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Taskbar
The taskbar is located at the bottom of the screen. Right click on a blank area of the taskbar to access options for the Taskbar. Some of the features in the Taskbar are described below.
The Start Menu
Use the Windows Start Menu button at the left hand side of the taskbar to access to your applications and other tools.
Refer to Pinning items to your Start Menu and Taskbar to customise the Start Menu to suit your needs.
Account Settings and Power options
Select the Account Settings > Sign out, to log off the computer when you have finished using it.
DO NOT shut the computer down when you have finished using it. By signing out rather than shutting down, the computer will be readily available for the next user.
Use the Power > Restart option if you need to restart the computer while you are using it.
Search Windows
Use Search Windows to the right of the Start Menu button to easily find to your applications and other tools by typing in your search criteria and selecting from the matching results.
Task View
Use the Task View option to work with multiple virtual desktops on your screen and navigate easily between each.
File Explorer
Use File Explorer to access the central Filestore @ UCL drives, e.g. N: (personal storage) and S: (department/shared group storage), as well as any removable storage devices e.g. USBs and CDs, that you are using.
Web Browser
Some commonly used web browsers such as Chrome, Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox are already pinned to the Start Menu. You can also pin your frequently used browser(s) to the taskbar.
Other applications
Pin other applications you frequently use e.g. Word, Excel, etc., to your taskbar.
Refer to Pinning items to your Start Menu and Taskbar to customise the taskbar to suit your needs.
Hidden icons, internet access, sound, Action Centre
Click on the chevron to access some hidden icons e.g. Safely Remove Hardware
Click on the internet access icon to manage your connections to the internet.
Click on the sound icon to manage the sound settings for your computer.
Click on the Action Centre to access some of your computer settings.
Customising your desktop
There are a series of how to guides available to help you tailor your desktop to suit your needs: