Chapter 1: The Basics of Windows XP

Chapter Introduction

Windows is the most widely run computer program in the world, and Windows XP (short for "experience") is the latest version of Windows. Most of the software written for personal computers--indeed, most of the software written for any computer--is written for computers running Windows.

This chapter explains what Windows XP is and explains the objects you see on the Windows screen--the desktop, icons, the taskbar, the Start menu, and windows. It also explains the Control Panel, a collection of programs that enable you to control how Windows and your computer work. Many Control Panel programs run wizards, special programs that step you through the process of creating or configuring an object on your computer. Properties are another way of choosing settings for the objects in your computer. This chapter also describes how to start Windows, shut it down, and suspend Windows operation when you're not using your computer.

If you've used Windows 95, 98, Me, or 2000, you can probably skip this chapter since you already understand windows, icons, and the desktop. Just skim through to see what's changed!