WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM

  

WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM

DEFINITION OF WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM

AN operating system can be define as a special program that is use to control coordinate and monitor, the activities of the computer system without intervention of the user.

With operating system computer an monitor and control their operation where system without operating system computer can monitor and control their operation where is possible.

THERE ARE TWO BASIC OF FUNCTION OF OPERATING SYSTEM

1.  The primary function
2.  Basic function

THE PRIMARY FUNCTION OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM ARE

1. Translator, 2. manager, 3. organizer

OPERATING SYSTEM

1. As translator: it interpret what is typed on the keyboard to the computer. Or it interprets user command usually inhuman languages  to machine code.

2. As a manager: it manages the operation of all the component attached to CPU e.g the printer, mouse, scanner, CD etc it scheduled operation among all the resources.

3. As organizer: it organized the files and the program in the computer system. Or it keeps what you stored on diskette.

BASIC FUNCTION OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM

The function may include;

• It protects the hardware, software and data from improper use

• Provision of error correction routine. (carry out correction).

• The scheduling and loading of program or subprogram in other to provide continue sequence of process, or to provide appropriate responses to events.

• Control over hardware resource e.g. control over the selecting and operation of devices used for input or output storage.

• Communication between computer and operator usually by means of the console or typewriters. The operators communicates with the operating system by means of a JCL (job control language) which is executed by an interactive command interpreter.

• Passing of control from one storage (one program) to another under a system priority, when more the one application program occupies the main storage.

• Furnishing a complete record of all that happens during processing (usually in the form of a printed log)

TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEM

The operating system can be divided into three main groups:

1. Single user operating system: this supports only one program and only one user at a time e.g. disk operating system (DOS).
2. Multi user operating system: this type of operating system support more than one user at a time e.g. is commonly used to network system e.g. UNIX, window not server, Novel Netware etc
3. Multi programming operating system: this typed support more than one program running at a time e.g. windows 95, window 98, window XP 2000 etc.

MICROSOFT WINDOW OPERATING SYSTEM

Microsoft window operating system is an operating system developed by Microsoft incorporation in united states of America, the operating system is designed in a concept known as GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI) this concept is based on the method whereby the command and the program are visually or graphically represented with.

WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM SCREEN

Window screen is a surface part of monitor that is displaying what a user doing on the computer.

ICON is graphic symbol that is representing a program on the desktop. E.g. MS WORD icon, MS EXCEL.

Window operating system screen is divided into two areas:

1. The Desktop area
2. The taskbar area

THE DESKTOP AREA:

The desktop area of the screen is the upper and largest part of the window screen it contains several ICONS that represent the programs in the computer screen.

THE TASK BAR AREA:

The task bar area: is the lower and smallest part of the windows operating system screen. It is normally displayed at the button of the screen it contains the start button of the screen, which is used to start any application program. The task bar also displayed the systems time and date.

SOME IMPORTANT ICONS ON THE DESKTOP

When the window operating system is installed some ins automatically appear on the screen some of these icons include:

1. My computer

2. Network neighborhood

3. The internet explorer

4. Recycle bins

5. My documents

6. Set up the Microsoft network

7. Microsoft outlook

MY COMPUTER ICON

My computer icon: is used to display the content of your computer. This includes the drives available in your system it is also used to manage your files.

NETWORK NEIGHBOURHOOD

This icons is used to displays the available network resources on your system, you can use this icon only when your system is connected to a network.

INTERNET EXPLORER

It provide access to the internet programs, it is used for browsing website on the internet, you can only use this facilities when your system is connected to the internet.

RECYCLES BIN:

This is a temporary storage location area used for files. It also used to restore deleted files that are or may be needed in future; they are normally to the recycles bin wherever they are deleted from the system.

SET UP THE MICROSOFT NETWORK

This is used to network your system. Before you can use this tool, make sure you have the CD-ROM for the installation of the network.

MY DOCUMENTS

This ions is used to display fifteen mosts recent opened files on your system, when you opened a new file , the oldest file is displayed with the opened files.

CONNECT TO THE INTERNET

this provides a step by step procedure on how to connect to internet. All the necessary internet software must be available before you can connect your system to the internet.

MICROSOFT OUTLOOK

This is for receiving and sending e-mails, the necessary facilities must be in place before you can receive or send e-mail through your system.

THE TASK BAR

The task bar Is the lower part of the window operating system screen, it contains the start button, date, and time, icons that displayed the current data, time from your system clock and calendar.

