Intermediate PC Skills includes selected keyboard shortcuts,file management & organization, PC protection & security, file backup, PC backup, use of control panel to troubleshoot & perform PC Maintenance. Best practices for cleaning PC, and antivirus protection.

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Intermediate PC Skills
This class will cover:
I. Windows 8.1 Keyboard Shortcuts
II. Managing Files
III. Backing up your files
IV. Windows Control Panel
V. Protecting your computer
I. Windows 8.1 Keyboard Shortcuts youshouldknow
Shortcut Name Shortcut What it does
Back to Start screen/Desktop Windows Key Switch between Start Screen and Desktop
Windows Task Manager Ctrl + Shift + Esc Close programs/ view performance details
Quick Access Menu Windows Key + X Quick Access to System Tools/Shutdown
Copy Ctrl + C Copies selected item
Paste Ctrl + V Pastes Copied item
Cut Ctrl + X Cut selected item
Undo Ctrl + Z Undo last action
Switch to Last Window Alt + Tab Quickly switch between active Windows
II. Managing PC Files
Tools for managing files on your PC:
Windows File Explorer
 Find Files & Folders
 Files & Folders organized by media type or location
 Organize Files with folders
 Select Home Tab to see Copy, Move, Delete, New Folder & more
 Select the View tab to see more files at a time, or large icons
Selecting numerousfiles
To delete an entire list of files, press the Shift key and select the first file in the list, then go to
the last file in the group, press the Shift key and select the last file in the group. The entire
group of files should be highlighted. Now you can copy, delete or move these files together.
To select some files in a group, instead of just one at a time, hold down the Ctrl key, and select
each file within that list to copy, delete or move.
Findand manage filesin
WindowsExplorer

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 Files to consider deleting:
o Unnecessary desktop icons
o Recycle bin
o Files you don’t need.
o Old emails
o Temporary Files
III. Backing up your files and PC
You could lose important files should the hard drive fail. Important files need a second home.
Cloudstorage Optionsfor backing up important files & photos
 Google Drive offers 15 GB free storage with a Gmail account
 Flickr offers 1 TB (Terabyte) free storage for your photos. Sign up for a Flickr account
with Yahoo.
 Dropbox offers a limited free account (2GB with opportunity to earn more storage), but
it works easily. Sign up at www.dropbox.com. Files stored on Dropbox are easy to
access on other devices such as smartphones and tablets.
 Microsoft OneDrive—if you currently have a subscription to Office 2013, this provides
you with 1 TB space for your files in cloud storage on Microsoft’s OneDrive. Free
 Microsoft Accounts provides 15 GB space for files.
IV. Windows Control Panel
What is the Windows Control Panel
Adjustyourcomputer’ssettings. Examplesof functionsavailablein Control Panel include adjustingthe
display,changingthe desktopbackground toreviewinginstalledprograms,findinginformationabout
your PC,to runningwindowsupdates,andbasicPCmaintenance andtroubleshootingtasks. Use the
Control Panel tomanage your PC.
Access ControlPanel in Windows 8.1
 Searchfor Control Panel onStart Screen
 WindowsKey+ X
Once you have selectedthe files,the
copy, delete,andmove commandsare
available onthe home tab.

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Control Panel Home
Thisis the Home viewof the Windows8.1 Control Panel. Inthe home view the Control Panel’sApplets
(mini programs orutilities)are groupedbycategory. The Control Panel is completelysearchable. Inthe
upperrighthand corner,type the keywordsforthe functionyouare lookingfor.
What you cando in Control Panel
Control Panel Applet What it does
WindowsUpdate Checkfor Windowsupdates,setupautomaticWindows updates,viewinstalled
updates
ActionCenter ReviewSystemSecurity,Statusof installedAntivirusprograms,reviewsecurity
issues
Administrative Tools Free up diskspace, defragmentand optimize harddrive
Programsand Features Uninstall,change orrepaira program
DevicesandPrinters Viewandcheckstatusof installeddevices. Addadevice orprinter
File History Turn on file historytosave backupcopiesof files/savesearlierversionsof files
Troubleshooting TroubleshootInternetConnections, SystemSecurity,Programs,hardware/sound
RecoveryDrive Creatingone can helpyoutroubleshootyourPC,evenif youcannotgetyour PC
started.

