Microsoft KB Archive/307282

= Description of the Windows Millennium Edition Desktop =

Article ID: 307282

Article Last Modified on 1/31/2007

-

APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition

-



This article was previously published under Q307282



SUMMARY
This article provides a description of the Windows Millennium Edition (Me) desktop.



MORE INFORMATION
The desktop is the screen that you see after you log on to Windows, and it is one of the most important features on your computer. The desktop can contain shortcuts to your frequently-used programs, documents, folders, and even printers. The desktop can also display active content such as a stock ticker or news channel.

To adjust settings such as the desktop color and background, click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Display. In the Display tool you can click the Background tab, Appearance tab, and so on to adjust desktop-related settings.

By default, the desktop contains the following features.

Taskbar
The taskbar appears at the bottom of your screen. It contains the Start button, which you can use to quickly start a program, find a file, get help, or shut down your computer.

When you start a program, a button appears on the taskbar for that program. Click the program buttons to quickly switch between programs.

You can quickly minimize all of the open windows and view the desktop by clicking the Show Desktop button on the taskbar.

My Documents
This folder is the default storage location for documents, graphics, and other files, including saved Web pages.

The My Documents folder contains the My Pictures folder, which you can use to store downloaded pictures from your digital camera or scanner.

My Computer
You can use this folder to quickly view the contents of your hard disk, floppy disk, CD-ROM drive, and mapped network drives. In My Computer, you can also open Control Panel, where you can configure many settings on your computer.

My Network Places
You can use this folder to locate shared resources on the network to which your computer is connected. You can also create shortcuts to network, Web, and FTP servers by using the Add Network Place Wizard.

Recycle Bin
The Recycle Bin stores files, folders, graphics, and Web pages you have deleted. These items remain in the Recycle Bin until you empty it. If you want to retrieve an item that you have deleted, you can do so in the Recycle Bin.

Microsoft Internet Explorer
You can use an Internet connection and Internet Explorer to browse the World Wide Web and your local intranet.

Connect to the Internet
You can double-click this icon to start the Internet Connection Wizard and set up your connection to the Internet quickly and easily.

Setup MSN Internet Access
You can double-click this icon to set up your modem and your connection to MSN, The Microsoft Network.

Online Services
You can use the contents of this folder to set up connections to online services such as America Online or Prodigy.

Windows Media Player
Windows Media Player can play and copy music CD-ROMs, create and organize playlists, and find and play streaming media from the Web or a portable music device.

Microsoft Outlook Express
You can use Outlook Express to read e-mail messages and view Internet newsgroups.

Keywords: kbinfo kbui KB307282

-

[mailto:TECHNET@MICROSOFT.COM Send feedback to Microsoft]

© Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.