CISC 110 All Terms
Client
A computer or other device that connects to, or requests services from, a computer called a server.
Application
A computer program that helps you perform a task for a specific purpose.
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
A digital port that can transmit both audio and video signals. It is the standard connection for highdefinition TVs, video game consoles, and other media devices.
LCD projector
A digital projector that passes light through a prism, which divides the light into three beams—red, green, and blue—that are then passed through an LCD screen.
Digital light processing (DLP) projector
A digital projector that uses hundreds of thousands of tiny swiveling mirrors to create an image.
RFID tag
A digital tag that contains a tiny antenna for receiving and sending a radio-frequency signal.
DisplayPort
A digital video standard designed to replace DVI and VGA.
Editor
A digital writing assistant in Word and Outlook that displays misspellings, grammatical mistakes, and writing style issues.
Jump List
A display of destinations and tasks from a program's taskbar icon when you right-click the icon.
Filtered list
A display of files that is limited based on specified criteria.
Page break indicator
A dotted line with the text Page Break that indicates where a manual page break was inserted.
File History
A Windows utility that creates copies of your files on an external or network drive.
Text Highlight Color
A Word command with which you can apply a highlight color to selected text.
Details view
A command that displays a list of files or folders and their most common properties.
Copy
A command that duplicates a selection and places it on the Clipboard.
Disk cleanup utility
A program that looks for files that can be safely deleted to free up disk space enabling you to have more space to store your files and to help keep your system running efficiently.
Backup utility
A program that makes copies of important files.
Disk-checking utility
A program that monitors the health of the file system on a disk.
Spooling program
A program that monitors the print requests in the buffer and the busy state of the printer.
Computer virus
A program that replicates itself and infects computers. It needs a host file on which to travel.
Finance software
A program that tracks your personal bank accounts, monitors your investments, helps you create and stick to a budget, and files your income taxes.
Presentation application
A program to create electronic presentations made up of slides that contain text, graphics, video, audio, or any combination of these.
Password manager
A program used to store passwords; some of these programs can also generate passwords.
Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)
A program, stored on a chip on the motherboard, that starts the computer.
Computer
A programmable machine that converts raw data into useful information.
Image stabilization
A feature found on some digital cameras that accounts for camera shake and results in sharper images.
Burst mode
A feature found on some digital cameras that enables you to take several pictures in a burst by holding down the shutter button.
Wizard
A feature in Microsoft Office that walks you step by step through a process.
Resume Assistant
A feature in Word with which you can see suggestions from LinkedIn to help you update your resume.
Location services
A feature of computers and mobile devices that determines your location by using GPS or wireless networks.
AutoCorrect
A feature that corrects common typing and spelling errors as you type, for example changing teh to the.
Donationware
A form of freeware where the developers accept donations, either for themselves or for a nonprofit organization.
Smart appliance
A home appliance that monitors signals from the power company, and when the electric grid system is stressed, can react by cutting back on power consumption.
Chromebook
A laptop that runs Google's Chrome operating system and Chrome Web browser to provide a web-based environment for using applications.
Interactive whiteboard
A large interactive display with a touch-sensitive surface commonly used in classrooms and businesses.
Enterprise server
A large multi-user computer that can perform millions of transactions in a day.
Mainframe
A large multi-user computer that can perform millions of transactions in a day.
Enterprise network
A large network that has multiple local area networks located in the same location.
Enhanced integrated drive electronics (EIDE)
A legacy drive interface found on the motherboards of older personal computers.
Per-seat license
A license that assigns a product to key individual users in an organization.
Open source software license
A license that grants ownership of the copy to the end user. The end user has the right to modify and redistribute the software under the same license.
Netbook
A lightweight, inexpensive notebook computer designed primarily for internet access, with built-in wireless capabilities, a small screen, and limited computing power and storage.
Clickbait
A link that teases you with just enough information to get you to click the link, driving traffic to a webpage.
Property Sheet
A list of characteristics—properties—for fields or controls on a form or report in which you can make precise changes to each property associated with the field or control.
Bibliography
A list of cited works in a report or research paper; also referred to as Works Cited, Sources, or References, depending upon the report style.
Menu
A list of commands within a category.
Field list
A list of field names in a table.