FEATURES OF THE START BUTTONS

When the start button is clicked some menu option are displayed, we shall study these start menu options now, and they are:

• All programs

• Favorite

• Document

• Settings

• Control panel

• Help

• Run or search

• Find

• Log off

• Turn off computer or shut down

• My music (window XP)

• My printer (window XP)

• Help and support

ALL PROGRAM OR PROGRAMS

This contains several programs that are installed in your computer. When this option is selected any available program can be started by simply clicking on the desired one.

Practices:

Let us practiced this now:

1.  click the start button with the mouse

2.  Point to all programs

All series of program will be displayed click on any one of your choice e.g. MS-WORD.

FAVOURITE

This is an internal tool that is used to navigate through such internet facilities like WEB event RADIO station, ABC NEWS, MUSIC VIDEO, HOLLY WOOD on line etc.

Before you can use this facilities make sure that your system is connected to the internet (for connoting your system to the internet, see any INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER (ISP) here in Kaduna )

RECENT DOCUMENT

This stores fifteen most recently opened files on your system the oldest file on the list disappears for the new opened file, you can open file from the place. TRY IT NOW.

SETTINGS

This provides facilities for setting s and configuring your system component and devices, for instance the date and time can be set with the keyboard and mouse, etc

NOTE: no setting on the window XP start menu can only see control panel direct. It will be seeing on the window like window 98, window 95, window 2000.

CONTROL PANEL

Control panel is full of specialized tools that are used to change the way windows looks and behaves . some of these tools helps you to adjust setting that makes your computer more fun to use. for example, use mouse to replace standard mouse pointers with animated icons that move on your screen, or use sounds and Audio Devices to replace standard system sound with sounds choose other tools help you to set up windows so that your computer is easier to use. For example, if you are left-handed, you can use mouse to switch the mouse buttons so that the button on the right performs the primary functions of selecting and dragging.

To open control panel, click start and then click control panel. If your computer is set up in classic view using the using the more familiar start menu. Start menu, start, point to settings, and then click control panel.

When you first open control panel, you will see some of the most commonly used control panel items organized by category. To find out more information about an item in control panel while organized by category view, hold your mouse pointer over the icon or category name and read the text that appears. To open one of these items, click its icon or category name. some of these items will open to a list of tasks you can perform, as well as a selection of individual control panel items. For example, when you click Appearance and themes, you will see a list of tasks such as choose a screen saver along with individual control panel items. If you open control panel and so not see the item you want, click switch to classic view. To open an item, double-click its icon. To find out more about an item in control panel while in classic control panel view, hold your mouse pointer over the icon and read the text that appears.

FIND OR SEARCH

This is used to search for the files and folders on your computer system.

HELP AND SUPPORT

This provides series of help facilities for the user.

RUN

You can start or install any computer programs by using this tool.

LOG OFF

This is used to switch off from a network program.

SHUT DOWN OR TURN OFF COMPUTER

It is not proper to switch off the computer without properly shutting down the system when the computer system is not properly shut down, some system files may get lost which can affect your system.

OPERATION CAN BE PERFORM ON THE COMPUTER ICON BY

• Checking your file

• Checking the capacity of disk or diskette

• Creating a folder

• Copying a file from one storage media to another e.g from drive C to floppy (dive A)  or flash disk

• Deleting a file

• Restoring a file

• Formatting a removable Disk e.g flash, Diskette, Zip Drive etc

• Moving a file from one storage media to another

• ETC

TO CHECK A FILE

1. Double click on my computer icon on desktop
2. Double click the location of the file e.g my document

TO CHECK THE CAPACITY OF YOUR DISK

1. Double click on my computer icon on desktop
2. Right click on the disk that you want to check e.g Drive C. Drive A etc
3. Click property

TO COPY A FILE FROM ONE STROAGE MEDIA TO ANOTHER

1. Double click on my computer icon on desktop
2. Double click on the location of the file e.g Drive C or My Document
3. Select the Name of File to copy and Right click on it
4. Point to sent to
5. Select the location that you eant copy the file to. It will go direct

FOLDER

a data containing files and other folders or combination of the two it can also be referred to as a tool where file or other folder are stored.

Folder also can be explained as; a tool that is used to stored and analyzed similar files. For instance document related to a particle business may be stored in a folder instead of storing them in the same location where there are other files this makes searching of files very easy as file of similar nature are group together.

