Learn To Use the Taskbar Better
When Microsoft released Windows 95 more almost 15 years ago, one of the most talked about features was the taskbar. All these years later, many computer users still don’t know how to take advantage of the taskbar. Read on so that you can learn more about the how to fully utilize this feature of your computer.
First, remember that with any version of Windows you can run more than one program at a time. Yes, you can have your email going, an Internet browser window, word processor and even Free Cell all running simultaneously. The taskbar admirably keeps track of all these programs or ‘tasks’ for you.
The taskbar is the long grey (or blue or black) bar located next to your Start button. Each time you open a new program or window, a new button appears on the taskbar. Let me illustrate:
When I start my email program, a button for Microsoft Outlook appears:
When I then start my Firefox browser, another button appears:
When I start Yahoo Messenger, yet another button appears on the taskbar:
This process continues as you open programs. A computer user can now quickly see which programs or windows are currently open or running.
To switch between them, simply click on the button corresponding to the program you want to work with next, and it instantly comes to the forward position on your screen.
When this process occurs, your other programs don’t close or disappear, they simple sit idle behind the window/program you are working with now.
The maximum limit of programs you can run at the same time is based on your computer’s power. If your system has at least 256 megabytes of RAM, you can easily run up to four program simultaneously. With 512 megabytes of RAM or more, feel free to have up to 6 programs running at the same time.
The exception to the rule above is programs that require maximum RAM (memory). Adobe Photoshop (full version), computer aided drafting (CAD) programs, large role playing or sports type games, video editing programs, and audio editing programs. When running this type of software, it is wise to be more conservative and run these programs solo…even with large amounts of RAM.
The taskbar places a ‘button’ for each program you are currently running. If you run multiple programs and the taskbar become too cluttered, you can increase the size of the taskbar by clicking on the edge of the taskbar and dragging your mouse to enlarge it. If you are running Windows XP or Vista and have the taskbar locked (an awesome feature), you will need to RIGHT click on the taskbar and then uncheck the “lock taskbar” option before resizing.
To further customize your taskbar, RIGHT click on it and click Properties. The taskbar properties lets you set functions such as hiding the taskbar, keeping it on top of other windows, toggle the clock on or off, grouping tasks/windows (Windows XP & Vista only) and more. One option available in this menu, for Windows XP & Vista users, is the ability to toggle on or off the “Quick Launch” toolbar you may have become familiar with using previous versions of Windows.
When Windows 7 is released later this year, the taskbar will function differently. You can get a preview of those changes by searching my site for Windows 7 and see articles and videos I have posted about it.
Read my other tips regarding the taskbar and the quick launch bar by browsing the Tips Archive.
