Although I am aware that Windows XP allows you to change the location of the taskbar, I don't know how to shift its position. Please tell me how to do it.

To change the location of the task bar, simply click on the taskbar and drag it to the left, right or top of the screen. When dragged to the top of the screen,
the task bar looks exactly the way it does when it is at the bottom of the screen. Shifting the taskbar to the left or right broadens the taskbar a bit, taking away some desktop space. 

Note: You cant move the taskbar or alter the size of the Quick Launch toolbar if the task bar is locked. Right click on the taskbar and check if the option " Lock the Taskbar " is selected. Deselect the option to enable changes to the taskbar. On the contrary, if you wish to prevent and restrict any kind of changes done to the taskbar, select the option and lock the taskbar.