By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

• Discuss the parts of Windows 98 desktop and the Start menu
• Shut down the computer properly
• Discuss the controls of dialog boxes

Getting started

The opening screen of Windows 98 is called the desktop. This workspace on your computer screen contains:

• Start button
• Taskbar
• Icons or graphical pictures (These represent applications, files, and other parts of your computer system.)

The Start button, in the lower-left corner of your desktop, is one of the most important tools you will use while working with Windows 98. The Start button allows you to open menus and start applications.

The Start menu

When you click the Start button, a pop-up menu (the Start menu) appears. The Start menu shows all of the applications that are on your computer. It also lists several options, including Shutdown, Help, Find, and Programs.

If you select Programs, a pop-up menu appears. Pop-up menus like this are called cascading menus. If a cascading menu is available, a small black triangle appears next to the name of the application or function.

In the example below, the Microsoft Excel program has been selected.

To start Windows and view the Start menu:

• Click the Start button.
• Move the mouse pointer to each option, and view the various cascading menus.
• Choose Programs.
• Move the mouse pointer to the right, and view other cascading menus.
• To exit the menus, click outside the menu area or press Esc on your keyboard.

Taskbar

When you turn on the computer, the taskbar appears as an empty gray area at the bottom of the screen. When a window or application is open on the desktop, you can see a rectangular button on the taskbar that shows the name of the application.

Icons

The small pictures on the desktop are called icons. One type of icon is an object icon. Examples of object icons are My Computer, Recycle Bin, and Internet Explorer. These icons allow you to open applications and documents on your computer.

A shortcut icon has a small jump arrow in the left corner. You can use a shortcut icon to open an application quickly. The icon below is a shortcut icon for the Microsoft Word application found on the Start menu. You don't have to use the Start menu to access the application if you have a shortcut for it on your desktop. You'll learn about creating shortcuts in a later lesson.

Shutting down

Remember, you should never just turn off the computer. To avoid damage to the system or loss of files, always follow specific steps to shut down the computer. The Start menu is where you begin the shutdown process.

To shut down the computer:

• Click Start.
• Choose Shut Down.
• A dialog box appears.
• Choose Shut Down.
• Click OK.

The message "Windows 98 is shutting down" appears. When the computer screen goes dark, Windows 98 has shut down. You can choose to leave your monitor on or turn it off.

Dialog box controls

Dialog boxes feature button, boxes, tabs, and sliders to help you control how your computer looks and works. You should become familiar with the various dialog box controls.

Command button

This tells the computer to carry out an action. Click on this button to execute a command.

Option button

This button, which looks like a circle, appears when you have a list of choices. Click inside the circle to select only one option.

Check boxes

These appear when a list of options is available. Click inside the boxes to select one or more options.

Text box

This provides space for you to type information. For example, when you name a file you type in a text box.

Spin box

This sets a value, such as the number of copies to print. A spin box is a text box next to an up arrow and a down arrow. The text box contains a number. Click the up or down arrow to increase or decrease the number.

List box

This is a white space that contains a list of options. Click on an option to select it.

Drop-down list box

This shows only one option at a time (the option that is selected), and there is an arrow at the end of the box. Click the arrow to see the entire list of options.

Tabs

These resemble file folder tabs. When you click on a tab, a page of information appears.

Slider

This looks like a sliding volume control on a radio. It lets you set a value within a range of values, such as from slow to fast. To move a slider, place the mouse pointer on the slider, hold down the left mouse button, and drag it.

Challenge!

• View the Start button, taskbar, and icons on the Windows 98 desktop.
• Click the Start button, and view the cascading menus.
• Review the various types of controls in dialog boxes listed in this lesson.
• Shut down your computer properly.