why use a window instead of a dialog?

isn't it both of them, same?

It's important to remember that a window is the base (parent), and a dialog is a type of window (overloaded with alternative default functionality). If the dialog functionality isn't needed then a window is usually better (least yea be destined to work around said unused features in the future).

Could always see what the horse has to say...
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa511268.aspx

I vote for the basic window.
Any level of customization is possible.
A dialog is really just a predefined window.
The window class and procedure determine its look and feel.
You can make buttons or any other type of custom window.

dialog+1

offtop: i don't like desktop - unuseful thing!
it's could be better replaced with process monitor or prompt...
why need stupid pictures full screen all time?
it could be better to be GUI mode under text mode together in time