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V. Protecting andtroubleshooting your PC
Run updated software
Make sure antivirus is installed and updated. Use an updated internet browser. Keeping your
software up to date is a crucial. Most software updates automatically by default, but you should
know how to check the updates and begin the process yourself.
Virus& Malware PreventionTips
 Scan USB Drives before using them
 Check Website URL for a secure connection, i.e.: https://
 Download from trusted sources
 Don’t click on email links and attachments
 Stick with trusted websites
 Keep personal information safe
 Secure your Wifi Network with a password
Password Tips
 Keep your information secure with strong passwords
 Avoid using the same password for everything.
 Check the strength of your passwords on this website: www.passwordmeter.com
 Consider a Password manager
PC Troubleshooting Checklist
 Is the PC connected to a power source?
 Is the power source turned on
 Is the computer turned on?
 Is the monitor turned on?
 Is the battery charged fully?
 Are all the cables connected? Make sure the monitor, keyboard and mouse are
connected securely. Check the connections. Make sure the cables are connected
securely.
 Internet not working? Check the laptop for a button that turns Wifi access on/off and
make sure it is turned on.
 Once you have checked all of the above, try restarting your PC

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Shut down your PC
A few simple steps can extend the lifetime of your computer, keep your operating system
running smoothly, and protect you from data loss.
 Shut down your computer at least a few times a week, or every day.
 Avoid improperly shutting down your PC.
 Consider shutting down your PC when not using it.
 If you are not using your PC, keep in mind that leaving it turned on & on the Internet
might invite trouble.
Delete unnecessary Files
Files that overcrowd the hard drive can impair performance. Remember to empty the recycle
bin periodically. Consider deleting unnecessary files, and temporary files. The Disk Cleanup
utility in Windows can help (or using a third party software can perform this task.) Clear your
browser’s cache to remove temporary Internet files and improve performance. Press Ctrl +
Shift + Del to clear cache in Chrome and FireFox.
Back up and optimize hard drive
A PC backup can be accomplished through with Windows Control Panel or via 3rd party
solutions. Key ways to back up a hard drive as a safeguard against potential failure is by
imaging the hard drive (an exact copy of the drive’s content in a compressed file) or by Cloning
the hard drive (making an exact copy of the entire drive).
Tip: Backup your hard drive to an external drive and unplug the drive once the backup is
complete. Backup options that take advantage of Cloud storage are also available.
Preventproblems by cleaning your PC
Failure to clean a fan on a desktop PC can cause a PC to overheat & fail, often without warning.
A can of compressed air can prevent dust buildup that can keep the fan from working
efficiently.
Before you clean, turn off PC.
When cleaning a PC, Don’t:
 Don't use aerosol sprays, solvents, or abrasives. (This means don't reach for the
Windex under the kitchen sink, as tempting as it may be.)
 Don't use any liquid at all.
 Don't spray a liquid directly on the screen.
 Don't use a hard cloth.
 Don't use your fingernail or a sharp object to remove stubborn stains.

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 Do:
o Use a dry, soft, lint-free cloth, preferably the micro-fiber cleaning cloth.
o Use compressed air.
o Clean the air vents so air can circulate & prevent overheating.
o Clean the keyboard
Sources for further reading
PC Support: Free Computer Support & Repair Help http://pcsupport.about.com/ Accessed
September 30, 2015
Fisher, Tim 9 Free Online Backup Plans http://pcsupport.about.com/od/software-tools/tp/free-
online-backup.htm Accessed September 30, 2015
PC Maintenance for beginners Lesson 2: Cleaning your computer inside out
http://www.howtogeek.com/school/pc-maintenance-for-beginners/lesson2/all/
Fisher, Tim Fisher, and Tim 8 Best Commercial Backup Software Programs: A list of the best
commercial backup tools
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/maintenance/tp/backup_software.htm Accessed September
30, 2015
Independent tests of antivirus software: http://www.av-comparatives.org/
Basic Computer Skills: How To Keep an Old Computer Running Smoothly
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computers/basic-computer-skills/how-to-keep-an-old-computer-
running-smoothly Accessed September 25, 2015
How to update your software http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computers/basic-computer-
skills/how-to-update-your-software Accessed September 25, 2015
What to do if your computer gets a virus http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computers/basic-
computer-skills/what-to-do-if-your-computer-gets-a-virus Accessed September 25, 2015
Resources for staying safe online https://www.staysafeonline.org/ Powered by the National
Cyber Security Alliance.
Antivirus Software ReviewSources
Pcmag.com
CNET.com
Independent tests of antivirus software: http://www.av-comparatives.org/