Security suite
A package of security software that includes a combination of features such as antivirus, firewall, and privacy protection.
Portrait orientation
A page orientation in which the paper is taller than it is wide.
Landscape orientation
A page orientation in which the paper is wider than it is tall.
Sitemap
A page that displays all the pages in a website in one place.
Text pane
A pane that displays to the left of a SmartArt graphic and is used to type text and edit text in a SmartArt graphic.
Worksheet grid area
A part of the Excel window that displays the columns and rows that intersect to form the worksheet's cells.
Heatsink
A part of the cooling system of a computer mounted above the CPU and composed of metal or ceramic to draw heat away from the processor.
Complimentary closing
A parting farewell in a business letter.
Pen
A pen-shaped stylus that you tap on a computer screen.
Software developer
A person who designs and writes computer programs.
Mac computer
A personal computer manufactured by Apple that runs the macOS operating system.
File name extension
A set of characters at the end of a file name that helps Windows understand what kind of information is in a file and what program should open it.
File extension
A set of characters at the end of a file name that helps the operating system determine what kind of information is in a file and what program should open it.
Font
A set of characters with the same design and shape.
IP address
A set of four numbers, separated by periods, which uniquely identifies devices on a network.
Program
A set of instructions that a computer uses to accomplish a task.
Software
A set of instructions that tells the hardware how to perform a specific task.
Rootkit
A set of programs that enables someone to gain control over a computer system while hiding the fact that the computer has been compromised.
Ellipsis
A set of three dots indicating incompleteness; an ellipsis following a command name indicates that a dialog box will display if you click the command.
Mini toolbar
A small toolbar containing frequently used formatting commands that displays as a result of selecting text or objects.
Microsoft Store app
A smaller app that you download from the Microsoft Store.
Memory card
A storage medium that uses flash memory to store data.
Labels
A storage system used to organize Gmail messages into categories, more than one label can be applied to a message.
Page
A subdivision of a section where notes are inserted.
Chromebook
A subnotebook that runs the Chrome OS—a version of the Linux operating system released by Google.
Quick response (QR) code
A two-dimensional bar code found in ads and on merchandise tags that can be scanned using an app on a mobile device to learn more about the item.
Fixed-focus
A type of camera that has a preset focal length.
Map chart
A type of chart that compares values and shows categories across geographical regions; for example, across countries, states, counties, and regions.
Game controller
A type of input device that is used to interact with video games.
Convertible notebook
A type of notebook computer that has a screen that can swivel to fold into what resembles a notepad or tablet.
Section header
A type of slide layout that changes the look and flow of a presentation by providing text placeholders that do not contain bullet points.
Internet protocol (IP) address
A unique numeric address assigned to each node on a network.
Form
An Access object you can use to enter new records into a table, edit or delete existing records in a table, or display existing records.
Drive
An area of storage that is formatted with a file system compatible with your operating system and is identified by a drive letter.
Object window
An area of the Access window that displays open objects, such as tables, queries, forms, or reports; by default, each object displays on its own tab.
Android
An embedded version of Linux that runs on many smartphones and tablets.
Formula
An equation that performs mathematical calculations on values in a worksheet.
Magnetic strip reader
An input device that can read information encoded in the magnetic strip on plastic cards, such as drivers' licenses, gift cards, library cards, credit cards, and hotel door keys.
RFID scanner
An input device that can read the information in an RFID tag, such as those found on credit cards and passports.
Bar code scanner
An input device that scans barcodes such as those found on merchandise and library books.
Keyboard
An input device that uses switches and circuits to translate keystrokes into a signal a computer understands, and the primary input device for entering text into a computer.
Pointing device
An input device, such as a mouse or touchpad, that enables you to interact with objects by moving a pointer on the computer screen.
Commands
An instruction to a computer program that causes an action to be carried out.
Inline object
An object or graphic inserted in a document that acts like a character in a sentence.
Viral video
An online video that becomes extremely popular because of recommendations and social sharing.
Linux
An open source operating system distribution that contains the Linux kernel and bundled utilities and applications.
Windows 10
An operating system developed by Microsoft Corporation that works with mobile computing devices and also with traditional desktop and laptop PCs.
