8.3 alias: short filename that Windows assigns to file with long names so they can be used with programs that don’t support long filenames.

 

Absolute cell reference: A cell reference that dos not change when the formula is copied or moved to a new location.

 

Active cell: In excel a selected cell.

 

Active desktop: a feature of Windows that allows you to add Web content to your desktop.

 

Active Window: The window or icon currently in use. The title bar of the active window is always highlighted (or displayed in a different color) to distinguish it from other open windows that may be visible in a tiled or cascaded screen.

 

Address bar: The space in a window that displays the name of the open folder or object.

 

Address book: Application that allows you to record e-mail and other contact information.

 

American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII): Coding system that computers of all types and brands can translate.

 

Animation: Special visual or sound effects added to text or an object on a PowerPoint Slide.

 

Animation Schemes: Pre-designed sets of visual effects added to text on PowerPoint slides.

 

Application file icon: An icon that represents an application; double-clicking the icon starts the application.

 

Applications software: Also called productivity software, it is designed for an end user. Some of the more commonly used application programs are word processors, database systems, presentation systems, spreadsheet programs, and desktop publishing programs.

 

Argument: A value, cell reference, range, or text that acts as an operand in a function formula.

 

Arithmetic/logic unit (ALU): Section in the central processing unit that performs arithmetic computation and logical operations. The arithmetic operations include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The logical operations involve comparisons.

 

Arrow keys: keys on the keyboard that you press to move the blinking insertion point on the screen.

 

Artificial Intelligence:  Type of software that can process information on its own without human intervention.

 

Ascending order:  Sorts alphabetically from A to Z and numerically from the lowest to the highest number.

 

Background: A pattern or a picture that can be used on the desktop.

 

Banner: A fill width headline that spans across multiple newsletter-style columns, such as the title for a newsletter or report.

 

Biometric security measures: Security tools that use a fingerprint, voice pattern or the iris or retina of the eye to identify a person.

 

Bit: A zero or one in computer code.

 

Boolean logic: Method for searching databases this works on a similar principle as search engine math, but has a little more power. Boolean logic consists of three logical operators: AND, NOT, OR.

 

Bot: Type of robot used by search engines.

 

Browser: Software program that you use to retrieve documents from the World Wide Web.

 

Bus Topology: Configuration in which all devices are connected to and share a master cable, referred to as the “bus” or “backbone”.

 

Byte: Made up of eight bits, a byte represents a single character, such as the letter A.

 

Cache memory: High speed random access memory that is used to increase the speed of the data processing cycle.

 

CD-R Drives: Disk drives on which you can write to a CD-ROM disc.

 

CD-ROM: Disk that can store up to 700 MB of data; data can only be read from it.

 

Cell: The intersection of a single row and a single column.

 

Cell comment: A message that helps explain the information contained in the cell.

 

Cell Reference: Identifies the column letter and row number (for example A1 or B4).

 

Central processing unit (CPU): also called the microprocessor, the processor, or central processor, the CPU is the “brains” of the computer. The CPU is housed on a tiny silicon chip that contains million of switches and pathways that help your computer make important decisions.

 

Channel: Media, such as telephone wire coaxial cable, microwave signal, or fiber optic cable, that carries or transports data communication messages.

 

Chart: A graphical representation of worksheet or table data.

 

Client: A computer that uses the services of another program. The client program is used to contact and obtain data or request a service from the server.

 

Client/Server Network:  Computer configuration in which one or more computers on the network acts as a server.

 

Clicking: Pressing and releasing the left (primary) mouse button.

 

Clip art: Prepare pictures and other artwork you can insert into a document.

 

Clip organizer: A wide variety of pictures, photographs, sounds, and video clips that you can insert in your document.

 

Clipboard: A temporary storage area for text and/or graphics that are to be cut or copied and then pasted to another location.

 

Command: An instruction to perform an operation or execute a program. In windows, commands are issued by making menu selections, by clicking on a toolbar button, or by clicking on a command button in a dialog box.

