HP Pavilion d4000 PC Basics Guide - Page 27

Introducing the Software The operation of your PC is controlled by two kinds of software: • The Microsoft Windows XP operating system, which displays the desktop on the monitor and controls your PC's hardware, peripherals, and software applications. • Software programs that perform specific functions, such as a word processing program. Software programs included with the PC may vary by model and by country/region. Learning More about Software Information about using software and about the Microsoft Windows XP operating system is in the printed manuals and onscreen Help. The Microsoft Windows XP guide is included with your PC documentation. For Microsoft Windows, you can also press the Help button, labeled with a question mark icon on your keyboard (select models only), to open the built-in Help and Support Center, or you can click Start on the taskbar and then click Help and Support. For help with specific software, refer to the onscreen Help within the program. Using the Desktop The desktop is the work area that appears on the display monitor. It has the taskbar (along one edge) and shortcut icons that make it easy to find the things you need. The taskbar shows the Start button, a button for each open window so you can switch between programs, and the notification area that includes the time. A shortcut icon is a small picture that you click to open a folder or start a program. One icon on the desktop performs a special function; the Recycle Bin collects files that you delete. You can retrieve files from the Recycle Bin until you empty it. When you empty the Recycle Bin, the files are permanently deleted. Introducing the Software 21