To hide Network from the Start Menu:

1. Click with your right mouse button on the taskbar.
2. Select “Properties”.
3. Click on “Start Menu” tab.
4. Click “Customize”.
5. Find “Network” and clear the checkbox.
6. Click “OK”.
7. Click “OK”.

When you install new programs, some of them automatically add an icon to the notification area during installation. You can change which icons and notifications appear in the notification area:

1. Click with your right mouse button on the taskbar.
2. Select “Properties”.
3. In the field, labeled “Notification area” click “Customize…”.
4. A new window is opened. On the lower left side you should see checkbox with title “Always show all icons and notifications on the taskbar”. Clear it.
5. Click “OK”.
6. Click “OK”.
7. You will notice that most of the icons are gone. You can find them inside the small arrow.