Explain the difference between minimizing and closing a window, and give a practical reason to use each.

### Why this is right The key difference is what happens to the program after the window disappears. Minimizing hides the window but leaves its program running, so you can return to the same work without reopening it. Closing removes that window, which makes sense when you are done with it. ### The concept A **window** is an on-screen area where a program or document appears. When you **minimize** a window, it is taken off the main desktop view, often appearing as an icon or button on the taskbar or dock; the program usually keeps running, and you can restore the window later. This is useful when you want to make room for another task but may need to come back to your work. When you **close** a window, that particular window ends. Depending on the program, closing it may also quit the program, or the program may keep running if it has other windows or background work. If the window contains unsaved changes, the program may ask whether to save them before closing. | Action | What happens | Practical reason | |---|---|---| | Minimize | Window is hidden, program keeps running | Switch tasks temporarily | | Close | That window is ended; the program may or may not quit | Finish with the window | ### What a good answer covers - Minimizing hides the window without normally stopping the program. - It is useful when switching tasks temporarily. - Closing ends the window, though it does not always quit the whole program. - It is appropriate when you have finished with that window. ### Watch out Do not assume that closing a window always quits the entire program. The result depends on the program, so distinguish closing one window from quitting the application. ### Terms - **Window**: An on-screen area that displays a program or document. - **Minimize**: Hide a window from the main desktop view while keeping its program running. - **Close**: End a particular window; this may or may not quit the program. - **Application**: A program used to perform a task, such as editing a document. ### Remember Minimize when you plan to return soon; close when you are finished with that window.