Learning how to navigate your computer’s operating system is essential in getting the most out of your computer

We'll be talking about the two most common operating systems in this lesson: Microsoft Windows and macOS.

Getting to know the interface

Both PCs and Macs use a graphical user interface (GUI), and they each have their own look and feel. The info below will introduce you to the Windows and Mac interfaces.

Windows 10 OS
Image of a desktop using a Windows interface

Windows 11 OS

macOS

Image of a desktop using a Mac interface

If you have difficulty seeing or hearing—or if you have trouble manipulating the mouse or keyboard—there are many settings that can help make your computer easier to use.

All about your computer's file system

No matter which operating system you use, your computer uses folders to organize all of the different files and applications it contains. Folder icons on your computer are designed to look like file folders full of documents or pictures.

Image of Folder icons

Each operating system has its own file system, which helps you find your folders and files. If you have a Windows PC, you'll use the File Explorer (also known as Windows Explorer). If you have a Mac, you'll use Finder. Here, we'll talk about the basic functions that are common to all computer file systems.

To find out more about file systems on Macs, check out Apple's guide on macOS Basics. To learn more about PC file systems, take a look at Microsoft's guide on Windows Basics.

Opening your computer's file system

Whether you're using a PC or a Mac, the file system icon will be in the bottom-left part of the screen. On a PC, the File Explorer icon looks like a folder, as in the image below.

On a Mac, the Finder icon looks like a face on the Dock, as in the image below.

Image highlighting the Finder icon on the Dock of a Mac

In both operating systems, you can also open the file system by clicking a folder from your desktop.

Basic navigation

Whether you're using Windows Explorer or Finder, basic navigation will work the same way. If you see the file you want, you can double-click it with your mouse. Otherwise, you can use the Navigation pane on the left side of the window to select a different location.

Image highlighting the Navigation pane while using Windows Explorer

Deleting files

macOS and Windows use a Trash can—or Recycle Bin—to prevent you from accidentally deleting files. When you delete a file, it is moved to the Trash can. If you change your mind, you can move the file back to its original location.

Image highlighting the Trash can or Recycle Bin

If you want to permanently delete the file, you will need to empty the Trash or Recycle Bin. To do this, right-click the icon and select Empty.

Image of a Menu on the Trash can or Recycle Bin navigating to Empty

Opening files and applications

Each application on your computer has a group of file types—or formats—it can open. When you double-click a file, your computer will automatically use the correct application to open it. In our example, we're opening a Microsoft Word document (Chicago Trip Details), which will open in Microsoft Word.

Image of a File Explorer window highlighting a word document

However, there may be times you may want to open an application directly, instead of just opening a file.

To open an application in Windows, click the Start button, then select the desired application. If you don't see the one you want, you can click All Programs/All Apps to see a full list, or simply type the name of the application on your keyboard to search for it. In the example below, we're opening Internet Explorer.

Windows 10

Windows 11

To open an application on a Mac, click the application's icon on the Dock. If you don't see the one you want, click the Spotlight icon in the top-right corner of the screen, then type the name of the application on your keyboard to search for it. In the example below, we're opening Safari.

Image highlighting a Dock on a Mac navigating to the Safari application

Adjusting your computer's settings

When you start using a new computer, you may want to begin by adjusting the computer's settings. Adjusting your settings can range from simple tasks such as changing your desktop background to more advanced tasks like adjusting your security or keyboard settings.

In Windows 10, click the Start button, then select Settings.

Image of the Window 10, Start button menu navigating to the Settings

In Windows 11, click the Start button, then select Settings.

Windows 11 Settings from Start menu

In Windows 8.1 and earlier, click the Start button, then locate and select the Control Panel. Check out the Adjusting Your Settings lesson in our Windows Basics tutorial to learn more about the Control Panel.

Image of a Windows 8.1 Start button menu highlighting the Control Panel

On a Mac, click the Apple icon, then select System Preferences.

Shutting down your computer

When you're done using your computer, it's important to shut it down properly.

To shut down Windows 10, click the Start button, then select Shut down (in some versions, this may say Turn Off Computer or look like the power symbol).

Power button from Start menu

To shut down a Mac, click the Apple icon, then select Shut Down.

Image of the Apple icon menu on a Mac navigating to the Shut Down option