Computer users often seem to use a language all their own. The following is a partial basic glossary of contemporary computer terminology for the modern age. It includes words used for word-processing, spread sheet applications, graphics programs, publishing programs, computer virus protection programs, research computers, and Internet information, printers, and others.

New initiates to computer use should have basic information on disk and computer care. Simply, disks should never be bent; never be exposed for long periods to direct sunlight or heat or extreme cold; never be placed on top of transformers or surge protectors or places where electrical energy flows (as that can erase the contents of the disk); never be exposed to dust or water; never be brought near magnets and magnetized surfaces (as that erases the magnetism which actually holds the information on the disk); and never be touched on the actual disk surface (as that can disturb the information stored there).

Computers should be protected likewise from all the above. To exit a computer program, make sure that you exit all programs until you get to the C prompt. Incorrect exiting of a computer may cause problems upon re-entering a program.

Other terms are being added to this even now, so you are welcome to update this list as needed. Merely pass the suggestion on to the assistant in the computer lab.

The terms are alphabetized and generally defined. Copies may be made available to interested students.

(This material for the S.S.C.C. English Computer Lab and The Writing Center has been collated from a number of sources. Revised 1998. South Seattle Community College.)

A-drive: The disk drive on which the computer disk is usually put.

absolute reference: A cell reference that contains a dollar sign before the column letter and/or row number to indicate the absolute, or fixed, contents of specific cells. For example, the formula $A$1 + $B$1 calculates only the sum of these specific cells. (spreadsheet application)

access: To get information from something, such as a disk or an information service

active cell: The cell in which you are working, indicated by the current location of the cell pointer.

active file: Any file that has been launched or otherwise loaded into memory and is currently running. An active application is represented by a small icon in the upper right corner of the menu bar.

address: The location of a specific cell or range expressed by the coordinates of column and row; for example, A1. (spreadsheet application)

adventure game: A type of computer game that places you in a fantastic or fantasy situation and challenges you to reason (and react) your way out of simulated trouble into simulated wealth or happiness.

alignment: The horizontal placement of cell contents, for example: left, center, or right. (spreadsheet application)

anchors: Cells listed in a range address, for example, in the formula = SUM(A1:A15), A1 and A15 are anchors. (spreadsheet application)

application software: Any computer program or software designed for a particular purpose, such as home finance, education, graphic design, telecommunication, database management, or word-processing.

area chart: A line chart in which each area is given a solid color or pattern to emphasize the relationships between the pieces of charted information. (spreadsheet application)

argument: A value, range of cells, or text used in a macro or function. an argument is enclosed in parentheses; for example =SUM (A1 B1). (spreadsheet application)

arithmetic operator: A symbol used in formulas, such as + or -, to perform calculations. (spreadsheet application)

arrow keys: The keys in the lower-right corner of the keyboard; in many applications, you use the arrow keys (or "cursor keys") to move the cursor or insertion point in the direction indicated by the arrow.

art application: An application program that gives you special tools for drawing, drafting, or painting on the computer screen.

attributes: The styling features such as bold, italics, and underlining that can be applied to cell contents. (spreadsheet application)

auto-format: A feature that provides preset schemes that can be applied to instantly format a range. EXCEL comes with 16 AutoFormats, which include colors, fonts and numeric formatting--for example. (spreadsheet application)

auto-repeat: The automatic repetition of the keys on the keyboard. If you hold one key down, the computer will keep generating that character automatically until you release the key.

backspace: A key on the keyboard which moves left and erases whatever is to the left of it.

backup copy: A copy of the contents of a disk made for safe-keeping. Backing up of files ensures that you will not lose information if the original files become lost or damaged.

balloon help: This is a feature which displays an on-screen description of an object on the screen, such as an icon or an option in a dialogue box. You turn balloons on and off by using the Show Balloons and Hide Balloons commands under the Help menu of the Finder. The Help menu is represented by a balloon icon containing a question mark in the upper right corner of the menu bar.

bar chart: The bar chart displays information as a series of horizontal bars. (spreadsheet application)

bit: Contraction of the words "binary" and "digit". The smallest item of useful information a computer can handle, usually represented by a 1 or a 0. Eight bits equal one byte.

boot: Start up. To load an application from a disk into the memory of the computer. In computer jargon, starting up is "booting".

bug: An error in an application program or a problem with hardware.

C-drive: This usually refers to the hard disk drive inside the computer.

