Computer Operating System Glossary for PC Users

Active               
  Program currently in use
Aero Interface  
 The 3-D look of some versions of Windows 7       
Aspect Ratio
 Relation between width and height on a computer monitor
Background
 Also called wallpaper, the image of color covering the computer's desktop
Bandwidth
 The amount of data that can be transmitted by you Internet Connection
Broadband
 Term for high-speed Internet connection
Browser
  A program used to access the Web (www) Examples: Internet Explorer, Mozilla, Opera
Cursor
 The blinking line (indicator) where what you type will appear on the screen (see Insertion point)
Default Settings
 Setting that are part of the installation of software that a computer program assumes you will use (you can
 specify changes to the default settings)
Defragmentation
 A process that reorganizes you hard drive for efficiency.
Domains
 Divides Internet addresses into groups that have a common purpose Examples: .com, .net, .edu, .gov
Drag-and-Drop
 A method for moving screen objects using the mouse
Drive
 A permanent storage device (RAM is a temporary storage area - random access memory)
Drive Letter
Alphabetic designation that is assigned to storage device Example: C:, Removable Drive F:
Favorites
 Link you save in your browser - allows quick return to a site you will use often
Gadgets
  Easy to access mini applications that are displayed in Windows Vista and Window 7
 Examples: clock, weather, slide show
Grayed Out
 An object that is displayed lightened or faded shows that it is not available currently.
 Example:  button, command)
Handle
 Location used for dragging objects on the screen (normally at corners and sides  of the object)
Hyperlink
 Link in a web page (words or pictures) that 'jumps' you to another place on the web
Insertion Point
 Blinking line (indicator) where text will appear when typing on the computer (see cursor)
ISP
 Internet SERVICE Provider - a business that provides access to the Internet (usually for a fee)
Jump List
 List of commands on the Start Menu or a Program Button that will quickly launch files, programs,
 or features.
Libraries Folder
 System to view and save documents, music, photos, and videos in user and public folders
Mouse Pointer
 Indicator that moves on the screen in response to the mouse being moved by the user.
Operating System
 Software that manages you computer Examples: Windows 7, Vista, XP, Linux, OSX
Path
 Shows the location of a file or folder within the organization of a drive.
Permanent Storage
 Device that stores data until it is erased Example: Hard drive, USB Flash drive
Ribbon
 A feature used to display program commands instead of using traditional menus and toolbars.
 Contains contextual tabs and commands
Search Engine
 Specialized page used to find information on the Web. Examples: Google, Bing, Ask
Shake
 An Aero feature that enables you to minimize other windows by dragging them side to side quickly
Snap
 An Aero feature that enables a window to be resized by dragging it to the side to top of the Desktop
Social Media Site
 Web pages where people and businesses are linked to discuss mutual interests and topics
Standards
 Uniform look and feel to make the computer easier to use
Tag
 Keywords that identify a picture
Tree
 Complete folder structure of a drive
Undo
 Reverse your last action or command
Updates
 Changes to a program downloaded form the web
URL
 Universal Resource Locator; address for a resource on the Internet
Web
 Common name for the World Wide Web