Windows Vista Desktop

The desktop is the main screen area that you see after you turn on your computer and log on to Windows. Like the top of an actual desk, it serves as a surface for your work. When you open programs or folders, they appear on the desktop. You can also put things on the desktop, such as files and folders, and arrange them however you want.

The desktop is sometimes defined more broadly to include the icons, taskbar and Windows Sidebar. The taskbar sits at the bottom of your screen. It shows you which programs are running and allows you to switch between them. It also contains the Start button, which you can use to access programs, folders, and computer settings. On the side of the screen, Sidebar contains small programs called gadgets.

Icons
Icon is a small picture that represents a file, folder, program, or other object or function.


Taskbar

The taskbar is the long horizontal bar at the bottom of your screen. Unlike the desktop, which can get obscured by the windows on top of it, the taskbar is visible almost all the time. It has four main sections:

- The Start button, which opens the Start menu. See The Start menu (overview).

- The Quick Launch toolbar, which lets you start programs with one click.

- The Program Button, which shows you which programs and documents you have open and allows you to quickly switch between them.

- The Notification Area, which includes a clock and icons (small pictures) that communicate the status of certain programs and computer settings.

Windows Sidebar

Windows Sidebar is a long vertical bar that is displayed on the side of your desktop. It contains mini-programs called gadgets, which offer information at a glance and provide easy access to frequently used tools. For example, you can use gadgets to display a picture slide show, view continuously updated headlines, or look up contacts.