Windows XP Basics

Windows XP

Start Menu in Windows XP

The Start menu sports two divided sections. The left part is the so-called dynamic list, which the operating system automatically populates. Windows XP monitors which applications you run and manages the left part accordingly. You'll find the applications you use more frequently higher on the list and running new programs replaces them.

The right part of the new Start menu is static. It includes shortcuts to system folders such as My Documents, My Computer, Control Panel, Help And Support, and others. You can still use the old Start menu. Just right-click the task bar and select Properties. On the Start Menu tab, select Classic Start Menu and click OK.

How can I change file associations in Windows XP?

1. Right-click on a file of the type you want to change.

2. Click on PROPERTIES

3. You should see a section of the properties screen which says: "Type of File" and a button that says "Open With". Click on the “Open "Change" button.

4. Select the program you want to use from the list.

5. Click OK twice.

How do I send photos the easy way in XP?

Find the file you wish to send by going through Start > My Documents or using Windows Explorer. Right click on the file. Choose Send To > Mail Recipient. The file will be attached to an email ready for you to address and send.

How do I turn on the firewall included in XP?

Click Start, and then open the Control Panel. In Control Panel, click to open Network Connections.

If you are using a dial-up connection to the internet (including AOL and all other internet service providers), you will see an icon for that connection in the Network Connections box. Roll mouse over the icon for the internet service provider and right-click on it.

Click on Properties. Click on the “Advanced” tab.

If it is not checked, click to put a check mark in the box that says “Protect my computer and network, etc.” Click OK to apply the settings.

What does Task Manager do in XP?

Task Manager is a very useful tool it not only help you terminate hung applications, but it also provides you with detailed information about all the processes currently running on your computer.

When you select the Processes tab, the default detail view displays four columns of information about each process:

* IMAGE NAME: The name of the process.

* USER NAME: The user who started the process.

* CPU: The percentage of the CPU's capacity that a process is currently using.

* MEMORY USAGE: The amount of memory the process requires to perform its job.

How can I simultaneously close all open windows?

1. While pressing the [Ctrl] key, successively click each of the task icons on the task bar.

2. Right-click the last task icon, and choose Close Group.

If any application has unsaved information in an open document, the application will prompt you to save the document before it closes.

How can I password protect ALL my personal files on Windows XP?

Go to the "User Accounts" control panel. Click on your account (it may be something you recognize like your name, or may be "administrator" depending on who set up Windows on your computer). Choose the option to require a password or change a password. If you never had a password, you can set a password by leaving the field for the current password blank and typing your new password in twice (in the new password and confirmation fields).