 

Command buttons: Rectangular buttons in dialog boxes that execute an instruction. An ellipsis following a command button name (i.e. Browse…) indicates that another dialog box will appear if this command is chosen.

 

Communications channel: Type of link through which data can be transmitted from one computer to another.

 

Computer: Electronic device that receives, processes, and stores data, and produces a result (output).

 

Computer-based learning: Using a computer for learning and instruction.

 

Computer crime: A criminal act that is committed through the use of a computer, like getting into someone else’s system and changing information or creating a computer virus and causing it to damage information on their computers. It can also involve the theft of a computer and any equipment associated with the computer.

 

Computer Fraud: Conduct that involves the manipulation of computer or computer data in order to dishonestly obtain money, property, or value or to cause loss. Examples of computer fraud include stealing money from bank accounts and stealing information from other persons’ computers for gain.

 

Computer system: Combination of hardware, software and data working together.

 

Conditional formats: Apply various formats to cell contents when certain conditions are met.

 

Contacts: Persons with whom you communicate.

 

Contents pane: The contents pan in the explorer window gives a more detailed view of the structure by displaying all the folders and files contained in the drive or folder currently selected in the tree pane.

 

Control Panel: Windows’ central location for configuring or changing system hardware, software, and settings.

 

Control Unit: The “boss” so to speak, that coordinates all of the central processing unit’s activities.

 

Controller: Device that controls the transfer of data from the computer to a peripheral device and vice versa.

 

Copy:   Duplicate a selection so you can paste it in another position.

 

Copyright: The exclusive right, granted by law for a certain number of years, to make and dispose of literary, musical, or artist work.

 

Crop: to trim a graphic.

 

Currency: On a Web Page, this refers to the age of the information, how long it has been posted, and how often it is updated.

 

Data: Information that is entered into the computer to be processed. Data consists of text, numbers, sounds, and images.

 

Data Communications: The technology that enables computers to communicate between each other. Data communication is defined as the transition or text, numeric, voice, or video data from one machine to another. Popular examples are the Internet, electronic message (email), faxes, electronic or online banking.

 

Data diddling: Act of changing data before it is entered in the computer or after it has been entered.

 

Database: A collection of related information organized for rapid search and retrieval.

 

Database software: Software that makes it possible to create and maintain large collections of data.

 

Datasheet view: A view in Access that displays the table data in columns and rows

 

Default: In any given set of choices, the choice that is pre-selected; the selection that is in effect when you open a program; the settings established during the installation process.

 

Dependent Cells: Worksheet formulas that refer to a particular cell.

 

Descending order:   Sorts alphabetically from Z to A and numerically from the highest to lowest number.

 

Design View: A view in Access that displays field names and the types of values you can enter in each field. Use this view to define or modify the field formats.

 

Desktop: The first screen you see when the operating system is launched and fully running. It is called the desktop because the icons are intended to represent the objects on a real desktop.

 

Desktop publishing: The process of using a computer to combine text and graphics to create an attractive document.

 

Desktop shortcuts: Icons you can create and place on the desktop to represent an application, folder, or file. When you click the shortcut icon, the application, folder, or file opens immediately.

 

Desktop Theme: A set of predetermined elements such as icons, fonts, colors, and sounds that determine the look of your desktop.

 

Destination: The location (folder or disk) where a copied file will reside.

 

Details: A view in windows that displays detailed information about a file, including the filename, size, its associated application, and the date and time it was last modified.

 

Dialog box: An information-exchange window in which the user selects options, set defaults, chooses items from a list, and otherwise provides information Windows needs before it can execute a command.

 

Digital cash: Allows someone to pay by transmitting a number from one computer to another. The digital cash numbers are issued by a bank and represent a specified sum of real money; each number is unique.

 

Disk: The magnetic medium on which data are stored.

 

Disk Cleanup: A program that enables you to clear your disk of unnecessary files.

