u3a

Bishop Auckland & District

Generic Computing

Device Independent Here are some YouTube videos to get you started. Just click on the title to watch them then use your 'back' button to get back to this page.

TitleMediaLengthSuitabilityNotes regarding Content
What is a Computer?Video2 minutes 47 secondsNovicesDefines a computer, explains hardware and software, introduces operating systems and main vendors, introduces SMART devices and servers on the Internet
What is an Operating System?Video1 minute 30 secondsNovicesExplains computer language, role of the operating system and the most common operating systems by vendor
What is an App?Video1 minute 28 secondsNovicesExplains what an App is, why we use them, and shows examples
Browser BasicsVideo3 minutes 23 secondsNovicesWhat a browser is and does including Chrome, Safari, Explorer, and Firefox. Shows use of address bar, web addresses, web links, navigating between pages, multiple tabs, bookmarks, and browser history
Web Browser Vs Search EngineVideo3 minutesNovicesAccessing the Internet using web browsers such as Chrome, MS Edge, Safari, or Firefox then searching it using search engines such as Google, Bing, Yahoo, and ask.com. Explains how both work.
What is a Gigabyte?Video4 minutes 15 secondsNovicesCovers binary and digital storage terminology including bits, bytes, Kilobytes, Megabytes, Terabytes, and more plus how much storage is required for typical documents, photos, and music
Buttons and ports on desktops + laptopsVideo2 minutes 29 secondsNovicesA visual device tour showing what they look like while explaining what they're used for
What is a Chromebook?Video2 minutes 18 secondsNovicesIntroduces this new technology - alternative to Windows and MAC devices designed for less complex computing needs
Connecting to the InternetVideo3 minutes 59 secondsNovicesSetting up a home wireless network including how it could be used, password security, router, ISP, and Wi-Fi networks
How does the Internet Work?Video10 minutes 4 secondsNovicesWhat the INternet is and how it works, how it developed, how websites, IP addresses, servers, ISPs, MAC addresses and the Cloud fit in and what they are. How data you want gets to your screen.
Computer Basics: What Is the Cloud?Video2 minutes 31 secondsNovicesConcepts of cloud storage and access. Use your files anywhere and any time. Backup and security even if your device fails.
A Day in the life of a Smart HomeVideo3 minutes 32 secondsBeginnersShows you technology at work in a home from waking up to going to bed, automating tasks and providing suggestions, entertainment, climate control, and home security.

Device Independent Below are some tutorials, an article, and a booklet. Just click on the title to view them then use your 'back' button to get back to this page.

TitleMediaLengthSuitabilityNotes regarding Content
How to use our u3a WebsiteTutorial30 minutes +BeginnersSpecifically for BA & District u3a this tutorial walks you through what a website is and what it is used for then takes you to every page to help you to navigate the website so you can find information.
What is a Network?Tutorial30 minutes +Beginnersincludes Internet access and basic security
Little Book of Big ScamsBooklet30 minutes +EveryoneA booklet compiled by the Metropolitan Police Service to advise regarding the prevention of fraud of all types
Cookies and ScamsArticle15 minutes +BeginnersAn article about cookies on websites and email/messaging scams and how to handle them