Chapter 2: The Traditional Desktop

35

Start screen: Although hidden, you can fetch
the Start screen by pointing your mouse at the
very bottom-left corner and clicking the Start
screen thumbnail. (A press of the
key returns
you to the Start screen, as well.) When summoned, the Start screen still lets you choose
programs to run on your desktop.

Taskbar: Resting lazily along the desktops
bottom edge, the taskbar lists the desktop programs and files you currently have open, as well
as icons for a few favored programs. (Point at a
programs icon on the taskbar to see the programs name or perhaps a thumbnail photo of
that program in action.)

Recycle Bin: The desktops Recycle Bin, that
wastebasket-shaped icon, stores your recently
deleted files for easy retrieval. Whew!

Charms bar: Technically, the shortcut-filled

Charms bar isnt part of the desktop; it lives
everywhere in Windows 8, hidden beyond every
screens right edge. To summon the Charms bar
with a mouse, point at your desktops top- or
bottom-right corner.

Here are a few desktop tricks that may help you:

You can start new projects directly from your

desktop: Right-click a blank part of the desktop,
choose New, and choose the project of your
dreams from the pop-up menu, be it loading a
favorite program or creating a folder to store
new files. (The New menu lists most of your
computers programs, allowing you to avoid a
laborious journey back to the Start screen.)
Are you befuddled about some desktop objects
reason for being? Timidly rest the pointer over

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