The Start Menu and Start Button are user interface elements in the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, which serve as the central launching point for application and tasks.
On Windows operating systems before Windows Vista, and also in Windows Vista's "Windows Classic" theme, the Start Button consists of the word "Start" and the Windows Logo. In Windows Vista's new themes, the word "Start" has been replaced by a blue Windows "orb" logo (as shown in figure above).
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The Start menu is the main gateway to your computer's programs, folders, and settings. It's called a menu because it provides a list of choices, just as a restaurant menu does. And as "Start" implies, it's often the place that you'll go to start or open things.
Use the Start menu to do these common activities:
- Start programs
- Open commonly used folders
- Search for files, folders, and programs
- Adjust computer settings
- Get help with the Windows operating system
- Turn off the computer
- Log off from Windows or switch to a different user account
The Windows Start Menu is notoriously bloated. There are a couple of ways you can customize your start menu to restore order. The first is to customize the right-hand panel and the second is to organize the programs folder.
Customizing the Right-hand Panel
- Right click on the Windows button and select Properties
- Click the Customize… button
- Here you can change what shows up in the right section of the start menu. If you don‟t use your Music folder, then why have it linked there?
Customizing the Programs List
After installing a few programs, your start menu can get cluttered. To reduce the number of folders in the left part of the menu, consider using folders like „Media‟, „Internet‟ etc. To customize your Start Menu, do the following.
- Click the Start Menu button
- Click on Programs
- Right click on a folder and select Explore All Users/Explore
- Once in the windows explorer window, you can rename folders and put links together.
I usually delete the shortcuts to readme files, help files, and uninstall links as these can all be accessed from other places, and I rarely use them.'
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