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Chapter 3: Windows Basics
About the Windows environment
After your computer 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 the example shown below, depending on
how your computer is set up.
Desktop items
Icons are graphic representations of objects on the desktop that you select and
open, such as a drive, folder, file, or program. Buttons are graphic
representations of controls that you use to open windows or apply changes.
Description
The My Computer icon provides access to drives and other computer controls.
Double-click the My Computer icon to view the drives and folders on your
computer.
My Documents is a folder where you store your personal files. You can create
other folders to save files in, but My Documents is easy to find because it is
on the desktop. Double-click My Documents to view your personal files and
folders.
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
computer. For instructions on how to use the Recycle Bin, see "Deleting files
and folders" on page 22.
Microsoft Internet Explorer is a program called a browser that lets you view
Web sites and Web pages on the Internet. Double-click this icon to open the
browser.
The America Online Included icon lets you connect to the America Online ISP
(Internet Service Provider).
Double-click the America Online Included icon to dial the service.
Gateway has provided an easily accessible interactive guide called HelpSpot.
This guide is designed to provide help information and let you quickly discover
and use the features of your computer. Double-click the HelpSpot icon to begin.
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www.gateway.com
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