Such a classic: when opening a window, most people automatically click the button to maximize the window. This bad habit, which at first seems to be a healthy one, usually causes more problems than benefits for the user. Especially when working with localization, when the translator often needs to have opened the file to be translated, Trados and at least a glossary, all at the same time.
The sense of space given by the maximized window is what most contributes for this. Everything becomes larger, but this is exactly the problem – it is far too large! On the other hand, I don;t even have to say that if you use a 800×600 resolution, you will be obliged to maximize all the windows. If that is the case, I strongly recommend you to buy a 21″ or larger screen! 
Maximized windows means loss of space. Take a look at the toolbar of your browser. How much unused space you see there? Plenty, huh? Now take a look at this blog post and check out the great deal of unused space on the left and on the right of the text. Why would you not use it?
How many “Windows” fit in your Mac?
Resizing a window to the minimum necessary size helps you view more than one program at the same time. This means having Trados, the translated file and the glossary visible, without having to go from one window to the other in search of something.
And this tip is not useful only for translators. Managers, engineers, salespeople and any other professional may benefit from it. Think of the possibilities! Information about the project on the bottom right corner, some program to convert timetables on the upper right corner, an opened spreadsheet at the center of the window, or the remaining space shared with a list of files… While I write this post, I am checking the progress of a process on the window next to this one. By doing this, I don’t need to use the (usually useful) Alt + Tab shortcut to find out whether the process is over or to check whether there is a problem that needs my decision.
Needless to say, every rule has its exception. Even I sometimes need to use a maximized window. However, all in all, the larger the resolution and the more I can display the windows, the more information I have in front of me at the same time. And this certainly makes my life a lot easier.
