Welcome to the First Column IT Tech Blog

HomeBlog
Microsoft Windows for Beginners: Part 1 - The Taskbar

Microsoft Windows for Beginners: Part 1 - The Taskbar

February 19, 2025

Windows might be the standard for business, but that’s because it was the original standard. These days, children grow up with Chromebooks in schools while using Mac and Apple products for their personal devices. It might not be safe any longer to assume that today’s workers know what they’re doing with the Windows operating system, especially as a younger generation grows up and enters the workforce.

Today, we want to highlight some of the important details of how to use Windows. Keep in mind that a lot has changed over the years, and you might learn a new thing or two in the process—even if you’re a veteran of the OS.

This is only the first part in a series all about the Windows operating system, so use the tag for Learning Windows to read the rest as they come out.

Here’s How to Use a Windows PC (if You Grew Up on Chromebooks or a Mac)

The display might appear a little overwhelming at first (like any new technology), but we’ve got your back. Most of the functionality is similar, if the naming conventions are a bit different.

For example, instead of the menu bar, Launchpad, and dock, Windows uses the Start Menu and Taskbar

Taskbar: A Combination of Launchpad and Dock

Taskbar works like Launchpad and Dock, allowing you to access all the features that Windows has to offer. Here are just a few of them:

  • The Start Menu - Access your programs and applications
  • Search - The function to help you find specific files, settings, or programs
  • Desktops - Create and manage virtual desktops
  • File Explorer - The Windows version of Finder, where you access and manage saved files.
  • Widgets - Miniature programs that provide you updates, like the weather, news, events, etc.
  • Teams Chat - Video conferencing, instant messaging, and collaboration with your contacts
  • Edge - The default web browser for the Windows operating system

You’ll notice that the Taskbar resembles Dock by default, but you can adjust this setting if you want it to look more like a classic Windows operating system. Furthermore, you can right-click on the Taskbar to select Settings to customize it as you see fit (disabling widgets, for example).

With this basic introduction to the Windows OS, you’ll be able to get started on your productivity with this new and unfamiliar operating system. We can, of course, help even further. Learn more by calling us today at (571) 470-5594.

Previous Post
April 2, 2025
Making Sense of Technology Compliance
For businesses, staying compliant with data regulations isn’t just about avoiding hefty fines; it’s about building trust with customers, protecting sensitive information, and keeping operations running smoothly. Ignoring compliance isn’t an option. A single slip-up can lead to legal trouble, financial losses, and serious damage to your company’s reputation.
March 31, 2025
Celebrate World Backup Day by Focusing on Your Backup Preparations
Your business runs on data. You keep customer information, invoices, project files, inventory and much more. If you were to lose it, you face a myriad of problems from hits to your reputation to major downtime. Today is World Backup Day, so we thought it would be good to highlight just how important having a feature-rich and reliable backup strategy is.
March 28, 2025
Which Cloud is Most Effective for Your Business?
How much does your business currently rely on the cloud? There are loads of ways to use it, but the best way is to find what works for your business, then double down on it according to your company’s specific needs. We’re looking at how the type of cloud can impact the way your business uses this flexible asset.

Have a project in mind?

Start with our free consultation for VA, DC and MD companies. We will provide a detailed proposal and firm quote based on your specific IT support needs. All at a predictable monthly cost per seat.
Free Consultation - Sign Up Here