CAD: (Computer-Aided Design) This refers to various software programs which allow various types of engineers, inventors, architects and others to create and design blueprints on a computer.

Cancel Button: The button pictured with an "X" on it, located on the formula bar. The Cancel button removes the changes made to the contents of the active cell and restores the previous cell contents. (spreadsheet application)

Caps Lock key: A key that can lock into place so that letters you type will come out capitalized. Caps Lock doesn't affect non-alphabetic keys (such as punctuation and symbols). To access these, you must still press the Shift key (on either side of the key board).

card: A circuit board that you can install in a slot inside the computer to expand the computer's memory or give it the means to communicate with a peripheral device.

carriage return (CR): A non-printing character that tells the computer or printer to end one line of text and start another. Carriage returns are used to end paragraphs. Even though you can't see them, you can delete carriage returns the same way you delete other characters.

CD-ROM: A compact disk on which a large amount of digitized read-only data can be stored. This stands for "compact disc read-only memory".

cell: The intersection of a row and a column in a spreadsheet ledger. A cell can hold a number, a label, a function, or a formula.

cell address: Unique location identified by intersecting column and row coordinates. (spreadsheet application)

cell pointer: A highlighted rectangle around a cell that indicates the active cell. (spreadsheet application)

cell reference: The address or name of a specific cell. Cell references may be used in formulas and are relative or absolute. (spreadsheet application)

central processing unit (CPU): The "brain" of the computer. This is the microprocessor that actually performs the computations in machine language. Some people use the term "CPU" to refer to the entire component--namely the computer--that includes the central processing unit.

character: A letter, number or other symbol.

chart: A graphic representation of selected worksheet information. Types include 2-D and 3-D column, bar, pie, area and line charts.

chart title: The name assigned to a chart.

Chart Wizard: A feature on EXCEL that provides a series of dialogue boxes that help create or modify a chart.

check box: A square box in a dialogue box that you click to turn an option on or off.

choose: To pick a command from a menu. Usually you choose a command after selecting something for the computer to act on.

circuitry: A network of wires, integrated circuits, resistors, and other electronic devices and connections, over which electrical impulses travel.

CLEAR key: A key on the numeric keypad which works the same way that Control-X does in a particular application. This helps clear the numbers. A command used to erase a cell's contents, formatting or both (in spreadsheet applications).

click: To position the pointer on an object on the screen, then press and quickly release the mouse button.

clipboard: A temporary storage area for cut or copied data and graphics. You can paste the contents of the Clipboard into a file or worksheet. The clipboard holds the information until you cut or copy another piece of data or graphic.

close: A command that puts a file away but keeps the program you're in open so that you can continue to work.

color monitor: A display device that lets you display text and graphics in color.

column: 1) text-based applications, a way of designing the number of characters that fit on the computer's display. A column is one character wide.

2) In spread sheet applications, a column is a vertical arrangement of cells.

column chart: The default chart type in EXCEL. This column chart displays information as a series of vertical columns.

column selector button: The gray box containing the column letter above the column.

command: A word or character that causes the computer to do something. A command is a request or directions given to a computer.

COMMAND key: The key on the keyboard marked with both the outline of an apple and a propeller symbol (on Macs). When pressed in conjunction (together) with another key, the Command key makes the other key behave differently. The Command key has no effect if it is pressed alone.

computer: An electronic device that performs pre-defined or programmed computations at a high speed and with great accuracy; a machine that is used to store, transfer, and transform information.

computer system: A collective term for a computer and everything attached to it--printer, monitor, CD ROM drives, disk drives, scanners, microphones, and what-not.

contrast knob: This is a control on your video display that lets you adjust the contrast between light and dark on the screen.

Control key: A key on the keyboard that, when pressed in conjunction with another key, makes the other key behave differently. This Control key has no effect if it is pressed alone.

control panel: A program that lets you change various features, such as sound, mouse, movement and keyboard options.

copy: A command that copies the selected information and places it on the clipboard.

copy-protect: (write-protect) To make it difficult for someone to duplicate the contents of a disk by either covering over a tab or moving a small button on the back top left of a 3.5" disk to the "lock" position (leaving a square hole at the top of the disk).

crash: When a system, computer or program fails, this is called a crash.

cryptography: The encoding of information on a computer so that others may not access such data.

cursor: A blinking underline, rectangle, box, line or other symbol that marks you place on the screen. It shows you where your next action will take place. This is called an "insertion point".

