The task bar is the gray bar typically located at the bottom of the computer screen. It can be moved to any corner of the screen by clicking and dragging it to the desired location. The task bar can be set to show automatically as the mouse passes over it and hide when the mouse leaves its location. If you do not see the task bar on your computer screen, pass the mouse over the four sides of the screen and it should appear. As programs or windows are opened, their names display as buttons on the task bar. To make active a previously opened program or window, click its name on the task bar. The program will be activated and ready to use. In the figure above, two programs are open and display as buttons on the task bar, Microsoft Word (file name "Win95_tu...") and Microsoft Excel (file name "Book1"). Clicking on the Microsoft Word program, for example, will make it active and display the file "Win95_tu..." on the screen. The taskbar is a useful tool for switching between programs. When you quit a program, its name disappears from the task bar.

Recycle Bin located on the desktop.

The Recycle Bin temporarily stores deleted files. All files that are deleted from the C:/ drive are sent first to the Recycle Bin. Only when the Recycle Bin is emptied are the files removed from your computer. You can retrieve files from the Recycle Bin if you deleted them erroneously. If you do not empty the Recycle Bin, then your deleted files still occupy disk space. Files that are on your A:/ drive(floppy drive) are not sent to the Recycle Bin and are removed from your computer when you delete them. Note: If you want to delete a file from the C:/ drive without sending it to the Recycle Bin, hold down the shift key when you delete it.

Printer icon located in the start menu.

The Printer icon, when clicked, enables you to setup printers that are going to be used with your computer. You can also monitor print jobs. By doubling clicking the printer icon , you can see the documents that are printing or waiting to be printed. You can also cancel or pause print jobs.

Control Panel also located in the start menu.

The Control Panel icon, when clicked, enables you to change the way in which your computer looks and functions. For example, the Control Panel contains programs that enable you to change how your desktop looks or the type of screen saver that displays.

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