Summary

In this chapter, you learned the most important of Windows XP basic skills. My goal in this chapter has
been to help those of you who are new to this program become comfortable with using the mouse and
get a sense for the way things work. Chapter 2 rounds out what you have learned here and hopefully
answers any questions that might have popped into your mind as you read this chapter. Here’s a quick
recap of the important points covered in this chapter:
Windows XP is an operating system — the mandatory program that makes everything work
behind the scenes, and also determines how you, the user, will interact with the computer to
get things done.
To start Windows XP, just turn on your computer. (First make sure there is no floppy disk in the
floppy drive.)
After Windows XP has successfully started, you are taken to the Windows desktop, your “home
base” from which you’ll start all projects, and where you’ll end up when you’ve finished.
To point to an item (or hover over an item) means to move the mouse pointer (using your
mouse) so that it’s touching the item.
To click an item means to point to it and then press and release the primary (left) mouse button.
Double-click means to do the same, but you press and release the primary mouse button
twice in rapid succession.