Parts of a dialog (box)
The terms used in OpenOffice.org for most parts of the user interface (the parts of the program you see and use, in contrast to the behind-the-scenes code that actually makes it work) are the same as for most other programs.
A dialog (also called a dialog box) is a special type of window. Its purpose is to inform you of something, or request input from you, or both. It provides controls for you to use to specify how to carry out an action. The technical names for common controls are shown in the figure below; not shown is the list box (from which you select an item). In most cases we do not use the technical terms in this book, but it is useful to know them because the Help and other sources of information often use them.
In most cases, as long as the dialog is open, your work is limited to the dialog. After you make changes, if any, close the dialog (usually, clicking OK or another button saves your changes and closes the dialog). Then you can again work with your document.
Some dialogs can be left open as you work, so you can switch back and forth between the dialog and your document. An example of this type is the Find & Replace dialog.
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