Basic Computer Skills

The fundamentals of using a computer

How do I change my network password?

While TFCA policy does not require changing your network password on a regular basis, you may want to change your password for other reasons. To change it:Design a network password that meets the system requirements - listed below.Password Requirements Passwords must be at least 12 characters an...

Techie Terms

Bug | A bug is something that doesn’t work right. Interesting historical note: US Navy Rear Admiral Grace Hopper, the intellectual guiding force behind the COBOL programming language and one of the pioneers in the history of computing, told the story of a moth being found in a relay of an ancient...

How to Choose the Best Laptop Docking Station

By Charles Jefferies, PC Magazine Updated July 15, 2023The Short List for Picking a Docking Station Let's look at docking stations from the top level first. Getting right down to it, these are the four key factors you need to consider when selecting one:Port selection. Ports are mostly the point....

Information Technology

Information Technology (IT) encompasses the use of computers, networking, storage, and other physical devices, infrastructure, and processes to create, process, store, secure, and exchange all forms of electronic data. Here’s an overview of the key components and concepts within Information Techn...

Backing up a Windows 11 Pro laptop

Using Windows File History   Connect an External Drive: Plug in an external hard drive or USB drive with sufficient storage for your backup. Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select Settings (or press Win + I). Navigate to Backup Settings: Go to Update & Security > Back...

Disabling/Enabling Touchscreens on laptops

Disabling the touchscreen on an HP Pavilion can be done through the Device Manager in Windows. Here’s a step-by-step guide: Step 1: Open Device Manager Press **Windows + X**: This will open a menu. Select **Device Manager**: You’ll see a list of all hardware components installed on your compu...

Mapping the T drive

Open File Explorer from the taskbar or press the Windows logo Key  + E.Select This PC from the left pane. On the File Explorer ribbon, select More > Map network drive.Note: If you don't see Map network drive on the More menu, you can right-click the This PC node in the folder pane and you'll see ...

Operating System Basics

Techie Terms

Bug | A bug is something that doesn’t work right. Interesting historical note: US Navy Rear Admiral Grace Hopper, the intellectual guiding force behind the COBOL programming language and one of the pioneers in the history of computing, told the story of a moth being found in a relay of an ancient...

Backing up a Windows 11 Pro laptop

Using Windows File History   Connect an External Drive: Plug in an external hard drive or USB drive with sufficient storage for your backup. Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select Settings (or press Win + I). Navigate to Backup Settings: Go to Update & Security > Back...

Disabling/Enabling Touchscreens on laptops

Disabling the touchscreen on an HP Pavilion can be done through the Device Manager in Windows. Here’s a step-by-step guide: Step 1: Open Device Manager Press **Windows + X**: This will open a menu. Select **Device Manager**: You’ll see a list of all hardware components installed on your compu...

Using Voice Typing in Windows 11 Pro

To use voice typing, you'll need to be connected to the internet, have a working microphone, and have your cursor in a text box.To turn on voice typing Press Windows logo key + H on a hardware keyboard Press the microphone key next to the Spacebar on the touch keyboard Once you turn on voice ...

Mapping the T drive

Open File Explorer from the taskbar or press the Windows logo Key  + E.Select This PC from the left pane. On the File Explorer ribbon, select More > Map network drive.Note: If you don't see Map network drive on the More menu, you can right-click the This PC node in the folder pane and you'll see ...

Fundamentals

Why should you restart your computer

Part of taking good care of your laptop is at least once a week, restarting your computer. If a computer doesn't get restarted, over time performance will degrade and there will be behavior problems. When you use applications, open files, visits websites, and other tasks, your computer stores inf...

TFCA's WiFi

TFCA's Wi-Fi is available throughout the two buildings. Because we have a mixed-use environment, there are several connection types. Each is designed to meet a particular user type. All are available in all TFCA areas.Here is a list of the various Wi-Fi connections, their purpose, and where you c...

Why Use LastPass Password Manager

LastPass is a password (and other information) manager. It provides a very safe mechanism for: storing passwords and other important information like account numbers, PINS, contact info... You only have to remember 1 password and since we are using our network passwords - you have that memor...

Techie Terms

Bug | A bug is something that doesn’t work right. Interesting historical note: US Navy Rear Admiral Grace Hopper, the intellectual guiding force behind the COBOL programming language and one of the pioneers in the history of computing, told the story of a moth being found in a relay of an ancient...

Backing up a Windows 11 Pro laptop

Using Windows File History   Connect an External Drive: Plug in an external hard drive or USB drive with sufficient storage for your backup. Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select Settings (or press Win + I). Navigate to Backup Settings: Go to Update & Security > Back...