Summary

144 IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Companion GuideManipulate Items on the DesktopAfter the operating system has been installed, the desktop can be customized to suit individualneeds. A desktop on a computer is a graphical representation of a workspace. The desktophas icons, toolbars, and menus to manipulate files. The desktop can be customized withimages, sounds, and colors to provide a more personalized look and feel.Desktop PropertiesTo customize the GUI of your desktop, right-click the desktop and choose Properties, asshown in Figure 5-21. The Display Properties menu has five tabs: Themes, Desktop, ScreenSaver, Appearance, and Settings. Click any of these tabs to customize your display settings.Figure 5-21Desktop PropertiesDesktop ItemsThere are several items on the desktop that can be customized, such as the taskbar andRecycle Bin. To customize any item, right-click the item and then choose Properties.Start MenuOn the desktop, the Start menu is accessed by clicking the Start button. The Start menu, asshown in Figure 5-22, displays all the applications installed in the computer, a list ofrecently opened documents, and a listing of other elements, such as a search feature, helpcenter, and system settings. The Start menu can also be customized. There are two styles of