Installing & Using Programs

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Where to get programs safely

The safest options

1. Microsoft Store (Windows) - Built into Windows, programs are verified
2. App Store (Mac) - Same idea, all apps are checked by Apple
3. Official websites - Go directly to the company’s website (e.g., zoom.us for Zoom)

Red flags to avoid

Warning Sign	Why It’s Risky
”Download” buttons on random websites	Could be malware pretending to be what you want
Pop-ups saying “Your computer is infected!”	Almost always scams
Free versions of expensive software	If it’s too good to be true…
Websites with spelling errors or strange URLs	Professional companies have professional sites

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Installing from the Microsoft Store / App Store

This is the easiest and safest method:

Windows

1. Click the Start button
2. Type “Microsoft Store” and open it
3. Search for the app you want
4. Click Get or Install
5. Wait for it to download and install automatically

Mac

1. Click the App Store icon in the Dock
2. Search for the app
3. Click Get, then Install
4. Enter your Apple ID password if asked

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Installing from a website

Sometimes you need to download directly from a company’s website (like Chrome or Zoom).

Step-by-step: Installing a downloaded program

1. Find the download - Check your Downloads folder or click the download in your browser
2. Double-click the file (usually ends in .exe on Windows, .dmg on Mac)
3. Click “Yes” if Windows asks “Do you want to allow this app to make changes?” (for trusted software only!)
4. Follow the installer - Usually just clicking “Next” a few times
5. Choose options carefully - Watch for checkboxes trying to install extra stuff

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Opening programs

Mac

1. Click the icon in the Dock
2. Open Finder → Applications → double-click
3. Press Cmd + Space, type the app name, press Enter

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Managing running programs

Your computer can run many programs at once, but each one uses resources (memory and processing power).

The taskbar shows what’s running

On Windows, look at the taskbar at the bottom. Icons with a line underneath are currently open.

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Closing programs properly

The X button

Most programs have an X in the top-right corner (Windows) or a red dot in the top-left (Mac). Click it to close.

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When programs freeze

Sometimes a program stops responding. Here’s what to do:

Windows: Task Manager

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc (opens Task Manager)
2. Find the frozen program in the list
3. Click it, then click End Task

Mac: Force Quit

1. Press Cmd + Option + Esc (opens Force Quit)
2. Select the frozen program
3. Click Force Quit

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Uninstalling programs

Just like you can install programs, you can remove them.

Windows

1. Press the Windows key
2. Type “Add or remove programs” and press Enter
3. Scroll to find the program you want to remove
4. Click it, then click Uninstall

Mac

1. Open Finder → Applications
2. Drag the app to the Trash, OR
3. Right-click and choose “Move to Trash”

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Congratulations! You’ve completed the Computer Fundamentals track. Next up: Mastering your web browser