A: drive:  the part of your computer that a floppy disk goes into; to save something to a disk you must save it to drive "A:"

acronym: a word made from initials; for example IM stands for instant message

address book:  an area for storing e-mail addresses; allows you to quickly send e-mail without having to remember long addresses; usually has a place to store additional info such as phone numbers, birthdays,... nicknames (another quick way to send e-mail)

anti-virus: computer programs designed to detect computer viruses and either clean them (remove them) or stop the virus' files before they are able to do harm. Anti-virus programs need to be updated regularly because new viruses are created so often.

backup: saving or copying files to keep in a safe place so that they are not completely lost if something happened to the originals such as a hard drive crash.

backslash: \ is a backslash. Think of it as originally standing up straight, then falling backward. We see it in the location of files; for example C:\My Documents\My Pictures  The backslash separates directories, also called folders. In this example we can tell the file is located on the hard drive (C:) then inside the My Documents folder, followed by the My Pictures folder - giving you precise directions to its location. Can you write the location of your files?

bcc:  stands for blind carbon copy; sends a copy of an e-mail message to a second person, but doesn't allow the first recipient to see the name and address of the second one 

bookmarks:  a list of web sites you want to visit again; to bookmark a site, click on bookmark, then on add bookmark - to return to that site, click on bookmark, then on its title in the list  Some browsers say Favorites instead of Bookmarks.

browser:  a program you use to surf the internet such as nternet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari.

bullets:  dots beside each item in a list. Bullets can also be decorative shapes or symbols. Can you create a bulleted list using decorative bullets?

Bug: something that causes a computer to not work as it should. A bug is usually an error in a program, but can also be a problem with hardware. A bug can cause a program to stop working altogether or not work properly, giving incorrect results. Bugs are unintentional. The first computer bug was discovered in 1947 and can be found in the Smithsonian.  

Burn a CD: save or record onto a CD. The process actually heats the CD in order to create tiny pits on the surface. The pits represent zeros and ones that computers use for information. Then when a computer reads the CD, a light from the CD drive shines on the surface of the CD and the computer measures and decodes the amount of light reflected.
Tip: burn an "audio CD" instead of a "data CD" if you want to play it in the car and other CD player.

C: Drive:  your hard drive, your computer's main storage area. It's found inside the computer case. When something is saved to the c drive it remains on that computer, you must be at that computer to retrieve that saved document

cc: stands for carbon copy; type an e-mail address in the cc: box to send that message to a second person; (you can also type multiple e-mail addresses separated with a comma, no space, in the To: field.)

cancel:  A cancel button is often seen when you're given options to make changes. Click cancel if you don't want to keep that change. For example, double click the time display in the system tray, and notice you can change the date and/or time. A cancel button is available in case you don't want to keep the date or time change.

canned air: canned air is exactly that, air in a spray can. It can be used to clean parts of the computer, blowing dust out of small or delicate places. It's important that you keep your computer clean to prevent overheating.

case sensitive:  it matters if it is capital or lower case; as in typing an e-mail address, letters must be typed correctly

CD Burner (can also be a CD-R or CDRW drive):  a drive that will not only let you play CDs, but save to CDs - called burning to a CD. It looks like an ordinary CD drive. Some can save, burn, more quickly than others. Compare the speed such as 24X or 54X. Higher numbers indicate faster reading or burning. CD-R (compact disk recordable) allows you to burn information to a blank CD once. CD-RW (compact disk rewritable) allows you to repeatedly burn information to the disks similar to the way you would save to floppies over and over. CDs are Optical Storage Devices, meaning a laser (light) is used to store information on them. (See Burn a CD for more information.)

cell:  individual section of a table or spreadsheet.

command:  a word that causes the computer to perform a certain task, sort of like a code word. For example, typing wordpad will cause the Wordpad program to open. (Click Start, Run first.)
Try these to see what they do:

compatible: two things that work well together (could be software or hardware). For example a computer program package will say it is compatible with particular operating systems like Windows 98, Vista, or the Macintosh platform. If your computer doesn't have that, chances are the program won't work properly.

compose:  to create a new e-mail message to send

copy:  to leave some text or image where it is, but copy it to another location also;  to copy - highlight then hold down the control key and press C, to paste - control V

CPU:  stands for central processing unit, the actual processor found inside a computer along with the motherboard, hard drive, sound and video cards, and other internal parts. Intel's Pentium processor is a commonly used CPU.
Sometimes people use the term CPU when referring to the computer, the case or tower (minus the monitor and other peripherals).