cursor keys: The keys (usually called "arrow keys") in the lower-right corner of the keyboard. In many applications, you use these keys to move the cursor or insertion point in the direction indicated by the arrow.

cut: To remove text or graphics from a document by using the Cut command. The most recent "clipping" is stored on the Clipboard of the computer so that you can paste it somewhere else if you wish.

cut and paste: To move something from one place in a document to another. Cutting and pasting is the computer equivalent of using scissors to clip something and glue to paste the clipping somewhere else.

cybercash: The term which refers "money in cyberspace" or rather to the possibility of someday converting to a system of using computers to record each individual's cash holdings vs. the use of coinage and paper money.

cyberspace: A term which refers to an indefinite place in which computer messages, files, communications, and such exist--inside the magnetized disks, in computer hard drives, and in transmission--over phone lines. This is seen as a "virtual" place, which is not fully real.

This was a term originally coined by William Gibson, a science fiction writer, when he wanted to find a name to describe the "virtual space" in a global computer network linking all people, machines and sources of information.

data: Information, especially raw or unprocessed information.

database application: A type of application that helps you keep track of lists of information. Database applications make it easy to recall and update information and to create reports of subsets of information.

data disk: A disk that contains your work--letters, budget, pictures, and so on.

data marker: Visible representation of a data point, such as a column or pie slice (in spreadsheet applications).

data point: Individual piece of data plotted in a chart. (in spreadsheet applications).

data series: The selected range in a worksheet that EXCEL converts into a graphic and displays as a chart. (in spreadsheet applications).

default setting: Most programs have default settings which automatically provide certain information or guidelines or parameters for a certain program. The computer automatically uses these settings unless directed otherwise.

delete: A command that removes cell contents from a worksheet. Delete also merely means to erase certain information, as from a file.

desk top: This refers to the information on the (active) screen or the file(s) which the computer user has called up and is working on.

dialogue box: A window that displays when you choose a command whose name is followed by an ellipses (...). A dialogue box allows you to make selections that determine how the command affects the selected area.

directory: This is a "table of contents" of the contents of a disk drive, a disk, or file server.

disk drive light: A light, usually on the front of a disk drive, that comes on when the drive is loading information from a disk or storing information on a disk. Sometimes, this is called an "in-use light." When the light is on, it is not safe to insert or remove disks from the disk drive.

diskette: a 3.5 inch storage medium, also known as a floppy, which can be 800 kilobytes or 1.4 megabytes in storage capacity

display: A general term used to describe what you see on your screen when you're using a computer. This may include video effects, tables, letters, or numbers.

document: A discrete collection of information you create with a computer program, including memos, pictures, budgets, text, and so on.

dot-matrix printer: A mid-level printer which users a series of dots to create the text and pictures on "hard copy" or paper copies of files.

double-click: To position the pointer where you want an action to take place, and then press and release the mouse button twice in quick succession without moving the mouse.

down load: To take information off of the Internet or from other sources.

drag: To position the pointer on something, press and hold the mouse button, move the mouse, and then release the mouse button. When you release the mouse button, you either highlight a selection or move an object to a new location.

drag and drop: A way of moving or copying cells, rows, and columns by dragging the data with the mouse to a new worksheet location.

drill-and-practice application: A type of educational application that presents information, tests your memory retention of the material, and gives feedback based on your answers. (in spreadsheet applications)

drive: A mechanism in a computer or an area of a network used for retrieving and storing files. Personal computers usually have one hard disk drive labeled C and two drives labeled A and B that read removable floppy disks.

dummy column or row: Blank column or row included at the end of a range that enables a formula to adjust when columns or rows are added or deleted. (in spreadsheet applications)

edit: Add, delete or change the contents of a cell or worksheet or file.

Edit menu: A menu in most mouse-based programs that lists editing commands such as Copy, Cut, and Paste.

eject: To remove a disk from a disk drive.

electronic mail (e-mail): Messages sent over telephone lines to computer through modems.

electronic spreadsheet: A computer program that performs calculations on data and organizes information. A spreadsheet is divided into columns and rows that form individual cells.

ellipses: A series of dots (...) following a command, indicating that more choices are available through a dialog box.

Enter key or Enter button: A key on the numeric keypad that confirms a choice or tells a program you're ready to proceed. In most cases, the Return key also serves this function.

The Enter button is used to confirm an entry into an active cell. (in spreadsheet applications)

error message: A message that appears on the computer screen to alert you to a failure in the communication process.

