Computer Interface Elements: Windows, Desktop & Controls

Understanding Window Elements

Standard Window Components

1. Control Menu: Displays a menu with options to restore, move, size, minimize, maximize, and close the window.
2. Toolbar: Provides direct access to frequently used display options for greater efficiency.
3. Title Bar: Displays the name of the window or application.
4. Menu Bar: Displays and provides access to the menus available within the application.
5. Work Area: The primary area provided by the application for the user to perform their work.
6. Window Border: Allows you to resize the window when it is not maximized. Place the mouse pointer on the border, then press and drag it to the new position.
7. Status Bar: Displays help or information about the current task or ongoing processes.

Window Control Buttons

• A. Minimize: Reduces the application to a button on the taskbar.
• B. Maximize: Maximizes the application window to cover the entire desktop area.
• C. Close: Closes the window and exits the application.

Characteristics of Menu Options

Option preceded by three points (...)

Opens a dialog box where you must set options needed to complete the main action before execution.

Option selected (e.g., with a checkmark)

Indicates an option that is currently active or selected.

Option with a right arrow (►)

Displays a submenu with additional choices.

Dimmed options (grayed out)

Indicates an option that is not available at the moment.

Keyboard shortcut (e.g., Ctrl+S)

Provides rapid access to the option from the keyboard.

Icon on the left side of the option

Indicates an option that is also available as a button on toolbars.

Desktop and Taskbar Elements

Desktop Components

• Recycle Bin: A program that acts as an electronic trash can, temporarily storing deleted files or folders, allowing you to restore them if necessary.
• My Computer / This PC Shortcut: Permits viewing and manipulating the components of the computer, such as the content of a drive or folder, and accessing the Control Panel.
• Network Places / Network Shortcut: A program that allows you to explore network resources, view shared equipment, files, folders, printers, and other network resources connected to the computer.
• Application Shortcuts: Icons representing an application, distinguished by a small arrow in the lower-left corner of the icon.

Taskbar Layout

The taskbar typically consists of three main areas:

1. Start Button: Contains options for direct access to certain programs and system functions.
2. Open Applications Area: The middle section, which includes access to recently used applications, documents, and system tools for various configurations.
3. System Tray / Notification Area: The last section, containing operations to close and shut down the computer, along with system notifications and background applications.

Dialog Box Controls

1. Text Box: Used to enter data via the keyboard.
2. Drop-down List Box: Permits selecting an item from a list that appears when clicking on the small box with an arrow.
3. Command Button: When clicked, it executes the option indicated by the text it contains. Many can also be activated by simultaneously pressing the Control key and the underlined letter.
4. Option Buttons (Radio Buttons): Controls that allow only one option to be activated from a group.
5. Spinner/Value Control: Allows increasing or decreasing the presented values.
6. Ellipsis Button (...): Executes or displays another dialog box.
7. Combo Box (Combined List): Allows selecting data from a list or typing new data into the field.