By pressing the Start Button (or Esc on the PC) you can enter the Mission Computer menu. You access each part of the menu in a similar way to selecting dialogue choices during a conversation.

The Mission Computer allows you access to game details for:

Codex: A small encyclopedia of the Mass Effect universe. As you play and gain new information the Codex will populate itself with new articles concerning the planets, civilizations, and technologies you come across.

Equipment: View and change your currently equipped weapons, armor, items, and upgrades.

Exit Game: Quits the game and returns to the desktop. (PC only)

Journal: View your current missions and assignments. Missions are essential to the completion of the game. Assignments are optional, but typically grant experience points and other rewards.

Load: Load previously saved games.

Main Menu: Exit the game and return to the main menu. (PC only)

Map: Shows a two dimensional overview of your current area. It indicates the position of your character as well as known points of interest, objectives, and other pieces of useful information.

Options: Change your settings for gameplay, graphics, sound, and other options. Notably, you can change the gameplay difficulty, and toggle visual effects like film grain and motion blur. (Xbox 360 only)

Save: Allows you to save your current progress through the game. You cannot save in certain situations, such as during combat and while riding in elevators.

Settings: Change your settings for gameplay, graphics, sound, and other options. Notably, you can change the gameplay difficulty, and toggle visual effects like film grain and motion blur. (PC only)

Squad: View and upgrade stats and abilities for you and your squad members.