ESC key: A key used in many applications to get back to a menu or cancel a procedure that is in progress. "ESC" is an abbreviation for "escape". This is usually located in the top left of your keyboard.

exploding pie slice: A slice of a pie chart (for statistics) that has been pulled away from a pie to add emphasis. (in spreadsheet applications)

extension: Software programs that expand the capabilities of system software. They include drivers which make it possible for the computer to use a certain printer or other device and programs that add features to the Finder or the system software.

external drive: A hard drive or removable cartridge drive that is not housed within the body of a computer.

fax: (short for "facsimile" which means a copy) A method or machine device for transmitting documents, drawings, photographs, or the like by telephone or radio for exact reproduction elsewhere; an exact copy or reproduction so transmitted.

field: A category of information in a database document. If your database is an address book, for example, "name" and "address" will be two of the fields.

file: A collection of information stored on a disk--either information created by a user or pre-recorded information.

File menu: A menu in mouse-based applications that lists commands that affect whole documents, such as Open, Save, Print, and Quit.

filename: The name you give your file or document before you save it on a disk. This name should help you identify and retrieve this file.

file server: A centralized computer software program which "serves" various files and computer programs to a number of computers on a network.

file system: A system for organizing the sections on a disk so that your application can keep track of where data is stored. You must initialize any disks you'll be using with a particular application for use with that application's file system.

fill down: A command that duplicates the contents of the selected cell sin the range selected below the cell pointer.

fill handle: Small square in the lower-right corner of the active cell used to copy cell contents. (in spreadsheet applications)

fill right: A command that duplicates the contents of the selected cells in the range selected to the right of the cell pointer. (in spreadsheet applications)

5.25-inch disk: A disk which is 5.25 inches in diameter, with a storage capacity of 143 K (the equivalent of about 70 pages of text).

folder: An icon that represents a sub-directory. Folders give you a visual representation of the way you can group related documents together on a disk.

font: Complete set of characters in one design, size, and style. The name given to a collection of characters with a specific design. Hundreds of styles are available.

footer: Text that appears at the bottom of every page or every other page in a document.

format: The physical division of space on a disk into sections--where information can be stored. A disk's format is established as part of the initialization process.

40-column display: A text mode in which 40 characters per line (rather than 80) are displayed on the screen.

formula: A set of instructions that you enter in a cell to perform numeric calculations (adding, multiplying, averaging, etc.); for example, +A1+B1. (in spreadsheet applications)

formula bar: The rectangular area, above the worksheet window, that displays a cell's contents, including numbers, text, and formulas, when you click a cell. You can use the formula bar to enter and edit data in the active cell.

function: A built-in formula that you can use in spread sheet application to calculate an average, a square root, a total, and so on.

function key: A key that tells an application to carry out a particular activity or function (e.g. print a document, save a document, etc.). Some applications use the number keys on the numeric keypad as function keys.

garbage: The garbled symbols and signs which a computer sometimes puts out after a computer error.

graphics: Information presented in the form of pictures or images or drawings.

graphics application: Any application program in which you work with graphics. Examples are art applications, business graphics applications, clip-art applications, desk-top or newspaper publishing.

GRAPHICS FILE FORMATS:

MacPaint: Named after the first Mac paint program, this format holds bit-maps at 72DPI, and is limited to a single 8x10 inch vertically-oriented page. MacPaint saves in this format, and several other applications can also: Digital Darkroom, PixelPant, SuperPaint, and others.

PICT: Although PICT suggests an acronym, it isn't. PICT is the oldest generic file format on the Mac. It can hold a mix of bit-maps and objects. PICT objects and bit-maps can be any of eight colors: white, black, cyan, magenta, yellow, red, green and blue.

The PICT format can hold bit-maps with resolutions greater than 72DPI, but some programs may convert high-resolution bit-maps back to 72DPI. Suitable for medium-quality line art and low-resolution bit-maps. When graphics are copied to the clipboard, they are usually converted to PICT format.

PICT 2: This format is an extension of the original PICT version, and has two subtypes: a 16-million color version commonly called 24-bit PICT2, and the more prevalent 8-bit PICT2, which can hold up to 256 colors. Color palettes can be saved with PICT2 formatted graphics for importation into programs that can understand them. PICT2 is the preferred format for presentation graphics.

