Customizing Your Start Menu
There are so many things in Windows XP that can be customized; you don't have to keep things the way they are installed. In fact, there are many "Features" that I find to be a nuisance, and I get rid of them. After I do a new install of XP, and the updates, this is the first thing I do.
Keep in mind that this is customization, and you can freely experiment with these settings. Make Windows work for you, not the other way around.
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 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.
-
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. THis is also discussed here.
-
Below that are two buttons that say Log Off and Turn Off Computer.