Window (computing)

Window (computing)

In computing, a window is a portion of a computer screen, usually rectangular in shape, showing the output of and allowing input for one of a number of simultaneously running computer processes. The 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.

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. The X Window System and Microsoft Windows are named after this feature.

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.