Module 1 – Computer Essentials

Lesson 6 – System Tools, Devices and Help Features

Modern operating systems include many built-in tools to help you work efficiently, manage devices, install software safely, control privacy and customise your display.
This lesson introduces the essential tools every computer user should know.

Learning Outcomes

• Manage printers and connected devices.
• Install and uninstall software safely.
• Use common keyboard shortcuts.
• Understand system notifications.
• Lock, log out and switch users securely.
• Use help and troubleshooting tools.
• Control cookies, history and browser data.
• Adjust display and text settings for comfort.

🔧 1. Device and Printer Management

The operating system provides tools to manage printers, scanners, audio devices, Bluetooth accessories and more.

• Add a printer: Select Add a printer or scanner.
• Set default printer: Ensures documents go to the correct printer automatically.
• Printer queue: View, pause or cancel print jobs.
• Remove devices: Select Remove device for anything unused.

📦 2. Installing and Removing Software (Safely)

Only install applications from trusted, official sources to avoid malware.

Safe installation practices

• Use the Microsoft Store, macOS App Store or verified websites.
• Open the installer and follow instructions carefully.
• Avoid unwanted toolbars or add-ons by reading prompts before clicking “Next”.

Removing applications

• Go to Settings → Apps → Installed Apps.
• Select Uninstall to remove unused software.
• Restart if required (some apps need it).

⌨ 3. Useful Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts speed up everyday tasks and reduce excessive mouse movement.

🔔 4. System Notifications

Notifications inform you about updates, reminders, messages and security alerts.

• Select the Notification Centre icon (Windows taskbar or macOS menu bar).
• Click a notification to open the related app.
• Use Focus Assist / Do Not Disturb to reduce distractions.
• Turn individual app notifications on/off in Settings → System → Notifications.

👤 5. Locking, Logging Out and Switching Users

Shared computers require secure account management.

• Lock your device when leaving – Windows + L.
• Sign out to close apps safely.
• Switch user to allow another person to log in without closing your apps.
• Never share your password with others.

🛠 6. Built-in Help and Troubleshooting Tools

Operating systems include tools to solve common issues:

• Help app / Search bar: Look up tutorials or support articles.
• Troubleshooters: Automatically fix issues with sound, printers, network or Windows Update.
• Task Manager / Activity Monitor: Check CPU/RAM usage and close frozen apps.
• System Information: View device specs.

🔒 7. Privacy: Cookies, History and Browser Data

Web browsers store data to improve experience — but you can control what is kept.

What browsers store

• Cookies – website preferences and login states.
• History – list of websites visited.
• Cache – temporary files to make websites load faster.

How to clear browser data

• Open browser menu → Settings → Privacy.
• Clear history, cookies and cached files.
• Use Private/Incognito Mode to avoid storing history.

👁 8. Display and Text Settings

Adjusting display settings improves comfort and reduces eye strain.

• Scale and text size – make text easier to read.
• Brightness – reduce glare.
• Night light mode – reduces blue light for evening use.
• Multiple display settings – extend or mirror screens.

✔ Practical Activity

• Add a printer and set it as default.
• Uninstall an app you no longer need.
• Practise keyboard shortcuts for 5 minutes.
• Open the Notification Centre and clear alerts.
• Lock your device using Windows + L.
• Clear your browser history and cookies.
• Increase text size or enable Night Light Mode.