Windows Vista: The Complete Reference (Complete Reference Series)

To start Windows Calendar, choose Start All Programs Windows Calendar. This displays a blank calendar window, like the one shown in Figure 7-1. The Windows Calendar interface is divided into three main areas. On the far left is the Navigation Pane. It includes the following items:

• Date This is a small calendar that shows an entire month. By default, Windows Calendar shows the current month with the current day highlighted. Click the left and right arrow buttons next to the name of the month to navigate backward and forward to see different months.

• Calendars In this area you can see a list of your calendars. By default, one calendar shows. After you import calendars and create new ones, those calendars appear as well.

• Tasks This area shows your to-do list. You can view task names here and "check off" tasks as you finish them. To see details of a task, simply click it and the details are shown in the Details pane.

Figure 7-1: Use Windows Calendar to set up appointments, create tasks, invite others to a meeting, and more.

In the middle of the Windows Calendar window is the appointment pane. It shows the current calendar in different views, including the following:

• Day

• Work Week

• Week

• Month

The right side of the Windows Calendar window is the Details pane. Here you can view details for a selected appointment, calendar, or task. For example, when you select an appointment in your calendar, you can see when the appointment starts and ends, find out if the appointment is a recurring one, and see the individuals invited to join you in the appointment (if you have invited them).

You can turn off the Navigation Pane or Details pane by clicking the View menu. At the bottom of the menu are choices for showing or hiding the Navigation Pane and Details pane. When you hide these panes, the view of the calendar enlarges.