Window XP

 

Term	Definition
Operating Sysem :	A kind of computer program that controls how a computer carries out basic tasks such as displaying information on your computer screen and running other programs. Allocates system resources, manages storage space, maintains security, detects equipment failure, and controls basic input and output.
Files:	electronic collections of data that has a unique name.
Filename:	The name given to a document when it is saved
Icons:	graphical representation of computer elements such as files and programs
Internet:	A network of connected computers and computer networks located around the world.
Default:	settings preset by the operating system or programs.
Taskbar:	A strip at the bottom of the screen that contains the start button, Quick Launch toolbar, and clock that shows buttons for the programs that are running.
Start Button:	A button on the taskbar that you use to start programs, find and open files, access Windows Help and Support Center, and more.
Quick Launch Toolbar:	appears next to the start button. It contains several buttons you can click to start internet-related programs quickly and click to show the desktop when it is not visible.
WWW:	indicates World WIde Web
Mouse:	handheld input or pointing device used to interact with the computer.
Mouse Pointer:	The typically arrow-shaped object on the screen that follows the movement of the mouse. The shape of the mouse pointer changes depending on the program and the task being executed.
Pointing:	positioning the mouse over an item, without clicking the mouse button.
Clicking:	pressing and releasing a mouse button
Selecting:	positioning the mouse pointer over an icon or any item and clicking. This highlights the item. Also called single-clicking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dragging: press and  hold down the left mouse button while moving the mouse. Also known as Drag and Drop.

 

Right Click: clicking the right mouse button. This produces a shortcut menu.

 

Shortcut Menu: list of commands most commonly used for the item clicked.

 

Commands: a directive that provides access to a program's features.

 

Maximized: to enlarge a window so it fills the entire screen.

 

Minimized: the window shrinks to a program button on the taskbar.

 

Restore: a window returns to its previous size.

 

Menu: a list of commands used to accomplish certain tasks organized into related groups.

 

Menu Bar: set of menus located under the title bar.

 

Toolbar: a set of command buttons located below the menu bar.

 

Actvie Window: the window in which you are currently working.

 

Inactive Window: a window that is open but you are not currently working in the window.

 

Keyboard Shortcuts: A combination of keys or a function key that can be pressed to perform a command.

 

Hard Disk: a magnetic storage device that contains several magnetic oxide-covered metal platters that are usually sealed in a case inside the computer.

 

Floppy Disk: a flat circle of magnetic oxide-coated plastic enclosed inside a hard plastic case that can store 1.44 MB of data.

 

CD-ROM: (compact disc-read only memory) a CD that contains software or music when you purchase it, but you cannot record addition data on it.

 

Zip Disk: a portable disk that can contain 100MB

 

Zip Drive: a drive that can handle zip-disks.

  

Font Size: the size of text characters, measured in units called points.

 

Format: 1). the appearance of text and numbers, including color, font, attributes, borders, and shading. 2). the process of preparing a disk so it can store information.

 

Point: a point equals 1/72 inch.

 

USB Flash Drive:

 

Edit: to change the content or format of an existing file.

 

Browser: a program, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, designed to access the internet.

 

File Management: the process of organizing and keep track of files and folders

 

File Heirarchy: a logical structure for folders and files that mimics how you would organize files and folders in a filing cabinet.

 

Recycle Bin: a storage area on your computer's hard disk for deleted files, which remain in the recycle bin until you empty it. An icon on the desktop provides quick access to the recycle bin.

 

Folders: an area on a disk that contains a collection of files and/or other folders that you use to help you organize your files.

 

Shortcut: a link that you can place in any location that gives you quick access to a file, folder, or program locared on your hard disk or network.

 

Back Up: to save files to another location in case you have computer trouble and lose files.

 

Windows Help and Support: a resource that contains information about Windows XP and that includes an index, a table of contents, and links to useful Web pages.

 

Delete: To permanarely remove an item from a document. To place a file or folder in the Recycle Bin.

 

Restore: to reduce the window to its original size before it was maximized. The restore button is usually located in the upper-right corner of a window.