simple and clear language.
Windows 10 Course
Want a more comprehensive tour of Windows 10? Check out this full-length course that will take you through all the basics of Windows 10 with videos and visual step-by-step guides created by GCFLearnFree.org.
Your First 30 minutes with Windows 10
Check out this handy guide created by PC World that walks you through your first 30 minutes with the operating system and covers the basic functionality.
The Windows 10 FAQ
Do you have questions about upgrading to Windows 10? Get your answers to common concerns about upgrading here.

Windows 10 Features

Windows 10 offers a variety of brand new features including a redesigned Start menu, Cortana voice assistant, Microsoft Edge web browser, and much more! Check out these links below for more information.

Windows 10 Features Guide
Have a lot of questions about Windows 10 and its new features? This guide takes you through the features, interface, and provides general advice.
How to Use the Windows 10 Start Menu
Wondering what happened to the start menu and where everything is? This guide by CNET cover the basics of the new start menu.
Windows 10 Task View and Virtual Desktops
Learn about Windows powerful, new task view and virtual desktop here.
Using Microsoft Edge
Learn about Microsoft Edge, the replacement for Internet Explorer, here. This guide takes you through your first steps and much more with Edge.
How to Configure Cortana
Cortana - your Windows 10 personal assistant - is designed to work like Siri does for Apple products. Learn how to configure and use Cortana here.
How-To Geek: Windows 10
Want to learn more advanced functions of Windows 10? How-to Geek covers a variety of advanced features including using the command line and completing a fresh reinstall of Windows 10.

Windows 10 Help and Support

Windows 10 Help & How-to
This is the link to the official Microsoft website which provides a variety of helpful tech guides to Windows 10.

Having trouble with Windows 10? Check out these resources from Microsoft to handle a variety of help questions and troubleshooting.

Microsoft Edge Help
Need help specifically with the new web browser? This link will take you to the official Microsoft Edge support page.
Cortana Help
Need help with Cortana? This link goes directly to Microsoft's Cortana support page.
Contact Microsoft Support
Need to contact a Microsoft representative? This link goes directly to their contact page for a variety of ways to reach them.

Subject Guide

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