Using Windows Accessories

Windows comes with several accessories, built-in programs that, while not as feature-rich as many programs sold separately, are extremely useful for completing basic tasks .

One of the most useful features Windows offers is the ability to use data created in one file in another file, even if the two files were created in different Windows programs. To work with more than one program or file at a time, you simply need to open them on your desktop. A program button on the taskbar represents any window that is open on the desktop. When you want to switch from one open window to another, click the program button on the taskbar. If you tile, or arrange open windows on the desktop so that they are visible, you can switch among them simply by clicking in the window in which you want to work.

Frequently Used Windows Accessories

Program	Description
Address Book	Stores names , addresses, and other contact information
Calculator	Performs arithmetic calculations
Character Map	Inserts special characters from installed fonts
Internet Explorer	Displays Web (HTML) pages
Magnifier	Magnifies parts of the screen
MSN Explorer	Provides Internet Explorer, Windows Messenger, Windows Media Player, and Hotmail (Web e-mail) functionality all in one program
Narrator	Reads aloud the screen contents
Notepad	Creates, edits, and displays text only documents
On-Screen Keyboard	Allows keyboard input using the mouse or other pointing device
Outlook Express	Provides e-mail, newsgroup, and directory services
Paint	Creates and edits bitmap pictures
Sound Recorder	Creates and plays digital sound files
Windows Media Player	Plays sound, music, and video
Windows Messenger	Sends and receives instant messages to online contacts
Windows Movie Maker	Creates movies using audio and video files
WordPad	Creates, edits, and displays text, Rich Text Format, and Word documents