CREATION OF A FOLDER

On the Desktop

1. Right click the mouse on the desktop
2. Click new
3. Click folder
4. A new folder now appears type a name for the folder e.g a name that identified the types of file contains there in.

On the Diskette

1. Double click my computer icon
2. Double click the floppy drive ion
3. Click file on the menu bar
4. Click new
5. Click folder
6. A new folder now appears types a name for the folder
7. Press enter key on the key

You can also Displayed or create a folder or file by using a window Explorer.

DISPLAYED FILES AND FOLDERS IN WINDOWS

You can also displayed all the files and folders in any drive on your system.

1. Click start button

2. Click All programs

3. Click windows explorer

4. This will displayed all the files and folder in any selected drive

TO DELETE FILE OR FOLDER

1. Double click on my computer icon on Desktop
2. Double click on the location of the file e.g. Drive C or My Document.
3. Select the name of file or folder to delete
4. Press delete click on keyboard or click Edit and Click Delete
5. Click ok to confirm you deletion

FORMATING A REMOVABLE DISK E.G. FLASH, DISKETTE, ZIP DIVE, ETC

Formatting a disk can be defined as a process or preparing a disk for data storage and retrieving.

Some of the diskette you buy, it may come in an unformatted from. You should therefore format such diskettes.

1. Insert the unformatted diskette in its drive
2. Double click my computer icon
3. Click on the floppy drive icon
4. Click file on menu bar
5. Click format
6. Select any of (quit erase full formats, copy system files)
7. Click start

To move a file from one storage media to another

Moving a file means remove a file completely to another location, not a copy

1. Double click on my computer icon on desk top
2. Double click on the location of the file e.g Drive C or my document
3. Select the name of file or folder to delete
4. Click edit on menu bar and click cut
5. Open the location where you want move the file to
6. Click on the window, of where you want move the file to
7. Click paste

PRACTICALS

SETTING THE SYSTEM DATE AND TIME

Like your clock at home the system may be incorrect you can set the time as follows:

1. Click the start button
2. Point to setting or click on control panel Direct
3. Double click on Date and time icon (this is represented with a clock time and Date icon).
4. Click the Date and Time Tab
5. Click and Drop down arrow the year and month box, select correct and month of your choice.
6. Type the correct time on the time box
7. Click apply button
8. Click on the ok button

Practical

CONFIGURING THE MOUSE

1. We can configure the mouse for either left-hand user or right-handed user.
2. Click start button
3. Click setting or if your system is window XP click on control panels
4. Click control panel
5. Double click the mouse icon (this is represent with a mouse)
6. Click the button configuration area of the mouse properties box, select either left-handed or right-hand option button as the case may be
7. Click apply button
8. Click ok

Where you can click to switch from right-handed user to left-handed use

Practical

C SETTING THE SPEED OF DOUBLE CLICKING THE MOUSE

The speed at which two consecutive click of the mouse may be regarded as double click can however be set. The speed of double clicking the mouse is set for users that are or have mastered the computer system however the speed of double click can be low for fresher who are yet to master mouse.

1. Click the start button
2. Click setting or click control panel
3. Click control panel
4. Double click the mouse icon (this is represent with a mouse)
5. Click the button tab on the mouse properties box
6. On the double click speed area click and drag it to the right increase the speed or to the left to reduce the speed
7. Click apply button
8. Click ok

D  SETTING THE SPEED OF THE MOUSE

The speed at which the mouse pointer moves can be best it can be set high before those that have masters the mouse. However the speed of the mouse pointer can be set low for freshens who are yet to master the mouse.

1. Click start button
2. Click setting or
3. Click control panel
4. Double click the mouse icon (this is represent with the mouse)
5. Click the motion tab on the mouse properties box displayed
6. On the pointer speed click on the speed slider and drag it to the right to increase the speed or to the left to reduce the speed.
7. Click apply button
8. Click ok

E   SETTING THE BACKGROUND OF THE SCREEN

You may have to notice that the background colors of several monitors are not be the same this can be set.ing

1. Click the start button
2. Click setting or
3. Click control panel
4. Double click the displayed icon[this is represented with a minor]
5. Click the background tab on the displayed properties box displaye
6. On the background box click on drop arrow and select any background of your choice
7. Click apply button
8. Click ok

Note:you can set your picture and used it the background of your system monitor.

