Chapter 4: Supporting the Windows Desktop

Exam Objectives in this Chapter:

• Configure the user environment

  • Answer end-user questions related to configuring the desktop and user environment

  • Configure and troubleshoot task and toolbar settings

  • Configure and troubleshoot accessibility options

• Configure support for multiple languages or multiple locations

  • Answer end-user questions related to regional settings

  • Configure and troubleshoot regional settings

  • Answer end-user questions related to language settings

  • Configure and troubleshoot language settings

Why This Chapter Matters

The Microsoft Windows XP desktop environment provides a user interface that is easily customized. Appropriate configuration of the desktop enhances a user’s experience with the operating system and can increase productivity. As a desktop support technician (DST), it is important that you understand the options that are available for desktop configuration and management. The requirement for multiple-language support is also increasing in today’s multinational corporate environment. Users often need to create, view, and edit documents in multiple languages. You should understand the multilingual features that Windows XP offers and be able to configure and troubleshoot those features.

Lessons in this Chapter:

• Lesson 1: Troubleshooting the Windows Taskbar and Start Menu

• Lesson 2: Supporting Multiple Languages

Before You Begin

Before you begin this chapter, you should have a basic familiarity with the Windows XP interface. You should also have a computer running Windows XP on which you can experiment with changing various settings.