CertiGuide to A+ (A+ 4 Real)  9  Chapter 1: What are Operating Systems and How Do They Work?       9  Operating System Features

Basic Shortcut Keys for Desktop 1 Advanced Taskbar Properties

The Start Menu, not be confused with the StartUp Menu, is the usual starting point for most Windows activities, and has become more important and versatile in every subsequent version of Windows. Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000 and the Classic mode of XP/Windows 2003 all display a menu similar to the one in Figure 19.

The available options will depend on the version of the Operating System in use, its configuration and the applications installed. To alter the appearance and options available in the Start Menu and task bar, right click anywhere on the task bar (the grey area to the right of the Start button). Figure 20 will appear.

Clicking Properties displays the dialog in Figure 21.

The options available here are self-explanatory, except for the “Use Personalized Menus” option. This was introduced in Windows 2000 as a means of hiding little-used menu options and applications to reduce the “clutter” in the Start menu. It has the side effect of hiding applications and options somewhat at random, which gives it the amazing ability to confuse even the most intelligent user. It is recommended that you uncheck this option, not least to save panicked phone calls from users asking where their applications have gone!

Basic Shortcut Keys for Desktop 1 Advanced Taskbar Properties