Computer Fundamentals for Teachers
Competency # 1 Computer Operation Skills
Module #1.2.2

Minimize and Maximize a Window

Getting there

First some definitions:
Minimize = make small or actually set aside without actually closing.
Maximize = make big enough to fill the screen, or at least big enough to show all that it can.

MINIMIZE:

WINDOWS 95: in the upper right hand corner of the window are three boxes.  The one on the right should show a line across its bottom.  Click on that to minimize.
MAC: If all you want to do is hide the window, click on something outside the window.   If it is an application window, it will disappear and show everything that was behind it.

CHANGE SIZE:

WINDOWS 95: Move the mouse to any edge of the window.  When the cursor becomes a two headed arrow, hold the left mouse button down and drag the direction you wish to move.   Some windows have stripes in the lower right corner.  Dragging in this corner will allow you to change the size in both height and width.
MAC: Find the lower right corner of the window.  Point at it, hold the mouse button down, and drag in the direction you would like to change.

MAXIMIZE:

WINDOWS 95: In the upper right hand corner, the middle box of the three is maximize.   It is like a toggle switch.  If you see one square, click to maximize.   If you see 2 squares, click to bring the size down to a "normal" window.
MAC: In the upper right corner of the window is a box.  Click to toggle between a maximized window and a smaller one.

Exercise #1

Try minimizing, maximizing, and changing the size of this window.