Computer Basics Cheat Sheet Bundle

5 premium, single-page print guides. Ready to save as PDF or print.

The Computer Basics
Cheat Sheet Bundle

Your step-by-step, plain English playbook for mastering the computer. Simple layouts. Giant text. Zero jargon.

Page 1: Mouse & Keyboard Shortcuts
Page 2: File Explorer & Downloads
Page 3: Scam Detection & Safety
Page 4: Email Folders & PDF Signatures
Page 5: Zoom Calls & Google Workspace
Prepared by HiTek Tech Support • Need help? Call or text: 682-331-3783
Sheet 1 of 5

Mouse Clicks & Keyboard Shortcuts

HiTek Tech
Cheat Sheet

Mastering the physical controls of your computer is step number one. Once you understand the difference between left and right clicks, and memorize just three keyboard combinations, you will save yourself hours of hunting through menus.

Mouse Clicks Explained

Left Click
Right Click
  • Left-Click (Standard): Your primary tool. Use it to choose items, press buttons, open links, or select text.
  • Right-Click (Options): Your "help" button. It opens a secret list of menus explaining what you can do to the object you clicked.
  • Double-Click (Open): Click the left button twice quickly to open desktop applications, folders, or files.
  • Click-and-Drag: Hold down the left button, slide the mouse, and let go to move objects or highlight blocks of text.

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

Press these keys together to execute commands instantly:

Copy Highlighted Text
Ctrl + C
Paste Copied Text
Ctrl + V
Undo Last Action (Mistake Fixer)
Ctrl + Z
Select Everything on Screen
Ctrl + A
Hide Everything (Show Desktop)
Win + D
Take a Screenshot (Capture Screen)
Win + Shift + S
How to use shortcuts: Press and hold the first key (like Ctrl), then tap the second key once. Release both. Easy as that.
Computer Basics Cheat Sheet Bundle Helpline: 682-331-3783
Sheet 2 of 5

File Explorer & Downloads Folder

HiTek Tech
Cheat Sheet

Think of your computer like a physical filing cabinet. Files go inside folders, folders go inside cabinets. Once you learn where files go when you download them, you will never lose a document again.

Finding Downloaded Files

Whenever you save a photo, PDF, or email attachment, your computer places it in the Downloads folder automatically. Here is how to find it:

  1. Look at the bar at the very bottom of your screen (the taskbar).
  2. Click the Yellow Folder Icon (this is File Explorer).
  3. On the left-side pane of the window that pops up, find and click the word Downloads.
  4. Your newest files will appear at the very top of the list.
Shortcut: You can open File Explorer instantly by pressing Win + E on your keyboard.

Creating & Moving Folders

  • How to create a new folder: Go to your Desktop or inside File Explorer. Right-click in an empty space, hover your mouse cursor over New, and click Folder. Type a name and press Enter.
  • How to move files: Left-click and hold the file you want to move. Drag it over your new folder, and let go of the mouse button. It drops right in.
  • Keep a Clean Desktop: Do not save everything directly onto your desktop screen. Keep only 3-5 active folders there to avoid clutter. Put archive files in the Documents directory.
Computer Basics Cheat Sheet Bundle Helpline: 682-331-3783
Sheet 3 of 5

Web Safety & Scam Detection

HiTek Tech
Cheat Sheet

Staying safe online isn't about being a technical expert. It's about knowing the red flags of common scams so you can hit pause before sharing any sensitive information.

Spotting Scam Emails (Phishing)

Scammers pretend to be trusted companies (Amazon, Netflix, Chase Bank). Look out for these signs:

  • Fake Sender Address: Click or tap the sender name. If the email claims to be Amazon but the actual address is "support@info-amz-582.com" instead of amazon.com, it is fake.
  • Threats of Suspension: Sentences like "Your account will be suspended in 24 hours!" are designed to make you panic. Companies do not close accounts this fast without warning.
  • Urgent Payment Requests: Anyone demanding payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency is a scammer. Period.

Browser Warnings & Passwords

  • "Virus Warnings" Pop-ups: If a webpage shows a red flashing screen saying you have 50 viruses and tells you to call a support number, **do not call**. Close the browser tab. It is a trick to get control of your computer.
  • Password Security: Do not use simple passwords like "password123" or your pet's name. Instead, combine three random words with a number (e.g., "Correct-Horse-77"). It's easy to remember but incredibly hard for hacker software to guess.
The Golden Rule: When in doubt, do not click. Close the tab or email, open your web browser, and go directly to the official website of the company in question.
Computer Basics Cheat Sheet Bundle Helpline: 682-331-3783
Sheet 4 of 5

Email Organization & PDF Signing

HiTek Tech
Cheat Sheet

Handling attachments and digitally signing files are two of the most common tech roadblocks. You do not need to print, sign by hand, and scan documents ever again.

Email Attachments Made Easy

  • Downloading Attachments: Inside an email, look for a paperclip icon or a preview box representing the file. Click the Download arrow icon. The file goes to your Downloads folder (see Sheet 2).
  • Attaching a File to Send: When composing a new email, click the Paperclip Icon at the bottom of the window. Navigate to the folder where your file is saved, select the file, and click Open.
  • Unsubscribing: If you get too much promotional junk mail, open the email, scroll to the absolute bottom of the message, and click the small link that says Unsubscribe.

How to Sign a PDF Digitally

If someone emails you a form or contract to sign, do this:

  1. Download the PDF document and double-click to open it (usually opens in Adobe Reader or your web browser).
  2. Look for a tool option labeled Fill & Sign or look for a pen icon at the top of the screen.
  3. Click Add Signature. You can type your name, draw it using your mouse, or upload a picture of your signature.
  4. Place the signature on the form line, save the file, and email it back. Done.
What is a PDF? It stands for Portable Document Format. It is simply a digital sheet of paper that looks exactly the same on any screen and cannot be easily changed by others.
Computer Basics Cheat Sheet Bundle Helpline: 682-331-3783
Sheet 5 of 5

Zoom Meetings & Google Workspace

HiTek Tech
Cheat Sheet

Collaborating and connecting with others online is simple once you master the connection rules. No need to panic during meetings — here's how to manage the controls.

Zoom Connection Troubleshooting

  • Joining a Call: Click the blue invite link sent to your email or calendar. If asked to download or open Zoom, click Open Zoom Meetings.
  • Audio Check: When entering, click the big blue button: Join with Computer Audio. If they can't hear you, look at the bottom-left corner of the Zoom window and verify that the mic icon does NOT have a red line through it.
  • Video Check: If they can't see you, click the video camera icon next to the mic icon to turn your webcam on.

Google Workspace Basics

  • Google Docs (Word Processing): Go to docs.google.com. Click the blank document with the "+" sign. Type your content. You do not need to save — Google Docs automatically saves your work to the internet every second.
  • Sharing a Document: Click the blue Share button in the top-right corner. Enter the email address of the person you want to show, select "Viewer" or "Editor" permission, and click Send.
  • Google Calendar alerts: Set reminders on your calendar by clicking a time slot, typing the event details, and adding a notification alert for 15 minutes before the event.
Good Practice: Always test your Zoom setup 10 minutes before a meeting starts to ensure your camera and microphone are working.
Computer Basics Cheat Sheet Bundle Helpline: 682-331-3783