The main display screen in Windows is
known as the desktop.
The Windows desktop has remained consistent
for most versions of Windows including 95, 98, 98 SE, Millennium (ME),
NT, and 2000. However, some variations may be seen in older versions
of Windows 95 or a special type of installation, such as that on a
laptop or network, when certain features are disabled. Some of the
icons on the desktop, such as My Computer, Network Neighborhood (or My
Network Places), Recycle Bin, and My Documents, are shortcuts to those
directories or applets (directories are discussed later in Chapter 4).
Other icons that may be on the desktop, like Microsoft Word, Excel, or
Adobe Photoshop, are shortcuts to those applications.
Clicking on the My Computer icon gives access to all the installed drives (or computer storage components). My Documents is a shortcut to personal, or frequently accessed files, and Network Neighborhood allows the users to see neighboring computers in a networked environment. The Recycle Bin stores deleted items an is discussed in further detail later in this chapter under the section "Basic Features of Windows". Located at the bottom of the desktop is the taskbar. The taskbar
contains the Start button, quick launch buttons, and the clock.
Figure
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This menu allows access to virtually every
program and function on the PC. Quick launch buttons are similar to
desktop icons as they are also shortcuts to applications. These quick
launch buttons are particularly useful when several applications or
documents are already opened and a quick way to open another
application is needed.