F. SETTING THE SCREEN SAVER OF YOUR COMPUTER SCREEN

You may have notice that the computer screen displayed an animated or text when the computer  is on the “wait” state is a point when the computer is idle no operation is currently going on.

THE IMPORTANT OF SCREEN SERVER

You may have notice that the computer screen displayed an animated object or text when the computer is on the  “wait” state the exist is a point when the computer  is idle and no operation is currently on:

THE IMPORTANT OF SCREEN SERVER

On a wait state any excess electric power which would have been saver objects.

On a wait state the currently opened document is hidden from the eyes of authorized users.

STEPS

1. Click start button
2. Click setting or
3. Click control panel
4. Double click the displayed icon (this is represented with a monitor )
5. Click the screen saver box, click on drop down arrow and select any object of your choice.
6. Click apply button
7. Click ok

Note:

You can type your text (e.g. your name) in place of the animated object so that it moves about during the wait state:

On steps (xvii) select 3d text click setting on the text box types your name try now.

CHANGING THE APPEARANCE OF THE ICONS ON THE DESKTOPS

The size and color of the icon on the screen can be set to your own choice, the size of the text on the start menu bar something appears tiny or large you an set it to your own test.

Steps:

1. Click the start button
2. Click settings
3. Click the control penal
4. Double click the displayed icon (this is represent with a monitor)
5. Click the appearance tab on the displayed property box displayed
6. On the scheme box click the drop down arrow and select any scheme of your choice
7. On the item box drop down and select desktop set the color font, size color etc
8. Click apply button
9. Click ok

Creating shortcut (icons)for program on the desktop

You can create a shortcut to program (icon) on the serene so, as to ease the budded and step involve in opening programs

Steps:

1. Right click the mouse pointer on the desktop
2. Click new
3. Click shortcut
4. Click on the folder where the programs is installed e.g. program files
5. Click open
6. Click on the folder e.g. Microsoft office
7. Click open
8. Click on the program executable icon e.g. Ms-Excel icon
9. Click open
10. Click next button
11. Type the name for the shortcut e.g. ms-excel
12. Click finish

Notice; that the ion now be displayed on the screen. You can also displayed files and folder in windows by using my computer icons.

Step:

1. Double click my computer icon
2. Double click any of drives to see files and folders

RECYCLES BIN

A recycle bin is a tool that is used to stored and deleted files. The recycles bin can be linked to a dust-bin in your house that can be used too store unwanted items.

However an item that has been declared unnecessary may become need something. This is exactly the idea behind the recycles bin a file that has been deleted may be needed again in future. 

OPERATION CAN BE PERFORM ON RECYCLE BIN

You can increase and decrease the size of the recycles bin as follows:

1. Right click the mouse pointer on the recycle bin as icons
2. Click properties
3. Click on the slider drag to the right to increase the size of the recycle bin or the left To reduce it

RESTORING FILES FROM THE RECYCLES BIN. 

Steps:

1. Double click the recycler’s bin icon
2. Click on the file you wish to restored
3. Click file on the menu bar
4. Click restored

EMPTYING THE RECYCLES BIN

Step:

1. Double click the recycle’s bin icon
2. Click file on the menu bar
3. Click empty recycle bin

FORMATING A DISK

Formatting a disk be define as a process of preparing a disk for the stored and retrieving

Some of the diskette you buy. It may come in an unformatted form. You should therefore format such diskettes.

Steps:

1. Insert the unformatted diskette in its drive
2. Double click my computer icon
3. Click on the floppy drive icon
4. Click file on menu bar
5. Click format
6. Select any of ( quick erase full formats, copy system files )
7. Click start

BASICS WINDOWS TERMS

the basics windows term include:

WINDOW

This is rectangular area on a displays screen in which text or graphical image may be displayed it can referred to as the basic on screen box used in windows operating system to contain and displayed it can referred to as the basic on screen box used in windows operating system to contain and display each and every program you run on your computer.

SCROLL BARS

Scroll bars displayed in a window when the window is too small to displayed item it contain at the same item by using the scroll bays you can view the content of the entered window.

There are two of scroll bars these are vertical and horizontal scroll bars, the horizontal scroll bar is normally displayed at the right side of the window.

