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New to computers? Start here
In plain words
This page explains the few computer words and skills you need for StepTrails. Nothing here is hard. You cannot break your computer by following this guide.
The words you will meet
| Word | What it means |
|---|---|
| Browser | The program you use to visit websites, such as Chrome or Edge. |
| Website | A place on the internet you visit with a browser, for example your online shop. |
| Add-on (extension) | A small program that adds a feature to your browser. StepTrails Recorder is an add-on. |
| File | One saved item on your computer, such as a photo or a document. |
| Folder | A container that holds files. Folders can hold other folders. |
| Download | Copying something from the internet onto your computer. Browsers usually save downloads in a folder called Downloads. |
| ZIP file | Many files packed into one file. You "unzip" it to get the files out. |
| Terminal (command window) | A window where you type short instructions instead of clicking. It looks plain, but it is only another way to give the computer instructions. |
| Command | One instruction you type in the terminal, then confirm by pressing Enter. |
What you do not need
You do not need to know how to program. You will copy and paste a few commands exactly as we write them.
How to tell which browser you have
Look at the icon on your taskbar or Dock. A round red, yellow, green and blue icon is Chrome. A blue and green wave is Edge. StepTrails works with both. Other browsers, such as Safari or Firefox, cannot record yet.
How to find your Downloads folder
- Windows: open File Explorer (the folder icon on the taskbar), then click Downloads on the left.
- Mac: click Finder (the smiley icon in the Dock), then Downloads on the left.
How to unzip a file
- Windows: right-click the ZIP file and choose Extract All, then Extract.
- Mac: double-click the ZIP file.
A new folder with the same name appears next to it.
How to open a terminal
The terminal is only needed for the extra parts of StepTrails (playing steps back and making reports). You can record without it.
- Windows: click the Start button, type PowerShell, press Enter. A blue or black window opens.
- Mac: press Command + Space, type Terminal, press Enter. A white or black window opens.
- Linux: press Ctrl + Alt + T.
How to type a command
- Copy the command from this guide. Select it with the mouse, then press Ctrl + C (Windows and Linux) or Command + C (Mac).
- Click inside the terminal window.
- Paste it. Press Ctrl + V (Windows and Linux) or Command + V (Mac).
- Press Enter.
- Wait. Some commands take a minute. When the cursor comes back and waits for you, it has finished.
Not sure it worked?
If a command prints a long list of lines ending in something like "added 120 packages", that is good news. If it prints a line that starts with Error, read Troubleshooting. Most errors have a one-line fix.
How to move into a folder in the terminal
Commands need to run "inside" the right folder. To do that:
- Type
cdand a space (that means "change directory", which is another word for folder). - Drag the folder from your file window onto the terminal window. The folder's location appears.
- Press Enter.
If you get stuck
- Look in Troubleshooting. It lists the messages people see most often.
- Look up a word in the list of words explained.
- Tell us what went wrong. Attach a screenshot if you can.