Windows 98

Moving and Sizing Windows

Introduction

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

  • Scroll
  • Move and size windows

Scrolling

The scroll bar appears at the right side or the bottom of a window when all of the information in that window cannot be seen at the same time. You can use the scroll bar to see the hidden information.

The scroll bar of a window allows you to move easily through a document. It comes in handy, especially if you're viewing a long document.


Window with scroll bars labeled

Important PointUsing the scroll bar to move through a window is called scrolling.

Scroll arrows and scroll boxes

Each scroll bar has two parts: scroll arrows and a scroll box.

Scroll arrows appear at the bottom and top of a vertical scroll bar and at the left and right of a horizontal scroll bar. You can click these arrows to move through a window.

The scroll box is the box inside the scroll bar. It changes size depending on how much information is hidden in the window. The more information there is, the smaller the scroll box is. The less information there is, the larger the scroll box is.

The single scroll arrows let you move up or down one line at a time. Some windows have double scroll arrows that allow you to move up or down one page at a time.


Window with scroll bar and scroll arrow labeled

Moving and sizing windows

Sometimes your desktop may get crowded, and you may want to move a window or change its size. Sizing a window is different from minimizing, restoring, or maximizing.

Important PointImportant: You cannot size a window if it is maximized.

To change the size of the window:

  • Hover the mouse pointer over any corner of the window.
  • The mouse pointer will change into a two-headed arrow. (You can also place the pointer over the borders of the window).
  • Hold down the left mouse button, and move the arrow out or in to make the window larger or smaller.
  • Release the mouse button when the window is the size you want.

Two-headed arrow

Important PointMake sure the mouse pointer changes into a two-headed arrow before you try to size the window.

Moving a window

Sometimes a window may be in front of an item you want to click on or view on your desktop.

To move a window:

  • Point the mouse pointer over the title bar at the top of the window, and hold down the mouse left button. (Remember, you cannot move a window that is maximized.)
  • Drag the window to the place where you want it, then release the mouse button.


Mouse pointer positioned on title bar

Challenge!

  • Click Start.
  • Choose ProgramsactionAccessoriesactionNotepad.
  • Type This is my Notepad document.
  • Press the Enter key on your keyboard several times until you reach the bottom of the page.
  • A scroll bar appears on the right.
  • Scroll up and down the page.
  • Move and resize the Notepad window.
  • Close Notepad.
  • Don't save changes to the document.