Chapter 2. The Start Menu and Taskbar

After you log on, Windows displays the desktop and its components (Figure 2.1). The desktop sets the backdrop for your working environment and lets you organize the resources on your computer. The Start menu is the central location that lists the most useful folders, programs, and commands. The taskbar lets you know what programs are running on your computer and allows you to activate or close them.

Basic desktop elements. Your desktop may look a little different if you’ve upgraded from a previous version of Windows or if your PC’s manufacturer added custom icons.

Figure 2.1. Basic desktop elements. Your desktop may look a little different if you’ve upgraded from a previous version of Windows or if your PC’s manufacturer added custom icons.

Exploring the Start Menu

The Start ...

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