Basic 4 · Computing · Introduction to MS Windows Interface

Sections of the Taskbar

In this topic you will learn the sections of the Windows taskbar, how to use the Start menu, and how to pin and unpin programs on the taskbar.

By the end of these notes you should be able to:

Identify the sections of the taskbar
State the use of each section
Open programs from the Start menu
Pin and unpin a program on the taskbar

What you already know

Features of the desktop

Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.

Strand: Introduction to Computing
Sub-strand: Introduction to MS Windows Interface
Indicator: B4.1.2.1.3 – Demonstrate the use of the sections of the Taskbar

Introduction

At the bottom of the Windows desktop is a long bar called the taskbar. It helps you to start programs, move between open windows and see the time. In this lesson we will learn its sections.

1. What is the Taskbar?

Taskbar: The long horizontal bar at the bottom of the Windows desktop.

Windows taskbar with the Start button, search box, pinned apps, notification area and Show desktop labelled — Figure 1: Sections of the taskbar Draw the taskbar and label its sections.Illustration: Sirbus

2. Sections of the Taskbar

Taskbar sections and their uses

Section	Where it is	Use
Start button	Far left (Windows 10) or left of the centre icons (Windows 11)	Opens the Start menu, which lists all programs
Search box	Next to the Start button	Type the name of a program or file to find it quickly
Task View	Next to the search box	Shows all open windows so you can pick one
Pinned and open applications	Middle of the taskbar	Icons of programs. Click one to open it or switch to it. A line under an icon means it is open.
Notification area (system tray)	Right side	Shows the time, date, volume, internet connection, battery and messages
Show desktop button	Very far right edge	Click it to hide all open windows and see the desktop

Remember: In Windows 11 the Start button and app icons are in the middle of the taskbar, but the sections and their uses are the same.

3. The Start Menu

Clicking the Start button opens the Start menu. From it you can:

open any program installed on the computer,
open Settings,
shut down or restart the computer using the Power button.

Open Windows Start menu showing the app list and Power button — Figure 2: The Start menuIllustration: Sirbus

4. Pinning and Unpinning Programs

Pinning a program puts its icon on the taskbar so you can open it with one click.

To pin a program

Click the Start button.
Find the program, e.g. Paint.
Right-click it.
Click Pin to taskbar (in Windows 10 it may be under More).

To unpin a program

Right-click the program's icon on the taskbar.
Click Unpin from taskbar.

Tip: Unpinning only removes the icon from the taskbar. The program stays on the computer.

New words

Taskbar: The long horizontal bar at the bottom of the desktop.
Start menu: The list of programs and options that opens when you click the Start button.
Notification area: The right side of the taskbar that shows the time, volume, network and battery.
Pin: To fix a program's icon on the taskbar.
Unpin: To remove a program's icon from the taskbar.
Search box: The place on the taskbar where you type to find programs and files.

Summary

The taskbar is the long bar at the bottom of the desktop.
Its sections: Start button, search box, Task View, pinned/open apps, notification area and Show desktop.
The Start menu lists programs and has the Power button.
Pinning puts a program on the taskbar; unpinning removes only the icon.

Class activity: Taskbar Treasure Hunt

Find and tell your partner the time shown in the notification area.
Use the search box to find and open Paint.
Pin Paint to the taskbar, close it, open it from the taskbar, then unpin it.

You need: Desktop computer, Mouse, Keyboard

Exercises

Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.

1. Which section of the taskbar shows the time?
- A. Start button
- B. Search box
- C. Notification area
- D. Task View
Show answer
Answer: Notification areaThe time and date are in the notification area on the right.
2. Clicking the Start button opens the…
- A. Recycle Bin
- B. Start menu
- C. Wallpaper
- D. Printer
Show answer
Answer: Start menuThe Start button opens the Start menu.
3. Which button hides all open windows to show the desktop?
- A. Show desktop
- B. Task View
- C. Search box
- D. Power
Show answer
Answer: Show desktopIt is at the very far right edge of the taskbar.
4. The taskbar is usually at the bottom of the screen.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueBy default Windows places the taskbar at the bottom.
5. Unpinning a program from the taskbar removes it from the computer.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseUnpinning removes only the icon from the taskbar.
6. A line under a taskbar icon shows that the program is ______.
Show answer
Answer: openOpen programs have a line under their icon.
7. Name four sections of the taskbar.
Show answer
Answer: Any four: Start button, search box, Task View, pinned/open applications, notification area, Show desktop.Any four correct sections are accepted.
8. Write the steps to pin a program to the taskbar.
Show answer
Answer: Click Start → find the program → right-click it → click Pin to taskbar.Steps must be in the correct order.

Homework

Draw the taskbar and label its six sections.