 

Disk Defragmenter: Rearranges disk file, storing each file in contiguous blocks.

 

Disk Drive: The hardware that finds reads and writes information to and from a disk.

 

Disk Drive Icons: Identify (by Letter and type) the disk drives that you can access on your system.

 

Distance learning: Schooling concept in which student in remote locations receive instruction via telecommunications technology.

 

Document File Icon: An icon that shares the same distinctive feature, a piece of paper with superimposed graphic, that helps create a link between a document and an application.

 

Domain Name: The portion of a website address that identifies the type of site. For example .com in www.cnn.com is a commercial site.

 

Dot pitch: Measurement of the distance between pixels

 

Double-click: Pressing the mouse button twice quickly.

 

Drag-and-drop: Drag the mouse to move or copy selected text to a new location.

 

Dragging: A special method of using a mouse to move a window or a graphic object across the screen-specifically, by (1) selecting the object to be moved and (2) pressing and holding down the mouse button while moving the mouse (and at the same time moving the object).

 

Drawing canvas: An area upon which you can draw, arrange, and resize multiple shapes.

 

Drawing objects: Artwork that you create using drawing tools.

 

Electronic commerce: Also called e-commerce, it refers to business conducted via the internet.

 

Electronic mail (e-mail): The capability to send a message from one person’s computer to another person’s computer where it is stored until read by the receiving person.

 

Embedded chart: A chart created on the same worksheet as the data.

 

Emphasis effect: Control the animation effects after the text or object appears on a PowerPoint slide.

 

Entrance Effect: Controls how the text or object animates as it appears on PowerPoint slide.

 

Entry: Data entered into a cell.

 

Ethernet: LAN protocol that is based on the bus topology, but can work with the star topology as well. It supports data transfer rates of up to 10 megabits per second.

 

Event: A scheduled item in the Outlook calendar that lasts 24 hours or longer.

 

Execution cycle: Also called the E cycle, it’s the amount of time it takes the CPU to execute an instruction and store the results in RAM.

 

Exit Effect: Controls the animation effects at the end of the animation sequence on a PowerPoint slide.

 

Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDIC): Standard computer code used mostly in very large computers.

 

Extension: An extension of no longer than three characters is added to the file name following a period, called a “dot.”

 

Extranet: Network configuration that allows selected outside organizations to access internal information systems.

 

Field: A single piece of information in a database. In word, a special instruction that automatically inserts variable data. In outlook, each piece of information in an Outlook form.

 

Field name: A label to identify a field in a database.

 

Field properties: Specifications that allow you to customize an Access field beyond choosing a data type.

 

Field selector: A small box or bar that you click to select a column in a table in datasheet view.

 

File: A file may be the instructions the computer needs to operate (called program files or executable files), or a file may contain a text document that you can read (often referred to as a document file).

 

File allocation table (FAT): A special log on a disk where tracks are stored.

 

File Transfer protocol (FTP): An Internet standard that allows users to download and upload files with other computers on the internet.

 

Filename: A name assigned to a file for identification.

 

Fill handle: A small square in the bottom right corner of an active cell in a worksheet.

 

Filling: a method of copying data in a worksheet.

 

Finder: Program that displays the Macintosh Desktop.

 

First Line Indent: Only the first line of the paragraph is indented.

 

Floppy Disk: A small and portable kind of disk.

 

Folder: A way to organize file into manageable groups.

 

Folder bar: A hierarchical display of all objects on the desktop; also called the tree pane.

 

Font: The genera shape and style of a set of characters.

 

Footer: Text and/or graphics appearing at the bottom of each page of a document.

 

Form: In outlook, a set of controls in which you enter a piece of information to be store in an item.

 

Formatting: Prepares a disk for use on a specific type of drive; imprints a disk with the information it needs to work in that particular kind of drive. Also the ability to control the appearance and layout of data in a file.

 

Formula: Equation used to calculate values in a spreadsheet cell.

 

Fragmented File: Files that are not stored in a contiguous cluster.

