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Part I: Getting to Know Windows 7
other programs that run automatically when your
computer starts. Messages called notifications pop up here
from time to time. Get information about these icons by
hovering the mouse pointer over them. Click any icon in
the icon tray to open the associated program, and right-
click an icon to see a menu of available options, such as
those to change settings or exit the program.
Before too long, you see a pop-up notification in the
icon tray to Activate Windows Now. Windows 7
needs to phone home to Microsoft to check in —
that’s activation. Ignore this message until you have
an Internet connection. See Chapter 8 for informa-
tion on connecting to the Internet and Chapter 17
for steps to activation.
To recap: Start a program by using the Start menu,
icons on the desktop, or icons in the taskbar. Switch
between programs you have started by clicking their
icons in the taskbar.
Get Help When You Need It
1. Hover the mouse pointer over anything on the screen to
see a pop-up box, or tooltip, with a brief explanation of
the item.
2. Look for information on the screen. A How to Play box
appears briefly when you start Solitaire, for example. The
bottom edge of the screen, called the status bar, may dis-
play help text that changes as you highlight different
items on the screen. Some screens display blue links you
can click for more information.
3. Many programs, including the one shown in Figure 1-8,
have a Help menu. Click the Help menu to see a list of
help options. You can also press the F1 key near the top
of your keyboard to see help information.
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