The Start Menu : xp | Vista | Windows 7
The Start Menu is the central location for starting and using the programs and features of your computer.
Where features are different, I will explain the differences between XP, Vista and Windows 7.
XP
This is the default Start Menu. Click the Start button to get here.
Across the top is a "Title Bar" with the User name.
The left-hand column is for shortcuts for programs you use often. By default, Windows will list your most recently opened programs here, and the list will change accordingly. In other words, if the last program you opened was Microsoft Word, a shortcut for Word will appear in this column. Personally, I'd rather just keep the same shortcuts here: programs that I use often. The list never changes for me unless I add or delete from here.
The right-hand column is more for what I call the "System" shortcuts. Items like My Documents, My Computer, Control Panel, Printers and Search appear here. You can customize what will appear here.
Below the left column is an items that says "All Programs". This will open your Program Menu, where all of your installed software is listed.
Below that are two buttons that say Log Off and Turn Off Computer.
Vista
This is the Start Menu. Click the Start button to get here.
The left-hand column is for shortcuts for programs you use often. By default, Windows will list your most recently opened programs here, and the list will change accordingly. In other words, if the last program you opened was Microsoft Word, a shortcut for Word will appear in this column. Personally, I'd rather just keep the same shortcuts here: programs that I use often. The list never changes for me unless I add or delete from here.
The right-hand column is more for what I would call the "System" shortcuts. Items like My Documents, My Computer, Control Panel, Printers and Search appear here. You can dictate to a point what will appear here.
Shutting down, restarting, or logging off your computer has also changed. These buttons are located in the lower right-hand corner of the Start Menu.
Below the left column is an item that says "All Programs". This will open your Program Menu, where all of your installed software is listed.
Below the All Programs menu is the Programs Search Bar. This Search can be used to find a program that is installed on your computer. For example, starting a search for Paint produces a list containing the letters in Paint. The search results start appearing even though the entire word "Paint" hasn't been completely typed in. This is FAST searching, and is very handy.
Windows 7
This is the Start Menu. Click the Start button to get here.
The left-hand column is for shortcuts for programs you use often. By default, Windows will list your most recently opened programs here, and the list will change accordingly. In other words, if the last program you opened was Microsoft Word, a shortcut for Word will appear in this column. Personally, I'd rather just keep the same shortcuts here: programs that I use often. The list never changes for me unless I add or delete from here.
The right-hand column is more for what I would call the "System" shortcuts. Items like My Documents, My Computer, Control Panel, Printers and Search appear here. You can dictate to a point what will appear here.
Shutting down, restarting, or logging off your computer has also changed. This button is located in the lower right-hand corner of the Start Menu.
Below the left column is an item that says "All Programs". This will open your Program Menu, where all of your installed software is listed.
Below the All Programs menu is the Programs Search Bar. This Search can be used to find a program that is installed on your computer. For example, starting a search for Paint produces a list containing the letters in Paint. The search results start appearing even though the entire word "Paint" hasn't been completely typed in. This is FAST searching, and is very handy.