You do not need to learn everything at once. Choose what you want to do today. Each guide uses plain English and practical steps you can follow at your own pace.
What would you like help with?
Prefer an interactive starting point? Open the free NoPanicTech app for troubleshooting guides and household device notes. Notes saved in a browser on the old app address do not transfer automatically.
A little help getting started
Learning later in life, helping a parent, or using a computer for the first time? These guides are for you. Take one step at a time, and come back whenever you need a refresher.
Tell us what you are trying to do and where you got stuck. You do not need to know the technical words. Please leave out passwords and verification codes. Replies may take time.
I’m new to computers
- Meet the screen, mouse, and keyboard
- Understand your web browser
- Find out how files and folders work
- Practice copying and pasting
Keep our computer basics cheat sheet handy.
Something stopped working
Browse all troubleshooting guides.
I want to stay safer online
- Check a suspicious message before you click
- Learn what a password manager does
- Understand Windows protection
- Make a plan to protect your files
I want to do an everyday task
New step-by-step guides: Start with these common tasks on a Windows or Mac desktop or laptop.
- Change my desktop background or wallpaper
- Change my desktop sign-in password or Windows PIN
- Reopen a browser tab I accidentally closed
- Take a screenshot
- Save a document as a PDF
- Move photos from your phone
- Scan a document with your phone
Thinking about buying something?
Start with laptop buying basics or What’s Worth Buying. You may be able to solve your problem with what you already have.
Can’t find your question?
Suggest a guide. Tell us what you are trying to do and where you got stuck.