Keeping focus with a dialog

I am trying to make popup forms (new/edit forms for a db) using a gtkDialog. I would like 2 things. 1. What is the best way to make sure that the main gtkWindow cant receive focus? I could see many ways to actually do this (i assume the focus_out_event has something to do with it). What is the tried and trusted method to make it so that they cant loose the modal dialog beneth the main application window (and loose any way to interact with the application). I am developing in linux and deploying on windows, so the best cross-platform compatable/stable pls. (I have noticed some problems using gtkDialog->hide() in windows, anyone have the same problems. Ill try to sort out some simple test code if i can repeat it again). I dont need the code - just best way to do it. 2. I would like it so the dialog cant be closed using the X in the window, I am hiding and showing different forms and dont want them to be distroyed, just hidden when they click on the ok or cancel buttons. Am i using the right widget in the first place? Cheers Mike