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Glossary of Common Windows Terms

A B C D E F H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Select the first letter of the word from the list above to jump to appropriate section of the glossary.

- A -

accelerator key: A keyboard shortcut for a command. For example, Ctrl + Alt + Delete is an accelerator key for the task manager in Windows.

activate: To make a window active by bringing it to the front.

active window: The current window that is being used.

applet: A small application that cannot run by itself.

application: A computer program.

associate: To link a file with a certain program. This way, when you double-click on an associated file, it will open the correct program.

Async SRAM (Asynchronous SRAM): Async SRAM is not synchronized with the system clock, so the CPU must wait for requested data from the L2 cache.

Asynchronous SRAM (Async SRAM): Async SRAM is not synchronized with the system clock, so the CPU must wait for requested data from the L2 cache.

attribute: A characteristic or property.

auto arrange: In Windows Explorer, selecting auto arrange will lock any visible icons into a grid or pattern.

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- B -

background operation

This is an action performed by an application when another application is already active.
backup: A Windows program that allows the user to back up files from a hard disk onto a floppy disk, another computer, or tape drive.
BIOS: Basic Input/Output System.
batch program: A text file that tells Windows to perform one or more actions in order.
binary: A numbering system which uses only two values : 0 and 1.
BEDO RAM (Burst Extended-data-out RAM): Can handle 4 data elements in one burst, which allows the last 3 elements to avoid the delay of the first.
binary file: Any file that has characters other than text.
bits per second (BPS): A data transmission speed measurement over a serial link.
boot partition: The partition of the hard disk that holds the Windows operating system.
browse: To examine and search through files, directories, the Internet etc.

Burst Extended-data-out RAM (BEDO RAM): Can handle 4 data elements in one burst, which allows the last 3 elements to avoid the delay of the first.

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- C -

cascade: An arrangement of Windows so each window is neatly stacked with only the title bar of each window is showing.

CD-ROM drive: A disk drive which uses thin round discs. The amount of information stored on these discs can be very large, and read quickly. A CD-ROM drive is what reads these discs.

check box: A dialog box, usually square, that records an on or off value.

clear: Normally refers to removing the check from a checkbox.

clicking: Swiftly pressing and releasing a mouse button.

client: Any workstation that connects to another computer’s resources.

clipart: Any image that you can use to add into a document. Clipart comes in many varieties of file types including .CGM, .BMP, .GIF, and .WMF formats.

clipboard: A temporary storage location in Windows. The clipart will store one piece of information at a time when it is manually added to the clipart or is copied there.

close button: The X in the upper right corner of a window. When clicked, it will close the current window.

collapsing: Hiding an additional level of directories beneath the selected directory in My Computer or Windows Explorer.

colour scheme: A selection of colours that the user sees when using Windows. These colours make up the display of applications, dialog boxes, etc.

COM: COM refers to a serial port on which a peripheral is connected to. A COM port is a communications port. Peripherals plugged into COM ports usually include modems and mice.

command: An option form an application’s menu, or a command typed in by the user, such as at a DOS prompt or at the Run dialog box in Windows.

command button: A command button, when clicked, will cause an action to occur.

connection: An established communication session between a server and a workstation.

control menu: Any menu that exists in every window and allows the user to change its settings such as its size and position.

Control Panel: A system utility that comes with Windows that allows the use to change a variety if different Windows and system settings.

conventional memory: Memory located in the first 640K block.

CPU: Central Processing Unit. This is what you may call the "brain" of your computer.

current window: The window that you are using right now.

cursor: The representation of the mouse on-screen. Depending on your settings, the cursor can be many different things.

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- D -

database: A group of files or a single file that is designed to hold recurring data types, just as if the files are lists.

data bits: The number of bits needed to transmit a single piece of information. This number is usually around 7 or 8.

default button: A command button that will activate once the user presses Enter. The default button is recognizable by a dark outline around it.

default printer: The printer that will print documents automatically if a different printer is not specified beforehand.

desktop: The area of the screen where windows are displayed.

dialog box: A message box that appears on-screen that asks the user for input or relays information to the user.

Dial-up Networking: Using a modem to dial into a remote site network.

DIMM (Dual In-line Memory Module): A module on which RAM is packaged. DIMM’s can be used individually on a Pentium motherboard.

Disk Defragmenter: A Windows tool that organizes blocks of information on your hard drive to shorten the time it takes to read certain files.

docking station: An external device for use with laptop computers that provides additional options for the laptop. These include a full screen monitor, a mouse, an extra disk drive, serial ports, and many other options as well.

document: A file created by an application.