TIFF: Tag Image File Format: This is the most flexible and reliable method for storing bit-mapped images in various resolutions, shades of gray and color. It cannot, however, store object-oriented images. TIFF was created specifically for storing gray-scale data, and it is the standard for scanned images such as photographs. TIFF has three subtypes.

Monochrome TIFF stores only black and white images. Gray-Scale TIFF can hold 256 shades of gray and Color TIFF can hold up to 16.8 million colors. Although TIFF is considered to be a graphics standard, some programs save TIFF files with subtle variations that are overlooked by other applications capable of dealing with TIFF files, effectively limiting the file to the program used to create it. The European standards committee, the CCITT, is working on a proposed new TIFF standard that will be recognized worldwide. (It was released in 1993.)

EPS: Encapsulated PostScript: This is a popular format for storing object-oriented artwork. It can also store bit-maps, but bit-mapped EPS files are usually huge, in terms of disk space. EPS has two subtypes: ASCII text format and Binary format.

An EPS file usually contains two versions of the graphic. 1) The main image is a resolution independent PostScript (text) description of printing on a PostScript printer. 2) The second is a low-resolution bit-mapped PICT preview that can be displayed quickly on screen. This double image scheme enables page-layout programs to import, crop, rotate and scale high quality EPS images while using the quick rendering PICT portion to provide feedback for the user. If the EPS file has no corresponding PICT preview, the graphic will appear as a shaded square on the computer screen.

PostScript: A PostScript file is a pure text file that contains a description of the image, without the PICT image that EPS offers. When a PostScript file is sent to a PostScript printer, the printer interprets the instructions in the file to create the objects as they will appear on the page after printing.

PICS: A PICS file is essentially a collection of PICT or PICT2 bit-maps in a sequential order, much like movie frames. It's the storage standard for programs that can create animation, such as MacroMedia Director and Adobe Premiere. It's also an output option for 3-D applications such as MacroMedia's Swivel 3D, Specular's Infini-D, and DynaWare's DynaPerspective, for example--that can animate objects or viewpoints to product sophisticated action, simulations and structural fly-throughs. PICS files can be huge, depending on their frame size, number of colors and number of frames.

MOOV: This is the file format that is used by QuickTime, Apple's video and animation compression standard. QuickTime is a System Extension that allows Macs running System 6.0.8 or System 7 to utilize the various animation programs that adhere t the QuickTime standard.

There are quite a few programs that use QuickTime: Adobe Premiere, DIVA VideoShop, MacroMedia Director, Passpoer Producer, and AuthorWare Professional, being among the most popular. These programs allow you to mix and edit QuickTime MOOVs, PICS files, captured video segments, and recorded sound files.

There are other graphic file formats that are generated by CAD programs. These are the DXF and IGES formats. Unless you work with CAD programs, you probably will not run into these. They are text descriptions of vectors in a given drawing. Most CAD programs can also save files in many of the formats listed above.

gridlines: Horizontal lines within a chart that make the chart easier to read.

hacker: A person (or persons) or illegally enter or "hack into" computer systems (which are often protected by code words and other systems) in order to steal information.

hard-copy: A printed copy (on paper) of an electronic document.

hard disk: A storage device that can hold much more information than a 3.5 inch disk or a 5.25 inch disk. Unlike a 3.5 inch and 5.25 inch disks, a hard disk is sealed into its drive inside the computer.

hardware: Those parts of the computer system that you can see and touch: the computer, the peripheral devices, the cables used to connect them, and the cords that supply them with power.

header: Text that appears at the top of every page or every other page of a document.

home page: This is the graphic and text which a person or institution or group may set up on the Internet which may be accessed by others. Addresses of other locations may be high-lighted on this page for easy access by "net users" in order to gain information.

home row: The row of keys on the keyboard where the fingers rest when they aren't reaching for other keys. In the standard keyboard layout, the home row contains--from left to right--A, S, D, F, J, K, L, and ;.

initialize: To divide a disk into sections where information can be stored and to write a file system on the disk so that an application can keep track of where data is stored. Disks must be initialized before you can save information on them. Another word for "initialize" is "format".

input: Information traveling into the computer like key presses and mouse moves and clicks. (in general) Information that produces desired results in a work sheet. (in spreadsheet applications)

insertion point: A blinking vertical or horizontal line that marks your place on the screen. The insertion point shows you where your next action will take place. This is also called the "cursor".

integrated software: A group of application programs, usually on one disk, designed to share data.

interface: The way things communicate among each other.

