Window (computing)

A window is in computer technology, a (usually rectangular ) part of a window system. From non-professionals is usually understood including the element that can be changed by the user in its size and placement on the screen and to a certain degree in its optical design. In such windows can be opened and programs operate and create data files and change. Experts also consider other elements as windows.

Often, instead of the Word window and the original English name Window is used. This goes back to that developed in the early 1970s at Xerox PARC WIMP paradigm ( Window, Icon, Menu, Pointer) for the construction of user interfaces.

Window technique

Window is ajar to the component window metaphorical expression for an interaction surface to a program, that is, the user interfaces of individual programs are integrated into windows in the total surface area of the operating system ( see Window Manager, work environment ). Windows "float " in general about a so-called wallpaper or desktop and can overlap or cover completely. There are usually several ways to enlarge the window and reduce to hide, to focus for keyboard input or change their order ( Z-order ).

In some areas (especially for Windows programming interface ) all elements of the graphical user interface as a window, so even small buttons, text fields, etc. One form of which also form the dialog box or dialog boxes. In common parlance, but only the " most " of these elements that can be placed anywhere by the user, called a window. The technical term for this "right" window is depending on the programming dialog, frame or top level window (German top-level window ).

Since the introduction of simplified procedures for use and efficient representation of partially transparent image contents used in some software products also window with non- rectangular outlines free use. This is usually also an rectangular shape structure that can contain transparent but border zones and recesses. By using alpha blending windows can also be made out more or less transparent, which is located behind it remain visible content.

The presentation technique with windows ( along with other elements of the graphical interface) was used before the introduction of Microsoft's operating systems called Windows with Microsoft Windows 1.0 in late November 1985 in Apple devices, including the Apple Lisa, in 1983. She gave it early on Atari computers such as the Atari ST home computers from 1985.

Window elements and handling

A window consisting of an inner, a rectangular area whose display is effected by the respective program, and skirting decorations, represented by the window manager. The latter include, in particular, the window border and located at the top title bar that contains buttons next to the title in general.

The title bar buttons differ depending on the system in function and appearance can be configured or occasionally, to some extent, but are usually at least the following functions:

• Close the window or exit the associated application program
• Maximize the window so that it fills the entire desktop, or restore the original size of a maximized window. The Mac OS X from Apple instead provides a zoom function that changes the size of the window to a specified by the user through standard size.
• Minimize the window. The window is hidden and thus represented only by an icon on the desktop or an entry in the taskbar. Minimize the expression so here's actually wrong because the windows do not - as the word suggests - minimized, thus brought to the smallest size possible, but disappears entirely.

Below the title bar, there is usually a menu with specific functions depending on the program is open.

At the bottom of the window is depending on the type or the selected view mode, the window displays a status bar that contains either specific information about the open item (program, file, ...) or buttons for certain functions.

If not, the entire contents of the window is displayed on the screen, usually on the right and / or bottom of the window, a scroll bar (also called scroll bar ) is visible, which makes it possible to drive by " scrolling " the non-visible parts of a window.

Are open multiple windows at the same time, the user can usually change by selection with the mouse or by using certain key combinations between open windows. In the popular Windows and Apple operating systems, it is the combination

• Alt Tab to switch between running programs (forward)
• Alt Shift Tab to switch between running programs (reverse)

In many computer games and media players that is not possible, if the programs run in full screen mode.

When there are several windows can only get the one entered by keyboard commands. This is referred to as the "active window "; it is recognizable as a rule, the fact that its title bar - unless the user selects a different setting itself - appear in a color, while it is held in inactive windows in a shade of gray.