It is important to know the names of the parts of the Window so we can easily communicate instructions on how to use your computer. We will look at the two most common operating systems, Windows XP and Windows 7.
The desktop is what your computer screen looks like when you first start your computer. Just like a real desktop, it has folders, documents, and a calendar. Not all desktops will look the same. How your desktop looks depends on what software is installed on your computer and how the icons have been arranged on the desktop.
Why is it called Microsoft Windows? When you open a software program in Windows, that program opens in its own ‘window’ on your computer’s desktop.
Windows XP desktop
Icons
Task bar
(bar along the bottom)
Recycle Bin
 
Start button
TIP: Windows XP vs. Windows 7
Windows 7 is a newer version of the Windows operating system. The desktop looks very much the same, but the start button in Windows 7 is a circle.
Parts of the Windows desktop
1
2
4
3
Match the name of the part of the Windows desktop to the number above:
Desktop ___
Start button ____
Task Bar _____
Desktop or shortcut icon ____
| 