Windows Desktop

Windows Desktop

My Computer
This lets you browse the files stored on your PC. Move the mouse pointer over this icon and double-click the left mouse button: a new window hows your hard disk, floppy disk, CD-ROM drive and DVD-ROM, as well as special Printer and Control Panel folders.

My Network Places
For office PCs, this lets users see other computers connected to the PC. Most home PC users will not need to use this icon.

Outlook Express
This starts Microsoft Outlook Express, which lets you send electronic mail if you have internet access.

Recycle Bin
When you delete files they go here, so you can easily retrieve them if you make a mistake. To delete the files permanently, you can empty the Recycle Bin.

The Internet
The Internet Connection Wizard is a special program that helps you get on the Internet. You may also have an icon for the Microsoft Network – an Internet service you can subscribe to.

My Briefcase
If you often take files and documents to and from a PC at work, My Briefcase helps you to keep them organized and up-to-date.

Start
This button is the main starting point for most of your actions. Click once and you’ll see a list of programs and your most recently used documents.

Taskbar
The Taskbar shows you the programs that you are currently running and the windows you have opened. To switch between different windows, click on their buttons on the Taskbar.

System Tray
This box normally displays the current time, but it can also display other information. Pause the mouse pointer over the time for a moment and a pop-up box tells you the date. The box is also used very often by programs to show the status of tools such as the printer, modem or – on a notebook (a portable computer) – it might display the amount of battery power you have left.

Background
The background of the Desktop can be a solid color, a pattern or even a
picture. Most new PCs have a solid green-blue background, while some
may show the logo of your PC maker.