its my first version of ubuntu or linux. i did find a way to make the window roll up, although it still doesnt put the buttons in. in the menu, system/preferences/windows there is a Titlebar section where double clicking on the titlebar either rolls up, maximizes, or minimizes the window. so i switched to to roll up & that works. but that sets the default for all the windows. i thought maybe i could try & configure it w/ gconf, but what i have works for now, & it clears alot of screen quick. if a solution comes along later thats cool.