Playing Games

Windows provides several games that you can play to break up your workday with a little entertainment. Playing games is also a good way to help you get the hang of using the mouse if you are a beginner. For example, playing Solitaire can help you practice clicking and dragging, if you're not accustomed to using a mouse. You can find the games by clicking Start, All Programs, Accessories, and then Games. Figure 21.7 shows the game Solitaire.

Figure 21.7. You can play one of many games, including the popular Solitaire.

The Absolute Minimum

Explore the many extra programs packed in with Windows XP, including the following:

• To create simple text documents, use WordPad.

• Paint is a great way to create simple drawings or graphic documents, such as party invitations. Kids also like to play around in Paint.

• For a quick mathematical problem, use Windows XP's built-in calculator.

• Playing games is a good way to practice using the mouse, as well as to take a break from work.

• Look elsewhere in this book for help with other accessory programs, including Fax, System Tools, and others.