WIZARDS                                                                                                                                                                   

This is particular set dialog boxes or interactive program used window operating system and other Microsoft products to steps the user through complex producers like installing a new printer sending a fax etc

ACCESSORIES

There are program that come window operating system they are not really necessary for the running of your computer buy the is need for them to be loaded incase a user wants to make user of any of them. To open any your favorite accessories you go through start program accessories and then select any of them e.g.  fax games. Multimedia, and system tools etc.

CONTEXT MENU

Context menu (also known as shortcut ) means are down means that just contain a bunch of command already to which they are related.

CONTROL MENU

The control menu is a standard pull down menu attached to all windows that you ever open in window operating system. The command on this pull down/menu do simple things like resize, relocate, and close the windows to which it is attached

DIALOG BOX

This is rectangular box that appears on the computer screen it enable users to specify setting make choice from displayed option about a particular program or operation when the choice is made the computer carries out the command the dialog box also ask if you want to save the changes.

SHORTCUTS

Shortcuts make it possible to open like a favorite document s,program,folder,directly  from the desktop of the computer even when you have absolute on idea where this object is on your computer.

WORKING WITH WINDOWS EXPLORER

WINDOW EXPLORER

The windows explorer allows you to view content of part of system including the desktop entries computer a particular disk on the computer e.g the  floppy drive,hard driver or CD ROM other like control panel recycle bin e.t.c

TO OPEN THE WINDOWS EXPLORER

1. Click start on the tasks bar
2. Choose program on the start menu
3. Choose control panel

NOTE:    when you click explorer on they program continuation menu windows open the explorer window this window is divided into pans.

1. All folders in the left
2. Connect of whatever is selected in all folders on the right

NOTE:

To select a new part of your system to the content of panel simple click the icon for that part in the all folder pane when you selected  a disk or folder in the all folder pane the status bar at the exploring window displayed the number of object [that is file]in that disk folder on the left side along with  the total disk space [in megabyte] used by these objects on the right side.

HOW TO ADD A NEW HARDWARE

You can use Add hardware to detect and configure device connected to computer such as printer ,moderns,disk driver,CD-ROM drivers ,game controllers,network  adapters.

Steps:c

1. click start,
2. click control panel, and then
3. Double click on Add Hard hardware wizard as show below;
4. Click Next to Display another  Dialog box as shown below:
5. Select any of the following from above dialog box:
6. Click yes; I already connected the Hardware

No,  I have not added the Hardware yet

Click next again to display the following dialog box

Click on finish

ADD OR REMOVE PROGRAM

Add or remove program helps you manage programs and components on you computer. You can use it to add program [such as Microsoft Excel or Word] from a CD-ROM floppy disk,or a network,or to add windows updates and new features from the internet Add or Remove programs also       help you add or remove Windows components  you chose not include in the original installation such as Networking services].

TO ADD OR REMOVE A PROGRAM FROM YOUR COMPUTER

1. Click start, click control panel,
2. And then double-click Add or Remove programs it will display a diolog box
3. Select the name of the program that you want to add or remove
4. Click or change/Remove as shown on the above dialog box 

Computer Terminologies

Access time –the performance of a hard drive or other storage device – how long it takes to locate a file.

Active program or window – the application or window at the front (FOREGROUND) on the monitor.

Alert (alert box)- a message that appears on screen, usually to tell you something went wrong.

Alias – an icon that points to a file, folder or application (system 7).

Apple menu – on the left side of the screen header. System 6 desk accessories system 7= up to 50 items.

Application menu – on the right side of the screen header. Lists running applications.

ASCll (pronounced ask-key) – American standard code for information interchange. A commonly used data format for exchanging information between computers or programs.

Background – part of the multitasking capability. A program can run and perform tasks in the background while another program is being used in the foreground.

Bit – the smallest piece of information used by the computer. Derived from “binary digit”. In computer language. Either a one (1) or a zero (0).

Backup – a copy of a file or disk you make for archiving purposes.

Boot – a start up a computer.

Bug – a programming error that causes a program to behave in an unexpected way.

bus – an electronic pathway through which data is transmitted between components in a computer.

Byte – piece of computer information  made up of eight bits.

Card – a printed circuit board that adds some feature to a computer.

Cartridge drive – a storage device, like a hard drive, in which the medium is a cartridge that can be removed.

CD – ROM – an  acronym for compact Disc Read – Only memory.

Chooser – A desk accessory used to select a printer, or other external device, or to log onto a network.

Clipboard – A portion of memory where the MA temporarily stores information. Called a copy buffer in many PC applications because it is used to hold information which is to be moved, as in word processing where text is “cut” and then “pasted”.

