Both the size and position of open program windows can be changed.

When would I change the size of a window?

Change the size of a window to display or access items behind the window, such as desktop icons or other programs. It is also useful for fitting multiple windows on the screen at the same time.

How do I change the size of a window?

Drag the mouse:

1.     Move the mouse pointer near the edge of a program window. When the pointer is on        the border, it becomes a double-headed arrow pointing in the opposite direction of the        edge. If you find it difficult to make the double-headed arrow to appear, try the lower        right corner of the window.

2.     When the double-headed arrow appears, press and HOLD the LEFT mouse button.

3.     Move the mouse in the direction of the arrows to make the window smaller or larger.

4.     Release the mouse.

Use the keyboard to change the size of a window:

1.     Press "Alt+spacebar" on the keyboard to access the title bar menu.

2.     Type "S" (or click "Size" on the menu).

3.     Use the UP, DOWN, LEFT, and RIGHT arrow keys to change the size of the window.

4.     Press "Enter" to finish or click "Esc" to cancel the size change.

Shrinking Windows to the Taskbar

Shrinking windows to the taskbar is known as "minimizing" or "iconifying" a window. Minimizing closes the window, but keeps the program running with any open documents. A button on the taskbar represents the window after (and before) it is minimized.

When would I shrink a window to the taskbar?

Shrink a window to the taskbar to display or access items behind the window, such as desktop icons or another program. It is also useful for fitting multiple windows on the screen at the same time.

How do I shrink a window to the taskbar?

Minimize a window with the taskbar menu:

1.     Click the icon in the upper left corner of a program window.

2.     Click "Minimize" on the menu.

Minimize a window with the taskbar buttons:

1.     Click the minimize button in the upper right corner of a program window.

2.     Click the button for the same program on the taskbar to display the window again.

Minimize All windows on the screen:

1.     RIGHT-click an empty area of the taskbar

2.     Click "Minimize All Windows" on the menu.

3.     Right-click the taskbar again and click "Undo Minimize All" to display the windows        again. (Click a button for an open program on the taskbar to display a single window.)

Switching from Window to Window

Windows 95 and Windows 98 allow you to run multiple programs at the same time, displaying all their windows on your screen. Switching from one window to another makes the current window active and displays it in front of all other windows. The active window is the visible window that interprets or displays keyboard input.

When would I switch from window to window?

Switch to a different window when you want to view or work with that program, and it is behind another window or shrunk to the taskbar (minimized).

How do I switch from window to window?

There are several ways to switch between windows using the mouse and the keyboard.

1.     Click the button on the taskbar for the program. A button on the taskbar represents         running programs whether they are displayed or minimized. Click the button for a        minimized program to display its window on the screen.

2.     Press "Alt+Tab" on the keyboard. While continuously holding the "Alt" key,
       repeatedly press the "Tab" key to toggle between programs currently running. A small        window appears in the center of your screen with icons for each program. As you        toggle with Alt+Tab, the selected program is outlined in this window, and a description        is displayed beneath the icons. Release the mouse button when the desired program        icon is outlined.

3.     Click a window if you can see any part of it. Many windows can be displayed at        once, but they often overlap. Click on a visible portion to switch to that window. It        then becomes the active window, displayed in front of others.

Bonus tip: Arranging Windows on the Desktop

Automatically arrange windows that are displayed on the desktop.

Stack, position, or cascade displayed windows:

1.     Open two windows on the desktop.

2.     Right-click an open area of the taskbar.

3.     Click "Cascade Windows" on the menu that appears.

4.     Right-click the taskbar again.

5.     Click "Tile Windows Horizontally" this time.

6.     Repeat, but select "Tile Windows Vertically."

Making a Window Fit the Whole Screen

Expanding a window to fill the entire screen is referred to as "maximizing" the window.

When would I want to make a window fit the whole screen?

Maximize a window if it is the only window you are using. You can see more of the file’s contents without scrolling when its window is maximized.

How do I make a window fit the whole screen?

There are several ways to expand a window fit the entire screen

Maximize a window with its taskbar button:

1.     RIGHT-click the program’s button on the taskbar.

2.     Click "Maximize" on the menu that appears.

Maximize a window that is already displayed:

Click the maximize button in the upper right corner of a program window.

Maximize using the title bar menu:

1.     Click the icon to the right of the text on the title bar. (Or press "Alt+Spacebar" on the         keyboard.)

2.     Click "Maximize" on the menu that appears.