When your laptop starts up, you see some initial messages and perhaps a logo or graphic, and then the computer's operating system - its main program - comes to life. For PC laptops, this program is Windows.
The version of Windows used on laptops is identical to the one used on desktop computers. Some extra options are included for laptops, specifically for power management and battery monitoring. Plus, some other utilities and fun junk may have been installed by the laptop manufacturer. Otherwise, it's the same ol' Windows.
Eventually, what seems like ages after you hit the power button, the Windows desktop appears on your laptop's screen, similar to what you see in Figure 1, which shows the Windows XP desktop. The Windows Vista desktop looks different, but the important items noted in Figure 1 are found in the same locations.
Here's what you find on your laptop:
- The desktop: This is your home plate, the starting point for all your adventures in Windows.
- Desktop background: The desktop background is the image you see on the desktop, or it may just be a solid color. The background, also known as wallpaper, is optional, and you can change it in the Control Panel.
- Icons: These tiny pictures represent files, folders, or programs inside Windows.
- The mighty Start button: Clicking this button pops up a menu that contains options for controlling the computer or for starting programs. In Windows Vista, the Start button doesn't have the word Start on it.
- The taskbar: This doohickey displays a host of buttons that you can use to switch between windows and programs opened on the desktop.
- The system tray, or notification area: This annoying little thing contains teensy icons that can help you do things on the computer, alert you to certain happenings, and show the time and day.
Take a moment to find each of those items on your laptop screen right now. Don't touch the display to point them out! Just find them and point (and maybe even say "Oh, there it is!").
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