Computer Literacy & Basic Computer Skills for Productivity
- Description
- Curriculum
- FAQ
- Reviews
Being skilled at using computers increases your productivity and professionalism.
This course will give you the basic computer skills you need to increase your productivity.
This course is very practical and applicable. It focuses on teaching you skills you can use. You will gain skills which you will use for the rest of your life and which will make your life easier. Knowing how to use computers well is essential in our day-and-age. This course will give you the skills you need to use computers well.
Presented with high-quality video lectures, this course will visually show you how to easily do everything with computers. This is just some of what you will learn in this course:
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Acquire an understanding of the principles of using computers well
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Release all of your fear of using computers and messing them up
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Understand the fundamentals of how computers work
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Gain knowledge about the power symbol
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Learn how to protect your computer
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Learn how to protect yourself
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Acquire fundamental skills in using Microsoft Windows
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Acquire fundamental skills in using the Apple Mac
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Master the art of file management
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Acquire the ability to quickly use short-cut keys
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Enhance your skills with hands-on exercises
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Acquire the ability to work well with files
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Gain solid skills in using the web
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Learn to search better
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Learn to make better choices
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Learn to easily keep your passwords safe
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Acquire the ability to use email more effectively
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Learn how to safely uninstall software
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Acquire the ability to troubleshoot computer problems
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Gain the knowledge you need to keep yourself safe online
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Acquire the ability to understand your computer’s properties
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Gain the skills you need to keep your computer running well
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Learn how to work with Bluetooth devices
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Attain the ability to install new and fun fonts
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Gain insight into Google’s productivity apps including
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Google docs
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Google calendar
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Google presentations
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Google hangouts
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Google sheets
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Gain insight into Google’s personal “life” productivity apps including
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Google photos
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Google maps
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Google flights
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Google define
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Google translate
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Google express
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Google shopping
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Google news
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This is an amazing course! This course will change your life. Knowing how to use computers well is essential today. This course will increase your proficiency, productivity, and professionalism. I have taught this course for over two decades and have refined it to be amazing. You are going to love this course and it will forever change your life.
This course is tried, tested, and proven. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Join me and enroll now.
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1WelcomeVideo lesson
Welcome to the course. You are taking a great step by enrolling in this course. Better skills create a better life. You are on your way to a better life. As you learn new skills, you are building a better life. I commend you for your efforts to improve your life. As you improve your life, you are improving the world --- one person at a time. You are making the world better, and you are making your life better. This is a win-win for everybody. Great work!
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2Course outlineVideo lesson
You can find everything I use in the course and all of the courses resources here:
THE COURSE OUTLINE IS ATTACHED TO THIS VIDEO AS A PDF
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3IntroductionVideo lesson
We’re going to learn some great things in this section. By the time you are done with this section, you will know more about computers than the vast majority of people in the world. A lot of the material in this section is nice to know not need to know. If you grasp some of the material, great. If you grasp all of the material, even better!
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4Have no fearVideo lesson
You do not need to have any fear when working with computers. Computers are made up of hardware and software. 99% of the time, if there is a problem with a computer, it is a software problem. Unless you hit your computer with a hammer, it is really hard to break a computer’s hardware. If something goes wrong with the software, it can all be reinstalled.
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5Review - have no fearVideo lesson
This is a review of not needing to have fear when working with computers. Computers are made of hardware and software. You can reinstall software if it gets messed up.
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6How computers work - part 1Video lesson
This is how computers work. This is nice to know. This is not need to know. Grasp what you can of this concept, and it’s okay if it doesn’t make a lot of sense. You are being exposed to the concept. This is preparing your mind to understand it more fully later. To know how computers work, you need to know three things:
Computers run on electricity
Electricity has two discrete states: ON or OFF
We can create coding schemes
ON can mean one thing
OFF can mean something else
Remember the Halloween porch light analogy given in the video. You can grasp this. If the porch light is on, come trick-or-treat. If the porch light is off, go away. That is how computers work.
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7How computers work - part 2Video lesson
This is part 2 of how computers work. To know how computers work, you need to know three things:
Computers run on electricity
Electricity has two discrete states: ON or OFF
We can create coding schemes
ON can mean one thing
OFF can mean something else
Remember the Halloween porch light analogy given in the video. You can grasp this. If the porch light is on, come trick-or-treat. If the porch light is off, go away. That is how computers work.
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8Review - how computers workVideo lesson
The purpose of computers is to take data and turn it into information. They do that by four basic functions: INPUT, PROCESS, OUTPUT, STORAGE ( I. P. O. S.). The way they do that is by this system:
Computers run on electricity
Electricity has two discrete states: ON or OFF
We can create coding schemes
ON can mean one thing
OFF can mean something else
Remember the Halloween porch light analogy given in the video. You can grasp this. If the porch light is on, come trick-or-treat. If the porch light is off, go away. That is how computers work.