 

Function formula: A special formula that names a function instead of using operators to calculate a result.

 

Function keys: Keys on the keyboard that are used to give commands to the computer.

 

Graphical User Interface (GUI): Describes computer-user interaction in which the user relies on an easy to use visual setting- that is, familiar graphical images or icons (as in Windows)—rather than a difficult, word based setting that requires memorization of complicated commands.

 

Graphics: Items other than text, including photos, clip art, and drawing objects.

 

Graphics Tablet: Input device that has a flat drawing surface on which a user can draw figures or write something freehand.

 

Gridlines: Nonprinting lines that display on the screen to show the boundary line of a table.

 

Hacking: Act of invading someone else’s computer usually for personal gain or just the satisfaction of being able to do it.

 

Hanging Indent: In a paragraph, all line but the first “hang” (are indented) to the right of the first line.

 

Hard column break: A manual column break.

 

Hard Disk: AKA (Hard Disk Drive): A hard disk and hard drive are one integrated unit that cannot easily be removed from the computer.

 

Hard page break:  a manual page break.

 

Hardware: Tangible, physical computer equipment. Examples include the keyboard, processor, monitor, and printer.

 

Header: Text and/or graphics appearing at the top of each page of a document

 

Header row: Labels at the top of columns in a worksheet.

 

Help Viewer: Displayed when the Help option is selected in any windows application. The information in each help viewer is relevant to that particular application.

 

Hits: The results of a search on the web.

 

Home Page: The first page that’s displayed when you launch your browser.

 

Hyperlinks: Objects on a web page that, when clicked take you to another location on the web.

 

Hypertext markup language (HTML): This text based program language is used to create documents for the WWW.html is a series of tags that are integrated into a text document. These tags describe how the text should be formatted when a Web browser displays it on the screen.

 

Hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP): Protocol that defines how messages are formatted and transmitted over the World Wide Web.

 

I-beam: When positioned on text, the mouse pointer becomes and I-shaped pointer.

 

Icons: Graphic images or symbols that represent applications (programs), files, disk drives, documents, embedded objects, or linked objects.

 

Impact printers: Type of printer that uses a mechanism that actually strikes the paper to form images.

 

Ink-jet Printers: Type of printer in which the ink is sprayed onto the paper.

 

Input: Data that is entered into the computer system via an input or storage device.

 

Input Devices: Enable you to input data and command into the computer.

 

Insert mode: In this default mode, new text is inserted between existing characters.

 

Instruction Cycle: Also called the I-cycle, it’s the amount of time it takes the central processing unit to retrieve and instruction and completes the command.

 

Internet: A global network connecting millions of computers, making possible to exchange information.

 

Internet Explorer: A web browser used for communication on the internet.

 

Intranet: Internal network that uses protocols like that of the internet.

 

Item: A particular piece of information stored in an outlook folder.

 

Jaz drives: Type of disk capable of storing as much as 1 GB of data.

 

Joystick: Point device that controls movement of objects on the screen.

 

Keyboard: Common input device for entering numeric and alphabetic data into a computer.

 

Keyboarding: Process of entering text by oppressing keys on a keyboard

 

Keywords: Words you enter in s search engine to locate specified information on the web.

 

Landscape orientation: The document content is formatted with the long edge of the page at the top.

Laser printers: Produce images using the same technology as copier machines.

 

Linking: Pointers in a hypertext document or help window that connect with other hypertext documents or that jump you to other help entries.

 

Local area networking (LAN): A series of connected personal computers, workstations, and other devices such as printers or scanners within a confined space such as an office building.

 

Log off: An option used to exit an account with-out turning off the computer so the name of a different user can log on at a later time.

 

Log on: An option that identifies a person by username and password so the user’s personal settings and desktop will be loaded.

 

Logic bomb: Computer virus that is triggered by the appearance or disappearance of specified data.

 

Logical Functions: Used to display text or values when certain conditions exist.

