47Using the desktopwww.gateway.comUsing the desktopThe desktop contains the taskbar, the Start button, and the Recycle Bin icon.Using the Start menuYou can start programs, open files, customize your system, get help, search forfiles and folders, and more using the Start menu.To use the Start menu:1 Click the Start button on the lower left of the Windows desktop. The Startmenu opens showing you the first level of menu items.2 Click All Programs or Programs to see all programs and files in the Startmenu. When you move the mouse pointer over any menu item that hasan arrow next to it, another menu, called a submenu, opens and revealsrelated files, programs, or commands.Desktop elements DescriptionThe taskbar is the bar at the bottom of the computer display containing theStart button on the left and a clock on the right. Other buttons on the taskbarrepresent programs that are running.Click a program’s button on the taskbar to open the program’s window.The Start button provides access to programs, files, help for Windows andother programs, and computer tools and utilities.Click the Start button, then open a file or program by clicking an item onthe menu that opens.The Recycle Bin is where files, folders, and programs that you discardedare stored. You must empty the Recycle Bin to permanently delete them fromyour computer. For instructions on how to use the Recycle Bin, see “Deletingfiles and folders” on page 55.
