Opening, Minimizing, and Closing Apps
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What you will learn
- 1Open an app, minimize its window to the taskbar, and close it correctly
- 2Explain the difference between minimizing and closing
Mini Lesson
Every time you use a computer, you work with apps — programs like a drawing tool, a web browser, or a word processor. Knowing how to open, minimize, and close them correctly keeps your computer organized and running smoothly.
What is an app?
- An app (short for application) is a program that runs on your computer to help you do a specific job — write, draw, browse the web, play, or learn.
- Apps are represented by icons — small pictures on the desktop or taskbar.
Opening an app
- Double-click the app icon on the desktop, OR
- Single-click the icon on the taskbar (the bar at the bottom of the screen), OR
- On a tablet: tap the app icon once.
- The app opens in a window — a rectangular area on screen where you do your work.
The three window control buttons
- Every app window has three buttons in the top corner (top-right on Windows, top-left on Mac):
- Minimize — hides the window but keeps the app running. The app goes to the taskbar; click it there to bring it back.
- Maximize / Restore — makes the window fill the whole screen, or restores it to its previous size.
- Close — fully exits the app. Any unsaved work will be lost unless you save first.
Minimize vs. Close — the key difference
- Minimize = the app is still open and running, just hidden from view. Your work is still there when you come back.
- Close = the app stops completely. If you have not saved, your work is gone.
- Rule: always save before you close — choose Save in the app (ask a grown-up to show you where it is).
Words to know
App
A program on a computer or tablet that does a job
e.g. I open the drawing app to make pictures.
Open
To start an app so you can use it
e.g. I tap the icon to open the app.
Minimize
To hide an app window in the taskbar while it stays open
e.g. I minimized the app so I could see my desktop.
Close
To shut an app down completely
e.g. I closed the app when I was done.
Window
A box on the screen that holds an app
e.g. Each app opens in its own window.
Icon
A small picture you click to open an app
e.g. The blue icon opens my reading app.
Ask yourself: "What is the difference between minimizing an app and closing it? Which button should I click if I want to come back to my work later?"
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