Start with a task you can finish without needing to understand the whole computer. Put the device on a stable surface, connect its charger if needed, and make the screen comfortable to read. Give yourself permission to pause between actions.
Meet the pointer
Move the mouse slowly and watch the arrow. Practise selecting an item before trying to drag it. A double click may open a file, while a single click may only select it. The exact behaviour depends on the device and its settings.
Work with one window
Open a writing application already available on the computer. Find the controls for minimising, restoring and closing its window. Notice that hiding a window is different from closing the application. Read any question about saving before you dismiss it.
Make a small document
Type a few lines about something you want to learn. Try the space bar, a new line and deleting one character. Use Undo after an accidental edit. Save the practice document somewhere you can describe, rather than accepting an unfamiliar location without looking.
Try this yourself
Write a short shopping list, save it, close the application and open the list again.
Check your understanding
Can you find your work without searching every folder? If not, try the file-organising guide next.