Here is Windows XP Start menu.
On the top left there are pinned (most important) programs - default programs for Internet browsing and e-mail. Pinned programs always appear on the top of Start menu. Right-click an item to pin or unpin it.
Below them is a list of most used programs and link to All Programs. You'll see list of all programs when you hold your mouse over the link for less than a second. Right-clicking allows removing unneeded items from this list.
On the right there is Navigation Pane with common folders (My Documents, etc) and recent documents.
Below them are configuration items, such as Control Panel and Network Connections, plus Help, Search and Run.
On the bottom there are Log Off and Turn Off Computer buttons. Clicking on the latter one gives an option to restart or turn off your computer, modern laptop and desktop computers also include hibernate and sleep options.