Shutting Down Windows
It is important to properly shut Windows down. You can't just turn off the power. Windows needs to properly shut down, otherwise you may lose important information, and Windows may even be corrupted to the point that it can no longer run.
There can be many options for restarting or shutting down Windows, and the procedure looks different between versions.
XP
In XP the buttons for shutdown are located in the lower right-hand corner of the Start Menu.
When you select Turn Off Computer, you will be presented with the options that your computer will support.
Note that in this example, there are updates waiting to be installed. If you select Turn Off, the updates will be installed, and the machine will then shut down. This is the preferred action when this condition exists. You can choose to shut down without installing the updates, but you would then have to make sure the updates are done later on. This will only happen when there are waiting updates. During a normal shutdown, you will have a Turn Off option without the Update notice.
Vista
In Vista the buttons for shutdown are located in the lower right-hand corner of the Start Menu.
The first button, which looks like a power button, is just that. TThe function of this button is customizable, and it defaults to put the computer in Sleep mode.
The button with the lock image will lock the computer, so you can leave and your computer will be secure.
The third button is an arrow that points to the right, which indicates several options which are available. The figure to the left shows what functions can be used here.
Note that unlike XP, when you select an action here, there will NOT be a confirmation. If you select Shut Down, the process will begin, and Windows will shut down.
Windows 7
In Windows 7 the button for shutdown are located in the lower right-hand corner of the Start Menu. Shutdown for Windows 7 has been simplified.
If you wish to simply shut the computer down, just pres the button where it says Shut Down.
To have other options, like to restart Windows, press the arrow to the right of the Shut Down button.
Note that unlike XP, when you select an action here, there will NOT be a confirmation. If you select Shut Down, the process will begin, and Windows will shut down.