Windows 7
Getting Started with Windows 7
Getting started with Windows
Watch the video (3:17).If you've used earlier versions of Windows, you may find that Windows 7 is pretty familiar. However, if you're new to Windows you'll need to learn about some of the basics, such as the taskbar, Start menu, and Recycle Bin.
Watch the video to learn the basics of using Windows.
Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn more about the Windows desktop.
Date and Time Settings
On the right side of the taskbar, you will see the date and time. There will also be shortcuts to different settings, such as internet settings and sound volume.
Taskbar
The taskbar contains the Start Button, shortcuts to applications, the date and time, and more.
When you open a program or file, it will appear on the taskbar, and you can easily switch between different programs by selecting them on the taskbar.
Recycle Bin
When you delete a file, it is moved to the Recycle Bin. This allows you to recover the file if you change your mind. To permanently delete the file, you will need to empty the Recycle Bin.
Folders on the Desktop
You can keep folders, files, or shortcuts on the Desktop so that they will be easily accessible.
Start Button
Click the Start button to access the Start menu, which lets you access applications, files and settings. You can also use the Start menu to shut down your computer.
Shortcuts on the Taskbar
Some programs will have shortcuts on the taskbar for easy access. In this example, there are shortcuts to Windows Explorer, Windows Media Player, Internet Explorer, and Mozilla Firefox.
Open Folders
When you double-click a folder, it will open in a specialized program called Windows Explorer. This allows you to navigate to the specific folder or file that you want.
Desktop Background
The Desktop background (or wallpaper) allows you to personalize your computer. You can choose a built-in background, or use one of your own images.