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9The power symbolVideo lesson
The power symbol is made up of a “1” and a “0.” The “1” represents ON and the “0” represents OFF. In this video we also learn the cool trick of looking words up online by googling for “the-word define” where “the-word” is the word we want to look up. You can also press a speaker icon to hear how to pronounce the word.
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10Electricity surgesVideo lesson
Electrical surges can occasionally pulse through the electrical system. These surges can be caused by in a variety of ways, but a common culprit is lightning. If there is lightning, you want to unplug your computer. It is also a good idea to have a surge protector. This will help protect your computer.
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11HazardsVideo lesson
Some hazards to computers: water, too much heat, direct sunlight, magnets, shock. Avoid those things with your computer.
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12RSIVideo lesson
You can physically harm yourself if you do not use your computer well. If you use your computer well, you can stay safe and healthy. Computers can cause repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Having an ergonomic workstation can help keep you safe. It is your responsibility to be vigilant for your safety and well-being.
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13Right clickVideo lesson
When you “right click” with your mouse you get a context sensitive menu. This menu will give you choices related to the thing you right clicked. This is a powerful tool.
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14Customize your desktopVideo lesson
You can personalize your desktop by right-clicking your desktop. Use this technique to change the image of your desktop.
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15Customize taskbarVideo lesson
The taskbar is at the bottom of the screen usually. This is how you customize it.
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16Start buttonVideo lesson
Click the start button to start things in Windows.
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17Search boxVideo lesson
The search box is right next to the start button. You can use the search box to find things on your computer.
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18Power offVideo lesson
When you’re done using your computer, it’s a good idea to power it off. You can find the power off button by clicking the start button. If your computer is not responding to commands, you can hold down the physical power button for 10 or 20 seconds and this will shut the computer down. Restarting a computer can sometimes fix problems with the computer, eg, a computer was not responding but then, after restarting, it works again.
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19Right clickVideo lesson
control + click
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20Customize desktopVideo lesson
This is how you change your desktop background on your mac.
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21Customize the dockVideo lesson
This is how you customize the dock on a mac.
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22Spotlight searchVideo lesson
command + space bar OR the search icon in the top right corner
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23Power offVideo lesson
This is how you power off a mac.
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24ReviewVideo lesson
You are learning great material. I am very happy for you!
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25Windows explorerVideo lesson
We use Windows file explorer for organizing files.
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26Working with windowsVideo lesson
Minimize, maximize, close, resize
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27Organizing foldersVideo lesson
When organizing folders, go from larger categories to smaller categories. For example,
SCHOOL
SPRING 2020
CSI 101
HOMEWORK
PAPERS
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28IntroductionVideo lesson
We’ve learned a lot of great stuff. More is to come!
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29Copy cut pasteVideo lesson
Here are some great short-cut keys:
COPY: control + c
CUT: control + x
PASTE: control + v
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30Undo and redo an actionVideo lesson
Undoing, and redoing actions, is very important and helpful:
UNDO: control + z
REDO: control + shift + Z or control + y
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31Moving filesVideo lesson
To organize your files, you can drag-and-drop them, or you can use copy, cut, and paste.
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32Multiple selectionsVideo lesson
There are two ways to do multiple selections:
Hold down shift
contiguous
Hold down control
non-contiguous
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33Select allVideo lesson
This is a great keyboard shortcut - select all:
control + a
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34Shift + arrow keysVideo lesson
You can adjust what you are selecting by using
shift + “your arrow keys”
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35Arranging applicationsVideo lesson
Another great keyboard shortcut - create something new:
control + n
Another great keyboard shortcut - make something bold:
control + b
Organizing windows:
window symbol + arrow keys
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36Alt tabVideo lesson
Switch between running applications
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37IntroductionVideo lesson
An introduction to hands-on exercises. Hands-on exercises help you reinforce your skills. Complete these hands-on exercises to learn the material more effectively.
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38Copy and paste a fileVideo lesson
COPY and paste a document from one location to another in windows file explorer.
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39Cut and paste a fileVideo lesson
CUT and paste a document from one location to another in windows file explorer.
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40Organize open windowsVideo lesson
Open multiple windows: put one window on the left side of the screen; put the other window on the right side of the screen.
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41Undo & redo an actionVideo lesson
Do an action. Undo the action. Redo the action. Personal anecdote: IF I COULD UNDO MY LIFE, AND REDO … silicon valley, google, the air force, a career in the military ….
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42Change the size of a windowVideo lesson
Resize a window.
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43Create a folder structureVideo lesson
Create a folder structure.
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44Auto hide your taskbarVideo lesson
Auto hide your taskbar and lock it. Personal anecdote: southern accent and my southern roots ….
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45Change your desktop pictureVideo lesson
Change your desktop picture.
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46QuizQuiz
Quiz questions will further help you use and learn the material more quickly. Take this quiz to learn more effectively!
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47View filesVideo lesson
This is how you change how you view items in windows file explorer.
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48Grouping filesVideo lesson
In addition to changing how you view files, you can also group files.
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49Find filesVideo lesson
You can search through your computer for files.
