Working With Windows

You can change the size and position of the window on the screen. This allows you to see more than one application and do different tasks at the same time. For example, you might want to read text on a web page while writing with a word processor, or to change to another application to do a different task or check its progress.

Most of these actions are carried out by using the mouse on different parts of the window's frame. The top edge of the window frame, called the titlebar, contains several buttons that change the way the window is displayed.

The following figure displays the titlebar for a typical application window. From left to right, this contains the window menu button, the window title, and the minimize, maximize, and close buttons.

Figure 2-1 Titlebar of an Application Window

All actions can also be carried out from the Window menu. Common actions can also be carried out using keyboard shortcuts. For a sample list of shortcut keys, see Window Shortcut Keys. The below sections list the actions you can carry out on a window, using the mouse or the keyboard.

Moving a Window

You can click any part of the titlebar except the buttons at either end to begin the drag action. The window moves on the screen as you drag the mouse. On some computers, the movement of the window might be represented by moving an outline of its frame.

You can also perform one of the following actions to move a window:

• Choose Move from the Window menu.

• Press Alt+F7, and then either move the mouse or press the keyboard arrow keys to move the window.

• Press and hold Alt and drag any part of the window.

• Press and hold Shift while you move the window between the corners of the desktop and other windows.

Resizing a Window

You can drag one of the borders to expand or contract the window on one side. Drag a corner to change two sides at once. The resize pointer appears when the mouse is at the correct position to begin the drag action.

How to Resize a Window

1. Choose Resize from the Window menu, or press Alt+F8.

   The resize pointer is displayed.

2. Move the mouse in the direction of the edge you want to resize, or press one of the keyboard arrow keys.

   The pointer changes to indicate the chosen edge. Now you can use the mouse or the arrow keys to move this edge of the window.

3. Click the mouse or press Return to accept the change.

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   Note - You can press Esc to cancel the resize action and return the window to its original size and shape.

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Minimizing a Window

Click the Minimize button in the titlebar to remove the window from view. The window can be restored to its previous position and size on the screen from the Window List or the Window Selector in the top panel.

You can also choose Minimize from the Window menu, or press Alt+F9.

Maximizing a Window

You can click the Maximize button in the titlebar to expand the window (the panels remain visible).

You can perform one of the following actions to maximize a window:

• Choose Maximize from the Window menu.

• Press Alt+F10.

• Double-click any part of the titlebar except the buttons at either end.

Unmaximizing a Window

When a window is maximized, click the Maximize button again to restore it to its previous position and size on the screen.

You can perform one of the following actions to unmaximize a window:

• Choose Unmaximize from the Window menu.

• Press Alt+F5.

• Double-click any part of the titlebar except the buttons at either end.

Closing a Window

You can click the Close button to close the window. The application prompts you to save any unsaved work.

Giving Focus to a Window

To work with an application, you need to give the focus to its window. When a window has focus, any actions such as mouse clicks, typing text, or keyboard shortcuts are directed to the application in that window. Only one window can have focus at a time. The window that has focus will appear on top of other windows. It might also have a different appearance from other windows, depending on the theme selected.

You can give the focus to a window in any one of the following ways:

• If the window is visible, click any part of the window.

• On the bottom panel, click the Window List button that represents the window.

• On the top panel, click the Window List icon and then choose the window you want to switch to from the list.

• Press Alt+Tab. A pop-up window is displayed with a list of icons representing each window. While still holding Alt, press Tab to move along the selection list and release the Alt key to select the window.