How do I “close all programs running on my computer”?

Im2hard2please: How do I “close all programs running on my computer”?
I’m getting ready to install Verizon’s DSL and am being told to “close all programs running on my computer” including firewall software before beginning the self installation”.

How do I do this? Please help
For clarification: I cannot turn my computer off because I have to use a CD to install the equipment and software….but I must close “all running programs including firewall sofware”.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Stacy H
If you press control, Alt, delete at the same time it will give you the programs that are running and you can exit them from there.

Answer by Biskit
Hit ctrl-alt-del, it will show you all programs running on the computer. Just choose each one and stop it. Word of caution, make sure you are on the program tab and not the processes tab because you don’t want to stop all the processes.

Answer by dellpro51
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc. You can close everything from there or just press the X on the top of every program. Everyone knows that.

Answer by kwenzini
Turn it off.