I read a note on how to ask for help - but this is such a basic question, I am embarrassed to ask it. Previously I had WindowsXP on my laptop - to turn it off you went to Start, Turn Off Computer. This laptop is using Vista, and I cannot find anything comparable. Last night I turned it off using the off-on button, so got the Windows did not shut off properly message when I turned it on; and I have a "thing" about leaving my computer on overnight. Sorry! Also, is there a way of hiding all the command bars to "hide" like you can with the taskbar on the bottom?