a handle is basically a pointer to an object in windows. There are various handles for things such as device context???(DC), file access (file handles), pens, brushes, directx surfaces, etc. Well.. actually it''s more than a pointer, but just visualize it is a pointer to keep it simple.

If I remember correctly, an instance (in windows) is the instance of the application running.. to open more than one of the same program, you would create more than one instance of the program. Of course, your application needs at least one instance to run.

..it''s been a while, but I think I explained it correctly.