 

Magnetic tape drives: Used for making backup copies of large volumes of data.

 

Main memory: Also called random access memory or RAM, it is like short-term memory. It stores data while the computer is running. When the computer is turned off or there is a power loss, any data in the main memory disappears. The computer can read from and write to this type of memory.

 

Mainframe computers: Large powerful computer that are used for centralized storage, processing and management of very large amounts of data.

 

Management information systems (MIS): organized systems of processing and reporting information in an organization.

 

Math symbols: Single character symbols representing a word such as and or or, that you can use to narrow your search of information on the Web.

 

Mathematical Functions: Perform calculations that you could do using a scientific calculator.

 

Maximize:   To enlarge a window on the computer to fill the computer screen.

 

Memory: On the computer’s motherboard, it’s where data is stored.

 

Menu: List of commands or options grouped under specific heading or titles (File, Edit, etc.) on a windows menu bar.

 

Menu bar: in every application window, a listing of menus directly under the title bar specifying the choices available in the current application.

 

Merge: In excel, combine multiple cells into a single cell.

 

Merging cells: Converting two or more cells into a single cell.

 

Microcomputer: Also called a personal or desktop computer, it’s the type of computer designed for use by a single user.

 

Minicomputer: Type of computer that is designed to serve multiple users and process significant amounts of data; larger than a microcomputer but smaller than a mainframe.

 

Minimize: To reduce a window on the screen to a button on the taskbar.

    

 

Mixed cell reference: A cell reference that contains both relative and absolute cell references.

 

Modem: Communications hardware device that facilitates the transmission of data.

 

Modifier keys: Keys on the keyboard that are used in conjunction with other keys to execute a command. The shift, ctrl, alt keys are examples of modifier keys.

 

Monitors: Video display screens that can be either monochromatic (one color) or color.

 

Motherboard: Circuit board in the computer that contain components such as the central processing unit, memory, basic controllers, and expansion ports and slots.

 

Mouse: A point device that serves as a faster, more effective alternative to the keyboard in communicating instructions.

 

Mouse buttons: Controls on a mouse that active functions or call up menus when clicked.

 

Move: to remove a selection from one position and paste it in another.

 

MS-DOS: Microsoft Corporation’s operating system designed for the personal computer.

 

Multitasking: Running two or more distinct computer operations simultaneously—one in the foreground, the other in the background.

 

My Computer: A feature that displays the contents of your computer, provides information about different system resources, and allows you to perform tasks such as formatting disks and running applications.

 

My Documents: A personal folder for storing files you have created or used.

 

My Network Places: If connected to a network, it is used to display all connected computers and servers and to browse networked files.

 

Navigation: Method by which you move through a website.

 

Networks: Connects one computer to other computers and peripheral devices. This connection enables the computers to share data and resources. If the computers are located relatively close to each other—in the same building or department—they are part of a local area network.

 

Network Operating System: System software that allows for a group of two or more microcomputers to be connected.

 

Newsgroup: An online discussion group where participants exchange messages on a particular topic.

 

Non-Impact printers: Type of printer in which characters are formed without anything striking the paper.

 

Normal view: in word, the display of a document in a simple layout. In PowerPoint, a view of a presentation that shows the outline pane, the slide pane, and the notes pane.

 

Notebook computer: Similar to microcomputer; however, it is smaller and portable.

 

Operand: Number or cell reference in a formula.

 

Operating systems (OS): Types of software that provides an interface between the user or application program and the computer hardware.

 

Operator: A symbol that tells Excel what mathematical operation to perform in a worksheet formula.

 

Optical storage devices: Use laser technology to read and write data on silver platters.

 

Option button: Lets you chose one option from a group of options. See radio button

 

Order of evaluation: The sequence used to calculate the value of a complex formula.

 

Orientation: Determines whether your document will be printed lengthwise or crosswise pm the sheet paper.  The default page orientation in all Office applications is portrait (taller than wide), but you can change it to landscape (wider than tall).

