value:string Your computer is comprised of two main parts: hardware and software.@ The instructions that tell your computer what to do are called software.@ Your main software, called the operating system, controls and manages your computer by translating your instructions into a language your hardware can understand.@ This is the Windows desktop. It's the workspace of your screen on which icons, desktop components, application windows, and dialog boxes appear.@ The taskbar is one element of the Windows desktop. The taskbar is a gray rectangular bar located, by default, across the bottom of the Windows desktop.@ The taskbar includes the Start button, a button for each program that is open, and the system clock.@ One of the most useful items on the taskbar is the Start button.@ From here, you can quickly start a program, find or open a document, change your computer's settings, shut down the computer, and much more.@ Your Windows desktop includes several small pictures. These are called icons.@ Icons provide an easy way to open the programs or documents you use on a daily basis.@ Ready to show what you've learned about your Windows desktop? Press the appropriate number in response to the questions.@ Can you find the taskbar?@ Great! You selected the taskbar, the rectangular bar usually on the bottom of the Windows desktop.@ You selected the Start button, which is one item on the taskbar. Now try to select the entire taskbar.@ This is an icon: a graphic representation of a program, command, or Web page. Now select the taskbar.@ You selected a different area of the Windows desktop. Try again.@ The taskbar is usually located across the bottom of the Windows desktop. It includes the Start button, a button for each open program, and a system clock.@ Where is the Start button?@ You selected the taskbar, which includes the Start button, a button for each open program, and a system clock. Now select the Start button.@ Yes! You selected the Start button. Clicking this button brings up a list of software and documents you can open.@ This is an icon: a graphic representation of a program, command, or Web page. Now select the Start button.@ You selected a different area of the Windows desktop. Try again.@ Clicking the Start button brings up a list of software and documents you can open, as well as tasks you can perform.@ Find an icon on your Windows desktop.@ You selected the taskbar, which includes the Start button, a button for each open program, and a system clock. Now select an icon.@ You selected the Start button, which is one item on the taskbar. Now select an icon.@ Correct! This is an icon, a graphic representation of a program, a command, or a Web page.@ You selected a different area of the Windows Desktop. Try again.@ There are many different types of icons. Icons are graphic images that represent a program, command, or Web page.@ As you've learned, the basic Microsoft Windows screen is called the desktop.@ The next topic focuses on where you usually go to start any activity: the Start menu.@ Press LEFT ARROW to go back; RIGHT ARROW to continue.