New to XP web browsing question

[Snake2715]

This is almost laughable that I am asking but here it goes.

I havent ever had or even used Xp but maybe twice before this for short 5 minute periods. never on the net.

I have also only bought the OEM version so I cannot find the info in the book I didnt buy.


So when I go into the internet I do not want to use the scroll bar on the bottom of the screen to see the whole window. I hope that makes sense.

There is a border like thing that XP has put there that has my hometown, my stocks etc. I tried to edit the "my stuff" but I didnt see an option to remove it.

Now when I open TWO windows. Say a link opens a second browser window, that is the view I woulld prefer as it doesnt have this border on the top, and on the left side.

I hope that makes sense. Is there a way to disable all this stuff I dont need, or even hide it?

Thanks

[Statica]

Hi Snake2715:
What browser are you using to browse the web? Are you using MSN Explorer? Something that looks like this: http://www.snapfiles.com/screenshots/msnexplorer.htm ?

If so, you are using a proprietary browsing experience from Microsoft, that accesses information from msn.com For optimal browsing it is recommended that you use Internet Explorer (icon is a blue e). Both these components are included with XP, it is possible that you defaulted to using MSN explorer instead of Internet Explorer.

---

Here's a simple way to get to Internet Explorer even if you dont know where to locate the shortcut for it.
Double click on My Documents or My Computer from your desktop (even the recycle bin will do).
In the place where it says "Address: My Documents" type a website URL instead of My Documents and press enter. The webpage will load up devoid of all the extra side bar information (hopefully, if not you may have other issues). You are now using Internet Explorer.

[Snake2715]

I knew there had to be a way. Thanks so much Statica.

I honestly do not know what I would do without this site. It is so helpful and easy to ask questions on.

[Statica]

With XP, you should be familiar with the 3 "explorers", even though they are one and the same (and use the same technology), they are designed for specific purposes.
1) Windows explorer - (keyboard shortcut key startbutton+E) this explorer is designed to be the file manager for your computer
2) Internet explorer - the main browser from Microsoft.
3) MSN explorer - is an add on feature that MS uses to deliver its own content to your web browser.

While they are interchangeable (for example, in Windows explorer, if you type a website address it "becomes" internet explorer or in Internet Explorer if you type a directory on your hard drive like C:\ it "becomes" windows explorer), knowing what to use when will increase your productivity.

Am glad the solution worked for you.
Cheers