Using Help
Windows XP Starter Edition Help is a reference for you to look up specific instructions for completing a task. You can also use it as a learning tool for using and navigating Windows, as well as successfully using Windows features and programs.
Navigating Help
Navigating Help in Windows XP Starter Edition is easy. Each set of Help topics is organized by subject area, such as Using E-Mail or Printing. The sections covering each major subject area is visible and accessible to you from the My Support home page. Each section contains all the Help topics related to that specific area.
The Help section of the My Support home page is grouped into three sections and covers the following areas.
- Using WindowsGet help with common Windows tasks, such as using e-mail and printing
- Working with the Start Menu, Icons, and WindowsHow to perform basic tasks on the Windows desktop and how to use desktop elements, such as the Start menu, icons, and windows.
- Using Files and FoldersHow to set up, use, and organize your online filing system.
- Using ProgramsHow to understand and use programs that are part of the Windows operating system.
- PrintingHow to print your files and documents.
- Understanding Security and Safe ComputingHow to keep your computer safe and updated.
- GlossaryA list of terms most commonly used in Windows Starter Edition.
- Exploring the InternetHow to search for items on the Internet by browsing, how to manage your list of favorite Web sites, and more.
- Using E-MailHow to write and send e-mail using Outlook Express with Windows Starter Edition.
- Using Microsoft PaintHow to draw and enhance images using Microsoft Paint.
- Using Accessorieshow to use the extra programs included with Windows, such as Calculator, Notepad, and WordPad.
- Playing Windows GamesHow to play Windows games.
- Playing and Making MusicHow to select, play, organize, and make music.
- Using Windows MessengerHow to correspond with other Windows Messenger users by way of instant-messaging.
- Working with Digital PhotographsHow to view and organize your digital photos.
- Using Windows Movie MakerHow to create movies to share with your family and friends.
- Setting Up Your ComputerHow to personalize your computer desktop, change how Windows displays your date and time settings, and set up Windows for your language.
- Using Windows Accessibility FeaturesHow to effectively use Windows with hearing, vision, or mobility impairment.
- Installing and Configuring HardwareHow to use hardware with your computer.
- Using Windows ToolsHow to use the system tools included with Windows.
Using the Table of Contents
The Help Table of Contents is located in the left pane of your Help viewer. The Table of Contents allows you to display the contents of each section. You can also select and view any individual topic. Single topics display in the right pane of the viewer.
To do this |
Do this |
Scroll through the Table of Contents |
Click below or above the scroll box on the vertical scroll bar |
Display an item |
Click the corresponding link in the Table of Contents |
Searching the Help contents
To perform a basic search
- Type the word or phrase you want to search for in the Search for box, and then click Go.
To perform an advanced search
- Click the Advanced Search link, and then set the options that you want.
Available Option | Description | Example |
All words | Searches for all of the words you entered in the Search for box | When you type CD disk copy in the Search for box, the search results will show a list of pages that contain all three words. |
Any word | Searches for any of the words you entered in the Search for box | When you type CD disk copy in the Search for box, the search results will show a list of pages that contain any of the three words you typed. |
Exact phrase | Searches for the words you entered in the Search for box in the order and sequence in which they were entered | When you type Internet Explorer in the Search for box, only pages that contain instances of that exact phrase will be presented in the search results. |
Boolean | Searches allowing the inclusion or exclusion of certain words through the use of operators such as AND, NOT, and OR.
Note: The operators must be in all uppercase letters for the search to be performed correctly. | When you type Windows Messenger OR Windows Media Player in the Search for box, pages that contain instances of Windows Messenger or Windows Media Player or both will be presented in the search results. |
Current title selected in the Table of Contents | Limits the search to the currently selected section title | |
All titles in the Table of Contents | Includes all of the section titles in the collection when performing the search | |
To navigate through Search results
- To view search results, move through the results list by clicking any link presented under the Search results header.
- To view more results than what is available on a single page, click Next to see more results.
- To go back to the previous page of results, click Previous.
- To move between search result pages, click the appropriate page button at the bottom of the page.
Printing Help topics
Windows XP Starter Edition Help topics are designed so that you can easily print them for study and reference.
To print a Help topic
- Go to the Help section that you want to print.
- Do one of the following:
- Click the Print button on the top toolbar.
- Right-click on the page and choose Print from the pop-up menu.
- Select your printer, specify any additional printing instructions, and then click Print.
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