| Background |
The background is the image at the back of a web page, document or desktop. |
| Browse |
To browse, is to find a file to view, to select a folder to save a file, or to simply look around on the internet. |
| Browser |
A browser is a program used to view Internet sites. Internet Explorer (IE) and Netscape are the two most common browsers. |
| Computer |
The computer itself is actually only the rectangular box. It does not include the monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, or any other accessories. |
| Cursor |
The cursor is that little arrow on the screen that moves where you tell it to, using the mouse. When the computer is busy doing something like saving a file or opening a program it will look like an hourglass. When you are over a hyperlink it will look like a little hand. |
| Desktop |
The desktop is what you see when you first boot up (turn on) the computer, or when you have no programs or windows open. It is a background with a few icons on it. |
| Disk drive |
A disk drive is a segment of the computer where programs and files are saved. On this computer you have Drive A (also written as [A:]) for your floppy disk; Drive C for files you save on the computer and all programs; and Drive D for the CD-ROM to play CDs or use CD-ROMs. |
| Double click |
To double click is to click the left button of the mouse twice in a row very quickly. |
| Download |
To save something (a file) onto your computer from the Internet. |
| File |
A file is anything created then saved. A file can be anything from a picture, story, web page, sound, program, to a presentation, etc. |
| Floppy disk |
A floppy disk is the 3½ inch disk you can save onto and take elsewhere. |
| Folders |
A folder is a thing that groups files, like a directory. Everything saved on the computer is sorted into the appropriate folders so it is easier to find files again. For example, you can save all your files in "My Documents" so you know where to find them later. |
| Frozen up |
Computer won't work and the mouse won't move the cursor. |
| Hard disk |
The hard disk is the disk that is part of the computer. For example, if you wish to save a file onto the computer, you will save it onto [C:] rather than the floppy disk [A:]. |
| Hyperlink |
Also known as a link. If you click on it, it will take you to another web site, page, or part of the page. If you clicked on one of the links at the top of this page you would have been brought down to the corresponding section lower in the page. |
| Icons |
Icons are little pictures used as shortcuts to commands that would otherwise be in the menu (e.g.. of a word document), or links to pages or programs (e.g.. on the desktop). Usually, if you hold the mouse over an icon without clicking, a little message will hover over it explaining what is about. If you want to follow the link/command of the icon, simply click on it. |
| Links |
Short for "hyperlinks". See above. |
| Menu |
The menu is at the top of most programs. It contains categories such as File, Edit, View... Click on the menu items to see commands below. Commands include Save, Edit, Close, Undo, Select All, Print, Cut, Copy, Paste... |
| Monitor |
The monitor is the thing with the screen that enables you to see what you are doing on the computer. |
| Programs |
Programs are the things that you work, play, create, and chat in. Programs include browsers, games, word processors, music players... Anything in "Programs" in the Start menu, as well as everything else that runs the computer. |
| Save |
To Save is to choose to keep a file for later use. If you are creating the file for the first time, you can select Save, and a window will pop up for you to say where you want the file saved and what it should be called. If you are simply editing or adding to a file, it will not ask for any more information. |
| Save As |
Save As can be used for saving a file for the first time. A window will pop up for you to say where you want the file saved and what it should be called. If your file has been saved before and you want to have a second copy with a different label, use Save As here too. |
| Screen |
The screen is the bit of the monitor that allows you to view what you are doing on the computer. |
| Screen saver |
The screen saver is to help save the screen from getting the one image being on too long and burning up the screen, although they are also used for decoration for when the computer is left on while the user is busy away from the computer. |
| Scroll bar |
The scroll bar is the bar to the right of any page that is longer than the screen. It allows you to move up and down the page by clicking on it and holding it down as you move it. You can also move up or down the page my clicking on the little arrows at the top and bottom of each scroll bar. If you click on the background of the bar you will jump either a page up (if you clicked above the bar) or page down (if you clicked below the bar). |
| Single click |
One click on the left button on the mouse. |
| Task bar |
This is the bar across the bottom of the screen. It has the Start menu, boxes representing windows open, icons for programs running in the background, and the clock. Click on any of these to view them. |
| Upload |
To save something (a file) up onto the Internet. For example, if you are putting up a web page for everyone to see. |
| Window |
Programs usually open in a window for you to perform tasks in. Some programs allow for you to open another window of that program. For example, you maybe looking at one web site and wish to check your email without leaving that first web site. So you Go up to "File" then select "New", then "Window" and another window will open for you to go to the site for your email. You can alternate between windows by using the task bar down the bottom of the screen. |
