Gateway EC19C, User Manual

Page: 12 / 222

CHAPTER 2: Using Windows
6
Using the Windows desktop
After your notebook starts, the first screen you see is the Windows
desktop
. The
desktop is like the top of a real desk. Think of the desktop as your personalized work
space where you open programs and perform other tasks.
Your desktop may be different from this example, depending on how your notebook
is set up.
The desktop contains the taskbar, the Start button, and the Recycle Bin icon.
Help
For more information about the Windows desktop, click Start, then click
Help and Support. Type Windows desktop in the Search Help box, then press
E
NTER
.
Desktop elements Description
The taskbar is the bar at the bottom of the notebook display
containing the Start button on the left and a clock on the right.
Other buttons on the taskbar represent 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 and
other programs, and notebook tools
and utilities.
Click the Start button, then open a file
or program by clicking an item on the
menu that opens.
The
Recycle Bin
is where files, folders,
and programs that you discarded are
stored. You must empty the Recycle Bin
to permanently delete them from your
notebook. For instructions on how to
use the Recycle Bin, see
“Deleting files and
folders” on page 11
.
The Windows Security Center icon may
appear on the taskbar near the clock.
The icon changes appearance to notify
you when the security settings on your
notebook are set below the
recommended value or when updates
are available. Double-click this icon to
open the Windows Security Center. For
more information, see
“Using Windows
Security Center” on page 64
.