Using Programs

A program is software that helps you perform specific tasks on your computer. For example, Windows, Notepad, and Solitaire are all software programs. Using a program, you can create documents and files, play a game, manage your family finances, schedule your meetings, send e-mail, browse the Internet, and much more.

The Start menu shows a list of programs in two sections divided by a horizontal separator line. Programs displayed in the top part of the Start menu are fixed and are always available for you to click on and open. Programs that appear below the separator line change according to which programs you use the most.

With Windows XP Starter Edition, you can have up to three programs open at the same time. If you currently have three programs open on your computer and then attempt to open a fourth program, you will see a message asking you to close one of the open programs before you can successfully open the new program.


To start a program

  • Click Start, point to All Programs, and then select the program from the menu list.

To close a program and open a new one

With Windows XP Starter Edition, you can have up to three programs open at the same time. If you currently have three programs open on your computer and attempt to open a fourth program, you will see a message asking you to close one of the open programs before you can successfully open the new program.

  1. Click the Close button in the upper-right corner of the window.
  2. You may be asked if you would like to save your files in the program you plan to close. If you want to save them, click Yes. If not, click No.
  3. Click Start, and then click the program you want to open.

To add a program to your computer

  1. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Add or Remove Programs.
  2. Click Add New Programs, and then click CD or Floppy or Windows Update.
  3. Follow the instructions on your screen.

To change or remove a program

  1. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Add or Remove Programs.
  2. Click Change or Remove Programs, and then click the program you want to change or remove.
  3. Do one of the following:

  • To change a program, click Change/Remove or Change.
  • To remove a program, click Change/Remove or Remove.

To quit a program

  1. On the File menu of the program you are using, click Exit.
  2. You can also quit a program by clicking the Close button in the top-right corner of the window.

To switch between running programs

  • Click a program's button on the taskbar (the bar that contains the Start button at the bottom of your desktop).

To cancel your last action within a program

  • On the Edit menu, click Undo.