Clock Rate (MHz) – the instruction processing speed of a computer measured in millions of cycles per second (i.e., 200 MHz).

Command – the act of giving an instruction to your Mac either by menu choice or keystroke.

Command (apple) key – a modifier key, the command key used in conjunction with another keystroke to active some function on the mac.

Control penal – a program that allows you to change setting in a program or change the way a Mac looks and/or behaves.

CPU – the central processing Unit. The processing chip that is the un “brains” of a computer.

Crash – system malfunction in which the computer stops working and has to e restarted.

Cursor – the pointer, usually arrow or cross shaped, which is controlled by the mouse.

Daisy chaining ­­­– the act of stringing device together in a series (such as SCSI).

Database – an electronic list of information that can be stored and / or searched.

Data – (the plural of datum) information processed by a computer.

Defrayment ­­­–(also - optimize) to concatenate fragments of data into contiguous blocks in memory or on a hard drive.

Desktop – 1. The finder. 2. The shaded or colored backdrop of the screen.

Desktop file – an invisible file in which the finder stores a database of information about files and icons.

Dialog box –an on-screen message box that appears when the mac requires additional information before completing a command .

Desktop file – an invisible file in which the finder stores a database of information about files and ions

Dialog box – an on-screen message box that appears when the mac requires additional information before completing a command.

Digitize – to convert linear, or analog, data into digital data which can be used by the computer.

Disk – a spinning platter made of magnetic or optically etched material on which data can be stored.

Disk drive – the machinery that write the data from a disk and / or writes data to a disk

Disk window ­– the window that displays the contents or directory of a disk

Document – a file you create, as opposed to the application which created it.

DOS – acronym for disk operating system – used in IBM PCs

DPI – acronym for Docts per inch – a gauge of visual clarity on the printed page or on the computer screen.

Download – to transfer data from one computer to another. (if you are on the receiving end, you are downloading. If you are on the sending end, you are uploading )

Drag – to move the mouse while its button is being depressed.

Drag and drop – a feature on the Mac which allows one to drag the icon for a document on top of the icon for an application, thereby launching the application and opening the document.

Driver  ­- a file on a computer which tells how to communicate with an add-on pies of equipment (like a printer).

Ethernet – a protocol for pass communication and file transfer across a network.

Expansion slot – a connector inside the computer which allows one to plug in a printed circuit board that provides new or enhance features.

Extension –  a startup program that runs when you start the Mac  and then enhance its function.

Fibre channel – as applied to data storage and network topology – link to FC glossary.

File – he generic word for an application, document , control panel or other computer data.

Finder – the cornerstone or home-base application in the environment. The finder regulates the file management functions of the Ma (copying, renaming, deleting…)

Floppy – a 3.5 inch square rigid disk which hold data. (so named for the earlier 5.25 and 8 inch disk that were flexible).

Folder – an electronic subdirectory which contains files.

Font – a typeface that contains the characters of an alphabet oe some other letterforms.

Footprint – the surface area of desk or table which is occupied by a piece of equipment.

Fragmentation – the breaking up of a file into many separate locations in memory or on a disk.

Freeze – a system error which causes the cursor to lock in place. Selected file icon

Gig – a gigabyte = 1024 megabytes.

Hard drive – a large capacity storage device made of multiple disks housed in a rigid case.

Head crash – a hard disk crash caused caused by the heads coming in contact with the spinning disk (s).

Highlight – to select by clicking once on an icon or by highlighting text in a document.

Icon – a graphic symbol for an application, file or folder.

Initialize – to format a disk for use in the computer; creates a new directory and arranges the tracks for the recording of data.

Insertion point – in word processing, the short flashing marker which indicates where your nexts typing will begin.

Insteller – software used to install a program on your hard drive.

Interrupt button – a tool used by programmers to enter the debugging mode. The button is usually next to the reset button.

Kilobyte – 1024 bytes.

Landscape – in printing from a computer, to print sideways on the page.

Launch – start an application.

Measurements – (summary) –

“a bit = one binary digit (1 or 0) *bit” is derived from the contraction b’it (binary digit) -> 8

Bits = one byte

*1024 bytes = one kilobyte

*k = kilobyte

“kb = kilobit

*MB = megabit

*MB/s = megabytes per second

*Mb/s = megabytes per second

*Mb/s = megabits per second

*bps = bits per second

i.e., 155 mb/s = 19.38 MB/s

MB – short for megabyte.