 

Output devices: Enable the computer to give you the results of the processed data.

 

Overtype mode: In this mode, new text replaces existing characters.

 

Parallel port: Computer port that can transmit data eight bits at a time usually used by the printer.

 

Parent folder: the first level of folders on a disk. Subfolders are created with parent folders.

 

Path: Identifies the disk and any folders relative to the location of the document.

 

Peer-to-peer: Computer architecture in which all of the computers on a network are equal. And there is no computer designated as the server.

 

People: Users of the computers who enter the date and use the output.

 

Personal digital assistant (PDA): Also called a palmtop computer, it’s a small, portable type of computer.

 

Personal information management software (PIMS): Type of software designed to organize and manage personal tasks, appointments, and contacts.

 

PhotoCD: Used to store digitized photographic images.

 

Placeholders: Provide placement guides for adding text, pictures, tables, or charts.

 

Pointer (also mouse pointer): On-screen object (whose shape changes depending on the function) Whose movement and function is controlled by the mouse.

                   

 

Pointing Device: Device such as a mouse or trackball that allows the user to select objects on the screen.

 

Points: A unit of measure for fonts. One inch equals 72 points.

 

Pop-up: An item in a help screen displayed with a different color. Clicking the pop-up displays a box that defines the term.

 

Portrait orientation: The document content is formatted with the short edge of the page at the top.

 

Precedent cells: Worksheet cells that provide data to a formula.

 

Primary button: The mouse button that is used for selecting and dragging. By default the primary is the left mouse button.

 

Primary Key: Uniquely identifies each record in an Access table.

 

Print Layout view: The display of a document where the display show the document as it will look when printed.

 

Printers: Output devises that transfer data to a paper format.

 

Print head: Mechanism in a dot matrix printer that actually does the printing.

 

Problem Solving: Systematic approach of going from an initial situation to a desired situation that is subject to some resource constraints.

 

Protocols: Standard formats for transferring data between two devices. TCP/IP is the agreed-upon international standard for transmitting data.

 

Public Domain: Information or content to which copyright protection does not apply and which is available for anyone to copy.

 

Query: Enables you to locate multiple records matching a specified criteria in a single action.

 

Radio button: Lets you chose one option from a group of options. See Option button

 

Range: A selected group of cells

 

Read only memory (ROM): A type of computer chip that stores specific instructions to manage the computers operation. Unlike main memory, this type of memory is non-volatile—the instructions remain permanently on the chip.

 

Receiver:  Computer that receives a data transmission.

 

Record: a group of fields in a database.

 

Record Selector: A small box or bar that you click to select a row in a table in Datasheet view.

 

Related search: Preprogrammed queries or questions suggested by a web search engine that are relted to information on the current Web page.

 

Relative cell reference: A cell reference that is adjusted when the formula is copied or moved to a new location.

 

Report: A database object that allows you to organize, summarize, and print all or a portion of the data in a database.

 

Resolution: The number of pixels or dots that a monitor can display.

 

Restore:      To return a maximized or minimized window to its previous size.

 

Right-clicking: Pressing and quickly releasing the button on the right side of the mouse.

 

Ring topology: Computer configuration in which the devices are connected in a circle and each computer within the circle is connected to an adjoining device on either side.

 

Scanners: Input devices that can change images into codes for input to the computer.

 

Screen size: Diagonal measurement in inches from one corner of the computer monitor screen to the other.

 

Scroll: To move (by way of scroll arrows) through a list, a block of text, or any other materials larger thatnthe current window or screen.

 

Scroll bar: Bar on the right side or bottom of a window that you click to bring different parts of a document into view.

 

Search engine: Internet tool that helps you locate information on the Internet.

 

Search Qualifiers: Keywords that you can use to set search criteria in the windows help system.

 

Select (also highlight): To “select” an object, a block of text or an icon and therefore identify it before issuing a command or an action that will affect the selected item.

           

 

Select Text: Identify text or blocks of text for editing of formatting.