DOS: Disk Operating System. DOS refers to any Disk Operating System such as MS-DOS and PC-DOS.

double-click: Swiftly pressing the same mouse button twice, while keeping the mouse pointer stationary.

download: Retrieving a file from a BBS, an FTP site, or a remote computer.

drag: Holding the mouse button down while moving it to a different position on screen.

drag and drop: When you click your mouse once and an object and hold it, while simultaneously moving that item to a different location.

DRAM (Dynamic RAM): The standard main memory type in most of today’s computers. DRAM is stored with information as a series or charges in a capacitor.

DriveSpace: DriveSpace is a program that comes with Windows that gives the user a number of options dealing with disk drives. These options include mounting and unmounting a drive, compressing and decompressing a drive, checking how much space is left on a disk drive and so on.

drop-down list: A dialog box such as a File menu that contains one command until it is clicked when a number of different commands "drop-down."

dual-boot: A dual-boot system is one that when booted, will give the user a choice to boot into either of two operating systems.

Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM): A module on which RAM is packaged. DIMM’s can be used individually on a Pentium motherboard.

Dynamic RAM (DRAM): The standard main memory type in most of today’s computers. DRAM is stored with information as a series or charges in a capacitor.

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- E -

EDO RAM (Extended-Data-Out RAM)

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- F -

fiber optic: A kind of cable that transmits information through light signals.

file allocation table (FAT): A DOS file system that uses a file allocation table to store information locations, sizes, and properties of files saved on the disk.

file name: The name that an operating system gives to a file when it is stored to a disk.

file name extension: A three letter extension after a file name tell you what type of file it its. For example, WORD.DOC is a Word file whose file name extensions is .DOC.

font: A description of how a certain set of characters should be displayed.

folder: A folder represents a directory on disk drives. They can contain files, other folders, and programs.

FPM RAM (Fast Page-Mode RAM): FPR RAM was the type or RAM found in all PC’s before the invention of EDO RAM.

Fast Page-Mode RAM (FPM RAM): FPR RAM was the type or RAM found in all PC’s before the invention of EDO RAM.

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- H -

help: A program that gives you information on how to use Windows and will assist you with any problems you may have as well.

hidden file: A file that is not visible in Windows Explorer is known as a hidden file. However, you can view these in Windows by changing a setting under Options from the View menu.

host drive: The physical hard drive where DriveSpace compressed volume files exist.
hub: A passive or active multiport repeater or wiring concentrator.

hue: A numerical depiction of a colour which is part of a colour wheel.

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- I -

I-beam: An I-beam (I) is a symbol that appears over places where text can be entered.

icon: A graphic representation of a file, folder, shortcut, program, etc.

import: To bring in an object.

inactive window: A window that is open but is not active.

insertion point: A vertical flashing line that shows the user where text will be inserted.

interface: The visible layer which allows a user to communicate with a computer.

Internetwork Packet Exchange (IPX): A network protocol created by Novell to address packets of data from ultimate destination and source nodes located on a LAN networked with NetWare.

interoperability: The ability for equipment to work together.

Interrupt Request Line (IRQ): A conductor (line) on the internal bus of the computer which can tell the CPU to process certain data.

I/O address: Input/Output address.

IPX (Internetwork Packet Exchange): A network protocol created by Novell to address packets of data from ultimate destination and source nodes located on a LAN networked with NetWare.

IRQ (Interrupt request line): A conductor (line) on the internal bus of the computer which can tell the CPU to process certain data.

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- J -

jumpers: Small devices that act as switches between two pins of a multi-pin header.

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): JPEG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group. JPEG is a committee that created a method for storing photographs on computers. Photographs on the WWW (World Wide Web) are usually in either JPEG or GIF format.

Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG): JPEG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group. JPEG is a committee that created a method for storing photographs on computers. Photographs on the WWW (World Wide Web) are usually in either JPEG or GIF format.

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- K -

kernel: Responsible for basic process and input/output execution. Also called the core of an operating system.

kernel driver: A hardware driver.

keyboard buffer: Memory where keystrokes are stored.

keyboard shortcut: A combination of keystrokes that, when pressed, will perform a certain action.

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- L -

L2 Cache (Level 2 Cache): A separate memory area configured with SRAM. The function of a L2 Cache is to stand between DRAM and the CPU.

