How to Shut Down the computer

Learn How to Shut Down the RIGHT Way      

Remember back on the "Terms" page, when we talked about the Start Button on the Task Bar? It does double duty, being both the place where you Start; but also the place where you Shut Down. It has a nice "symmetry" to it, doesn't it?
Since you're reading this.. someone has probably shown you how to "Turn it On", but there are some things you need to know about Shut Down.

CORRECT Procedure NEVER (or only when all else fails) just "punch the Power button" to turn off your computer. This can cause all kinds of internal problems in your computer which accumulate over time. There is a set procedure, which can vary slightly according to your system.. but it is the only "Kind and Considerate' way to treat it.
After you have closed the programs which you are using, by the Exit procedure specific for them.. you can click on the Start button, to proceed to the first choices: Log Off or Turn Off Computer. (You'll probably never use Log Off at home.) Usually, you will choose Turn OFF, which pops up a window with four choices:

• Standby (You intend to come back in a short while...)
• Turn Off (just that.. Turn the thing OFF!)
• Restart (this is used when there has been a change made to the computer system.)
• Cancel (see a button below the other three??) Well, we all change our minds occasionally..

This lets the computer finish doing all its internal procedures to turn itself off correctly, so it will be ABLE to turn ON correctly for your use the next time.
Occasionally, there will be another graphic attached to the Shut Down button, with a sentence or two below, explaining another choice at this point.
If you click on the sentences, it will turn off.
If you click on the usual button, it will start updating some of it's files, and will turn off automatically when it is done. (Don't wait.. it could be a while!)
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