The desktop and the taskbar

In short: The desktop is the work surface you see after signing in. At the bottom (on Windows) sits the taskbar with the start button, running programs and the clock.

In more detail: The desktop holds icons for programs, folders and files. The taskbar along the bottom shows which programs are open and has the start button at the left or centre. At the far right is the notification area with clock, volume, Wi-Fi and battery.

In Depth

• Icons: Small pictures for programs or files. Double-click opens them.
• Wallpaper: Change it by right-clicking the desktop → Personalise.
• Taskbar: One click on an icon brings that program to the front. Right-click lets you “pin” programs so they always sit there.
• Notification area: Shows time, network, sound and notifications.
• Several screens: The desktop can span two monitors.
• Mac: Instead of a taskbar there is the Dock at the bottom and the menu bar at the top.

See also: Opening, moving and closing windows, Starting and quitting programs