MB – short for megabyte.

Megabyte – 1024 kilobytes.

Memory – the temporary holding area where data is stored while its being used or changed; the amount of RAM a computer has installed.

Menu – a list of program commands listed by topic.

Menu bar – the horizontal bar across the top of the mac’s screen that lists the menus.

Multi finder  - a component of system 6 that allows the Mac to multi task.

Multi tasking – running more than one application in memory at the same time.

Nanosecond – one billionth of a second. (or, the time between the theatrical release of a Dudley Moore film and the moment it begins to play on airplanes ).

Native mode - using the computers original operating system; most commonly used when talking about the PowerPC can run software written for either the 80x0 systems, or the powerPC’s RISC ode.

NuBus – expansion slots on the mac which accept intelligent, self – configuring boards. NuBus is a different bus architecture than the newer PCI bus and the board are not interchangeable.

Operating system – the system software that controls the computer.

Optical disk – a high – capacity storage medium that is defined and used as a separate drive.

Paste – to insert text, or other material, from the clipboard or copy buffer.

PC – acronym for personal computer interchange – the newer, faster bus architecture. 

Peripheral – an add-on component to your computer.

Point – (1/72”) 12 points = one pica in printing.

Pop-up menu – any menu that does not appear at the top of the screen in the menu bar. (may pop up or down)

Port – a connection socket, or jack on the mac.

Power PC – a processing chip designed by Apple, IBM and Motorola (RISC based).

Power mac – a family of Macs built around the PowerPC chip.

Print spooler - a program that stores document s to be printed on the hard drive, thereby freeing the memory up and allowing other functions to be performed while printing goes on in the background.

Quick Time - the Apple system extension that gives one the ability to compress, edit and play animation, movies and sound on the Mac.

RAM – acronym for reduced instruction set computing ; the smaller set of commands used by the PowerPC and power Mac.

ROM – acronym for read only memory that can only be read from and not written to.

Root directory – the main hard drive window

Save – to write a file onto a disk

Save as – (a file menu item) to save a previously saved file in a new location and/or with a new name

Scroll – to shift the contents of a window to bring hidden items into view.

Scroll bar – a bar at the bottom or right side of a window that contents the scroll box and allows scrolling.

Scroll box – the box in a scroll bar that is used to navigate through a window.

SCSI – acronym for small computer system interface.

SCSI address – a number between zero and seven that must be unique to each device in a SCSI chain fast and wide SCSI devices will allow up to 15 to SCSI ids (hexidecimal); however the length restriction (3 meters) is such that it is virtually impossible to link 15 devices together.

SCSI port – a 25 pin connector on the back of a mac (native SCSI port); used to connect SCSI devices to the CPU. Some SCSI cards (like the ATTO) have a 68 pin connector.

SCSI Terminator - a device placed at the end of a SCSI chain to complete the circuit.[some SCSI devices are self-termination and do not require this plug].

Series port – a port that allows data to be transmitted in a series [one after the other], such as the printer modem and ports on a Mac.

Server – a central computer dedicated to sending and receiving data from other computers [on a network].

Shut down – the command from the special menu that shuts down the Mac safely.

Software – files on disk that contain instructions for a computer.

Spreadsheet – a program designed to look like an electronic ledger.

Start up disks - the containing system software and is designed to be start the computer.

Surge suppressor – a power strip that has circuit designed to reduce the effects of surge in electric power –[not the same as a UPS].

System file –a file in the system folder that allows your Mac to start and run.

System folder - an all importantly folder that contains at least the system file and the finder.

32 bit addressing – a feature that allows the Mac to recognize and use more than 8MB of memory.

Upload - to send a file from one computer to another through a network.

Uninterruptible power source [UPS]-a constantly changing battery pack which powers the Computer. A UPS should have enough charge to power your computer for several minutes in the event of a total power failure, giving you time to save your work and safely shut down.

UPS - acronym for uninterruptible power source.

Vaporware - “software”advertised, and sometimes sold , that does not yet exist in a releasable for.

Virtual memory – using part of your hard drive as though it were “RAM”

WORM - acronym for Writer once-Read Many ; an optical disk that can only be written to once [like a CD-ROW].

Zoom box – a small square in the upper right corner of a window which,when click,will expand the window to fill the whole screen.