To help you take advantage of one of your computer’s key elements, we’ll introduce you to some basic software concepts: What is software? How do I open programs and files? And how do I organize files and folders? If you want to go directly to a specific topic, just click on it now.
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	When you use your computer to write a letter, balance your checkbook, or play a game, you’re using different computer software programs.
	The variety of available software programs makes using your computer fun and productive.
	Software programs that perform certain types of tasks are often referred to as “productivity tools.”
	When you want to write a letter, you use a word processing software program.
	To balance your checkbook, you use one of your financial software programs. Both Microsoft Money and Quicken Special Edition from Intuit are included.
	In many cases, a software program will create a file to hold the work you create.
	For example, it could be a letter to your sister.
	With other software programs like games, there is often no need to create files.
	Let’s begin working with software and creating files.
	First, you start the software program you want to use. In this case, just click on the icon for the word processing program.
	In some cases, when you start the software program, it automatically opens a new document for you.
	If you create something you want to save and put away for future use, you can store it as a document in your computer.
	Most menus for saving files operate the same way.
	Just find the command that saves your file and select it. It’s usually located under the “File” menu.
	The file menu also includes an “Exit” or “Quit” command. This is what you select when you are done using a program. You may be reminded to save your work before quitting.
	Now that you know how to create and save a file, let’s look at a way to keep your files organized.
	You organize your computer files like you organize your paper documents – by placing them in “folders.” These are storage places in your computer’s memory.
	We hope this basic information will make you more comfortable exploring the variety of software available to you. Now you can click on a topic in this tutorial to review it, or you can return to the Gallery Wall by clicking on its icon on the control panel.