💻 TechnologyGrade 2Lesson 5
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Opening, Minimizing, and Closing Apps

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Learning Objectives

  • 1Open an app, minimize its window to the taskbar, and close it correctly
  • 2Explain the difference between minimizing and closing
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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.
App Window Control ButtonsA labeled app window showing the three control buttons in the top-right corner: minimize (dash), maximize (square), and close (X), each with an arrow and description.My Drawing AppYour work appears hereMinimizeMaximizeCloseDrawingminimized apps live here
An app window with three control buttons — Minimize, Maximize, Close — and the taskbar where minimized apps are stored.
Minimize vs. CloseTwo side-by-side cards comparing what happens when you minimize an app versus when you close it.Minimize vs. CloseMinimizeDrawing AppDrawingApp still running!Work is safe.Click taskbar to return.CloseDrawing App- no icon here -App is stopped!Unsaved workwill be lost.
Minimizing keeps the app running and work safe; closing stops the app completely and unsaved work is lost.
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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?"

Vocabulary
App
A program on a computer or tablet that does a jobe.g. I open the drawing app to make pictures.
Open
To start an app so you can use ite.g. I tap the icon to open the app.
Minimize
To shrink an app so it sits in the bar but stays opene.g. I minimized the page so I could see my desktop.
Close
To shut an app down completelye.g. I closed the app when I was done.
Window
A box on the screen that holds an appe.g. Each app opens in its own window.
Icon
A small picture you click to open an appe.g. The blue icon opens my reading app.
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