The usual interface, as you may have already noticed, has been improved to make you even more user-friendly. The taskbar was also improved, for example, by grouping related objects. XP allows inactive icons to be hidden in the taskbar. Fixing the taskbar is now also possible. To adjust the taskbar, proceed as follows:
1. Right-click the Start menu and select Properties in the context menu. The Properties dialog window of the Taskbar and Start Menu opens.
2. Under Taskbar Display, you now have the option to set the check boxes Taskbar, automatically hide taskbar, always keep taskbar in the foreground, group similar elements and display Quick Startbar. Deactivate – where Taskbar fix and Similar elements are not only new, but also practical.
3. In the info area, you can decide whether you want to display the watch and the inactive symbols. Also in this area, the Hide Inactive Symbols option is new. Click the Customize button and Windows shows all the elements whose behavior you can now set. Details can be found in the following figure. The settings influence the device field of the taskbar.