About the editors

A small independent editorial group. We do not repair computers and we sell nothing.

Why this subject

A great deal is written for people who already know the basics, and very little for people who do not. The genuinely first steps — where a file goes, what the buttons in the corner do — are treated as too obvious to explain.

They are not obvious. They are conventions that were learned, by everyone who knows them, at some point.

These guides are for the point before the point where most instructions begin.

How the guides are made

Every step described here is tried on more than one machine. Where systems differ, we say so instead of picking one and pretending it is universal.

We avoid screenshots. Interfaces change and an out-of-date picture confuses more than a description of what to look for.

Drafts are read by someone who does not use a computer confidently. Anything that produces a pause is rewritten.

What we do not do

We do not repair computers, diagnose faults or provide remote support.

We recommend no brands, models or software.

We publish no download links and no installation files.

How the site is funded

It is not. There is no advertising, sponsorship or affiliate income.

The editorial group is not a registered company and sells no services.

The pages are static and load nothing from any other dawnmarsh.