Most windows have certain elements in common, such as a title bar and a menu bar. Not all windows, however, have every element.
The Control-menu box is in the upper-left corner of each window; it is generally represented by a small icon that belongs to the program/application you are running. Click the Control-menu box to open the Control menu. The Control menu is most useful if you use the keyboard rather than the mouse to move, size, and close a window.
The title bar shows the name of the application, map, or table. If more than one window is open, the title bar of the active window has a color and intensity different from other title bars.
The menu bar contains available menus from which you can choose commands.
The scroll bars enable you to move through a map or table when the entire map or table does not fit in the window. Click the scroll arrows with the mouse to move through a map or table.
Clicking the Close button in the upper right corner of a window closes the window. You can also use the Close command on the Control menu.
Clicking the Maximize button in the upper right corner of a window enlarges the active window so that it fills the entire desktop. You can also use the Maximize command on the Control menu.
The Restore button replaces the Maximize button after you enlarge a window. Clicking the Restore button in the upper right corner of a window returns the window to its previous size. You can also use the Restore command in the Control menu.
Clicking the Minimize button in the upper right corner of a window reduces the active window to an icon on the Windows taskbar. You can also use the Minimize command on the Control menu.
The window border is the outside edge of a window. You can change the size of a window by lengthening or shortening the border on each side of a window. You can only resize a window when just a part of the map or table is displayed in a window.
Moving the window corner shortens or lengthens two adjoining sides of a window border at the same time. You can only resize a window when just a part of the map or table is displayed in a window.
The insertion point (a flashing vertical bar) marks the place where text appears when you begin typing.
The mouse pointer or cursor appears if you have a mouse installed. When you move the mouse, the position of the pointer changes on the screen. The shape of the pointer may vary; normally an arrow but for instance a hand when in an editor.
The status bar is shown at the bottom of a window. The status bar gives short clues on menu commands, on the effect of buttons in the toolbars, and in some cases displays additional information on actions in a window.
See also:
Windows features : introduction
Windows features : using a menu
Windows features : Control-menu