Windows XP Start Menu Explained

The Start Menu gives you access to Windows XP.

Microsoft's Windows XP operating system has a Start button in the lower-left corner of the desktop. When you click it, the Start menu appears above it, giving you access to all of Windows XP's features, programs and settings.

List of Programs

At the bottom of the Start menu -- just above the Start button itself -- is an item called All Programs with a green arrow pointing to the right. Clicking on this item will summon a list of all the computer's programs, including applications that came with Windows XP and programs that were installed later.

Popular Programs

Above the All Programs item on the left side of the Start menu is a list of programs. When you begin using XP the list includes Microsoft's more popular applications. After you've used Windows for awhile the list changes to the programs you use the most. Above this list are items for your default Web browser and email client.

Settings and Computer

The right side of the Start Menu includes links to Windows' search function--which allows you to search for files on your computer--and the Help utility from which you can search the Windows help files, both online and off. Additionally, the My Computer link gives you immediate access to devices such as internal and external disk drives. You can execute command-line programs with the Run utility. The Control Panel links you to a large variety of hardware, software and security options. The "My" folders store documents, pictures, movies and music.

References

• Microsoft: Description of the Start Menu in Windows XP
• Microsoft: Customize the Start Menu