Essential computer skills for AI beginners. No prior experience needed. Learn the fundamentals that make AI projects possible.
💬 Ask Questions Anytime
Don't understand something? Ask for clarification on any concept in this lesson.
Why These Skills Matter for AI
AI tools are powerful, but they need you to know a few basic computer concepts to use them effectively. Think of this like learning to drive - you need to understand steering, brakes, and gas before you can get anywhere safely.
🚗 Analogy: If AI is like having a super-powered car, these basics are like knowing where the steering wheel and pedals are. Without them, even the best car won't get you where you want to go.
By the end of this lesson, you'll understand files, folders, text editing, and other fundamentals needed for AI projects. Every concept includes hands-on practice.
Files & Folders: Your Digital Filing Cabinet
What are Files?
A file is a container that holds information. Just like a document in a physical filing cabinet, each file has a name and contains specific content.
📁 Real World: A file is like a single document, photo, or recipe card. A folder is like a drawer or section in your filing cabinet where you keep related items organized.
File Extensions: The File Type Identifier
The letters after the dot in a filename tell you what type of file it is:
.txt - Plain text file (like a simple note)
.html - Web page file
.jpg/.png - Image files
.pdf - Document file
.mp3 - Audio file
Text Editors: Where Ideas Become Reality
What is a Text Editor?
A text editor is like a digital typewriter that lets you create and modify text files. Unlike Word processors, text editors create "plain text" - just the letters and words without fancy formatting.
✏️ Think of it like: The difference between writing on a plain piece of paper (text editor) vs. creating a fancy poster with fonts and colors (Word processor). For AI work, we usually want the plain paper approach.
Common Text Editors
Notepad (Windows) - Basic but functional
TextEdit (Mac) - Simple and built-in
VS Code - Professional tool with helpful features
Sublime Text - Fast and lightweight
Copy, Paste, and Text Selection
Why This Matters for AI
AI tools work by exchanging text with you. You'll copy prompts, paste responses, and move text between different applications constantly. Master these basics and everything else becomes easier.
Essential Keyboard Shortcuts
Ctrl+C (Cmd+C on Mac) - Copy selected text
Ctrl+V (Cmd+V on Mac) - Paste copied text
Ctrl+X (Cmd+X on Mac) - Cut (copy and delete)
Ctrl+A (Cmd+A on Mac) - Select all text
Ctrl+Z (Cmd+Z on Mac) - Undo last action
✂️ Physical World: Copy/paste is like using a photocopier - you can duplicate text and place it anywhere. Cut is like using scissors - you remove it from one place to put it somewhere else.
Web Browsers: Your Gateway to AI Tools
Browsers are Your AI Workspace
Most AI tools run in web browsers. Understanding tabs, bookmarks, and navigation helps you work efficiently with multiple AI services simultaneously.
Browser Skills for AI Work
Multiple Tabs - Keep different AI tools open
Bookmarks - Save your favorite AI websites
Private/Incognito Mode - Test things without saving history
Ctrl+T - Open new tab quickly
Ctrl+Shift+T - Reopen closed tab
Understanding URLs and Links
URLs: The Address System of the Internet
A URL (web address) is like a street address for websites. Understanding URL structure helps you navigate AI tools and share resources with others.
🏠 Think of it like: A URL is the complete address to find a specific page, just like "123 Main Street, Apartment 4B" tells you exactly where to go in the physical world.
Parts of a URL
https://chat.openai.com/chat/new
https:// - The protocol (how to connect securely)
chat.openai.com - The domain (which website)
/chat/new - The path (which specific page)
Basic Security & Privacy
Why Security Matters More with AI
AI tools often process your personal information, documents, and ideas. Understanding basic security helps you use AI safely without exposing sensitive data.
Essential Security Habits
Strong Passwords - Use different passwords for different sites
Check URLs - Make sure you're on the right website
Read Privacy Policies - Understand how your data is used
Don't Share Sensitive Info - Avoid personal details in AI prompts
Log Out - Close sessions when done, especially on shared computers
Your Computer Readiness Checklist
Before moving on to AI-specific lessons, make sure you're comfortable with these fundamental skills:
✅ Skills Self-Assessment
I can create, save, and find files on my computer
I understand file extensions and what they mean
I can use copy/paste efficiently with keyboard shortcuts
I can open multiple browser tabs and bookmark useful sites
I know how to select and edit text in different applications
I understand basic web security and privacy practices
I can navigate websites and understand URLs
If you checked all boxes, you're ready for the Intro to AI lesson. If not, use the questions widget above to get help with any concepts you found challenging.
Next Steps in Your AI Journey
Once you're comfortable with these computer basics, here's your recommended learning path:
Next: Intro to AI
Learn AI basics, privacy considerations, and safety practices.