Windows XP Start Menu sports a new look and feel. If you prefer the Windows 2000 look and feel, XP supports both. To toggle:

• Right-click Start button
• Select Properties
• Click on the radio button of your choice:
  • Start Menu
  • Classic Start Menu (W2K style)

If you are an administrator, you can check which style is being used by querying a registry value or control this with a registry hack. Check out:

Registry Tip #2: XP Start Menu style, XP vs W2K classic, Registry Setting Control.

The TaskBar options I use :

• Click on Start | Settings | Control Panel
• Select Taskbar and Start Menu
• On the properties for Taskbar Appearance I have selected:
  • Lock the taskbar
    keeps the taskbar locked at its current position on the desktop
    prevents size and position changes of any toolbars displayed on the taskbar
  • Autohide the taskbar
    keeps the taskbar hidden until you move the cursor to edge of the screen where you have the taskbar anchored
  • Keep the taskbar on top of other windows
  • Group similar taskbar buttons
    works well for me particularly when I have lots of IE sessions open
  • Show Quick Launch place shortcuts to your most used programs making Start | Programs less heavily travelled