Glossary of Windows Terms
- A -
accelerator key
A keyboard shortcut for a command. For example, Ctrl + Alt + Delete is an accelerator key for the task manager in Windows 95.
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.
- B -
background operation
This is an action performed by an application when another application is already active.
backup
A Windows 95 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 95 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 95 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.
- 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.
color scheme
A selection of colors that the user sees when using Windows. These colors 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.