List of advanced human interface elements: Ribbon, Notification area, Desktop, Task bar, Start menu

Ribbon: Used with Microsoft 365 apps, is the strip of different tabs across the top of the window that contain groups of commands (The “Backstage” view is the collection of commands that you see on the File tab on the far left). The ‘Classic’ Ribbon has all the commands, the ‘Simplified’ Ribbon is like a tool bar. Right click in the area above the small arrow at the far right to see these options. If the ‘Collapse the Ribbon’ option is selected, the Ribbon will only show if you click on a tab at the top. In some apps you need to click on the pin on the far right to keep the Ribbon after selecting ‘Collapse Ribbon’ (or clicking on the small up arrow)

Desktop: The Windows desktop is where you can add your own photo as ‘wall paper’ and save icons (which are short cuts to apps). At the bottom is Start button (that opens the Start menu), taskbar and notification area

Taskbar: The taskbar at the bottom of the desktop is the access point for apps and enables us to quickly switch between open apps. Personalise in Settings

The Notification area: On the right side of the taskbar, contains icons that provide status and notifications such as battery percentage on a laptop and internet connectivity. This can also be called the System Tray. Tip: Drag icons from hidden area to see them and their status

Start menu: Contains all the apps, settings, and files on the computer and once open the Search box is active so just type immediately e.g. printer to see Printer in Settings. Press the Windows key to open and press it again to close the Start menu