Level 2 Cache (L2 Cache): A separate memory area configured with SRAM. The function of a L2 Cache is to stand between DRAM and the CPU.

license: An agreement that you either agreed to or were assumed to have agreed to with most software titles. When you installed Windows , you agreed to the license.

linked object: Data which is stored in a document that was originally from another application.

list box: A dialog box that shows all available options.

local printer: The printer which is directly connected to the computer.

local reboot: The ability that Windows has to close down a single application that is causing a problem without affecting other running programs.

logical drive: A logical drive is an extension of an existing drive. For example, you may have a hard drive that takes up more than one drive letter due to its size. A logical drive is the part of that hard drive which is not the main letter, but still part of it. Data from all logical drives is read from the same drive.

long file name: Windows ’s ability to use file names up to 256 characters long.

LPT: A parallel port in which the printer is connected to.

luminosity: Refers to the brightness of a colour.

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- M -

macro
A series of keystrokes and mouse clicks that can be abbreviated into a single keystroke or mouse click.

map network drive: Associating a network drive. Doing this will have the drive appear in My Computer.

maximize (button): To make a window appear at its largest possible size. In Windows applications, the maximize button is a square in the top right corner of the window.

menu: A list of command options that are available.

menu bar: Displays the names of all the menus available. Located under the title bar.

menu command: A command from a menu that will perform an action when clicked.

microprocessor: A miniature-sized processor.

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface): A connection of electronic instruments. Basically, it’s a digital sound file that can read electronic notes to play music.

Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI): A connection of electronic instruments. Basically, it’s a digital sound file that can read electronic notes to play music.

minimize (button): To make a window disappear from the screen and move down to the taskbar. The minimize button in Windows applications is an underscore (_) in the top right corner of the window.

modem: A device, usually connected to a serial port of a computer, that transmits data over regular phone lines. Modem stands modulator\demodulator ; it converts a digital stream of data into sound for transmission (modulator) and converts incoming sound signals into data (demodulator).

motion JPEG: Created by the Joint Photograph Experts Group, motion JPEG is a compression/decompression program for video files.

mouse pointer: A symbol that represents mouse movement. When you move your mouse, the mouse pointer will move on the screen accordingly.

MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group): MPEG stands for the Motion Picture Experts. MPEG is a compression/decompression program for movie and animation files.

MS-DOS: Microsoft Disk Operating System.

MS-DOS based application: An application that does not require Windows and would normally run on a DOS based machine. Most DOS based applications have no problem running under Windows ’s DOS box.

multimedia: A collection of, but not limited to, animations, sounds, graphics, movies, and so on. Multimedia literally means "more than one type of media."

multitasking: The possibility of an operating system to efficiently manage more than one task at a time.

My Computer: An icon which appears on the Desktop of all Windows users. My Computer allows users to access disk drives, view and manage files and folders, and access other areas of Windows such as the Control Panel and the Printers screen.

My Briefcase: My Briefcase is an item that Windows users have an option to keep it on their Desktop or not. My Computer gives portable users a way to bring data along with them as they travel.

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- N -

NetBIOS: A protocol developed by IBM and Sytek that provides users several networking functions.

Network Interface Card (NIC): A card that is connected to the bus of a computer that is used to interface to a LAN.

Network Neighbourhood: Network Neighbourhood is a utility that users of Windows and NT can access only if they are part of a network. It allows the user view all resources available on their network.

NIC (Network interface Card): A card that is connected to the bus of a computer that is used to interface to a LAN.

null modem: A null modem link is a serial link to another computer directly through the use of a cable.

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- O -

object: An item that can be linked to another Windows application that supports OLE.

Object Linking and Embedding (OLE): A program for data sharing that allows two non-compatible applications to work together when creating the document that is to be shared.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers): The term OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturers. This refers to equipment or software that was provided, and not purchased by the user.

OLE Automation: The ability of a server application to make its own objects available for use in a macro language with another application.

OLE (Object Linking and Embedding): A program for data sharing that allows two non-compatible applications to work together when creating the document that is to be shared.

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM): The term OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturers. This refers to equipment or software that was provided, and not purchased by the user.

offline: A device is said to be "offline" when it is not ready to accept input.

online: A device is said to be "online" when it is ready to accept input.

option button: An item in a dialog box that allows the user to select only one option from a group of options.

orientation: The setting in which a page will be printed. For example, portrait orientation will print normally, and landscape orientation will print the page sideways.