cut:  to get rid of something either to move it or just eliminate it; to cut - highlight then hold down the control key and press X, then to paste it - control V

delete:  to remove. Can be PERMANENTLY.

desktop:  the screen where all your icons are

digital camera:  a camera that takes and stores pictures electronically rather than on film. The digital pictures can then be used on the computer, edited, deleted, or printed.

double click:  clicking the mouse button 2 times quickly
Double click icons, NOT hypertext or links

download:  loading something onto your computer from another computer, usually via the Internet or e-mail; Downloading usually has to be followed by an installation process before the program you downloaded will become functional.

drag and drop:  clicking on something and HOLDING the mouse button down; this allows you to move your mouse around which moves the object you clicked on; letting go of the mouse button "drops" the object

drop down menu:  a list of choices that pop up when you click on a small black arrow button at the end of a box

duplex printing: Printing on both front and back sides of a sheet of paper. Some fancy-schmancy printers offer automatic duplex printing; otherwise you can choose the manual duplex print option from the print window. One side will print, a message will appear saying it's time to flip those pages over and feed them back through the printer. Neat trick! You can create a booklet.

DVD:  Digital Versatile Disk. Looks like an ordinary CD, but holds much more information such as full length movies. DVDs are Optical Storage Devices, meaning a laser (light) is used to store information on the DVD. 

dynamic:  capable of change. The opposite of static. In the writing processor the date can be dynamic, meaning it will automatically update to the current date. Can you open Word and insert a dynamic date?

Easter egg: something secretly hidden in a computer program, put there by the creators of the program. It could be a secret message, image, level, etc. For example, Google Earth has an Easter egg, a hidden feature, you can discover: open the Google Earth program; then click the globe and press Control, Alt, A. Get ready for take-off!

e-commerce:  doing business electronically online

e-mail: electronic mail, mail sent electronically using the computer rather than using paper and people to deliver.

emoticons:  typed symbols of expression, like a smiley face; tilt your head sideways to the left to see it; also called smileys(click for examples)

ergonomic:  designed to maximize comfort and minimize the risk of harm. Ergonomically designed keyboards, for example, are designed to reduce the risk of damage over long-term use, be comfortable, and allow for productivity.

FAQ:  stands for frequently asked questions

flag:  to mark an e-mail message with a little red flag in your inbox to bring it to your attention later

flaming:  sending an e-mail message or instant message that is rude and critical.

flash drive:  a small removable drive for storing and transferring files; also known as "jump drive", "thumb drive", or "USB drive". It plugs into a USB port on the computer. The amount of storage can vary. 

floppy:  a 3½ floppy disk (the floppy part is inside) used to store files. Information is stored magnetically. Beware: magnets can damage floppy disks.

font: the way typed letters look; different fonts have different appearances

format text or objects: changes the appearance, not the information.

formula:  an expression that creates an equation. In Excel each formula begins with an equal sign, =A1+B1 is a formula that would add the numbers found in cell A1 and cell B1. Can you open Excel, enter that formula in cell C1 and give it a try?   

forward:  passing an e-mail message you received on to other people. Some messages have been forwarded many times are can even be hoaxes, untrue messages. Be aware. Sending forwards is often a sign of a newbie.

frame:  when a web page is divided into sections, each section is called a frame.

function:  a pre-made formula. In Excel the SUM function can be used to add. What would the PRODUCT function do?

function keys:  top row of keys on the keyboard that begin with the letter F, followed by a number. Function keys are set to do specific tasks depending on the program. For example, pressing the F5 key in Excel opens a Go To window where you can then type 1:1 to select row 1, type 2:4 selects rows 2 through 4, or type B2 selects that cell.

ghosted:  when a button has a faded or light gray appearance,  meaning it's inactive, you cannot click on it just then

gigs or gigabytes: units of storage space; 1 gigabyte is equal to 1 billion bytes; gigs usually refer to the size of your hard drive, showing how much storage space your computer has. Older computers were measured in megs or megabytes.

graphic:  a picture; also known as an image

GUI:  pronounced "gooey"; acronym for Graphical User Interface. Gui interfaces use graphics to make computers easier to use. Back in the old days, users had to type "commands" into a computer in order for it to work, and everything was text only. It could be tough to remember all the commands and spelling was most definitely important. Then along came the mouse pointer, scroll bars, icons, and more, making life much easier. 

handles:  small markers around a graphic found at each corner and center point on each side, so that you can drag the handles to resize or crop the picture.

