Start Menu

Windows 7 Start Menu

To start programs and open folders, you use the Start menu. As the name implies, the Start menu provides a list of choices of items you can launch. It also enables you to search for files, folders, and programs; adjust computer settings; get help with the Windows operating system; turn off the computer; and log off from Windows or switch to a different user account. To open the Start menu, click the Start button in the lower-left corner of your screen or press the Windows logo key on your keyboard.

The Start menu has three basic parts, as illustrated previously in Figure 1.2: . The large left pane shows a short list of programs on your computer.

Your computer manufacturer can customize this list, so its exact appear- ance varies. Clicking All Programs displays a complete list of programs.

. At the bottom of the left pane is the search box, which enables you to look for programs and files on your computer by typing in search terms.

. The right pane provides access to commonly used folders, files, settings, and features. It’s also where you go to log off from Windows or turn off your computer.

Windows 7 Graphical User Interface

If you don’t see the program you want, click All Programs at the bottom of the left pane. The left pane displays a long list of programs in alphabetical order, followed by a list of folders. Clicking one of the program icons starts the program, and the Start menu closes. You also see programs that are used to organize programs.

Under the Accessories folder, you find a set of useful applications, including the following:

. Calculator: You can use Calculator to perform simple calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Calculator also offers the advanced capabilities of a programming, scientific, statistical calculator and converting common number systems, including convert- ing between decimal, binary, and hexadecimal number systems.

. Command Prompt: An entry point for typing computer commands in the Command Prompt window. By typing commands at the command prompt, you can perform tasks on your computer without using the Windows graphical interface.

. Notepad: A basic text-editing program that you can use to create docu- ments.

. Paint: Used to create drawings on a blank drawing area or in existing pictures. Many of the tools you use in Paint are found in the Ribbon, which is near the top of the Paint window.

. Run: A quick way to open programs, files, folders, and (when you’re connected to the Internet) websites. You can also use the search box on the Start menu in place of the Run command.

. Sticky Notes: Used to write a to-do list, jot down a phone number, or do anything else that you’d use a pad of paper for. You can use Sticky Notes with a tablet pen or a standard keyboard. To write a note using a tablet pen, simply start writing on the note where you want the ink to appear. To type a note, click where you want the text to appear, and then start typing.

. Sync Center: Enables you to check the results of your recent sync activ- ity if you’ve set up your computer to sync files with a network server. This enables you to access copies of your network files even when your computer isn’t connected to the network. Sync Center can tell you if the files synced successfully or if there are any sync errors or warnings.

CHAPTER 1: Introduction to Windows 7

. Windows Explorer: A file manager application that provides a graphi- cal user interface for accessing the file systems. It is sometimes referred to as the Windows Shell, or simply “Explorer”; not to be confused with Internet Explorer, which is an Internet browser. If you open Computer, Documents, or the C drive folder, you are using Windows Explorer.

. WordPad: A text-editing program you can use to create and edit docu- ments. Unlike Notepad, WordPad documents can include rich format- ting and graphics, and you can link to or embed objects, such as pictures or other documents.

. Ease of Access folders: Several programs and settings that can make the computer easier and more comfortable to use. You can add other assistive technology products to your computer if you need more acces- sibility features. It includes the Ease of Access Center, Magnifier, Narrator, On-Screen Keyboard, and Windows Speech Recognition.

. System Tools folder: A set of tools used to provide many system func- tions including Character Map (character/font selection tool), Control Panel, Disk Cleanup, Disk Defragmenter, Internet Explorer (No Add- ons), Resource Monitor, System Restore, Task Scheduler, and Windows Easy Transfer.

. Windows PowerShell folder: A command-line shell and associated scripting language that enables you to execute system commands that might not be executable in a graphical interface.

Under the Maintenance folder, you find . Backup and Restore: Used to back up and restore Windows. . Create a System Repair Disc: A system recovery option that can help

you repair Windows if a serious error occurs. To use system recovery options, you need a Windows installation disc or access to the recovery options provided by your computer manufacturer. If you don’t have either of those choices, you can create a system repair disc to access sys- tem recovery options.

. Help and Support: A built-in help system for Windows. It’s a place to get quick answers to common questions, suggestions for troubleshoot- ing, and instructions for how to do things. You can access it by clicking the Start button and clicking Help and Support.

. Windows Remote Assistance: A tool that can be used to give remote access to your machine to assist in fixing or overcoming a problem.

Windows 7 Graphical User Interface

The right pane of the Start menu contains links to parts of Windows that you’re likely to use frequently. Here they are, from top to bottom:

. Personal folder: Opens your personal folder, which is named for who- ever is currently logged on to Windows. For example, if the current user is Patrick Regan, the folder is named Patrick Regan. This folder, in turn, contains user-specific files, including the Desktop, My Documents, My Music, My Pictures, and My Videos folders.

. Documents: Opens the Documents library, where you can access and open text files, spreadsheets, presentations, and other kinds of documents.

. Pictures: Opens the Pictures library, where you can access and view digital pictures and graphics files.

. Music: Opens the Music library, where you can access and play music and other audio files.

. Games: Opens the Games folder, where you can access all of the games on your computer.

. Computer: Opens a window where you can access disk drives, cameras, printers, scanners, and other hardware connected to your computer.

. Control Panel: Opens Control Panel, where you can customize the appearance and functionality of your computer, install or uninstall programs, set up network connections, and manage user accounts.

. Devices and Printers: Opens a window where you can view informa- tion about the printer, mouse, and other devices installed on your computer.

. Default Programs: Opens a window where you can choose which pro- gram you want Windows to use for activities such as web browsing.

. Help and Support: Opens Windows Help and Support, where you can browse and search Help topics about using Windows and your computer.

At the bottom of the right pane is the Shut down button. Click the Shut down button to turn off your computer. Clicking the arrow next to the Shut down button displays a menu with additional options for switching users, log- ging off, locking, restarting, or sleep.

CHAPTER 1: Introduction to Windows 7