Comparing Modern UI Apps and Desktop Programs
Windows 8’s Modern UI apps are designed to respond to touch gestures, use the full screen by default, and do not need window controls (Minimize, Maximize/Restore Down, and Close). Regular desktop programs run in their own resizable windows on the traditional Windows desktop and employ the same controls found in other desktop software. In this example, we compare Windows 8.1 Modern UI (Start screen) Skydrive app with its Windows desktop version.
- A Start screen app fills the whole screen when open, and if you have a touchscreen computer, you can use touch gestures to navigate around the app features.
A desktop program opens in its own resizable window on the desktop and features the traditional Ribbon or toolbars, menu bar, and program window controls.