Windows Vista advice anyone?

Alright so whether it makes a difference or not i do not know, but i run windows vista...now, the bar that goes along the bottom of your screen (i dont know terms, my apologies!), there is the section alllll the way to the right that has like, the time and volume and stuff...somehow i managed to get a million and one little icons for different programs, i exit out of them but they always reappear the next time i start up my laptop...what can i do to rid myself of them?! thank you for any help <3 !