|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Active Desktop A feature that allows you to use Web pages or channels as your desktop wallpaper.
ActiveX A Microsoft technology that provides interactive content on Web pages.
Address The location of a file. You can use addresses to find files on the Internet and your computer. Internet addresses are also known as URLs.
Address Bar A method of opening files that are on the Internet or your computer. When you type an address in the Address Bar, you open the file at that address.
Application See Program
AutoComplete A feature in the Address Bar. When you begin typing a previously used address, this feature finishes it as you type.
Top
Bitmap A type of file used for pictures.
Browse To navigate the Internet or the contents of your computer.
Browser See Web browsing software.
Top
Cache A folder that temporarily stores files on your computer.
CD-ROM (compact disc read-only memory) A high capacity form of storage, also called a compact disc or CD. You must have a CD-ROM drive to use these discs. CD-ROMs don't allow users to store information.
Channel A Web site that delivers content from the Internet to your computer. Channels automatically copy content from the Internet to your computer when you subscribe to a Web site.
Channel Bar A desktop option that lists the channels available on your computer.
Classic style A desktop display option that resembles the Windows 95 desktop.
Client A computer that connects to another central computer called a server. A client computer uses files, printers and other resources shared by the server.
Content provider A business that uses the Internet to supply you with information such as news, weather, business reports and entertainment.
Control Panel A group of tools you use to change hardware and software settings.
Top
Default A predefined setting. For example, the double-click option is the default setting in Microsoft Windows 98.
Defragmentation The process of rewriting a file to adjacent sections of a hard disk. Over time, parts of the same file can become fragmented - that is, spread over different areas on a hard disk. Fragmentation causes slower disk speed. Windows 98 includes the Disk Defragmenter, which may help improve disk performance.
Desktop Your workspace on the computer screen.
Dialog Box A windows in which you provide information to a program.
Dial-Up Networking A feature that allows you to use a phone line and modem to connect to another computer.
Disk Drive Hardware on which you can store files. Drives are assigned a letter. For example, most users store their files on their hard disk, which is typically labeled "C".
Document A file you create when you save your work in a program. Examples of documents include word-processing files, spreadsheets and bitmaps.
Domain A group of networked computers that share information and resources.
Download To copy files from one computer to your own by using a modem or a network connection. For example, you download files from the Web to your hard disk.
Driver Software that the operating system uses to control a specific piece of hardware.
DVD A high-capacity compact disc. This disc can store enough data for a full-length movie. You must have a DVD disc drive or player to use DVD discs.
Top
Electronic messages sent from one person to another over the Internet or a network. E-mail can contain both text and files.
Explorer Bar A pane that opens on the left side of windows, such as when you click the Search button or Favorites button.
Top
Favorite A link to a favorite Web page.
File A program or document stored on a disk.
File Allocation Table (FAT) A method used by operating systems to keep track of where files are stored on a hard disk.
File System The overall structure in which files are named, stored and organized by the operating system. For example, MS-DOS and earlier versions of Windows use the FAT16 file system. Windows 98 can use the FAT16 or FAT32 file system.
Folder A location in which you can store files and other folders.
Top
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) The language used to create Web pages. You must use Web browsing software to view HTML documents.
Home Page The introductory page of a Web site. The home page typically contains links to other pages in the site.
Top
Icon A picture representing a program, disk drive, file, folder or other item.
Internet A worldwide network of computers. If you have access to the Internet, you can retrieve information from millions of sources, including schools, governments, business and individuals.
Internet Service Provider (ISP) A company or organization that provides Internet access, usually for a fee. Generally, you use your modem to connect to your ISP.
Intranet A private network within an organization. An intranet can be connected to the internet.
Top
Link Text or a picture that you click to jump from one location to another. The mouse pointer usually changes to a hand when positioned over a link.
Local Area Network (LAN) A group of connected computers in the same location.
