The namesake of the Windows product line is the simple �window� � the UI concept that keeps related pieces information and controls organized on screen.  We�ll use this post to share some of the background thinking and �pm philosophy� behind planning an update to this well established UI feature.

The basic idea of using windows to organize UI isn�t new � it dates back (so I hear) to the first experiments with graphical user interfaces at Stanford over 40 years ago.  It�s still used after all this time because it�s a useful way to present content, and people like having control over how their screen space is used.  The �moveable windows� feature isn�t absolutely needed in an operating system � most cell phones and media center type devices just show one page of UI at a time � but it�s useful when multi-tasking or working with more than one app at a time.  Windows 2.0 was the first Windows release that allowed moveable overlapping windows (in Window 1.0 they were only able to be tiled, not overlapping.  This �tiled v. overlapping� debate had famous proponents on each side�on one side was Bill Gates and on the other side was Charles Simonyi).  In addition, Windows also has the unique notion of "the multiple document interface� or MDI, which allows one frame window to itself organized multiple windows within it.  This is somewhat of a precursor to the tabbed interfaces prevalent in web browsers.