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Window (computing) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Window (windowing system)
Window

In computing, a window is like a special box on your computer screen. This box usually shows you an app you're using or a folder full of files. Think of it as a small, separate workspace on your screen.

You can make these windows bigger or smaller, open new ones, or close them when you're done. You can also "minimize" them, which usually hides them from view but keeps the app running in the background. Most windows are shaped like a rectangle.

Windows are super important in graphical user interfaces (GUIs). GUIs are the visual ways we interact with computers, using pictures and icons instead of just typing commands. Windows are the main way computers show you information and let you do things. The most famous example of this is the "Windows" operating system, which is even named after these screen boxes!

Images for kids

  • Text windowing in GNU Emacs

    Example of windows on a text-only display. Each grey-bordered area is a separate window showing a different file.

  • Window border in the compositing and stacking window managers

    Stacking window managers draw a border around the windows, while compositing window managers draw drop shadow around the windows

  • Titlebar

    A title bar of GNOME Calculator

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Ventana (informática) para niños

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