Starting a program is the computer equivalent of taking out your tools. Each program is a set of tools used to perform a task.

When would I start a program?

Start a program when you are ready to perform a task.

How do I start a program?

There are numerous ways to start a program in Windows. You can start a program with or without an open file.

Start a program directly from the Start menu:

1.     Click the "Start" menu.

2.     Click "Programs" on the Start menu.

3.     Click "Windows Explorer" on the Programs sub-menu

Any program that is listed on the Start menu can be started this way. Point to one of the items with a small black triangle at the right of the menu. A sub-menu appears with more program icons. Click any program icon on the Start menu to start a program

Use Run… on the Start menu:

1.     Click the "Start" menu.

2.     Click "Run…" on the Start menu.

3.     Type a program name into the "Open:" field. You might need to type the drive letter         and path before the program name.

4.     (If you do not know the name or location of a program, click "Browse…" to search for         it manually.)

5.     Click "OK."

Start a program with a Shortcut:

1.     Create a Shortcut to a program in an easily accessible location, such as on the         Windows Desktop.

2.     Double-click the shortcut icon.

Start a program with the Quick Launch toolbar:

1.     Add the Quick Launch toolbar to the Windows taskbar if it is not already visible.         (Right-click the taskbar, point to Toolbars, and be sure the check mark by "Quick          Launch.")

2.     Single-click an icon on the Quick Launch toolbar.

Start a program with an associated document:

1.     In Windows Explorer, double-click a document with the "TXT" extension to open the         document in the Notepad program.

2.     Create an association between a file extension and a program by clicking the View         menu button, and then clicking on Folder Options.

3.     Add or change associations in the Folder Options window under the File Types tab.