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- P -

palette: A collection or group of tools.

pane: A distinct area of a window.

paragraph formatting: Refers to the format style of an entire paragraph in a word processing program. This includes font, indention, alignment, spacing, margins, bulleting and so on.

parallel port: A port that has a parallel transmission rate of 8 bits at one time.

parity: A fragment of data added to each byte of transmitted or stored data.

partition: A section of a hard drive that acts as a separate disk, even though it is not.

path: The location of a file in the directory tree.

PB SRAM (Pipeline Burst SRAM): PB RAM uses pipelining, in which SRAM requests within the burst are executed almost on an instantaneous basis.

PC cards (Formerly PCMCIA cards): Small, credit card sized cards that plug into slots of a laptop computer. These cards can be modems, memory, sound, networking, hard drives and so on.

picon: A still picture, usually a bitmap, that is the first frame of a video clip.

PIF: A type of file that gives Windows with information so it can run a non-windows program.

Pipeline Burst SRAM (PB SRAM)

pixels: Picture elements.

play list: A list of tracks that will be played from an audio CD in CD Player.

plug and play: A capability of Windows that will automatically detect new hardware and peripherals automatically. If you install a new piece of hardware, Windows will automatically detect it, identify it, and read from it the next time you restart Windows .

pointer: The on-screen symbol that represents mouse movement.

port: A socket or connection that connects devices to a computer.

port replicator: A device for portable computers that will allow all bus lines to be available externally.

Postoffice: The machine where all mail messages will be stored for a workgroup.

Postproduction editing: The process of adding animated overlays, special effects and more to a video production once it has been completed.

Postscript: A language created by Adobe that will precisely read graphics and fonts.

primary partition: A partition of a hard drive that can contain an operating system and cannot be subpartitioned. A primary partition drive is the only type of drive that is bootable.

printer driver: A program in Windows that tells different programs how to specifically format data for a certain type of printer.

printer font: A font that is stored in the ROM of a printer.

printer settings window: A window that displays all printers which contain drivers that have been identified by Windows. From here, you can configure any printer you want, with a large group of options available for each printer.

printer window: A window that displays the status of the current print job for the current printer. From here you can cancel, pause, or restart a print job.

processor: A regulating device inside a computer that interprets and executes instructions. The processor controls most major functions of any computer, and also performs computations.

program file: A program that does not use an association and runs an application directly.

program window: A window that displays a program, and that program’s documents.

properties dialog box (properties sheet): In Windows , a properties dialog box is a box that displays the properties of a certain item, and may allow the user to change its properties directly from there.

proportional font: A proportional font is a font whose width varies depending on the individual characters.

QIC: The standard formatting method for most tape backup machines.

queue: A list of documents that are waiting to be printed that can be viewed from the printer window.

quick format: A quick and easy method of formatting a floppy disk. Simply erasing the root directory and file allocation table (FAT) of a disk, and not checking for flaws does this.

QuickTime: A unique compression/decompression scheme for animation files developed by Apple that is compatible with both Macintosh and Windows.
RAM (Random Access Memory): Physical memory that is located in a computer. Windows requires 8 million bytes of RAM (8 M of RAM), but is recommended to be on a system with at least 16M of RAM.

Random Access Memory (RAM): Physical memory that is located in a computer. Windows requires 8 million bytes of RAM (8 M of RAM), but is recommended to be on a system with at least 16M of RAM.

Raster font: A font whose characters are stored and read as pixels.

Read-only: A characteristic of a file which allows it to be only opened and viewed, and cannot be edited.

Recycle Bin: An icon on your desktop in Windows . The Recycle Bin is similar to the trash can of Apple systems. To delete an item, simply drag it to the Recycle Bin. Here, the Recycle Bin will hide the item from view, but won’t erase it. This allows you to restore that item if you’d like.

Registry: A configuration, information database that comes with Windows . The registry contains program information, associations, hardware information and so on.

Registry Editor: A program that comes with Windows that allows the user to edit the registry.

Repeater: A bus network device that amplifies or repeats bits of data received from one port, and sends each bit to another port.
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- S -

SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory)

SGRAM (Synchronous graphics RAM)

SIMM (Single In-line Memory Module)

Single In-line Memory Module (SIMM)

SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)

Static Random Access Memory (SRAM)

Sync SRAM (Synchronous burst SRAM)

Synchronous Burst SRAM (Sync SRAM)

Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM): Ram that can handle bus speeds of up to 100 MHz. SDRAM allows two pages of memory to be opened at the same time. It is also synchronized with the system clock.

Synchronous graphics RAM (SGRAM)

- T -

TAPI (Telephone Applications Programming Interface): Telephone Applications Programming Interface, or TAPI, allows a program to work independently with a modem without accessing the modem hardware directly.

