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Learning the Basics

Starting a program

Special Windows® keys

(Sample Illustration) Special Windows® keys
Your computer’s keyboard has one key and one button that have
special functions in Windows®:
❖Windows® key—Opens the Start menu
❖Application key—Has a similar function as the secondary
mouse button
Starting a program
The easiest way to start a program is to double-click the name of
the file that contains the information you want to work on. To find
the file, use the Start menu or Windows® Explorer.
If you prefer to open the program first, you have four options. You can:
❖Use the Search programs and files field in the Start menu
❖Double-click the icon for the program on your desktop
❖Use the Start menu
The next two sections explain how to start a program from the Start
menu and the Search programs and files field.

Starting a program using the Search programs and files field

This example uses the Start menu’s Search programs and files field
to start WordPad:
1Click the Start button to display the Start menu.
The Search programs and files field appears at the bottom of
the Start menu.

(Sample Image) Search programs and files field in Start menu
Application key
Windows® key
Search programs
and files field