This tutorial will show you how to utilize windows xp and provides basic computer hardware and software maintenance. There is another section called windows xp FAQ which provides common windows problems and how to trouble shoot and fix.
If you need help installing windows xp, check our windows xp installation page.

We will start with re-arranging and customizing the desktop of which is the main workspace area of the computer.
Freshly installed windows desktop will look like the picture on the left. Clicking on the Start button will display the start menu.

Start Menu Icons
Your computers start menu is the gateway to access all your applications (both installed and windows default programs). Following are the main functions visible on the start menu.
All Programs lists all the programs installed on your computer.
Left panel all the programs on left panel above "All Programs" are recenlty used programs. You can open them to use by just clicking on them.
Right Panel lists all the default folders, hardware interfaces, search and help files.

To create a desktop shortcut for a default folder such as My Computer and My Document:
1. Click on the start button
2. Right click on My Computer or My Document on the right panel of the start menu
3. Click on "Show on Desktop" just like it shows on the picture.

To create a installed program desktop shortcut:
1. Click on the start button
2. Select "All Programs"
3. Select and right click the program you want place on the desktop
4. Select "Send To" from the displayed menu
5. Click on "Desktop (create shortcut)"

If you have many icons on your desktop, you can sort them by name, type, size, etc. To do that:
1. Right click empty area of your desktop
2. A menu will popup
3. Select "Arrange Icons By" and click on "Name" to sort by name