Windows XP Interface Explained

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Figure 1.1 - Windows XP Desktop

Start Menu - this is where you will access most of your programs as well as common windows xp functions

Desktop Icons - these are shortcuts you can double-click to access your favorite programs or some common windows functions.

Quick Launch - this is not shown by default, but can be pulled up by right-clicking the taskbar, select toolbars - Quick Launch, its a menu bar that allows you again to run shortcuts to your favorite programs.

Desktop - this area is the desktop, this is also where your wallpaper is shown. Right-clicking anywhere on the desktop brings up various windows functions.

System Tray - this is where your startup program icons show up, from here you can open the programs associated with it or modify its settings. Your icons will vary.

Toolbar - this area is used to store windows of applications that you have open, you can simply click them to pop-up the window you are working on.