1.2 Windows Desktop Environment
1.2.3 Working with icons
Icons are simply shortcuts to programs or files on the computer desktop that improve navigation. This section will show how to select, move, and create a desktop shortcut icon or a desktop menu alias. It will also show how to recognize basic desktop icons such as hard disk, directory tree, directories/folders and files, and recycle bin/wastebasket.

To create a shortcut (icon), right-click the program or file (in Windows Explorer) and select Create Shortcut. Windows Explorer can be accessed in Windows 2000 by choosing Start > Programs > Accessories > Windows Explorer. The user does not have to be on the desktop to access the Start button. With Windows 9x (95, 98, and Millennium), choose Start > Programs > Windows Explorer from the menu that displays.

To move the created icon or any desktop icon to another position on the desktop, click on it and then drag it to the desired location. The icon becomes semi-transparent while being dragged. To restore the icon to full intensity, click on an empty part of the desktop. If the icon does not move, disable the Auto Arrange function on the desktop. To do this, right-click on an empty space of the desktop and choose Arrange Icons. Uncheck the Auto Arrange selection. Shortcut icons can be created for frequently used programs like web browsers, word processors, spreadsheets, and instant messengers.

To select multiple icons at once to move, hold down the Ctrl key and click on all the icons that are to be moved. Then, drag the group of icons to the new location and let go of the mouse button. Unselect the icons by clicking on an empty part of the desktop. Rename icons, like folders, by clicking on the name once and then typing in a new name.