The images on your desktop are called icons. If they have a small blue arrow in the left corner of the icon, they are a shortcut. That means it is a path to the actual file or application on your computer. The application or file is not actually on your desktop. You can create shortcuts to applications or files stored elsewhere on your computer. This allows you to easily access them with just a few clicks. Not all icons are shortcuts, but if you see the arrow, it is a shortcut.
The Recycle bin on the desktop is not a shortcut. It is where files and folders go if you delete them. If you delete something by mistake you can easily restore it (bring it back) because it is in the recycle bin.
To delete:
Right click on the icon, click delete. A ‘dialog box’ appears, asking if you are sure if you want to delete the shortcut. Click yes.
OR
Move your mouse over the icon, click and drag the icon to the recycle bin.
OR
Right click on the icon, click delete. A ‘dialog box’ appears, asking if you are sure if you want to delete the shortcut. Click yes.
Double click the recycle bin to open it. A window opens showing the contents of the recycle bin. You can restore items that are in the recycle bin. Restoring the item will return to its original place.
To restore:
Left click the item, choose Restore in the tool bar across the top. (A dialog box may appear asking you for permission, if the file is protected.)
OR
Right click on the icon, choose restore from the menu.
Exploring the Start button
If you click on the Start button  , a menu appears like the ones below. (You can also open the start menu by clicking the key on your keyboard that has the start button icon.)
Windows XP Windows 7
 
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