 

Sender: Computer that send a data transmission.

 

Serial Port: Computer port that can transmit data on but at a time. Usually used by the modem or mouse.

 

Server: A computer that handle requests for data, e-mail, file transfers, and other network services from other computers (clients)

 

Shareware: Software you can use for free for specified period of time. If you decide that you like it and it meets your needs, you are supposed to pay for it.

 

Shortcut: A pointer to an application or document file

 

Shortcut button: A button in a Help entry that provides a shortcut for performing and action associated with the Help topic.

 

Shortcut Key: A combination of two or more keystrokes that, when pressed carries out a specific action or function.

 

Shortcut menu: A list of the most commonly performed options in the currently display menu.

 

Shortcut menu button: Also called the secondary button, it is the right mouse button.

 

Simulations: Models of real-world activities.

 

Size box: Section of a window that you can drag to change the size of the window.

 

Sizing handles: Small squares or a circle surrounding a graphic indicating it is selected.

         

 

Slide design: Specifies a color scheme, text format, backgrounds, bullet styles, and graphics for all the slides in a PowerPoint presentation.

 

Slide Layout: Arrangement of objects on a slide.

 

Slide show view: Allows you to view a PowerPoint slide in full view.

 

Slide sorter view: Displays PowerPoint slides as thumbnails.

 

Soft page break: Page breaks that word automatically formats as needed when text reaches the bottom margin.

 

Software: Also called an application or a program, it is a set of instructions that tells the computer what to do. The two types of software are application software and system software.

 

Sound effect: A recorded sound that can be added to animated text or objects on a PowerPoint slide.

 

Source: A file to be copied.

 

Spam: Junk mail sent via e-mail.

 

Special purpose keys: Keys on the keyboard such as ESC or Num lock, key that perform a special function.

 

Spider: A search engine robot that searches the Internet for keywords. It feeds pages it finds to the search engine. Spiders crawl the Web continually examining Web sites and finding and looking for links.

 

Splitting Cells: Converting a single cell into two or more cells.

 

Spreadsheet: A grid of row and columns containing numbers, text, and formats.

 

Spreadsheet software: Software used to store manipulate and analyze numeric data.

 

Standard Desktop: In the opening Windows’ screen, the entire background area where windows, icons, and dialog boxes represent your work area.

 

Standard toolbar: The bar usually near the top of a window that contains buttons that instantly execute command or access various functions.

 

Star topology: Computer configuration in which all of the device are connected to a central hub or computer.

 

Start button: The button on the taskbar that will display option such as launching programs, opening documents, or other frequently needed tasks.

 

Statistical functions: Describe large quantities of data.

 

Status bar: A message or information area, usually located at the bottom of a window that displays specific details about the currently selected object or the task being performed.

 

Style: Set of formatting characteristics that you can apply to text, tables, and lists in your document.

 

Subfolder: A way to further separate groups of files within a folder.

 

Subject Directories: Method for searching for information of the WWW.

 

Submenu: The second menu. A submenu is indicated when there is a right pointing arrow next to a menu option.

 

Supercomputer: Largest and fastest computer, capable of storing and processing tremendous volumes of data.

 

System Software: A group of programs that coordinates and controls the resources and operations of a computer system. The three categories of systems software are operating systems, utilities and language translators.

 

TCP/IP: The acronym for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, which is the protocol used by both LANs and WANs that, has been adopted as a standard to connect hosts on the Internet.

 

Technology: The application of scientific discoveries to the production of goods and services that improve the human environment.

 

Telecommunications: Electronic transfer of data.

 

Teleconferencing: Telecommunications service in which parties in remote locations can participate via telephone in a group meeting.

 

Template: A file that contains formatting and text that you can customize to create a new document similar to, but slight different from the original.

 

Text boxes: Boxes that contain text and can be resized and positioned like other drawing objects.

 

Theme: A consistent design with elements such as fonts, graphics, colors, and backgrounds.

