Window (computing)

In the field of computing, the term window has many meanings.

Probably the most perceived meaning, a window is a graphic, usually rectangular in shape, containing either some kind of graphical interface, or a textual representation, of the output of and allowing input for one of a number of simultaneously running computer processes.

Windows are primarily associated with graphical displays where they can be manipulated with a pointer, e.g. mouse, stylus or touchpad, however many plain text user interfaces allow their display to be divided into areas referred to as windows. Size and position can normally be adjusted, for example covering the whole screen, or half the screen, allowing another non-overlapping window using the other half, etc.

In graphical user interfaces windows are suggested to be objects (like papers or books) on a desktop: when two overlap, one is on top of the other, with the overlapping part of the lower window not shown; when moving, minimizing, resizing, or closing the upper window, hidden parts of the lower window reappear.

Windows are a popular feature (or widget) in several graphical user interfaces. DEC Windows (for VMS), X Windows and Microsoft Windows are named after this feature.

The ability to display and manipulate windows in a graphical display is provided by a windowing system.

In computer networking, a window is the amount of data that can be transported before a source must give an acknowledgement (ACK) to the sender.

See also: Window manager.

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