Windows 95 Desktop
The design metaphor for the Windows 95 user interface is a desktop workspace.
On most systems running Windows 95 you will see the following:
- My Computer icon. This icon allows you to easily access information
and parameter settings for your system’s hardware components.
- Recycle Bin icon. This is the trashcan for your computer.
When you delete files, programs, and icons they are moved to the Recycle Bin.
- Network Neighborhood icon. This icon gives you access to network
resources.
- Inbox icon. If Microsoft Outlook or Exchange is installed on
your computer this icon will appear on your desktop to allow access to
incoming email and documents.
- Start button. Click the Start button in the lower
left corner of your screen to activate a pop-up menu that gives you access
to help, utilities, programs, and documents on your computer.
- Taskbar. Usually located at the bottom of the screen the taskbar
will display a button for each program that is running on your computer.
You may click on a program button to bring it to the top of your screen.
This is an easy way to switch between program windows. Often the taskbar
button is not large enough to display the full name of the program. To
remedy that let your mouse rest on the button for a few seconds and it
will pop up a balloon entry that displays the full name of the program.
Depending on your taskbar property settings, the time and other information
about your system may be displayed on the right side of the taskbar.
The Welcome to Windows95 screen will come up by default each time
you reboot your computer. If you would like to get rid of this screen follow
these steps:
- Click on the Show the Welcome Screen next time you start Windows
to turn off the check mark in the box. The box should now be blank.
- Click on the Close button.
If you want the Welcome to Windows95 screen to resume on startup:
- Click the Start button
- Click Run
- Type "welcome" in the Run menu dialog box.
- Click OK
- Click on the Show the Welcome Screen next time you start Windows
to turn on the check mark in the box.
- Click on the Close button.
You may also create additional icons or shortcuts to frequently used
folders and programs on your desktop.
Back to Windows 95 Essentials
Date Last Updated: 1/4/98
Send Comments to: Kathy Monday