Using Multiple Windows

When working with more than one program or Window, it's important to understand some of the rules:

Windows stack on top of each other, and can hide smaller windows behind them, especially when maximized.
Only one window can be active, or have the focus at any time. The Title Bar on the active window is usally darker.
The active window always flips to the top of the stack.

Open a Calculator and a Notepad Window:

Click Start
Start typing the word calculator, click Calculator as soon as it appears in the menu above.
Use the same steps above to open a Notepad window.

You should have two Windows on your screen. Do the following exercises:

Move the Windows around by dragging the Title Bar and see how they overlap.
Alternately click on each window and notice how it becomes active, in focus, and the other window is dimmer
Also take note of the corresponding icon or button on the Taskbar and how it dims when not in focus
Overlap the windows and click on the window at the back. Notice how it comes to the top.
Maximize the Notepad window and notice how it fills the screen, hiding the calculator completely.
Minimize the Notepad, notice how it is just showing in the taskbar, then bring it back.
Click the Restore button on Notepad to return it to its previous size

While we have the Calculator running, let's explore this program. For calculations on a computer use the following keys:

Try the following:

Use your mouse to try some calculations.
Use your keyboard to try some calculations.
Try out the options on the View menu
Look at the Help information. Notice it starts up a new Window. Close it when you are finished.

If you want some more practice, review these helpful tutorials from Microsoft: