Introduction

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

• Discuss the parts of the window
• Minimize, maximize, and restore windows

The Windows 98 screen

Windows 98 got its name from one of its most basic elements: the window. The rectangular work area for an application, file, or other task is called a window.

The Windows 98 screen displays window elements and other elements. Each element has a specific function.

The workspace is the white area inside the window. This is where you do your work with an application, such as writing a letter. The workspace may contain text, pictures, or icons.

Windows 98 bars and buttons

Windows 98 offers several tools to make using the operating system easy.

The title bar is the horizontal bar at the top of a window. It's usually displayed as white text on blue background.

The menu bar is below the title bar. It contains several menus, which let you see a list of commands.

Some Windows 98 programs have toolbars across the top of the window. These toolbar buttons allow you to print, cut, paste, and perform other tasks. The options vary depending on the program.

Windows 98 Bars and Buttons

The numerous bars and buttons of Windows 98 help you access applications and control the way your computer works.

The taskbar is a gray horizontal bar at the bottom of the screen. It shows the names of the open programs and folders.

The Quick Launch toolbar on the taskbar allows you to quickly access some features you may use often, such as Outlook Express, Internet Explorer, and the desktop.

The Control Menu button is the icon (picture) at the far left end of the title bar. The Control Menu button opens a menu that you can use to control the window.

The Close button is at the far right end of the title bar. It looks like a box with an X in it. You can click the Close button to close a window or exit an application.

Minimizing, maximizing, and restoring windows

Windows allows you to easily enlarge, hide, or shrink a window using the minimize, maximize, and restore buttons.

The Minimize button is among the three buttons at the right end of the title bar. It's the box that has a small dash (or minus sign). The Minimize button lets you remove a window from the desktop while leaving the application running.

The button in the middle is the Maximize button. It's a box with a picture of a window inside it. Use the maximize button to enlarge a window.

After a window is maximized, the button changes to the Restore button. It looks like a box with a picture of two windows. If you click the Restore button, the maximized window shrinks to its previous size (the size it was before you maximized it).

To maximize a window:

• Click Start.
• Choose Programs Accessories Notepad.
• Click the Maximize button.

OR

• Click the Control Menu button on the left end of the title bar.
• Choose Maximize.

OR

• Double-click the title bar.

No maximizing allowed

Note: Some windows cannot be maximized. They always appear as a small window. If a window cannot be maximized, the maximize button appears light gray or dim in color.

To see a window that cannot be maximized:

• Click Start.
• Choose ProgramsAccessoriesCalculator.
• Notice that the Calculator window cannot be maximized.

Challenge!

• Click Start.
• Choose ProgramsAccessoriesNotepad.
• Choose File from the menu bar.
• While still holding down the mouse button, move the mouse pointer over the other menus (Edit, View, etc.) to see the drop-down lists.
• Click in the workspace.
• Maximize the window, then restore it.
• Look at the taskbar to see which applications are open.
• Close the Notepad window.
• Don't save changes to the document.