Plug and Play (PnP)
An operating system feature that you can use to add new hardware to a computer system easily. When you plug in a new piece of hardware, the operating system detects it and helps you set it up.
Cell address
Another name for a cell reference.
Value
Another name for a constant value.
Hamburger
Another name for a hamburger menu.
Hamburger menu
Another name for a menu icon, deriving from the three lines that bring to mind a hamburger on a bun.
Y-axis
Another name for the vertical (value) axis.
Hits
Another term for search results.
Wallpaper
Another term for the Desktop background.
System tray
Another term for the notification area on the taskbar that displays notification icons and the system clock and calendar.
Location
Any disk drive, folder, or other place in which you can store files and folders.
Mouse pointer
Any symbol that displays on the screen in response to moving the mouse.
Pointer
Any symbol that displays on your screen in response to moving your mouse.
Cell content
Anything typed into a cell.
Keywords
Custom file properties in the form of words that you associate with a document to give an indication of the document's content.
Text effects
Decorative formats, such as shadowed or mirrored text, text glow, 3-D effects, and colors that make text stand out.
Universal design
Design principles that not only help create environments that accommodate people with disabilities but also benefit those with no special needs.
Tags
Custom file properties in the form of words that you associate with a document to give an indication of the document's content; used to help find and organize files. Also called keywords.
Grid computing
Distributed computing using a group of computers in one location.
Headset
Headphones that also include a microphone.
Selecting
Highlighting, by dragging with your mouse, areas of text or data or graphics, so that the selection can be edited, formatted, copied, or moved.
Mixed reality
Holograms that you can interact with in the real world.
Redundant
In a database, information that is duplicated in a manner that indicates poor database design.
Option button
In a dialog box, a round button that enables you to make one choice among two or more options.
Relative cell reference
In a formula, the address of a cell based on the relative positions of the cell that contains the formula and the cell referred to in the formula.
Endnote
In a research paper, a note placed at the end of a document or chapter.
Note
In a research paper, information that expands on the topic, but that does not fit well in the document text.
Tell me more
A prompt within a ScreenTip that opens the Office online Help system with explanations about how to perform the command referenced in the ScreenTip.
Caption
A property setting that displays a name for a field in a table, query, form, or report different from the one listed as the field name.
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
A protocol that encrypts information before it is sent across the internet.
Em dash
A punctuation symbol that indicates an explanation or emphasis.
Parameter query
A query that prompts you for criteria before running the query.
Crosstab query
A query that uses an aggregate function for data that can be grouped by two types of information and displays the data in a compact, spreadsheet-like format with column headings and row headings.
Energy Star
A rating system that recognizes devices that use an average of 20 percent to 30 percent less energy than comparable devices.
Thumbnail
A reduced image of a graphic. Also, miniature images of presentation slides.
Captcha (Completely Automated Public Turing Test to Tell Computers and Humans Apart)
A series of letters and numbers that are distorted in some way.
Short Message Service (SMS)
A service used to send brief electronic text messages to mobile devices.
Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS)
A service used to send electronic messages that include multimedia such as images or videos to mobile devices.
Navigation bar
A set of buttons or images in a row or column that display on every webpage to link the user to sections on the website.
Backing up
Making copies of important files.
Malware
Malicious software; a program that is designed to be harmful or malicious.
Application software
Programs that direct the computer to carry out specific tasks; for example, word processing, playing a game, or computing numbers on a worksheet.
Crowdfunding
Project funding from multiple small investors rather than few large investors.
Voice recognition
Technology that enables you to use a device without a keyboard by using voice commands.
Digital subscriber line (DSL)
Telephone lines designed to carry digital signals and are therefore much faster than ordinary telephone lines. A broadband internet service.
Header
Text that prints at the top of each sheet of slide handouts or notes pages.
Layout view
The Access view in which you can make changes to a form or report while the data from the underlying data source displays.
Deselect
The action of canceling the selection of an object or block of text by clicking outside of the selection.
Right-click
The action of clicking the right mouse button one time.
Double-click
The action of pressing the left mouse button two times in rapid succession while holding the mouse still.
Explode
The action of pulling out one or more pie slices from a pie chart for emphasis.
Collaboration
The action of working together with others as a team in an intellectual endeavor to complete a shared task or achieve a shared goal.
Title bar
The bar across the top of the window that displays the program, file, or app name.
