Section 1.5. The Desktop

1.5. The Desktop

Like most modern operating systems that use graphical user interfaces or GUIs (such as Mac OS X, Unix, and earlier versions of Windows), Windows Vista uses the metaphor of a Desktop with windows and file folders laid out on it. A program called Windows Explorer (explorer.exe) provides this Desktop metaphor.

Figure 1-7 shows the main features of the Windows Vista Desktop. The callouts in the figure highlight some of the special-purpose icons and buttons that may appear.

Figure 1-7. Windows Vista Desktop features

1. Drag files to the Recycle Bin to delete them. Open the bin and rummage through it to recover deleted files.

2. A folder lets you organize your files.

3. The Start button gives you access to commands and applications on your system.

4. The Quick Launch toolbar gives you fast access to frequently used applications.

5. Hover your mouse over a taskbar window icon, and you will see a live thumbnail of its content.

6. The Taskbar contains icons for each running application, plus toolbars and the notification area.

7. The System Tray (also called the notification area) contains the clock and useful status indicators about programs and services currently running.

8. A shortcut links to a file, folder, or program somewhere else on the system. You can differentiate between shortcuts and regular icons because shortcuts have a curved arrow on them.

9. You can have shortcuts to other computers on your network.

10. An open folder shows its contents in a window.

11. The Sidebar is used to display Gadgets.

12. Gadgets are mini-applications that can display changing content, such as stock prices or RSS feeds.