Welcome to Basic Computing’s Learning Hub. What will you learn today?WelcomeWelcome to Basic Computing’s Learning Hub.What will you learn today?
A SAFE PLACE TO EXPLORE
Practice desktop
Try familiar Windows-style controls with sample files and apps. Everything happens inside this webpage. Hover over a control, or focus it with Tab, to see what it does.
Follow the step-by-step tutorials below the desktop, or simply have a play and explore at your own pace. You can try things safely without worrying about breaking your computer. Along the way, you might discover one of the many fun surprises hidden in this practice desktop.
Use a computer with a mouse and keyboard. This practice desktop is designed for clicking, right-clicking, dragging and typing with physical keys, rather than touchscreen use on a phone or tablet.
Your practice computer Preparing your workspace…
How to use this practice desktop
Click once to select a file. Double-click it, or focus it with Tab and press Enter, to open it. Right-click for actions, or use Shift+F10. File Explorer offers Cut, Copy and Paste, plus Ctrl+X, Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V. Writing apps have their own text controls.
Drag a window’s title bar to move it. Drag to the left, right or top edge of this desktop to snap it. The layout buttons offer the same choices without dragging. Drag any edge or corner to resize. Minimise hides a window; its taskbar button brings it back.
Use the Start button below. Your physical Windows key and some system shortcuts may control your real computer instead. Apps and files here are simplified teaching examples. Store installs and saving happen only in this practice workspace. Clearing this site’s browser data removes saved practice.
Save your writing or spreadsheet before leaving this page. Saved files and installed practice apps stay here when you return; unsaved edits and open windows do not.
Hover over an item or focus a control with Tab for a helpful explanation. Right-click the desktop for more actions.
Choose Start to explore apps, or double-click File Explorer on the desktop.
Your practice companion
Make your next click count.
Understand what you are trying, then put it to use in an everyday task.
63 things to tryChoose your own pace
What the desktop is telling you
Choose Start to explore apps, or double-click File Explorer on the desktop.
Explore at your own pace
Click once to select an item; use two quick left clicks or select it and press Enter to open it. Choose a scenario below for a small task with steps and something you can check yourself.
Choose something to practise 8 areas, 63 step-by-step ideas
Some commands use icons. Hover over a control or reach it with Tab to read its name and hint. App menus and ribbons stay visible while you scroll the content.
Try it in the desktop above
Make a home for trip plans
Create a clearly named folder in Documents.
Click Start on the bottom taskbar, then File Explorer. Click Documents in its left sidebar.
Click New folder in the top command bar. Type Trip plans in the naming field, then press Enter.
Use two quick left clicks on Trip plans to open it. Click Documents in the location bar above to go back.
What to look for
Trip plans appears inside Documents, and you can open it and return.
Need a hand?
If the name already exists, use Trip plans 2. Clear Search this folder if items seem to be missing.