Read & Watch: The Start Menu & Finder

OVERVIEW

 On this page, you will learn about the Start Menu and Finder.  

  1. First, read the text about using the Start Menu. 
  2. Then, watch the video to learn more about using the Start Menu and Finder. 

READ & WATCH

Read:

The Start Menu is an important tool on your computer for finding files and applications.  When you click on the Start Menu, you will see a list of programs that you use often.  You will see folders with your files and documents.  The Start Menu might look different depending on what program you have on your computer.  It is usually located in the lower left corner of the screen. 

Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 10

Start Menu Screenshot

Image Links to an external site. by projectidea, CC BY 2.0 Links to an external site.

Windows 8 Start Screensho

Image Links to an external site. by projectidea, CC BY 2.0 Links to an external site.

Windows 10 Start Screenshot

Image Links to an external site. by okubax, CC BY 2.0 Links to an external site.

You will also see a button to shut down or restart your computer.

 The shut down button is shown in the bottom left of the computer screen

Image Links to an external site. by projectidea, CC BY 2.0 Links to an external site.

When you click on the Documents, Video, or Music folders, the Finder window will open.

An arrow pointing to the File Explorer, this is a box in the left corner of the screen that asks the student to type text in order to search

Image Links to an external site. by projectidea, CC BY 2.0 Links to an external site.

In the Finder, you can search for files and items that you have downloaded from the internet.

Watch:

Watch the video below to learn how to use the Start Menu to find applications and files on your computer.  Then click on your Start button and practice using the Start Menu to explore your own computer.

THE START MENU Links to an external site.