Internet: A series of networks of connected computers which transmit files (graphics, text, others) through telephone wires. This wide area network system (software and interface) system enables people to transmit messages in seconds around the world for a low cost.

jacket: The plastic covering that protects a 5.25 inch disk.

joystick: A peripheral device which allows users to play video games or computer games which demand fast reflexes and decision-making.

justify: To format a page of text so that the left margin, the right margin, or both margins are a constant width for all lines.

K: Abbreviation for "kilobyte". A unit of measure for a computer memory, equaling 1024 bytes.

keyboard: A peripheral device that provides a common way to communicate with the computer. The computer's keyboard looks like the keyboard on a typewriter, but the compute keyboard keys can be programmed for many uses.

keyboard-based application: An application that you control by issuing commands with the keyboard.

keyword: A word you designate when you're entering information into certain kinds of database applications. Later, when you want to retrieve that information, you type the key word.

label command (or volume label): Descriptive text or other information that identifies the rows and columns of a worksheet. Labels are not included in calculations. (in spreadsheet applications)

landscape: Term used to refer to printing across the wider dimension of a page, generally 11" horizontally by 8 1/2" vertically.

laptop: A small portable computer ranging from 10-20 pounds which may be used conveniently on business trips, in classrooms, and in other situations where traditional personal computers may be less efficient.

laser printer: A printer which uses laser to print out words and graphics. This is one of the most sophisticated types of printers today.

Left Arrow Key: A key used in many applications to move the cursor one character to the left. In some applications, the cursor erases characters as it moves to the left.

legend: A key explaining the information represented by colors or patterns in a chart.

line break and feed: The end of a line of text. You can force a line break by pressing "Return", or you can let the application break lines for you.

line chart: A graph of data that is mapped by a series of lines. Line charts show changes in data or categories of data over time and can be used to document trends.

line feed: An advance to the next line, usually in reference to paper movement in the printer.

load: To transfer data or programs into the computer from a disk.

log on: To establish contact with a computerized information service or other remote computer.

main menu: The first menu you see in keyboard-based applications. The main menu presents the application's top level of options.

megabyte (MB): A unit of measure for computer memory; 1 megabyte equals 1,048,576 bytes.

megahertz (MHz): One million cycles per second.

memory: Integrated circuits (chips) that store instructions for the microprocessor.

menu: A list of choices presented by an application.

menu bar: In most mouse-based applications, the horizontal strip at the top of the screen that contains menu titles.

menu title: In mouse-based applications, a word, phrase, or picture in the menu bar that designates one menu. When you point to a menu title and hold down the mouse button, you can see what's in the menu.

mode: A state that determines the computer's behavior.

mode indicator: A box located on the far left of the status bar that informs you of the program's status. For example, when a program is performing a task, the words on the screen will indicate that a function is in progress.

modem: A device in a computer which connects to a telephone line in order to allow the computer to send and receive messages over the telephone lines.

monitor: A peripheral device that displays instructions from the application to you and shows what you've typed into the computer's memory on its screen. A monitor is like a television set without channels.

mouse: The small device which you roll around on a flat surface next to your computer. When you move the mouse, the pointer on the screen moves correspondingly.

mouse button: The button on top of the mouse. You press the mouse button to choose commands from menus or when you want to move items around on the screen.

mouse pointer: An arrow that indicates the current location of the mouse on the desktop. The mouse pointer changes shapes at times depending on the application and task being executed or performed.

name box: The left most area on the formula bar that shows the name or address of the area currently selected. For example, "A1" refers to cell A1 of the current worksheet. (in spreadsheet applications)

network: A group of computers linked together so that their users can share information and peripheral devices.

number format: A format applied to values to express numeric concepts, such as currency, date, and percent. (in spreadsheet applications)

numeric keypad: The number keys on the right side of the keyboard that are laid out like the keys on an adding machine. In most cases, you can use these keys interchangeably with the number keys on the top row of the keyboard. Some programs use the numeric keypad as special function keys.

object: A chart or graphic image that can be moved and re-sized and contains handles when selected.

on-line: To get "on-line" means to open a line of communications into the Internet.

on-line help: Information that is available on the computer display.

operating system: A set of programs that, among other things, controls the way information is loaded into memory, the way the computer works with that information, the way information is stored on a disk, and the way the computer communicates with a printer and other peripheral (side) devices.

