Office Wife

For those who are terrified of their computer, have difficulty understanding the terminology and feel very lost.

This is just a basic visual map to help you understand terminology and the lay out of your operating system. Each version of Windows will be slightly different in layout, perhaps the phrasing is shorter may vary, the basic layout is still the same for each version.

1. Windows Toolbar

Quick Start Bar

Starting from left to right, this is a snap of my task bar with the Quick Start task bar.

• Windows Start button (blue circle with a flag)
• Internet Explorer
• Folders: Your Library
• Logitech Vid
• Logitech Web Cam for Chat
• Firefox
• An open program is highlighted in Windows 7

This is a sample of Windows 7 task bar, all versions of Windows is similar.

In the far right corner is a small triangle point up, this is called a “drop down” menu, when clicked it will show the currently running programs.

Next is the speaker icon, left clicking opens the volume control, right clicking offers the option to opening the program and adjusting all volume controls.

Next to this is the time and date, earlier versions of Windows showed the date.  The smaller box next to the time and date is the control for viewing your desktop, simply move the cursor over it and there is nothing but the desktop, this is in Windows 7 only.

Clicking on the “Start”  button will provide you with a menu divided into three sections, perhaps more depending on how you decide to set it up. The right side of the “Start Menu” lists the main folders:

• Clicking your name takes you to the main folder.
• Documents
• Pictures
• Music

You have the option of changing the folders and program links for ease of access.

Watch for an ebook visual guide of the Windows desktop.

Thank you.