The document discusses the basic building blocks of a graphical user interface (GUI), including windows, menus, dialog boxes, and smartening up applications. Windows provide a rectangular display area with standard controls for closing, minimizing, and resizing. Menus typically operate by selecting an object first before choosing an action from a pop-up or implicit menu. Dialog boxes display messages and requests for user input and come in modal or modeless forms depending on whether they block other application interactions.