Learn To Use the Taskbar Better - Part I

Learn To Use the Taskbar Better -

Part I



When Microsoft released Windows 95 more than 10 years ago, one of the most talked about features was the taskbar. Ten years later, many computer users still don't know how to take advantage of the taskbar. Read on so that you can learn more about the how to fully utilize this feature of your computer.

First, remember that with any version of Windows you can run more than one program at a time. Yes, you can have your email going, an Internet browser window (or two or twelve), word processor and even Free Cell all running simultaneously. The taskbar admirably keeps track of all these programs or 'tasks for you'.

The taskbar is the long grey (or blue) bar located next to your Start button. Each time you open a new program or window, a new button appears on the taskbar. Let me illustrate:

When I start my email program, a button for Microsoft Outlook appears:

When I then start my Firefox browser, another button appears:

When I start Yahoo Messenger, yet another button appears on the taskbar:

This process continues as you open programs. A computer user can now quickly see which programs or windows are currently open or running.
To switch between them, simply click on the button corresponding to the program you want to work with next, and it instantly comes to the forward position on your screen.

When this process occurs, your other programs don't close or disappear, they simple sit idle behind the window/program your working with now.

Next week, I will shed a little more light on some of the technical considerations to keep in mind when working with the taskbar.