Learn Vista - The Start menu on Vista

Start menu is the key to see and start all Windows programs. As seen on taskbar, now Start button doesn't have Start word like on former version of Windows. But now, its shape is more unique, cool and sweet.

Open Start menu

In order to open Start menu, you can do it by clicking Start button on taskbar. Or using another way which is quicker namely by pressing Windows logo button on keyboard.

Parts of Start menu

Basically, Start menu consists of two parts:

1. Left Side

This part is devided into four sections. The top one is the collection of pinned items. The second one is collection of program shortcuts which are most frequently used. Next is All Programs section, contains shortcuts to all installed programs as well as Windows applications. And at the bottom is search box used to look for programs or files in computer.

2. Right Side

This part consists of various items belong to Windows Vista which are frequently used. The items are:

- User folder
Opens personal folder which is named for whoever is logged on to Windows.

- Documents
Opens the Documents folder.

- Pictures
Opens the Pictures folder, where you can store and view digital pictures and graphics files.

- Music
Opens the Music folder, where you can store and play music and other audio files.

- Games
Opens the Games folder, where you can play and manage games on computer.

- Recent Items
Opens a list of recently opened files. You can open the file from the list just by clicking it.

- Computer
Opens a window where you can see and access the disk drives and other hardware connected to computer.

- Network
Opens a window which provide access to the computers and devices that are on your network.

- Connect To
Opens a window that contains list of available wireless networks, dial-up, and VPN connections.

- Control Panel
Open Control Panel where you can customize the computer appearance and functionality, add or remove programs, set up network connections and user accounts.

- Default Programs
Opens a window where you can choose default programs for web browsing, e-mail, playing music, and other activities.

- Help and Support
Opens Windows Help and Support, where you can find help topics, tutorials, troubleshooting, and other support services.

- Shut Down options
Consists of buttons for Sleep, Lock, and Right-headed arrow button which contains Switch User, Log Off, Lock, Restart, Sleep, Hibernate, and Shut Down.