Using Desktop features

As you work on the Desktop, you can communicate with your computer by pointing to graphic images (objects) on the screen. The objects that you'll be using the most frequently are icons, windows, menus, and the mouse pointer:

Desktop Overview

Icons

are small pictures that represent programs, documents, data, or the containers (directories) in which those items are kept.

Windows

are work areas that open up on the Desktop. You look at and work with information in these windows.

Menus

are lists of tasks you can perform.

Pointer

shows you where you are on the screen. It changes shape to let you know what you can do there. An hourglass, for example, indicates that you need to wait while the computer performs your instructions.