Star Common Usability Terms: pt. X: the Window
Linked by Thom Holwerda on Tue 7th Oct 2008 17:04 UTC
Graphics, User Interfaces This is the tenth article in a series on common usability and graphical user interface related terms. On the internet, and especially in forum discussions like we all have here on OSNews, it is almost certain that in any given discussion, someone will most likely bring up usability and GUI related terms - things like spatial memory, widgets, consistency, Fitts' Law, and more. The aim of this series is to explain these terms, learn something about their origins, and finally rate their importance in the field of usability and (graphical) user interface design. Fitting for this rounded number, part X will detail the window.
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sakeniwefu
Member since:
2008-02-26

I think tiling features should be included by default in all window managers. I find myself often having to tile the windows myself when using a stacking wm. If I am pissed enough I restart a session with dwm(dmenu is great, no need to browse menu-of-the-day), but then I miss the taskbar with network, battery, etc.
I seem to remember that Windows 3 could tile windows but maybe it was just MDI children.

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BluenoseJake Member since:
2005-08-11

Windows up to Vista can tile windows. If you right click on the taskbar, it can tile them Vertically, or horizontally. Vista calls it "Stacking Windows"

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irbis Member since:
2005-07-08

I think tiling features should be included by default in all window managers.

I agree wholeheartedly.
Anyway, if you miss better window tiling features and use Compiz-Fusion, I recommend that you give the tiling/grid plugin, that I mentioned above, a try:
http://suasol.wordpress.com/2008/06/28/new-tiling-plugin-for-compiz...
It is really handy and one of the few reasons why using compiz feels actually useful (besides of just offering some visually pleasing effects) to me. The key combinations used in tiling are also easy to remember. I hope Compiz folks will integrate it (or something similar) to the mainline Compiz too.

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