Jumping in Head First: A Quick Start to Windows 98

Building on the breakthrough features of Microsoft® Windows® 95, Windows® 98 improves performance, reliability, Internet access, and ease of use, as well as unlocking an exciting new range of PC hardware and entertainment capabilities. You can now gain access to the Web from anywhere in Windows, enjoy the fun entertainment options such as WebTV for Windows, and take advantage of the great new utilities that make it easy to maintain and tune up your computer. Now that you have Windows 98 installed, how can you jump in and make the most of your new operating system? Read on to find out.

Quickly Accessing Applications and Web Pages

Windows 98 and the Internet are integrated in many ways. Not only can you gain access to the Web from anywhere in Windows, but the way you work in Windows is more like the way you work on the Web. Ready to dive in? Let's start by looking at the new Start menu and taskbar.

You've probably noticed some new icons on the taskbar. The Quick Launch area features shortcuts to some commonly used programs, such as Internet Explorer and Outlook Express. There is even a button to bring you instantly back to the desktop. If you want to add an item to the Quick Launch area, such as another program or a file, just drag its icon there.

The taskbar also has some new customization features. For example, you can add an Address bar to have instant access to the Web. Just right-click the background of the taskbar, click Toolbars, and then click Address. An Address bar appears and you can easily get to the Internet just by typing in a Web address (sometimes called a URL). You can mix and match other optional toolbars on the menu to meet your needs. For now, let's move on to the Start menu.

Click the Start button. See the Favorites command? You can now easily gain access to your favorite Web sites or files directly from the Start button. And if you want, you can now use the Run command to open a Web page...just type the Web address and the browser starts displaying the page you want.

Viewing Folders as Web Pages and Using Single-Click

When you surf the Web, you click a link to open a new page. Wouldn't it be nice if you could just click a folder or file icon in Windows to open it? You're in luck! With Windows 98, you can. Here's how:

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Folder Options.

2. Click Web Style.

Now you can open your files and folders with a single click. In addition, your folders now look more like Web pages.

Browsing the Web and Your Computer the Same Way

As you browse through files in My Computer or Windows Explorer, you'll notice some new buttons on the toolbar that make browsing your hard disk more like browsing the Web. You can use the Back and Forward buttons to view folders you've seen previously. If you get to a folder that you need to view often, click the Favorites menu, and then click Add to Favorites. Now you can get to this folder from anywhere, even if you're browsing the Web.

You can also easily switch between browsing through files on your computer and browsing the Web. In My Computer, just type a Web address in the Address bar to switch to a Web page. The toolbars and menus change to reflect what you're viewing. And if you are viewing Web pages in Internet Explorer, you can type the path to a folder in the Address bar.

Tuning Up Your Computer

Windows 98 enables you to easily maintain your computer. Your computer is similar to a car, in that it needs to be regularly tuned up in order to ensure optimal performance. The new Maintenance Wizard in Windows 98 automatically schedules and runs tune-up activities to keep your hard disk optimally organized and your PC running in top form.

To get started, click the Start menu, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Maintenance Wizard. From there, just follow the instructions on your screen.

Watching TV and Movies

You've heard about the new entertainment features in Windows 98, such as support for full-length movies using DVD technology, and the ability to watch TV on your computer with WebTV for Windows. Wondering how to get started? First, you need the correct hardware.

A DVD drive can play DVD discs in addition to software and music CDs. If you have a DVD drive connected to your computer, you can use the DVD Player in Windows 98 to play the discs. Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to Entertainment, and then click DVD Player.

If you want to watch TV on your computer, you need a TV tuner card installed in your computer. Once the card is installed, you need to install the WebTV component as follows. Click the Start button then click Control Panel. Double-click Add/Remove Programs. Click the Windows Setup tab, click Components, and then click WebTV for Windows. Now click the WebTV for Windows icon on the taskbar to begin using WebTV.

Download the Latest from the Windows Update Web Site

People expect that when they buy a product off of a shelf, what they see is what they get. But that's just the beginning with Windows 98. A new feature called Windows Update enables you to easily download, from the Web, Windows 98 software and new drivers for your computer, along with new desktop themes and games. To go to the Windows Update site, click the Start button then click Windows Update.

More Hints

Are you new to computers, or upgrading from Windows 3.1? Your best bet is to browse through the Getting Started with Windows 98 book. Here you'll find information about the basics of using the desktop and how to run programs. There's also information on what's changed since Windows 3.1. To view this book online, click the Start menu, and then click Help. Click the Getting Started Book: Online Version link in the Contents.

If you like some of the Web style features, but not all, you can customize the view. For example, you can turn off underlined text for icons or choose the double-click option for files and folders. On the Start menu, point to Settings, and then click Folder Options. Click Custom, and then click Settings.

Getting More Information

As you play with Windows 98, you'll discover more of the new features and customization options. Here are a few places to go to find more information:

• For general "how to" information, see online Help. On the Start menu, click Help.

• For a great introduction to Windows 98, see the Online Getting Started book in Help.

• Be sure to check out the Windows 98 Tips and Tricks.

• Take the online tutorial "Discover Windows 98." On the Start menu, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Welcome to Windows. Then click the Discover Windows 98 link.

Go ahead, get your feet wet and try the different options in Windows 98. Enjoy!