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  Wizard of OS   

What is a Window?
Okay, now that you know a bit about your desktop, let's take a look at Windows.  If you're saying to yourself "Windows is the name of the operating system", you are correct.  But it's named Windows for a reason.  It's called Windows because it uses windows to allow you to multitask while you're working on your computer.  Clear as mud, right?  Stay with me...

The windows I'm referring to (the ones Windows uses) are those visually defined workspaces that appear on your desktop when you open a program.  Each program will appear in it's own window and you can have many windows open at the same time.  (see pic below)

open windows

Parts of a Window
The colored bar at the top of a window is called the TITLE BAR.  The information at the top left of the title bar will show you what program (and document or page) you are in.

TitleBar

The 3 little buttons at the top right allow you to resize or close the window as follows:
  (button on left) Use this button to minimize the program window.  The window will disappear from the desktop but the program will still be running so you will see a button on the taskbar.  To reopen the window simply click the button on the taskbar.

or (middle button) This button will maximize the window if it is less than full size OR reduce the window if it is full size.

  (button on right)  This button will close the window and exit the program.

Other ways to manipulate a window:

  At the far left of the titlebar you will see a little picture.  (The picture depends on the program you're in.)  Click on this picture to get similar options for resizing and closing the program window.

You can double-click on the title bar to maximize or reduce the window.  Resize your window by putting your mouse pointer near the edge of the window and when it becomes double-sided, click and hold the left mouse key and drag the edge or corner to where you want it.  You can also drag the entire window to another location in the screen by left clicking on the title bar, holding down the mouse button, and dragging it to your desired location.

The area in the center is the WORKSPACE.  This is the white area of the window (or center) where you see the information you're working on or have requested.