Email header
The first part of an email message generated by the email provider—displays at the top of the New Message window.
Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC)
The first working, digital, general-purpose computer; built at the University of Pennsylvania between 1943 and 1946.
Personal folder
The folder created on the hard drive for each Windows 10 user account on a computer; for each user account—even if there is only one user on the computer—Windows 10 creates a personal folder labeled with the account holder's name.
Dual in-line memory module (DIMM)
The form of RAM found in most desktop computers.
Underlying formula
The formula entered in a cell and visible only on the Formula Bar.
Percent for new value = base percent + percent of increase
The formula for calculating a percentage by which a value increases by adding the base percentage—usually 100%—to the percent increase.
Value after increase = base × percent for new value
The formula for calculating the value after an increase by multiplying the original value—the base—by the percent for new value (see the Percent for new value formula).
Instruction cycle
The four-part process used by the CPU to process each instruction: fetch, decode, execute, store. Also called a machine cycle.
Machine cycle
The four-part process used by the CPU to process each instruction: fetch, decode, execute, store. Also called the instruction cycle.
Chart
The graphic representation of data in a worksheet; data presented as a chart is usually easier to understand than a table of numbers.
Salutation
The greeting line of a business letter.
Folder structure
The hierarchy of folders.
Internet backbone
The high-speed connection points between networks that make up the internet.
Trimmed content
The history of the Gmail conversation, sometimes referred to as the email string or the email thread.
Email string (Email thread)
The history of the email messages created through multiple responses and answers to an originating message in a thread.
Text alignment
The horizontal placement of text within a placeholder.
World Wide Web
The hypertext system of information on the internet that enables you to navigate through pieces of information by using hyperlinks that connect them.
Cell reference
The identification of a specific cell by its intersecting column letter and row number.
Wikipedia
The most well-known wiki, a massive free encyclopedia that can be written by anyone.
Inside address
The name and address of the person receiving the letter; always positioned below the date line.
Writer's identification
The name and title of the author of a letter placed near the bottom of the letter under the complimentary closing—also referred to as the writer's signature block.
Resolution
The number of horizontal by vertical pixels on a display screen or image; for example, 1280 × 1024 or 1920 × 1080.
Row heading
The numbers along the left side of an Excel worksheet that designate the row numbers.
Compact disc (CD)
The oldest type of optical disc in use today, with a storage capacity of about 700 MB.
Import
The process of copying data from another file, such as a Word table or an Excel workbook, into a separate file, such as an Access database.
Export
The process of copying data from one file into another file, such as an Access table into an Excel spreadsheet.
Drive imaging
The process of creating a mirror image of an entire hard disk.
Analytics
The process of detecting patterns in data.
File management
The process of opening, closing, saving, naming, deleting, and organizing digital files.
Retweet
The process of sharing another user's tweet, giving them credit for the original tweet.
Scaling
The process of shrinking the width and/or height of printed output to fit a maximum number of pages.
Paging
The process of transferring files from the virtual memory file from the hard disk to RAM and back.
Boot
The process of turning on a computer that has been completely shut down and during which the BIOS program will run.
Booting the computer
The process of turning on the computer.
Synchronization
The process of updating computer files that are in two or more locations according to specific rules—also called syncing.
Disk formatting
The process that prepares a disk to hold files and consists of two steps: low-level formatting and high-level formatting.
Information
The processed, useful form of data. Data that is accurate, timely, and organized in a useful manner.
System resources
The processor and memory on a computer.
System software
The programs that provide the infrastructure and hardware control necessary for the computer and its peripheral devices.
File name
The property of a file that identifies it and describes the contents of the file.
http
The protocol prefix for HyperText Transfer Protocol.
Internet Protocol (IP)
The protocol responsible for addressing and routing packets to their destination.
Aspect ratio
The ratio of the width of a display to the height of the display.
Top-level domain (TLD)
The suffix that follows the domain name in a URL that indicates the type of website you are visiting.
Paragraph symbol
The symbol ¶ that represents the end of a paragraph.
Arithmetic operators
The symbols +, −, *, /, %, and ^ used to denote addition, subtraction (or negation), multiplication, division, percentage, and exponentiation in an Excel formula.
