What Are the Functions of the Title Bar on a Computer?

In the upper left corner of the title bar, you'll find an icon that identifies the application you're working in. If you're using Microsoft Word, for example, you'll see a blue "W" located there. Next to the application icon, you'll see a horizontal bar that extends to the right corner and provides the title of the document or page as well as the name of the application. Three buttons are located in the far right corner. These include a small dash for minimizing the screen and moving it to the taskbar, a small square for downsizing and restoring the screen and a red "x" for closing the window.

In addition to displaying the Web page or document title, you can use the text portion of the title bar to perform a number of functions. For instance, by placing your cursor on the bar and holding down the mouse, you can reduce the size of the window and move it around the screen. This allows you to view portions of another open window and the first window at the same time.

You can also place your cursor on the title bar text and double-click your mouse. When the window is fully maximized, this reduces its size and allows you to move it around your screen. As with the previous function, this is useful when you want to view portions of two pages or documents simultaneously. Double-clicking again restores the window to its original size.

Smart Window, a function included in Windows 7, allows you to view two windows side by side. To use Smart Window, place your cursor on the title bar of the first window. While holding down the mouse button, drag the resized window to the left until the cursor hits the edge of the screen. Perform the drag process with the second window, moving it to the right.