hard boot:  using the power button to turn your computer off and on without going through the proper steps such as Start & Shutdown or Ctrl/Alt/Delete

hard copy: an actual printed item

hard drive:  your computer's main drive or storage area. Information is stored magnetically. Beware: magnets can damage your hard drive. The hard drive is found inside the computer case. To save something to that particular computer, save it to a folder on your C: Drive.

hardware:  the parts of your computer such as the monitor, tower, & keyboard

highlight:  to surround something with color by clicking and dragging over it;  highlighting indicates you are going to work with whatever you selected or highlighted;  if something is highlighted with a flashing insertion point (line) at then end of it you can begin typing and the old will be replaced with the new information you type, no need to backspace; 
use highlight to cut, copy, and paste things

homepage:  the first page of a web site or homepage can also mean the first web site you see when your computer goes on the Internet. That browser homepage setting can be changed on each computer, so the homepage you see at school might be different from your homepage at home.

hyperlink:  something you can click on, can be pictures or text; Remember to only click once on links. Don't be a clicking maniac!

hypertext:  text that you can click on, usually underlined and colored

icon:  pictures that represent a program or file. There is a difference between icons and shortcuts. Do you know what it is?

IM: (Instant Message) – sending and receiving messages instantly via a program such as Yahoo Instant Messenger. Good keyboarding skills are critical! Your buddies will become frustrated if you are slow to send a reply.

inbox:  area where all e-mail messages sent to you are kept

input mask:  a template, or pattern, for the way data (information) should be entered. For example, phone numbers can be typed several ways, 555.343.1234 or 555-343-1234. Here's an input mask for entering a phone number: (___) ___-____ . This input mask shows that phone numbers need to be typed with the area code in parenthesis and a dash after the next three numbers. Each underscore is a place holder; the parenthesis and dash will automatically appear when this input mask is used. You can use input masks when preparing documents for other users to enter information. Consistency and neatness will follow.

install:  adding a program to your computer from a CD or floppy disk

ISP:  stands for Internet Service Provider, the company that provides your internet service

Internet:  Computers connected world-wide making web sites and e-mail available. Web sites created by individuals, institutions, and companies are published and can be accessed by anyone with Internet service anywhere in the world. Those web sites are hosted (stored) on servers.

jump drive:  a small removable drive for storing and transferring files; also known as "flash drive", "thumb drive", or "USB drive". It plugs into a USB port on the computer. The amount of storage can vary.  

keyboard shortcuts:  quick ways, using the keyboard, to do things like copy & paste.

LAN:  acronym for Local Area Network. A LAN is usually a network of computers in one building. Two or more LANs can be part of a larger WAN.

link:  something to click on to go to another place on the internet

megs or megabytes: units of storage space; 1 megabyte is equal to 1 million bytes; Older computers were measured in megs or megabytes, referring to the size of the hard drive - showing how much storage space the computer has. Hard drives now offer even more storage space, measured in gigabytes.

memory: (RAM - Random Access Memory) the amount of memory available for your programs to use. Working with graphics or animation programs will use up a lot of RAM and may cause your computer to become slow. Shutting down and restarting your computer resets the RAM.

menu bar: the bar across the top of the window that begins with File, Edit, View... It's called a Menu Bar because every item on it bring a menu.

modem: the part of your computer that connects to and communicates with phone lines or signals. That's the way Internet service is provided.

monitor: the part of your computer system that looks like a TV; the part with the screen

motherboard:  also called a circuit board, is a strong piece of insulating material with circuits. Circuits form electrical pathways for the computer's functions. The motherboard contains the processor (also called the CPU-central processing unit, or microprocessor) and slots for cards such as the sound card or video card. The motherboard is located inside the computers case.

netiquette: good manners for Internet and e-mail use

network:  two or more computers connected so that they can share files and/or equipment such as information, documents, and printers. Some equipment is manufactured to be part of a network. For example, computers might include a network card, also called a NIC, which allows the computer to connect to a network.

newbie:  a beginner who is unfamiliar with computers and the internet

NIC:  acronym for Network Interface Card, also called LAN card or Ethernet card. This card may be included or added on to a computer so that it can then connect to a network. A NIC might have a place to plug in a network cable, or it could be a wireless card.

nickname:  quick way to send e-mail without having to remember an address; By typing the nickname in the To: field as you compose a message (you can assign a nickname to an e-mail address in your address book) the e-mail program automatically associates the e-mail address with that nickname

numeric keypad:  the group of number keys found on the side of a keyboard. Pressing the Num Lock key turns the numeric keypad feature off/on. An indicator light above the keypad shows whether it is on or off.

