Parts of a Window

Introduction:
Before you start to work in a desktop environment, take time to learn what a window is, and how it works. Below is a picture of a window and its parts, followed by an explanation of how each part works.
Window:
The most prominent display on the screen. A window is a large square on the screen that represents a "conversation" with the computer. More precisely, windows allow you to command the computer to do things, and to receive information in return. Here are some other topics about windows that might be of interest:

Toaster Button or Control Menu Box:
This feature is located in the upper-left corner of each window. The toaster button allows you to move the window, control its size and close it. The toaster button is most useful when accessed by the keyboard. To find out more about the toaster button, click on the heading.

Title Bar:
The title bar is at the very top of every window. This part of the window shows the name of the application, document, group, directory, or file.

Active Window:
This window is special than all the other windows because it allows you work on it. If more than one window is open, the title bar for the active window (the window which you are currently working) has a color or intensity different from the other title bars. The difference in the title bar colors allows you to distinguish the active window from all the other windows.

Menu Bar:
The menu bar contains the available menus from which you can choose commands. Clicking on any of the choices on the menu bar will bring up a corresponding pulldown menu. Here is an example:

Scroll Bars:
The scroll bars allow you to move through a document or a list when the entire document or list does not fit in the window or the allotted space. To move up or down a document, click on the up or down scroll arrows.

Maximize/Minimize Buttons:
These buttons are located on the upper-right corner of the screen. The maximize button enlarges the active window to fill the entire desktop. The minimize button reduces the active window to an icon. Here are some other topics about the buttons:

The Restore Button:
This button replaces the maximize button after you enlarge a window. The restore button returns the window to its previous size. Here are some other topics about the button:

Window Border:
The window border is the outside edge of a window. You can change the size of a window by lengthening and shortening the borders. Click on the title to see more about the window's border.

Work Space:
The work space is the area below the menu bar. To find out more about the window's workspace click on the title.