Subfolder
The term for a folder placed within another folder.
Browsing
The term used to describe the process of using your computer to view webpages.
Body
The text of a letter.
Plagiarism
The use of someone else's work without permission or credit, passing it off as your work.
Arguments
The values that an Excel function uses to perform calculations or operations.
Detail sheets
The worksheets that contain the details of the information summarized on a summary sheet.
Live tiles
Tiles that are constantly updated with fresh information.
Append
To add on to the end of an object; for example, to add records to the end of an existing table.
Extract
To decompress, or pull out, files from a compressed form.
Monetize
To profit from.
Application programming interface (API)
The feature of an operating system that enables an application to request services from the operating system, such as a request to print or save a file.
Word wrap
The feature that moves text from the right edge of a paragraph to the beginning of the next line as necessary to fit within the margins.
Foreign key
The field that is included in the related table so the field can be joined with the primary key in another table for the purpose of creating a relationship.
APFS
The file system found on Macs running macOS.
NTFS
The file system used on hard disks in Windows.
FAT
The file system used on some external disks or those running older versions of Windows.
QWERTY
The first alphabetic keys on the upper left of the keyboard.
Dateline
The first line in a business letter that contains the current date and which is positioned just below the letterhead if a letterhead is used.
Fill
The inside color of an object.
Fill color
The inside color of text or of an object.
Convergence
The integration of technology on multifunction devices, such as smartphones.
Cell
The intersection of a column and a row. Also, the box at the intersection of a row and column in a Word table.
Sheet tabs
The labels along the lower border of the workbook window that identify each worksheet.
Category labels
The labels that display along the bottom of a chart to identify the categories of data; Excel uses the row titles as the category names.
Flickr
The largest image-sharing site on the web.
YouTube
The largest online video hosting site in the world.
The largest social network site on the web.
Column heading
The letter that displays at the top of a vertical group of cells in a worksheet; beginning with the first letter of the alphabet, a unique letter or combination of letters identifies each column.
KeyTip
The letter that displays on a command in the ribbon and that indicates the key you can press to activate the command when keyboard control of the ribbon is activated.
Protocol prefix
The letters that represent a set of communication rules used by a computer to connect to another computer.
Print queue
The list of documents in the print buffer waiting to be printed.
Parent folder
The location in which the folder you are viewing is saved.
Design grid
The lower area of the query window that displays the design of the query.
Motherboard
The main circuit board of a computer that houses the processor (CPU) and contains drive controllers and interfaces, expansion slots, data buses, ports and connectors, the BIOS, and memory. A motherboard may also include integrated peripherals, such as video, sound, and network adapters. It provides the way for devices to attach to your computer.
Processing
The manipulation, calculation, or organization of data to create useful information.
Text wrapping
The manner in which text displays around an object.
Rate = amount of increase/base
The mathematical formula to calculate a rate of increase.
Order of operations
The mathematical rules for performing multiple calculations within a formula.
Video RAM (VRAM)
The memory found on a display adapter.
Search engine optimization (SEO)
The methods used to make a website easier to find by both people and software that indexes the web and to increase the webpage ranking in search engine results.
System requirements
The minimum hardware and software specifications required to run a software application.
Microsoft Windows
The most common desktop operating system.
Digital single lens reflex (DSLR)
The most expensive and versatile type of digital camera. A high-end digital camera that enables you to change the lens, attach a hot shoe flash, manually adjust focus and exposure, and look through the viewfinder to frame your shot.
Writer's signature block
The name and title of the author of a letter placed near the bottom of the letter, under the complimentary closing—also referred to as the writer's identification.
Chart style
The overall visual look of a chart in terms of its graphic effects, colors, and backgrounds; for example, you can have flat or beveled columns, colors that are solid or transparent, and backgrounds that are dark or light.
Control unit
The part of the CPU that manages the movement of data through the CPU.
Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
The part of the CPU that performs arithmetic (addition and subtraction) and logic (AND, OR, and NOT) calculations.
User interface
The part of the operating system that you see and interact with.
Connections
The people with whom you have some level of online relationship using LinkedIn.
Percentage rate of increase
The percent by which one number increases over another number.
Network administrator
The person responsible for managing the hardware and software on a network.