Log On To identify yourself and gain access to a computer. To log on, you typically type a user name and a password.
Top
Menu A list of commands that appears at the top of most windows.
Modem Hardware that transmits data from one computer to another, often across phone lines.
Mouse Pointer An icon, typically an arrow, that appears on your screen and is controlled by the movement of the mouse. You use the mouse pointer to work with menus, icons, links and other screen objects.
Multimedia Any combination of text, pictures, sound and video.
My Computer A feature you can use to manage files stored on your computer or network drives. You can also gain access to system tools from My Computer. The My Computer icon appears on your desktop.
Top
Network Two or more connected computers. Networks are used for sharing resources such as documents, programs and printers.
Network Card Hardware that you insert in a computer to connect the computer to a network.
Top
Offline Not connected to a network or the Internet.
Offline Reading To view a Web page without being connected to the Internet. You can download the page to your hard disk, disconnect from a network or the Internet and read the material later.
Online Service An Internet service that provides a wide range of content to its subscribers, including Internet access.
Operating System (OS) Software, such as Windows 98, DOS, that runs your computer. An operating system controls programs and hardware
Top
Path The means of navigating to a specific location on a computer or network. A path can include a computer name, disk drive label, folder names and a file name.
Profile A collection of Windows 98 settings for a specific user. Profile information includes user settings such as color schemes, screensaver and desktop backgrounds, so that multiple users can retain their own preferences.
Program A group of instructions you computer uses to perform specific tasks. For example, Microsoft Word is a word-processing program. Programs are also called applications.
Protocol A set of rules computers use to communicate with each other over a network.
Top
Refresh To redisplay the content of a Web page or window.
Remote User A person who connects to a network by using a modem and Dial-Up Networking.
Right-Click To click an item by using the secondary mouse button, which is typically the right button. You can display a shortcut menu by right-clicking an item
Top
Search Engine A tool that searches the Web for information you want to find. You can click the Search button in any window to display a list of Web-based search engines.
Server A computer that controls users access to a network. A server stores and controls shared resources that can be used by other computers, called clients.
Shortcut An icon that links to a file or folder. When you double-click a shortcut, the original item opens.
Shut Down To use the Shut Down command, which prepares the computer to be turned off or restarted.
Subscribe To set up Internet Explorer to check a Web page for new content. The program can then notify you about the new content or automatically download it to your computer
Top
Taskbar A tool you use to open programs and navigate your computer. Usually found at the bottom of your screen, the taskbar contains the Start button, toolbars, a clock and other features.
Toolbar A set of buttons you click to perform common tasks.
ToolTip A brief description of a screen object. Tool tips appear when you position the mouse.
Top
Universal Serial BUS (USB) A hardware standard for external device connections (such as a mouse, modems, game controllers and keyboards). USB supports Plug and Play installation so that you can easily add new devices to your computer without having to add an adapter card or shut down.
Top
Wallpaper The background on your desktop. You can select a background from bitmaps and HTML documents included in Windows 98, or you can choose from your own files.
Web browsing software Software you use to explore the World Wide Web, HTML documents, and other information sources.
Web Page A location on the World Wide Web, usually a port of a Web site. The term "Web page" is sometimes used to describe any HTML document.
Web Site A group of related Web pages.
Web Style A desktop display option. In Web style, you can navigate your computer by using such Web conventions as single-clicking.
Window The rectangular portion of your screen that displays an open program or the contents of a folder or disk. You can have multiple windows open at the same time.
Windows Explorer A feature you can use to view the contents of your computer and network drives in a hierarchical structure.
Wizard A tool that walks you through the steps of a complex task.
Workgroup A set of networked computers that typically share the same resources, such as printers. A network can be comprised of many workgroups.
World Wide Web (The Web) The graphical, multimedia portion of the Internet. The web is comprised of millions of Web pages. To explore the Web, you use Web browsing software.
Top
Updated: March 14, 2001 |
Glossary