WORKING WITH MICROSOFT WINDOWS ENVIROMENT

Working with Microsoft Windows Environment

The Windows environment is the onscreen work area provided by Windows, analogous to a physical desktop, and the operating system's core extension points.

Desktop
 

The desktop is the user's work area for their programs. It's not a way to promote awareness of your program or its brand. Don't abuse it!
The desktop is the onscreen work area provided by Microsoft Windows, analogous to a physical desktop. It consists of a work area and taskbar. The work area may span multiple monitors.

A typical Windows desktop.
The active monitor is the monitor where the active program is running. The default monitor is the one with the Start menu, taskbar, and notification area.

DESIGN CONCEPTS

The Windows desktop has the following program access points:

• Work area. The onscreen area where users can perform their work, as well as store programs, documents, and their shortcuts. While technically the desktop includes the taskbar, in most contexts it refers just to the work area.
• Start button. The access point for all programs and special Windows places (Documents, Pictures, Music, Games, Computer, Control Panel), with "most recently used" lists for quick access to recently used programs and documents.
• Quick Launch. Removed from Windows 7. A direct access point for programs selected by the user.
• Taskbar. The access point for running programs that have desktop presence. While technically the taskbar spans the entire bar from the Start button to the notification area, in most contexts taskbar refers to the area in between, containing the taskbar buttons. This area is sometimes referred to as the taskband.
• Notification area. A short-term source for notifications and status, as well as an access point for system- and program-related features that have no presence on the desktop.

The Windows desktop access points include the Start button, taskbar, and notification area. Note the thumbnail feature of the taskbar button.