Digital Literacy

Applications (also called "apps" or "programs") are tools that let you do different tasks on your computer -- like writing documents, browsing the internet, or watching videos.

1. Using the Start Menu (Windows)

• Click the Start button (bottom-left corner).
• Scroll through the list or type the name of the app in the search bar.
• Click the app to open it.

2. Using the Dock (macOS)

• Look for the app's icon in the Dock (bottom of the screen).
• Click the icon once to open the app.
• If the app is not there, click the Launchpad (rocket icon) to find and open it.

3. Using Desktop Shortcuts

• Double-Click the icon of the app on the desktop.

4. Searching

• Windows: Click the magnifying glass icon and type the app name.
• macOS: Press Command + Spacebar and type the app name.

1. Windows

• Click the X at the top-right corner of the app window.
• Or, right-click the app icon on the taskbar and select Close Window.

2. macOS

• Click the red circle at the top-left of the app window.
• Or, right-click (two-finger click on the trackpad) the app in the Dock and choose Quit.

Minimize: Shrinks the app to the taskbar (Windows) or Dock (macOS) without closing it.

• Windows: Click the - button (top-right).
• macOS: Click the yellow circle (top-left).

Maximize/Restore: Makes the window full screen or returns it to normal size.

• Windows: Click the square button next to the X.
• macOS: Click the green circle.

• Closing an app fully saves computer memory and battery life.
• If you only minimize, the app stays open and running in the background.