Letterhead
The personal or company information that displays at the top of a letter, and which commonly includes a name, address, and contact information.
Topology
The physical layout of a local area network.
Alignment
The placement of text or objects relative to the margins.
Crop pointer
The pointer used to crop areas of a picture.
Crosshair pointer
The pointer used to draw a shape.
Surface web
The portion of the web that is indexable by search engines. Also known as the clear web.
Clear web
The portion of the web that is indexable by search engines. Also known as the surface web.
Deep web
The portion of the web that is not indexable by search engines.
Social media marketing (SMM)
The practice of using social media sites to sell products and services.
Section
The primary division of a OneNote notebook identifying a main topic and containing related pages of notes. Also, a portion of a document that can be formatted differently from the rest of the document.
Worksheet
The primary document that you use in Excel to work with and store data, and which is formatted as a pattern of uniformly spaced horizontal and vertical lines.
Hard drive
The primary mass-storage device in a computer that stores data magnetically on metal platters. Also called a hard disk or hard disk drive.
Central processing unit (CPU)
The primary microprocessor that behaves as the brain of the computer, controls all functions performed by other components, and processes all the commands it receives. Also, the brain of a computer housed inside the system unit on the motherboard. Also known as the processor.
Hard disk drive
The primary storage device located inside your computer where some of your files and programs are typically stored, usually designated as drive C.
Information processing cycle (IPC)
The process a computer uses to convert data into information. The four steps of the IPC are input, processing, storage, and output.
Run
The process in which Access looks at the records in the table(s) included in the query design, finds the records that match the specified criteria, and then displays the records in a datasheet; only the fields included in the query design display.
Formatting
The process of applying Office commands to make your documents easy to read and to add visual touches and design elements to make your document inviting to the reader; establishes the overall appearance of text, graphics, and pages in an Office file—for example, in a Word document. Also, the process of changing the appearance of the text, layout, and design of a slide.
Normalization
The process of applying design rules and principles to ensure that your database performs as expected.
Sorting
The process of arranging data in a specific order based on the value in a field.
Sort
The process of arranging data in a specific order based on the value in each field.
What-if analysis
The process of changing the values in cells to see how those changes affect the outcome of formulas in a worksheet.
Zip
The process of compressing files.
Filter
The process of displaying only a portion of the data based on matching a specific value to show only the data that meets the criteria that you specify.
Input
The process of entering raw data into a system.
Unzip
The process of extracting files that have been compressed.
Booting
The process of loading the operating system when starting up a computer.
File compression
The process of making files smaller to conserve disk space and make them easier to transfer.
Data management
The process of managing files and folders.
Editing
The process of modifying a presentation by adding and deleting slides or by changing the contents of individual slides.
Surfing
The process of navigating the internet either for a particular item or for anything that is of interest, and quickly moving from one item to another.
Syncing
The process of updating computer files that are in two or more locations according to specific rules—also called synchronization.
Parallel processing
The process of using multiple processors, or multicore processors, to divide processing tasks.
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
The protocol responsible for assuring that data packets are transmitted reliably.
Instant messaging (IM)
The real-time communication between two or more participants over the internet.
Dashboard
The right side of the Start menu that is a one-screen view of links to information and programs that matter to you.
Spamming
The sending of mass, unsolicited emails.
HyperText Transfer Protocol
The set of communication rules used by your computer to connect to servers on the web.
3-D
The shortened term for three-dimensional, which refers to an image that appears to have all three spatial dimensions—length, width, and depth.
Record selector box
The small box at the left of a record in Datasheet view that, when clicked, selects the entire record.
Fill handle
The small square in the lower right corner of a selected cell.
Bit (binary digit)
The smallest unit of digital information.
Margins
The space between the text and the top, bottom, left, and right edges of the paper.
Cell margins
The space inside a table cell between the text and the cell borders—top, bottom, left, and right.
Clock speed
The speed at which the processor executes the machine cycle, measured in gigahertz (GHz)—billions of cycles per second.
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA)
The standard internal drive interface used to connect drives to the motherboard.
IEEE 802.11 standards
The standards that define the way data is transmitted over a Wi-Fi network.
Base
The starting point when you divide the amount of increase by it to calculate the rate of increase.
Ergonomics
The study of the relationship between workers and their workspaces.
