Tips and tricks
   
The golden rule of computer use, which will save you hours of time and endless frustration is:
"Save your work frequently!". Your work stays in the computer's temporary memory until you save it to the disk. If you have not saved to disk you will lose all work done since you last saved - if, for example, a system error occurs and you must restart your computer, or your battery runs out of charge while you are working.

HINT: Some programs have an automatic save feature which you can turn on. This feature saves your file to the hard disk at preset intervals. See your software documentation for details.

Other tips and tricks to get the most out of your PC are:
  1. Back up your files to diskettes (or other removable media) on a regular basis. Label the backup copies clearly and store them in a safe place. It is easy to put off backing up because it takes time. However, if your hard disk suddenly fails, you may lose all the data on it unless you have a separate backup copy.

  2. Use ScanDisk, Disk Defragmenter, and the Maintenance Wizard regularly to conserve disk space and help your computer perform at its optimal level. Consult your operating system documentation for more information on these and other utilities.
Starting a program
   
Most Windows® operating systems offer three ways to start a program-from the Start menu, from Windows® Explorer, or from the Run menu on the taskbar.

Starting a program from the Start menu:
  1. Click Start, then point to Programs.
    The Programs menu, which lists programs and program groups, will be displayed. If your program is listed, go to step 3; otherwise, continue with step 2.

  2. Point to the program group containing the program that you want to start.
    You will then see the associated program menu.
  3. Click the program's icon to start the program.
    To close the program, click the Close button at the upper-right corner of the program's window.
Starting a program from Windows® Explorer
   
If a program is not in the Programs menu, you can start it from Windows® Explorer. Windows® Explorer gives you a view of your computer's contents as a hierarchy or "tree." You can easily see the contents of each drive and folder on your computer. To use this method, you need to know the name and location of the program's executable file (this file ends with .exe.)

  1. Click Start, point to Programs, and then click Windows Explorer. HINT: Another way to open Windows® Explorer is to use the secondary AccuPoint button to click the My Computer icon, and then click Explore.
    2. To show or hide folders on the left side of the window, click the plus or minus sign beside the folder. The left side of the window displays the disk drives and folders on your computer. The right side of the window displays the contents of the item you click on the left.
  2. To open a document or start a program, double-click its icon in the right side of the window.
Starting a program from Run menu on the taskbar
   
 
  You can start a program from the taskbar if you know its name and location.
  1. Click Start on the taskbar;
  2. Point to Run;
  3. In the dialog box, type the command line;
  4. Click OK.