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50File extensionsVideo lesson
File extensions tell your computer what kind of a file a file is. For example, image files might have a “.jpg” or a “.png” file extension. A music file might have a “.mp3” file extension.
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51Open withVideo lesson
You can change which software opens which files with “open with”
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52The trashVideo lesson
The trashcan is good to know about. You can recover files from the trashcan. You can also empty the trashcan.
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53Compressing filesVideo lesson
Also known as zipping files, this allows you to decrease the size of a file or groups of files so that you can more easily store or send the file(s).
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54IntroductionVideo lesson
An introduction to mastering the web.
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55BrowsersVideo lesson
Google chrome, IMHO (in my humble opinion), is the best.
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56Searching betterVideo lesson
Google, IMHO, is the best. Google search tools include:
“More …”
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57Making better choicesVideo lesson
Better information = better choices
Choosing a restaurant; a product
yelp; google reviews
Google shopping
Consumer reports
Choosing a life partner
Harvard Adult Development Study
Research it: kind, competent, patient
John Gottmann - The Seven Principles
Choosing a career
Research it; youtube
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58Password managersVideo lesson
lastpass
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59Two-step authenticationVideo lesson
Also known as: Two-step verification; two factor authentication
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60Anonymous browsingVideo lesson
You can use “incognito mode” in Chrome for anonymous browsing. A virtual private network (VPN) can also help protect your privacy. I recommend Proton VPN
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61Chrome extensionsVideo lesson
Extensions extend the capabilities of chrome.
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62BookmarksVideo lesson
Bookmarks allow you to save locations on the web.
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63Chrome music labVideo lesson
Let’s make some beats.
https://musiclab.chromeexperiments.com/
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64Dinosaur gameVideo lesson
You can play the dinosaur game when you have no internet connection.
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65Changing the newsVideo lesson
You can change the news by editing the code sent to your browser. This does not change the code on the server. :)
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66Change program associated with file typeVideo lesson
You can tell the computer what software to use to open different files types. To do this, use “open with.”
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67Delete and recover a fileVideo lesson
You can recover files from the recycle bin.
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68Compress files and unzip themVideo lesson
You can reduce the size of files for storage or for when you are sending them to someone.
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69Recent search resultsVideo lesson
Search for “california earthquakes” in the last 24 hours
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70Choose a restaurantVideo lesson
Use this criteria:
One or two $ signs
Open now
4.5+ rating
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71Price comparisonVideo lesson
Do a price comparison on “all clad set”
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72Organize bookmarksVideo lesson
Create a folder to store bookmarks in. Bookmark a webpage and store it in that folder. Use that bookmark to go to that webpage.
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73Numlock, insert, and fn keysVideo lesson
There are two keys on the keyboard you should know about. These keys can cause frustration if you don’t understand what they do:
Numlock: lets you use your number pad
Insert: causes overtyping sometimes if activated
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74GmailVideo lesson
Don’t have janky email: aol, hotmail, others. Go with something that is mainstream, large, and savvy. Use gmail or protonmail.
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75AttachmentsVideo lesson
Personal anecdote: blessed and dressed
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76EtiquetteVideo lesson
Here are some rules for good email etiquette
Avoid caps
Less is more
Error on the side of formal
Avoid “Hey”
Error on the side of formality
Never send emails when you’re emotional
Always enter the email address last
Avoid emojis
Avoid texting acronyms
Have a professional email address
Sign off, eg, “Sincerely,”
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77Reply-allVideo lesson
When you hit reply all you are replying to everyone who received the email. Be careful using reply all - only send an email to someone when they need to see the information you are sharing.
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78CC & BCCVideo lesson
TO
The recipient
Can see those cc’d
Can’t see those bcc’d
CC
Carbon copy
The person cc’d knows that this email is FYI for them
Can see those cc’d
Can’t see those bcc’d
BCC
Blind carbon copy
Can see those cc’d
Can’t see any others bcc’d except for themself
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79Paste specialVideo lesson
Hirō "Hiroo" Onoda (小野田 寛郎 Onoda Hirō, 19 March 1922 – 16 January 2014) was an Imperial Japanese Army intelligence officer who fought in World War II and was a Japanese holdout who did not surrender at war's end in August 1945. After the war ended Onoda spent 29 years holding out in the Philippines until his former commander traveled from Japan to formally relieve him from duty by order of the Emperor in 1974.[1][2] He held the rank of second lieutenant in the Imperial Japanese Army. He was the penultimate Japanese soldier to surrender, with Teruo Nakamura surrendering later in 1974.
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80Taking screenshotsVideo lesson
The snipping tool is what you use to take screenshots in Windows. To take screenshots on other devices, simple google the device name along with “screenshot”.
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81Uninstalling softwareVideo lesson
Remove software that you no longer use by searching for “uninstall software”
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82Forcing a quitVideo lesson
Use the task manager to force a piece of software to quit.
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83Using findVideo lesson
This is a handy tool for finding things. Most software has this feature:
control + f
