What are examples of window elements?

Answer: The different parts of a window are sometimes referred to as "window elements." While the appearance of windows can differ between applications and operating systems, most windows have the following standard elements:

• Title Bar - This is the top part of the window, which includes the window's title, as well as the close button, minimize button, and zoom button. On Macintosh computers, these buttons are on the left, while on Windows systems, these buttons are on the right side of the title bar.
• Scroll Bar - The vertical scroll bar is located on the right side of the window and allows you to scroll up and down through the contents of the window. If the window content does not fit within the width of the window, a horizontal scroll bar will also appear, allowing you to scroll left and right.
• Status Bar - Some windows include a status bar along the bottom of the window, which provides information about the contents of the window. In Web browsers, the status bar typically displays the page loading status as well as the location of links when you roll over them.
• Content Area - The content area is where the contents of the window are displayed. This is the main part of the window, which typically takes up the majority of the space. In folder windows, the content area displays a list of files and other folders. In images editing programs, the current image is displayed in the content area. In Web browsers, the content area is used to display the current webpage.

Windows may also include other elements, such as a toolbar near the top of the window and a resize corner, which is typically located in the lower right corner of a window. Nearly all windows can be moved by clicking and dragging the title bar. They can be closed by clicking the close box.

Published: December 1, 2010 — by Per Christensson