Do hidden windows still process graphics for the display?

[Gwailo]

If I hide an application, such as Folding@home, will the CPU (in 10.1) continue to process the application's GUI, or will it free the processor because it knows the window is not visible?

Cheers,

 

[symphonix]

Generally, it depends on how well the programmer has put them actual program together. As I understand it, the OS sends a signal to the program when it needs to refresh the display, and most programs use this signal. That means most programs will not bother calling their display-refresh routines if they are hidden.

Not all programs are written effectively, though.

 

[Gwailo]

Cool that's pretty much what I assumed.

Thanks!