Chapter 2: Running Programs

Chapter Introduction

Running Windows XP itself doesn't get you very far. The point of Windows is to let you run programs that help you get work done. To take advantage of Windows' capability to multitask (do several things at the same time), this chapter explains how to run several programs at the same time and how to switch among them. Because programs display information in windows, you also learn how the windows you see on your screen work.

You can control the size and location of the windows in which programs display information. Once a program is running, you can give it commands using the mouse and keyboard. This chapter also explains how to configure Windows to launch the programs you always use automatically so you're ready to work as soon as you start Windows, how to schedule programs to run at preset times, and how to define shortcut keys for quick-starting programs you use frequently. Windows XP's new compatibility mode enables many older programs to run without problems.

If you've used previous versions of Windows, you probably know everything in this chapter--just flip through to familiarize yourself with the terms you'll see throughout the rest of the book.