Windows XP in a Nutshell

Starting Up Applications

Windows XP has more ways to launch a program than just about any other operating system.

You can:

• Double-click on a programicon in Explorer, on the Desktop, or in a folder window.

• Double-click on a file associated with an application to launch that application and open the file.

• Pick the name of a program from the Start menu. (See Start Menu in Chapter 3 for details.)

• Click on a program’s icon in theQuick Launch Toolbar to start it. This Toolbar can include icons for any programs, although by default, it only has icons forInternet Explorer,Outlook Express, and MSN. See Toolbars in Chapter 3 for details.)

• Right-click on a file, executable, or application icon and choose Open.

• Select (highlight) an icon and press the Enter key.

• Type the filename of a program in the Address Bar, which can be displayed next to the Toolbar in any folder window, in Explorer, in Internet Explorer, or even as part of the Taskbar. You may also have to include the path (the folder and drive name) for some items.

• Select Run from the Start menu and type the filename of a program. You may also have to include the path (the folder and drive name) for some items.

• Open a command prompt window and type the name of the program at the prompt. Note that some knowledge of the command prompt (commonly known as DOS) is required — see Chapter 6 for details.

• Create shortcuts to files or applications. A shortcut is a kind of pointer or link — a small file and associated icon that point to a file ...