Notice that some of the items are only embossed and the others are colored in black and easy to read. That is because menu actions that can not be used on the page currently in view are embossed to indicate they are not available. In PC talk such items are said to be "grayed out"

For example, in the above picture the "cut" and "copy" items are grayed out because the page is blank. Since it's blank there is nothing that can be cut or copied.

In addition to the other drop down menus, it is especially important for you to review the help menu. While reviewing the help menu, you can actually do what the help menu is explaining to gain hands-on experience with the program.

Buying Software

You may be wondering about how you can review a software program before you buy it. The best way is to download it from the internet and try it before you buy it.

Most software companies have web sites that advertise and explain their programs in detail. Many also offer down loads of trial programs for the potential buyer to review before they buy. If the buyer likes the program, it can be purchased on the internet.

The term downloading is PC talk for copying from the internet. Conversely, if you place files on your own web page, you are said to be uploading when you send your files to your web site. It's a direction identification, from the operator's position. If the operator is copying, he/she is downloading. If the operator is sending, he/she is uploading. For example, when you copy the picture files from your digital camera, you are downloading from the camera to your computer.

I've given you the basic approach to learn how to use any windows program. The rest is up to you so dig in. Have fun!