To open Help and Support Center, click the Start button, and then click Help and Support. From the home page, you can conduct a search or select categories of information, leading to task and information topics covering the use of your computer. Click User and System Guides for information on using your Dell™ computer, including installed hardware devices and software.

New User Interface

Windows XP features a redesigned user interface with a new visual style, a less cluttered desktop, and built-in desktop cleanup features. Window layout has also been changed for Windows XP and, as in the Control Panel, emphasizes task presentation. The Start menu has been redesigned. The left half of the new Start menu includes the most frequently used icons. As you use your computer, the icons in this area are changed and rearranged depending on your computer usage patterns. If you wish to keep one of the icons permanently in its location, right-click the icon and click Pin to Start menu.

To access all the programs installed on the computer, click All Programs at the bottom of the Start menu. The right half of the new Start menu contains useful icons for accessing your files, configuring the computer, and finding information and assistance. The Dell Solution Center icon opens a portal to services and application programs installed on your Dell computer.

Switching to Classic View

If you wish, you may change the appearance of the Start menu, desktop and windows, or Control Panel layout to that of earlier Windows operating systems. These classic view options are independent of each other.

You can easily switch back and forth between the new Control Panel category view and the classic icon view by clicking Switch to Classic View or Switch to Category View in the upper left area of the Control Panel window. This can be handy if you would like to take advantage of the new, task-oriented features of the Windows XP Control Panel, but you are accustomed to performing a particular task with the icon-oriented classic Control Panel.

To change the appearance of the Start menu to the classic view:

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GX240 specifications

The Dell GX240, a robust desktop computer released in the early 2000s, exemplifies the breed of machines engineered for business and productivity environments. Targeting corporate users, the GX240 was part of Dell’s OptiPlex series, known for its reliability, support, and manageability.

One of the main features of the Dell GX240 is its Intel Pentium 4 processor, which provided a significant performance boost at the time of its release. This processor was available in various speeds, enabling users to select the model that best met their processing needs. The GX240 also offered ample memory options, supporting up to 2GB of SDRAM, which was considerable for its era, allowing for smoother multitasking and application performance.

The design of the GX240 was practical, featuring a compact, space-saving chassis ideal for office environments. It was designed for easy serviceability, with tool-less access to components, facilitating quick upgrades or repairs. The system was equipped with various configurations, enabling customers to customize it with multiple hard drive options, typically using IDE drives, which provided sufficient storage for everyday tasks.

The desktop utilized a variety of expansion slots, including AGP for graphics cards and PCI slots for additional peripherals. This expandability was crucial for businesses needing to adapt or enhance their systems over time. Integrated Intel graphics were standard, but users could opt for dedicated graphics cards to meet more demanding graphical needs.

Connectivity was also a strong point for the GX240, featuring multiple USB 2.0 ports, a serial port, and audio input/output capabilities. These ports allowed for seamless integration with various peripherals and devices, essential for a productive work environment. The GX240 also supported network connectivity through a built-in Ethernet controller, making it well-suited for office use, especially in networked environments.

In terms of software, the GX240 was usually shipped with Microsoft Windows XP, ensuring users had access to a stable and user-friendly operating system. This operating system not only provided compatibility with a wide range of applications but also enhanced the overall user experience.

In conclusion, the Dell GX240 was a solid desktop choice for businesses in the early 2000s, combining performance, upgradability, and a compact design. Its Intel Pentium 4 processor and ample memory options made it suitable for various tasks, while its space-saving design and expansion capabilities allowed businesses to adapt the system to their evolving needs.