OPTION key: A key that, when pressed in conjunction with another key, creates a special effect.

output: Information traveling out of the computer. Or, this could be the end result of a work sheet.

paste: A command that moves information on the Clipboard to a new location.

paste special: A command that enables you to paste formulas as values, styles or cell contents.

peripheral device: A device that is connected to the printer, such as a printer or modem or scanner.

pie charts: A circular chart that displays data as slices of a pie. A pie chart is useful for showing the relationship of parts to a whole; pie slices can be pulled away or exploded from the pie for emphasis.

place: A command in a publishing program to locate a certain text, picture, graphic or symbol at a certain location. This is similar to a "move" command in word-processing.

point size: This refers to the physical size of text, measured in points. One inch equals 72 points.

pointer: In mouse-based applications, a market moves across the screen when you move the mouse across your desk.

port: A port is a location usually at the back of the computer through which certain things may be connected such as a joystick or other device.

print preview: A window that displays a reduced view of the area to be printed, to give computer users a sense of what the layout or text may look like once printed.

printer: A device that produces a paper copy of the information you create using the computer.

ProDOS: Acronym for Professional Disk Operating System.

program selector: A program that lets you switch application programs without restarting the computer.

prompt: A character displayed on the screen to prompt the user to take some action. The most common prompt is the "C prompt" in which the computer hard drive or "C" requests directions on what the computer should perform next.

publishing program: A software program which allows users to bring text and graphics together into publishable hard copy (books, files, reports, newsletters, newspapers, and others), such as Pagemaker. This may also have rudimentary graphics capabilities.

pull-down menu: A menu that is hidden until you use the mouse to press its title.

QUEST Computer: The name of the Seattle Public Libraries Computer system for users to find information (magazines, newspapers, microfilm, film, books, and others) throughout their library system.

radio button: Circle in a dialog box that allows you to choose one option from a list of options.

random-access memory (RAM): Built-in computer memory where applications and data are stored temporarily for the microprocessor. Anything stored in RAM is erased when you switch off the power; you must save copies on disks if you want permanent copies.

range: A selected group of adjacent cells. (in spreadsheet applications)

range format: A format applied to a selected range in a worksheet. (in spreadsheet applications)

range name: A name applied to a selected range in a worksheet.

read: To load information from a disk into the computer's memory.

relative cell reference: Used to indicate a relative position in a worksheet. This allows you to copy and move formulas from one area to another of the same dimensions. Excel, for example, automatically changes the column and row numbers to reflect the new position. (in spreadsheet applications)

repair: (disinfect, remove) One of the functions of software applications to disinfect viruses on your computer.

RESET key: The key on the keyboard marked with a triangle. You can press "Reset" in combination with Command and Control to restart the computer (on some).

resolution: The degree of clarity of your display.

RETURN key: A key that you press to move the cursor to the beginning of the next line. The Return key is also used in many applications to accept choices or to indicate that you've finished doing something and are ready to proceed.

row height: The vertical dimension of a cell. (in spreadsheet applications)

row selector button: Gray box containing the row number to the left of the row. (in spreadsheet applications)

save: To store an application or data on a disk, as opposed to storing it temporarily in the memory of the computer. A command used to save incremental changes to a workbook.

save as: A command used to create a duplicate of the current work book. (in spreadsheet applications) A command used to create a current work or file under a pre-existing name. (in word-processing applications)

scan: To search in the slots of the computer for a disk drive controller card. The computer scans when you first switch on the power. It looks first in slot 7; if it doesn't find a startup device there, it proceeds to the next-highest-numbered slot until it finds a start up device.

scanner: A peripheral device to a computer which may input graphics or photos or text into a computer.

screen: Part of the monitor where information is displayed.

scroll: To move through a document.

scroll bars: Bars that appear on the right and bottom borders of the window that allow you to scroll the window vertically and horizontally to view information not currently visible in the current worksheet.

search criteria: Text, values or formulas you want to change using Find and Replace.

search and replace: To look for a particular word or phrase throughout a document and substitute another in its place.

security software: Programs that are used to restrict access to the data and files on a computer.

selection handles: Small black boxes at the corners and sides of charts and graphic images, indicating a chart is selected and can be moved or re-sized using the handles.

send: To transfer a message from one location to another.

shareware: Computer software programs which individuals write and put out on the Internet for free use by those who want to use them. (Over 140,000 free titles exist in the shareware library.)

sheet tab: A description at the bottom of each worksheet that identifies the sheet in a workbook. In an open workbook, move to a worksheet by clicking its tab. (in spreadsheet applications)

sheet tab scrolling buttons: These enable you to move among sheets within a workbook. (in spreadsheet applications)

software: Instructions, usually stored on disks, that tell the computer what to do.