online help:  easy to access help, explanations, or instructions provided on-screen by clicking the Help button found in the menu bar.  A search feature is generally offered so that you can type a keyword to quickly find the help you need. Tip: knowing the proper terms often help you locate the help you need.

operating system (OS):  The program your computer uses to operate. Windows 98, XP, and Vista are operating systems. Linux is another operating system.

optical mouse:  A mouse that uses a laser to track movement instead of a ball and wheels inside the mouse.

outbox:  area where all e-mail messages you have sent are stored; sometimes called Sent Folder; some e-mail services automatically keep a copy of all messages sent, others require you to check a box as you compose each message in order to save a copy of it to your e-mail outbox

paste:  to insert some text or an image you previously cut or copied; To paste - hold down the control key and press V (you must have cut or copied something first)

PC:  personal computer, meaning it is generally used by one person at a time.

phishing:  using phony web pages and tricky e-mail messages in an effort to lure people into giving personal information. Remember to always be safe, be smart and check it out if you're not sure, so you won't be fooled. By the way, "phisher-men" wind up in a whale of trouble!   

plug-in:  a little program you can add to your computer. Plug-ins are sometimes needed in order to display extra things such as added movement and interactivity, play video, etc.

plug-and-play:  the computer detects something has been added; no need to manually change settings on the computer in order to recognize and operate the new device.

podcast:  audio files, usually MP3 file type, and can also include video. Computers or MP3 players can be used to listen. POD stands for portable on demand. Users can subscribe to podcasts so that they automatically receive new podcasts from that service. Podcasting can provide radio shows, news coverage, classroom instruction, and more.   

pop-under: a window that pops up as you're on the Internet, but it is hidden behind your main browser window. Pop-unders are usually ads.

processor:  also called a microprocessor or CPU-central processing unit. The processor is a silicon chip that processes all instructions for the computer. How is this similar to your brain? A dual-core processor has two processors on a single chip and can process information twice as fast.

purge:  to clear as in using the "purge print jobs" option to delete, stop, all pending print jobs that have been sent to that printer

radio button:  a little open circle beside something you can select; You have to click in the circle to place a small black dot showing you have selected that item.

RAM: Random Access Memory. The part of your computer that temporarily stores information you're using at that time so that it can more quickly appear than if it had to retrieve it each time from the hard drive. Sometimes simply called "memory". Memory chips can sometimes be added easily to provide more memory. Compare the amount of RAM when purchasing a computer. A computer with little RAM could operate more slowly as you work, or you might see an error message letting you know that your computer is low on memory and cannot continue to operate. Shutting down the computer resets the memory so that you start with a fresh amount again. A typical computer might have 256MB (megabytes) of RAM.  512MB would be better.

return: the same thing as enter.

RGB:  red, green, blue values. In the Paint program RGB values can be specified in the Custom Colors area. This example shows a mixture of mostly red and blue; the result is purple.

ribbon:  new part of the GUI Microsoft Office programs offer; the ribbon is a set of tools that change depending on the task or object selected.

right click:  using the button on the right side of the mouse to pop up a list of choices.

scanner: a device you can connect to your computer that will scan or "copy" pictures or objects so that you can store that image as a file on your computer; there are flat-bed scanners that look somewhat like a copy machine and there are hand held scanners.

screen tip: the little "pop-up clue" that appears when resting the cursor over a tool or button.

screensaver: a picture that covers the monitor's screen and has some movement so that you avoid leaving a still image on the screen for a long period of time. Years ago that could cause damage to your screen, not as likely now. Screen savers are set to appear when the computer is idle for a certain amount of time.

server:  a central computer in a network that other computers connect to electronically so that they can share files. Also called a file server.

shortcut:  using an icon to create a quick way to open a program or document. A shortcut is not the actual document or program; only an easy way of opening. Deleting a shortcut does not, therefore, delete the document or program.

	The shortcut is on the right. Can you spot the clue?

slash: / is a slash. Think of it as originally standing up straight, then leaning forward. It's not to be confused with a backslash. We see a slash in URL's, also called web site addresses; for example www.computerlabkids.com/buzzwords.htm can be read as "www dot computerlabkids dot com slash buzzwords dot htm". Web site addresses typically do not contain a backslash.

smiley:  typed symbols of expression, like a smiley face; tilt your head sideways to the left to see it; also called emoticons

soft boot:  pressing the Ctrl & Alt & Delete keys to reboot your computer in case of a problem;  this is better for your computer than a hard boot

software:  programs you add to your computer

spam:  stands for "sending particularly annoying messages"; sending unwanted e-mail

spin button:  also called spin box; a set of up/down buttons that allow you to scroll through choices. On this example, clicking the up arrow button would display a higher number; clicking the down arrow button would display a lower number. Spin buttons can be found on web sites and documents.