 

Thumbnails: Miniature pictures of clip art and photos.

 

Time bomb: Computer virus that does not cause damage until a certain date or until the system has been booted a certain number of times.

 

Title bar: Horizontal band in an application window, a document window or a dialog box that displays the name of the application running in the window, the name of the data file in the window, or the name of the dialog box.

 

Toggle: Turn an option on and off using the same procedure.

 

Token ring: Widely used LAN protocol in which all of the computers are arranged in a circle and they communicate by passing and catching a special signal called a token.

 

Topology: The way or geometric arrangement of how the network is set up and connected. Examples of topology are ring, star, or bus.

 

Touch display screen: Input device where you use your fingers to “point” to an object on the screen.

 

Trackball: Pointing device that works like a mouse turned upside down; it controls the movement of the on-screen pointer.

 

Tracks: “Circles” on a disk where the magnetic read/write head stores data or retrieves it.

 

Transitions: Determine the changes in the display that occur as you move from on PowerPoint slide to another in slide show view.

 

Transmission media: The Physical or wireless system used to move data from one location to another. Examples of transmission media are twisted pair wire, coaxial cable, or fiber optic cable.

 

Tree pane: The left pane pf the explorer window; also called the folder bar.

 

Trigger: Starts the animation of a PowerPoint slide.

 

Trigonometric functions: Perform calculations that you could do using a scientific calculator.

 

Trojan Horse: Computer virus that does something different from what is expected to do. It may look like it is doing one thing while in actuality it is doing something opposite (usually something disastrous).

 

Uniform Resource Locator (URL): An address for a resource or site on the WWW. Web browsers use this address for locating files and other remote services.

 

Universal Serial Bus (USB): Standard that supports data transfer rates of up to 12 million bits per second.

 

UNIX: Operating system developed by AT&T. It is considered portable, meaning it can run on just about any hardware platform.

 

Usenet: Worldwide network of computers that facilitates the transmission of messages among the news servers.

 

User interface: Part of the computer’s operating system that users interact with.

 

Virtual reality: An artificial environment that appears to feel like a real environment.

 

Virus: Computer program that’s written to cause corruption of data.

 

Voice Recognition: Input devices that are used to issue spoke or voice command to the computer.

 

Web Browser: An interface to the World Wide Web that interprets hypertext links and lets you view sites and navigate from one Internet node to another.

 

Web Server: Displays Web pages and renders them into final form so that they can be viewed by anyone with an Internet connection and a Web browser. Every Web server has a unique Web address.

 

WebQuest: Type of activity that uses the Internet for investigation and problem solving.

 

What’s This?: A dialog box help feature that offers information about dialog box options.

 

Wide Area Network (WAN): A computer network that covers a large geographical area. Most WANs are made up of several connected LANs.

 

Wildcard character: The asterisk (*) character used to represent characters you don’t know in a search for words or terms.

 

Window: On-screen area in which you view program folders, files, and icons.

 

Windows: Name of the Microsoft operating system; also the objects that characterize the Windows GUI.

 

Windows Explorer: A program that lets you browse through, open and manage your computer’s disk drives, folders and files. (move, copy, rename, delete)

 

Wizard: A windows feature that simplifies a task by guiding you through a series of prompts and questions.

 

Word-processing software: Software you use to prepare text documents, such as letters, reports, flyers, brochures, and books.

 

Word wrap: Text automatically moves to the next line when it reaches the right margin.

 

Workbook: A collection of related worksheets.

 

Worksheet: A grid of rows and columns containing numbers, text, and formulas.

 

World Wide Web (WWW): A collection of resources and interlinked documents that work together using a specific internet protocol.

 

Worm: Type of computer virus that makes many copies of itself resulting in the consumption of system resources, thus slowing down or actually halting tasks.

 

WORM disks: Optical disk storage devices that use laser beams and optical technology to permanently store large volumes of data.

 

Zip drives: Type of disk capable of storing as much a 1 GB of data.