Computer Definitions

Address-Location of a file or Web Page. On the Internet, also know as the URL.

Backup-Save your computer information on your hard drive that you save to another form of media.

Boot-To start up your computer.

Browser-Sometimes called a Web Browser. This is the software program you use to move around the Internet, such as Internet Explorer, Netscape.

Cache-Temporary storage area for Windows and Internet places recently used files, or pages visited.

Case Sensitive-The difference between upper case letters and lower case letters, such as JANET or janet.

CD-ROM-Computer Disc Read-Only Memory. High capacity storage. Also known as a CD.

CD-ROM Drive-Hardware device needed to use a CD. Can be internal or external.

Click-Press and release the left or right side of your mouse.

Clipboard-Temporary stored information that you’ve Cut or Copied from a program, file, or document that you might want to paste into another program, file, or document.

Command Prompt-symbol that looks like C:\ or A:\. A place where you might need to type instructions – commands.

CPU-Central Processing Unit, Chip in your computer that’s responsible for executing program instructions.

Cursor-Little blinking line on your computer screen that shows you where you are or where your next letter will appear when you type.

Default-predicted setting, such as whenever you create a document, the font and font size are always the same setting unless you change it.

Defragmentation (Defrag)-Process of rewriting files to adjacent sections of a hard disk. Parts of files can become fragmented – spread over different areas of your hard disk (drive) which causes slower disk speed.

Dial-Up Network-A way to connect to the Internet through a modem and telephone lines.

Disk Drive-Hardware where your files are stored, typically labeled C:\ or (C:).

Download (able)-Copy files from one computer to another, such as download a file or program from the Internet to your computer.

Driver-Software to control hardware, such as a print driver.

DVD-High-capacity compact disc that can store data. Must have a DVD disc drive or player.

Ebook-Sometimes seen as E-Book-An electronic book that you download to your computer or that gets delivered to your email inbox.

E-Mail-Electronic messages sent over the Internet or a network.

Favorite-Link to a favorite Web page you have saved the address to. Think of this as a shortcut to pages you like to visit often but don’t want to remember or type the address in each time you want to visit.

HTML-Hypertext Markup Language is a language used to create Web pages. Sometimes referred to as HTML Code.

Home Page-Introductory or *main * page of a Web site.

Icon-Picture representing a program, or other items, such as the icon on your desktop of MY Computer.

Internet-Worldwide network of computers.

Internet Service Provider (ISP)-Company that provides you with Internet access using your modem or other * connecting *device, such as DSL.

Link-Text, usually blue, or a picture you can click on to go (move or jump) from one location to another.

Log On-Identifying yourself to gain access to a computer or a Web site, usually requiring you to type in your user name and a password.

Menu-List of commands or options that appear at the top of most windows.

Menu bar-Bar at top of screen that contains command buttons File, Edit, View, etc.

Modem-Hardware to transmit data from one computer to another using a phone line.

Mouse-Hand Hardware that generally has a left and right button (click).

Mouse Pointer-Sometimes referred to as Pointer. An icon, usually an arrow that appears on your screen and is controlled by the mouse. Move your pointer to click on a menu, link, icon, etc.

Network-Two or more connected computers that are used to share resources.

Reboot-To restart your computer without shutting down completely.

Right-Click-The right button on a mouse when clicked will display a shortcut menu.

Search Engine-Tool that searches the Web for information you are looking for.

Shortcut-Icon that links to a file, folder, or program.

Shut Down-Command that lets your computer know you are about to turn it off.

Taskbar-Tool to navigate and open programs. Usually located at the bottom of your screen. Contains the Start button and other icons.

Toolbar-Set of buttons you can click on to perform tasks.

Universal Serial Bus-USB. Hardware for external device connections.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator)-address, usually starts with http://

Virus Scanner-Software that is installed or downloaded to your computer that can scan and detect computer "viruses" on your computer. 

Window-Portion of screen that displays what you are looking at or what you have open.

Wizard-Tool or instructions that will walk you through a task.

World Wide Web (Web)-Graphical multimedia portion of the Internet.