The task bar is the bar across the bottom of Windows which shows the “start” button on the left and has icons for the various programs you are running and on the right shows various tasks operating such as the clock, speakers, network connection and others. You may also have quick launch shortcuts by the start button to easily launch items like Internet Explorer and Outlook.

The task bar is normally located on the bottom of the screen but it can be moved. You can have the task bar at the top of the screen, on the left or on the right. You can also set it as a box in the screen.

To move the task bar you will click in an empty area on it and holding down the left mouse button drag it to where you want to move it. If it does not move then the task bar has been locked.

To unlock it, right click in an empty area of the bar and click “lock task bar” to remove the checkmark beside the item. You will be able to then move it. Once you have it where you want it, right click on it and click “lock taskbar” to lock it again so you do not accidentally move it.

Another interesting option of the task bar is that you can make it disappear and only appear when you move the mouse over the area where it belongs. To set this, right click on the taskbar and choose “properties.” Then either check or uncheck “auto hide task bar” depending on whether you want it always visible or not.

The information in this article applies to Windows XP, Vista and 7.

Send your questions to Dwight Watt at dwight@dwightwatt.com. He teaches at a technical college in northwest Georgia and does consulting work for businesses and individuals. His website is dwightwatt.com.