Telephone Applications Programming Interface (TAPI): Telephone Applications Programming Interface, or TAPI, allows a program to work independently with a modem without accessing the modem hardware directly.

Taskbar: A bar that usually runs at the bottom of Windows which shows all tasks that are currently being run. The Start button is usually on the left side of the Taskbar. A clock is usually on the right side of the Taskbar. The Taskbar can be moved to any edge of the screen, and the clock and Start button can be removed if desired.

task list: A list of applications that are currently running. Windows users can access the Task list by pressing Alt + Tab.

text box: A section of a dialog box where characters can be entered in order to carry out a command.

text file: A file containing nothing other than text.

thumbnail: A small representation of a graphic. A thumbnail is significantly smaller than the real sized graphic, and is usually used to get to the real sized graphic.

thread: A chunk of a program.

tile: To reduce and reposition all windows so each one can be seen on-screen at the same time.

time slice: A quick period of time in which a program is given to access the processor.

time-out: A quick period of time in which a driver or device must stop performing the current action, and contact the operating system.

title bar: A bar at the top of most windows that displays the title of each window.

toolbar: A group of option buttons in some programs that usually make performing certain actions quicker and easier.

TrueType font: A font system created by Microsoft that makes using fonts simpler and easier. TrueType fonts are able to work in all Windows environments. There are hundreds of TrueType fonts to choose from.

- U -

UNC (Universal Naming Convention): Universal Naming Convention, or UNC, is the ability of one computer to access, view, and even edit files from another machine without having to assign a drive letter to it on itself.

Unimodem: A universal modem driver that comes with Windows by Microsoft.

uninstall: To uninstall a program is to completely remove all files of that program and all associated files in other directories. Simply deleting files from a program’s main directory will not remove all of its files. Uninstalling the program will.

Universal Naming Convention (UNC): Universal Naming Convention, or UNC, is the ability of one computer to access, view, and even edit files from another machine without having to assign a drive letter to it on itself.

unprintable area: The area around the edges of paper that a printer is not capable of printing on.

upload: To send a file to a remote computer, BBS, or FTP site.
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- V -

Vcache: A 32-bit replacement for Windows of the older SmartDrive that run under previous version of Windows and DOS. Vcache will dynamically allocate itself and can speed up your hard drive and CD-ROM. Vcache uses more advanced caching methods to do this.

vector font: A vector font is a font that uses connected points to create characters.

Video for windows: A group of protocols and utilities for Windows that establishes full-motion video.

Virtual memory: Virtual memory will temporarily assemble extra RAM by use of permanent media.

Virus: A computer program, usually made to be spread from computer to computer, that is intended to either annoy the user, or cause harm to his or her computer. Viruses can simply place annoying messages on-screen, or re-format the users hard drive causing a 100% loss of all data on the hard disk.

ViSCA: A protocol that allows up to seven video devices to be connected together and hooked up to a single serial port.

Volume: A formatted disk partition that is available for an operating system to use.

Volume label: The identification of a diskette or volume.

VRAM (Video RAM)

WAV file: A .WAV file is a digitized sound file.

Web browser: A program that allows the user to view information from the Internet and access web sites.

What’s This?: A feature that is new to Windows that allows the user to view a description of what a certain item it.

Windows RAM (WRAM)

Word wrap: The ability of a word processor to move text of a sentence that does not fit on one line of the page to the next line possible.

Workgroup: A group of PC’s that are networked together to do work that users normally would do together.

WRAM (Windows RAM)

X coordinate: The exact position of an item relative to the left side of the screen. When the item is closer to the right side of the screen, the X coordinate number will increase.

Xmodem: Used by DOS applications, Xmodem is an error-correcting protocol and other communications programs.
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- Y -

Y coordinate: The exact position of an item relative to the bottom of the screen. When you move closer to the top of the screen, the y coordinate number will increase.

Ymodem: A form of Xmodem that has the capability to run batch file transfers.
Zmodem: A streaming protocol that is a quick way to transfer data.

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>> Computer Repairs & Computer Tune-Ups >> New Custom-Built Computer Systems >> Used Computer Systems >> Private Tutoring >> Virus Removal >> SpyWare Removal >> Data Recovery

>> Computer Repairs & Computer Tune-Ups
>> New Custom-Built Computer Systems
>> Used Computer Systems
>> Private Tutoring
>> Virus Removal
>> SpyWare Removal
>> Data Recovery