Displaying multiple windows at the same time means that screen space isn’t used efficiently, and it means that you don’t get a focused view of what it is that you are interested in. Windows that aren’t maximised also create additional tasks for people. Often you need to adjust their size, or you have to move them around. These are just some of the reasons why GNOME 3 applications have a particular approach to windows. In general, their primary windows will maximise by default, and they will lose their titlebars when they are maximised (smaller utility applications will not be affected by this). This will mean that the screen will be dominated by the window that you are focused on. It will also mean that the maximum amount of screen space will be devoted to useful stuff (like content). http://afaikblog.wordpress.com/2012/02/1.....on-design/