Windows XP [Electronic resources] : Visual Quickstart Guide, Second Edition نسخه متنی

Exploring the Taskbar

The taskbar provides quick access to programs and the status of background processes. It appears by default at the bottom of your screen and is divided into segments with distinct functions (Figure 2.22 ):

Start button. Click this button to open the Start menu.

Quick Launch bar. A customizable toolbar that lets you display the desktop or launch a program with a single click. The taskbar has a few other toolbars that you can show or hide.

Taskbar buttons. Buttons on the taskbar represent all open windows. You can use these buttons to resize, switch among, or close programs.

Notification area (system tray). This area displays the clock and shows the status of programs and activities.

Empty area. The taskbar has its own shortcut menu, which you reach by right-clicking an empty area. If your taskbar is crowded, right-click just to the right of the Start button, where there's always an unoccupied sliver.

Tip

Point (without clicking) to any icon on the taskbar to show a helpful tool tip.

To press taskbar buttons with the keyboard: Press Ctrl+Esc to open the Start menu; press Esc to close it; then tab to the first taskbar button. Next, use the arrow keys to highlight the desired button; then press the spacebar to activate the window or Shift+F10 to open its control menu.