Space bar: The bar at the bottom of the keyboard. Pressing the Space bar inserts a space character in your text at the insertion point.

spam: To flood an e-mail address with many complaints and messages because the user of that e-mail address has done something offensive to other Internet e-mail users.

spelling checker: A companion application that you use with a word-processing application to check for misspelled words.

start up: The action necessary to turning on a computer. A disk with all the necessary program files to start up the computer. To load an application from a disk into the memory of the computer.

startup drive: A disk with the necessary software to start up the computer.

surf: To "surf" the Internet means to go from one location to another in search of information.

surge protector: An electrical device which includes a fuse which does not allow a power surge to harm sensitive devices such as computers.

Tab: A key that, when pressed, moves the insertion point to the next tab marker.

tab marker: at indicates the position to which the cursor will move when you press the Tab key.

telecommunications: The exchange of information with other computers or with commercial information services over phone lines.

text annotations: Labels added to a chart to draw attention to a particular area.

text block: A chunk or "block" of highlighted text.

3.5 inch disk: A disk 3.5 inches in diameter. This is one of the most common storage mediums used for computers. Each disk may store 800 K of information or about 400 pages of text.

title bar: The horizontal bar at the top of a window that shows the name of the window and lets you move the window. This displays the application name and workbook. Until you save the workbook or file and give it a name, there is likely a default name depending on the program.

toggle button: A choice that, when clicked, turns an option on. Clicking it again turns the option off.

tool bar: A horizontal bar within the window that contains buttons for the most frequently used commands. A tool bar can be positioned along the edge of the worksheet window or can float within its own window.

ToolTip: Name and description of a button on the toolbar that appears when the mouse pointer is positioned over the button. The name appears under the button and the description in the status bar. (in spreadsheet applications)

transformer: An electrical device which converts electrical power from one voltage to another--in order to accommodate various computers. Some computers made abroad run on 220 V vs. our 120 V. in the US.

troubleshooting: Diagnosing and solving a problem.

Up Arrow key: A key used in many applications to make the cursor move up one line.

utility: Programs that perform special operations, such as installing or updating software, checking for damage on a disk, magnifying an image on a screen, etc.

UWIN: The name of the University of Washington program which enables researchers to access information about their library resources as well as access the Internet. (This is available to the public through the Suzzallo Library at the main campus in Seattle.)

values: Numbers, formulas, or functions used in calculators.

virus: A program that contains the software instructions necessary to make exact replicas of itself and insert these instructions into other executable programs. Each time an infected program is launched, the viral code is executed, usually resulting in the infection of other programs. Viruses do vary in the degree of harm that they can cause.

volume: A general term for a storage device, storage medium or a destination for information. This is often used in reference to hard drives, cartridges, CD ROMS. floppy diskettes, and file servers. A volume can be an entire disk or only part of a disk. It has a name and a volume directory with the same name.

what-if analysis: Decision-making feature in which data is changed and automatically re-calculated. (in spreadsheet applications)

window: In mouse-based applications, one or more areas on the screen showing one or more documents at a time. Files show up as rectangular windows on the screen.

word-processing application: Any application designed to make writing, editing, spell-check, thesaurus use, and such on the computer easier and faster.

workbook: A collection of related worksheets contained within a single file. (in spreadsheet applications)

worksheet: An electronic spreadsheet containing 256 columns by 16,384 rows. (in spreadsheet applications)

worksheet window: A framed area of the Excel window containing a grid of columns and rows that is called a worksheet. (in spreadsheet applications)

write: To record information on a disk.

write-protected (or copy-protected): Locked or protected disk which cannot be copied or changed. Such a disk has its "lock" button moved up to leave an open space in the upper left corner of the back side of the disk.

X-axis: The horizontal line in a chart. (in spreadsheet applications)

X-axis label: A label describing the x-axis of a chart. (in spreadsheet applications)

Y-axis: The vertical line in a chart. (in spreadsheet applications)

Y-axis label: A label describing the y-axis of a chart. (in spreadsheet applications)

Zoom: A feature that enables you to focus on a larger or smaller part of the worksheet in Print Review or in some pre-print features.