The Desktop

When you first start the computer you'll see the desktop.  You should think of this area on the computer screen the same as a regular desk with a work surface.  Both of them start out pretty empty but quickly fill with work.  In a short time it seems you have things scattered everywhere on either of these desktops.  That's good!  Either you're working real hard or you're doing a good job of fooling everyone.

Most personal computers have a few default icons already on the desktop.  The most predominant are My Computer, Recycle Bin, and Network. Depending on how your computer is configured, you'll probably have more.  All of the standard icons will be explained in these tutorials so just follow along.

Those cute little pictures!

The icons you see on your desktop represent programs or data files.  The icons have another name - shortcuts. You can always tell a shortcut because it will have the little arrow on the bottom left corner.  The Word icon has an arrow and therefore is a shortcut incon.  My Computer doesn't have an arrow, so therefore it's not a shortcut but the real thing. 

The name comes from the fact that by creating a shortcut to a program or file directly on your desktop you can save yourself lots of time and frustration.  (And we're all looking to cut down on our frustration!)  We'll show you how to create shortcuts in a few minutes. 

The tutorials listed on the left side explain all about the desktop.  Follow them and you'll be a whiz at this!

(If you are using the campus computer labs at Montana State University, remember you must be logged into your computer account before you can customize your desktop.  Once you set up the desktop the way you like, it will remain the same as long as you log into and out of your own personal computer account.)