The taskbar runs across the bottom of the desktop, and displays information about the programs that are open, and any background programs that are running. You can use the taskbar to quickly switch between active (open) programs by simply clicking on the program button you want to use. The fast link buttons on the right of the start button are a pre-programmed feature of Windows 98, providing you with a one step link to the Internet, Desktop, Channels, Outlook Express, and Explorer. By simply placing the mouse pointer over these icons you will see an information box telling you what they do.

System time and messages on the far right of the task bar will display the current time as set on you computer - if this is wrong, you can change this in your Control Panel, covered in another section. Background programs, i.e. Task Scheduler or Real Audio Player, will show here too. These programs are open and available for use by the system, but do not have an immediate function like word processing or other programs that show on the main taskbar. Again, use your mouse over the icons (without clicking) to get a descriptive box. If you click on these icons you will open a menu that allows you make changes - useful to adjust the volume for example.