Start And Stop

It is a good thing to know how to turn off a computer other than unplugging it for the wall outlet. In Windows Vista the two most important buttons; Shutdown and Restart are hidden.

From the Window Start button open the Start Menu. On the right side of the Menu window is a little triangle pointing to the right. Left click on it. This will open another menu. The menu will read Shutdown, Restart, and maybe Log off items. The numbers of items listed in this sub menu will depend upon your computer, number of users, and features that the manufacture has added.

A Side Note: Your should never shut off or restart your computer by unplugging it from the wall unless it is a last resort. Not turning off a computer through the Windows start menu could cause damage to the Windows Vista or the hardware inside the computer case.

Start?

The first thing you notice with Windows Vista is the little light green button that reads Start is gone. It has been replaced by a weird looking circle with the Microsoft logo inside it. This is the first sign you are running Windows Vista on your computer.



When you go to left click on this new start button, a whole new menu pops up. Take a look at it. It is similar to the old Windows 98, ME, 2000, and XP menu, yet different. Note that it has similar sections in the menu.

• Pinned Items is the programs you use the most. This makes for easy access. Windows will automatically put your most commonly used programs in this section, as you use Windows Vista. If you are impatient, you can drag and drop program short cuts into this section
  
• All Programs is what it says. You have access to all the programs that are installed on your computer.
• Default File Folders are folders like My Documents, My Pictures, and My Music. In this section is an icon that reads, "Recent Documents". This give you quick access to your most recent used documents.
• Utilities and Helps are just that. This is where you go for maintenance of your computer.
  

Welcome Center

In Windows Vista there is a new interface to help you navigate around your computer. It is call the Welcome Center. If you have new computer it will automatically open every time you turn on your computer. That is unless you uncheck the little box at the lower left corner of the Welcome Center window.

If for some reason the welcome center does not open after the computer finishes starting, you can get to it through the Start button. Left click on the Start button. Go up to then to Control Panel, then System Maintenance there left click on Welcome Center.

The top section of icons have to do with getting start using Windows Vista. These are programs like Computer Details, Personalizing Windows, and File Transfer. All the stuff you may need to get started using Vista.

The next section is stuff that Microsoft wants you to buy or use from them. Realize if you click on any of these icon you are more than likely have to spend money.

Depending on who made your computer, there will be a third section. This will be offers, and trailware. This is programs, and services offered by different companies. Norton Antivirus usually puts a trail version of its software here, in hopes that you would buy it.

Always keep in mind that the Welcome Center is there to help in getting familiar on the different features of Vista and how to use them.