splash page:  an opening page that you must click on to enter the site, sort of like a book cover; this site begins with a splash page: http://apple-corps.westnet.com

spoof:  a fake. A spoofed web site is designed to imitate another web site in order to fool users into giving personal information.

spreadsheet:  a tool that allows you to enter data in rows and columns so that formulae and functions can then be used to analyze the data. A spreadsheet might contain a formula that would add and/or multiply. Charts and graphs can be used to display the results. Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet program. 

spyware:  a program that tracks Internet use without the user's permission. Companies might use that information to target that user for marketing purposes.

stand alone:  the opposite of networked - one computer only.  Some software is made to work on networks where it needs to be installed on the server and shared by all the workstations using the network. Other times software is intended for "stand alone" use, to be installed on only one individual computer.

static:  fixed, unable to change on its own. The opposite of dynamic.

status bar:  the thin bar found at the bottom of the window that indicates "Done" when a page has fully loaded. What other information can you find in the status bar?

system tray:  the area at the bottom of the screen, right corner of the task bar, where you find the time display and other small icons.

tab: tabs are layered headings that lead to a page or group of options. Tabs can be used with some browsers. Tabs are also used in windows that offer many options. Can you spot a tab?

table:  a chart of columns and rows used to divide and organize information. Tables are especially helpful to keep items in line.

tablet PC:  portable computers similar to laptops but also include a stylus that can be used to write on the screen.

task bar:  the bar beside the Start button;  it shows what programs are open.

text:  the written part, no pictures

tilde:  ~, the "little squiggle mark" found in some URLs; it is on your keyboard just to the left of the #1 key.

theme:  a set of colors, fonts, and designs.

title bar:  the blue strip across the top of a program's window;  it tells you what you are working in

tool bar:  the row of buttons across the top of your browser window that includes the Back Button, Home Button, Stop Button...; other programs can offer tool bars also. Toolbars display buttons you can click to easily access helpful tools.

tower: the part of your computer system that houses the drives; also called the case or simply "the computer" because that is the part that actually does the work

undo:  a button with a blue curvy arrow that will "undo" what you just did in Microsoft Word or Front Page; Mrs. Cannon's best friend :-) Undo is offered in other programs as well.

upgrade:  an addition to the hardware or a new version of software

upload: sending information from your computer to another one. Publishing a web site is an example of uploading files from your computer to the server where the site will be hosted.

URL:  stands for uniform resource locator and is what you type in to go to a site; also called the web site address, but it's correct name is URL.

USB port:  a plug-and-play spot on the computer where peripherals can be added without having to turn the computer off or install cards inside the case. USB devices include jump drives, joysticks, microphones, steering wheels, printers, and more. USB stands for universal serial bus.  

viewfinder: different kinds of viewfinders might be found on cameras: optical and electronic. An optical viewfinder doesn't use any power; you simply look through it to position and focus. An electronic viewfinder is a small screen display; it can also be used to instantly review photos taken. Electronic viewfinders require battery power--sometimes a LOT of battery power. Be careful not to leave it on or it could drain the battery power. 

virus: computer code or program written for the purpose of causing annoying problems or even damaging your computer by changing files it uses to operate properly. The virus' files can be passed on to your computer through e-mail, instant messages, or downloading from the Internet. Some viruses are not obvious, so your computer could have a virus and you might not know.

wallpaper:  a picture or design on your desktop in the background for decoration (not a screensaver)

WAN:  acronym for Wide Area Network. A WAN can be made up of any number of LANs and can cover any size geographical area. An example of a WAN is a large school district where each school has its own network, but they are also all connected by the wide area network so information can be shared between all. The Internet is the largest WAN. 

webmaster:  someone who can create or maintain a web page. A webmaster might be responsible for all or part of a web site. Some webmasters specialize in certain areas such as graphics or e-commerce.

Wi-Fi:  short for wireless fidelity. It usually refers to high-speed wireless Internet or a wireless network.

WLAN:  acronym for Wireless Local Area Network.

workstation:  a computer that is part of a network, but it is not the server. Client is another term for a workstation.

writing processor: also called word processor, a computer program that allows you to type and easily edit text before printing. Writing processors generally include extras like the ability to insert graphics, copy and paste, use colors, etc.

WWW:  acronym for World Wide Web

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