when your computer first starts ~> on it you will see icons... those are small pictures that
are entry points for programs or computer sections or even shortcuts
to images or files. standard ones you should see are
My Computer, Explorer, and Recycle Bin. you may also see one for internet explorer or Netscape.

one of the common items you will need to access or may be told to
do by a helper/tech support is to "go to your computer"...
i know. you are thinking.. i am at my computer!!!
what they mean is to go to your desktop,
then double click the MY COMPUTER ICON on the desktop.
this allows you to look around at the files or find a file in your computer.

the recycle bin is another item you need to be familiar with. if your a new user, or even a pro, it doesn't hurt to take a second and browse your recycle bin before you empty it.

start button is the place to begin (ironically) to shut down/ turn comp off

the task bar shows what is open,  even if you have the window minimized.

and the system tray, is that little area by the clock... that also shows running programs,  like your sound, firewall, isp connection ..

there is no need for all the desktop shortcuts that most programs drop when installed.

feel free to drag them the the recycle bin. this does
not uninstall the program. just removes the shortcut. and how do you tell a shortcut? it will have a little arrow on the picture, usually in the lower left. need to clear out startup? 

need to change the date/ time ? on your computer?

Start/Settings/Control Panel/Double Click Date & time icon
or you can place the mouse over the time in the lower right corner of your screen, then right click it.
and reset it by selecting adjust date and time option.

do yourself a favor, do not rename those default icons!
heard a story about someone who renamed hers, and computer wouldn't work.... ( but bob is such a cute name for my recycle bin )
'cause it looks for my briefcase, not crap-i-gotta-do ;)

want to personalize your computer?
well first remember that if others use the same comp,
you may need decide together what goes up :)

change your desktop icons

want to change the background ?

Right Click on desktop/Properties or
Start/Control Panel/Settings/Display (monitor icon)
Click on Background tab. Click on wallpaper/apply/ok
you can use almost any image as a background. you may need to center it rather than tile if it looks funny.
this is the same area you would select a screen saver in..
just Click on screen saver tab. Select a screensaver/Apply/OK (the
screen saver will appear when computer is idle). you set how soon that is .