Desktop

Windows taskbar: Runs all along the bottom of the screen, keeps you
posted on what your computer is doing — which computer programs
are running, where you’re visiting on the Internet, and almost anything
else that requires your attention.

Notification area: Also known to techies as the system tray. This area
sits on top of the taskbar on the right side and tells you the time, but it
also lets you know what Windows is doing behind the scenes. For example,
if you’re using a modem to connect to the Internet, little modem
lights down here reassure you that the connection hasn’t frozen. At
least, that’s the theory. Other tiny icons in the notification area may
control your speaker volume or tell you if you’re logged on to Windows
Messenger.

Start button: Located in the lower left of the desktop. This button gives
you access to everything your computer can do. Click it and you see the
Start menu — menu being geekspeak for a list of things that you can
click. Look for all the details in the “Starting with the Start Button” section,
later in this chapter.