Computer Terminology 101

By Kelvin Nikkel
http://www.optmypc.com

This is a list of some VERY basic computer terminology which I will

Be using throughout this series. Please refer back to it often and
YOU WILL BE A PRO IN NO TIME!

active program or window - The application or window at the front

(foreground) on the monitor.

alert (alert box) - a message that appears on screen, usually to tell you
something went wrong.

application - a program in which you do your work.

background - part of the multitasking capability. A program can run and

perform tasks in the background while another program is being used in the
foreground.

bit - the smallest piece of information used by the computer. Derived from
"binary digit". In computer language, either a one (1) or a zero (0).

backup - a copy of a file or disk you make for archiving purposes.

byte - a piece of computer information made up of eight bits.

CD-ROM - an acronym for Compact Disc Read-Only Memory.

Clipboard - A portion of memory where the PC temporarily stores

information. Called a Copy Buffer in many PC applications because it is
used to hold information which is to be moved, as in word processing where
text is "cut" and then "pasted".
compression - a technique that reduces the size of a saved file by
elimination or encoding redundancies (i.e., JPEG, MPEG, LZW, etc.)

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control key - seldom used modifier key on the PC.

control panel - a program that allows you to change settings in a

program or change the way a PC looks and/or behaves.

CPU - the Central Processing Unit. The processing chip that is the "brains"
of a computer.

crash - a system malfunction in which the computer stops working and has
to be restarted.

cursor - The pointer, usually arrow or cross shaped, which is controlled by

the mouse.

database - an electronic list of information that can be sorted and/or

searched.

data - (the plural of datum) information processed by a computer.

Defrag – short for defragment.

defragment - (also - optimize) to concatenate fragments of data into

contiguous blocks in memory or on a hard drive.

desktop - 1. the finder. 2. the shaded or colored backdrop of the screen.

dialog box - an on-screen message box that appears when the PC requires
additional information before completing a command.

disk - a spinning platter made of magnetic or optically etched material on

which data can be stored.

disk drive - the machinery that writes the data from a disk and/or writes
data to a disk.

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disk window - the window that displays the contents or directory of a disk.

document - a file you create, as opposed to the application which created it.

download - to transfer data from one computer to another. (If you are on the
receiving end, you are downloading. If you are on the sending end, you are
uploading ).

drag - to move the mouse while its button is being depressed.

drag and drop - a feature on the PC which allows one to drag the icon for a
document on top of the icon for an application, thereby launching the
application and opening the document.

driver - a file on a computer which tells it how to communicate with an

add-on piece of equipment (like a printer).

extension - a startup program that runs when you start the PC and then
enhances its function.

file - the generic word for an application, document, control panel or other
computer data.

folder - an electronic subdirectory which contains files.

font - a typeface that contains the characters of an alphabet or some other

letterforms.

fragmentation - The breaking up of a file into many separate locations in

memory or on a disk.

freeze - a system error which causes the cursor to lock in place.

gig - a gigabyte = 1024 megabytes.

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hard drive - a large capacity storage device made of multiple disks housed
in a rigid case.

highlight - to select by clicking once on an icon or by highlighting text in a

document.

icon - a graphic symbol for an application, file or folder.

K - short for kilobyte.

keyboard shortcut - a combination of keystrokes that performs some

function otherwise found in a pulldown menu.

kilobyte - 1024 bytes.

landscape - in printing from a computer, to print sideways on the page.

launch - start an application.

MB - short for megabyte.

megabyte - 1024 kilobytes.

memory - the temporary holding area where data is stored while it is being
used or changed; the amount of RAM a computer has installed.

menu - a list of program commands listed by topic.

menu bar - the horizontal bar across the top of the PC¹s screen that lists the
menus.

multi tasking - running more than one application in memory at the same
time.

operating system - the system software that controls the computer.

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partition - a subdivision of a hard drives surface that is defined and used as
a separate drive.

paste - to insert text, or other material, from the clipboard or copy buffer.

PC - acronym for personal computer

peripheral - an add-on component to your computer.

pop-up menu - any menu that does not appear at the top of the screen in the
menu bar. (may pop up or down)

resize box - the small square at the lower right corner of a window which,
when dragged, resizes the window.

root directory - the main hard drive window.

save - to write a file onto a disk.

save as - (a File menu item) to save a previously saved file in a new

location and/or with a new name.

scroll - to shift the contents of a window to bring hidden items into view.

scroll bar - a bar at the bottom or right side of a window that contains the
scroll box and allows scrolling.

scroll box - the box in a scroll bar that is used to navigate through a
window.

serial port - a port that allows data to be transmitted in a series (one after
the other), such as the printer and modem ports on a PC.

shut down - the command from the Special menu that shuts down the PC
safely.
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software - files on disk that contain instructions for a computer.

spreadsheet - a program designed to look like an electronic ledger.

surge suppressor - a power strip that has circuits designed to reduce the
effects of surge in electrical power. (not the same as a UPS)

title bar - the horizontal bar at the top of a window which has the name of
the file or folder it represents.

tool bar – the horizontal bar just below the title bar which has the small
icons of the functions you are able to use during use of the program.

upload - to send a file from one computer to another through a network.

Uninterruptible Power Source (UPS)- a constantly charging battery pack

which powers the computer. A UPS should have enough charge to power
your computer for several minutes in the event of a total power failure,
giving you time to save your work and safely shut down.

UPS - acronym for Uninterruptible Power Source.

virtual memory - using part of your hard drive as though it were "RAM".

window - an area on the screen that displays information for a specific

program.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
You have certain rights by owning a copy of this report – here is what you can do
with it:

It’s very simple, the [YES] indicates what you can do, the [NO] indicates what you
cannot do. If it is not listed here, assume the answer is [NO].

[YES] Can be given away

[YES] Can be offered as a bonus
[YES] Can be sold as is and keep the proceeds
[YES] Can sell Resale Rights (original links intact)
[YES] Can sell Master Resale Rights (original links intact)
[YES] Can be used as web content
[NO] Can be edited completely with your name on it
[NO] Can be rebranded with your own links
[NO] Can sell Private Label Rights

The information presented in this report represents the views of the author as of the
date of publication. Because of the rate with which conditions change, the author
reserves the rights to alter and update his opinions based on the new conditions.
This report is for informational purposes only and the author does not accept any
responsibilities for any liabilities resulting from the use of this information. While
every attempt has been made to verify the information provided here, the author and
his affiliates cannot assume any responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions.
Any slights of people or organizations are unintentional.

DISCLAIMER

THE AUTHOR OF THIS EBOOK ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY WHATSOEVER IF

SOMETHING SHOULD HAPPEN TO GO WRONG AND YOUR COMPUTER SHOULD
CRASH. THE PROCEDURES SUGGESTED IN THIS EBOOK ARE SOULY THE
SUGGESTIONS OF THE AUTHOR. IF YOU (THE READER) SHOULD DECIDE TO
FOLLOW THESE SUGGESTIONS, YOU DO SO AT YOUR OWN RIST. THE AUTHOR
HAS USED ALL INFORMATION WITHIN THIS BOOK SUCCESSFULLY FOR YEARS
WITHOUT SO MUCH AS ONE PROBLEM ARISING FROM IT.
PURCHASERS/USERS OF THIS EBOOK ARE ALWAYS REQUESTED TO BACK UP
THEIR HARD DRIVE BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH ANY OF THE CHANGES LISTED
ABOVE.

IF YOU SHOULD HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, COMMENTS OR

SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME VIA EMAIL AT
[email protected].
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