How do I search for a file/program in a Windows 7 laptop?

[swogden]

If I want to search for a file or program in my XP desk top, I just click Start and click "Search".

But that option is not available on my (Dell) laptop with Window 7.
When I click Start there is nothing available for me:  no "Search"; no "Find"

How do I find something that might be on my computer?

Particularly adware or spyware that Security Shield is telling me is on my computer (see thread in the Support section of the Forum)

[Kohler]

I posted how to fix that virus. On Windows 7 when you click Start (or the graphical windows button that replaced it) There is a search field at the very bottom.

[swogden]

Thanks, I hadn't seen it.

I tried it to locate one of the files that Security Shield said I had and the search came up empty.
It also came up empty with "Security Shield".