With some exceptions, the transport controls work the same way as ordinary tape recorder controls.
You can control the program entirely from the computer keyboard, making it easy to sit in front of the computer with your instrument in your hand without having to use the mouse, Default Keyboard Shortcuts.
This is how the different controls work:
Clicking the Play button starts the playback from the start position shown in the locator boxes.
Clicking the Continue button starts the playback from the position shown in the time display.
The Stop button is used to stop the music. It's possible to automatically rewind a bit whenever the Stop/Pause button is clicked, Preferences - Controls.
The Cue slider above the transport controls is used to fast forward/rewind the music for easier positioning. You may only forward/rewind between the selected start and end points.
Note: The spacebar key toggle between Play/Stop or Pause/Continue depending on the settings in the Preferences - Control dialog.