Menu
Configure Windows Taskbar

The Taskbar is that bar at the bottom your screen. It's your control center for application windows on the desktop. When you start a program, a button appears on the Taskbar that lets you control that program. First I'll show you how to enter settings that will make the Taskbar more friendly. Then I'll explain each setting.

Select Start | Control panel | Appearance and Themes | Taskbar and Start Menu. In the Taskbar & Start Menu settings dialog box, on the General tab, check and uncheck boxes as shown below.

Taskbar Properties

One of the most annoying problems with the Taskbar is that you can inadvertently cause it to move and dock to a side, or the top, of the screen. When this happens, it's very difficult to get it back to the bottom of the screen. You can eliminate that annoyance by checking "Lock the taskbar".

You want to check "Always on top" so that the Taskbar will not be covered by maximized windows. If you are going to be a productive Windows user, it is going to be very common for you to have several windows maximized at the same time. You will be switching between those windows by clicking on their icons on the Taskbar. Why would you want the Taskbar to keep hiding? Make sure "Auto hide" is unchecked.

Make sure "Show Clock" is checked. Of course, you want a clock on the Taskbar. In another article, I'll show you how to get a Calendar and Calculator on your desktop as well.


Learn more at amazon.com

More Windows Tips:
• How to Configure Windows 7 Autoplay
• How to Free Some Hard Drive Space
• How to Fax Documents Using Windows XP
• Steps to Fix a Wet Laptop
• The Secret to Passing the Microsoft Office Specialist Exams
• Configure Windows Taskbar
• Record Your Own Windows Startup Greeting
• OpenOffice a Software Solution to Enhance your Office Productivity at No Cost
• Synchronize Your Computer's Clock With an Internet Time Server
• Change a Drive Letter