Exiting a Program


When you finish working in a program, close it to free system memory. (Your system memory is the working area of the computer where data and programs are stored temporarily while you are working within the program and on a document.) Too many open programs can tax your system's memory and slow the computer's processes.

First, save your work. (Saving is the topic of the next chapter.) Once your work is saved, you can use one of several methods to close a program:

  • Click File and then click the Exit command. The program closes.

  • Click the Close button for the program window.

  • Press Alt+F4.

The Absolute Minimum

This chapter gives you a good basic framework for learning to work with Windows XP. You learn the basics of working with the desktop, manipulating windows (which display content), and starting and exiting programs. In summary, keep these points in mind:

  • The desktop is your starting place. Any programs you run or windows you open are displayed on the desktop.

  • The Start menu is what it saysyour starting place! Use this menu to start programs, open folders, access commands such as Help and Support, log off, turn off, and restart.

  • To see what programs and windows are open, check the taskbar. Also, to review any system notifications or information, check the system tray at the far-right corner of the taskbar.

  • Everything you see in Windows will be displayed in a window (with a little "w"). For example, when you want to view the contents of a drive or folder or start a program, you open a window. Every window has controls so that you can place it and resize it in a way that is most convenient for the task at hand.

  • You can start a program using the Start menu or a shortcut icon.

  • In a program, you can use the menu bar to select commands. Click the menu name to display the menu and then click the command you want. You may be prompted to select additional options for the command in a dialog box. Make your selections and click the command button (usually OK).

  • When you are finished working in a program, save your work (a topic covered in the next chapter) and then exit the program. You can exit using the File, Exit command or by clicking the program window's Close button.




    Absolute Beginner's Guide to Microsoft Windows XP
    Absolute Beginners Guide to Windows XP (2nd Edition)
    ISBN: 078973432X
    EAN: 2147483647
    Year: 2005
    Pages: 176
    Authors: Shelley OHara

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