This Pass or Prepared? is based on our computer lab practice sessions.

Answer the following questions:

1. Where can you find the taskbar?

   One Plausible Answer

   Along the bottom of the Windows screen.

2. What's the first button to the far left on the taskbar?

   One Plausible Answer

   The Start button.

3. When there are other buttons on the taskbar what do they represent?

   One Plausible Answer

   Programs already running.

4. How can you use buttons on the taskbar?

   One Plausible Answer

   Well, first let's make sure you have at least two programs running so you will be able to watch this happen. Start by linking on the desktop to one of the Internet browsers, or use the Start button to go to the browser. Once you are in the browser, you will see the browser button on the taskbar.

   Then, go back to your desktop. One way to do this is to hold down the Windows key (bottom left of keyboard with a Windows logo on it) and type m. Another way to do this is to click the desktop icon on your taskbar. Or, if you can't get to the desktop, use the Start button to open a word processing program.

   Once you have opened the word processing program, you will see the Word Processing button on the taskbar right next to the browser button.

   When you click on any of the taskbar buttons, that button lights up, and that program takes over the screen. Try clicking on the Windows - button in the top right hand corner of the program screen. The minimalizing button, remember? Notice that when you do that the program minimalizes to a button on the task bar, the button is now grayed out, and the screen goes back to the last active program, whose button on the taskbar correspondingly lights up.

   Try clicking on different taskbar buttons, so that you can see their effect.

5. Can you make the taskbar disappear?

   One Plausible Answer

   Yes, but please don't at this stage of the game. Thank you.

Copright: Jeanne Curran and Susan R. Takata, June 2000. "Fair Use" encouraged.