For this example, I assume you are running Microsoft Windows 95 or 98 and using Netscape to view this guide. If not, you will need to adjust these instructions to adapt to your operating system and software.

It is fairly easy to open Notepad, the text editor that comes with Windows. If you know how to do this, open Notepad with a blank document. Then switch back to Netscape and skip to the next section. Otherwise, keep reading.

To start Notepad while running Netscape, you need to use the Start Menu. Click the Start button, which is usually found in the lower left corner of your screen. Highlight Programs (towards the top of the menu box), and then highlight Accessories. The Accessories menu box will display some additional submenus (such as Games and System Tools) and then programs and folders listed alphabetically. Find Notepad and click once.

Opening Notepad from the Start menu.

Once Notepad is running, you can use Alt-Tab to get back to Netscape or click the Netscape icon on the Taskbar at the bottom of your screen.