Object anchor
The symbol that indicates to which paragraph an object is attached.
Operators
The symbols with which you can specify the type of calculation you want to perform in an Excel formula.
Graphical user interface (GUI)
The system by which you interact with your computer and which uses graphics such as an image of a file folder or wastebasket that you click to activate the item represented.
Info tab
The tab in Backstage view that displays information about the current file.
Destination table
The table to which you import or append data.
Paste area
The target destination for data that has been cut or copied using the Office Clipboard.
Point and click method
The technique of constructing a formula by pointing to and then clicking cells; this method is convenient when the referenced cells are not adjacent to one another.
Normal template
The template that serves as a basis for all Word documents.
Pixel
The term that is the shortened version of picture element and which represents a single point on a display screen. Each pixel contains three colors: red, green, and blue (RGB).
Default
The term that refers to the current selection or setting that is automatically used by a computer program unless you specify otherwise.
General fund
The term used to describe money set aside for the normal operating activities of a government entity such as a city.
Bandwidth
The theoretical speed or data transfer rate of a network and is measured in kilobits per second (Kbps), megabits per second (Mbps), or gigabits per second (Gbps).
Shutter lag
The time between pressing the shutter button and the camera snapping the picture.
Web 2.0 tools
The tools that allow users to create content.
Small outline dual in-line memory module (SODIMM)
The type of RAM used by most notebook computers.
Table area
The upper area of the query window that displays field lists for the tables that are used in a query.
Fair use
The use, without the permission of the rights holder, of brief selections of copyright material for purposes such as commentary and criticism, news reporting, teaching, and research.
Major unit
The value in a chart's value axis that determines the spacing between tick marks and between the gridlines in the plot area.
Select
To specify, by highlighting, a block of data or text on the screen with the intent of performing some action on the selection.
Sync
To update files that are located in two or more locations.
Screen capture software
Tools that enable you to create a video of what happens on your computer screen.
Crowdsourcing
Trusting collective opinion of a crowd of people—referred to as the wisdom of the crowd—rather than that of an expert.
Computer network
Two or more computers that share resources.
Range
Two or more selected cells on a worksheet that are adjacent or nonadjacent; because the range is treated as a single unit, you can make the same changes or combination of changes to more than one cell at a time.
Notes
Typed text, handwritten text if you have a tablet PC, pictures and graphics—including images and text that you capture from webpages—audio and video recordings, and documents from other applications such as Word or Excel, that can be included in a OneNote notebook.
ARPANET
A U.S. Department of Defense ARPA project that later became the internet. A communications system designed to have multiple pathways through which information could travel so that losing one part of the system—for example, in a nuclear strike—would not cripple the whole system.
Start menu
A Windows 10 menu that displays as a result of clicking the Start button and that displays a list of installed programs on the left and a customizable group of tiles on the right that can act as a user dashboard.
Snipping tool
A Windows 10 program that captures an image of all or part of your computer's screen.
Client for Microsoft Networks
A Windows feature that enables a computer to access files and printers on a Microsoft network remotely.
Encrypting File System (EFS)
A Windows feature that enables you to encrypt individual files.
System restore
A Windows tool that enables you to return the system to a previous state saved as a restore point.
Windows Defender
A Windows utility that protects against viruses and other malware.
Researcher
A Word feature that helps you find topics and reliable sources for a research paper; for sources that you select, citation information is available.
Suppress
A Word feature that hides header and footer information, including the page number, on the first page of a document.
Office Presentation Service
A Word feature to present your Word document to others who can watch in a web browser.
Smart Lookup
A Word feature with which you can get more information about text you select; shows definitions, images, and results from various online sources.
One-click Row/Column Insertion
A Word table feature with which you can insert a new row or column by pointing to the desired location and then clicking.
Incremental backup
A backup that includes only those files that have changed.
Progress bar
A bar that displays in a dialog box—and also on the taskbar button—that indicates visually the progress of a task such as a copy process, a download, or a file transfer.
Notepad
A basic text-editing program included with Windows 10 that you can use to create simple documents.
Darknet market
A black market located in the dark web that can be accessed anonymously to purchase illegal items such as guns, drugs, and stolen data.
Insertion point
A blinking vertical line that indicates where text or graphics will be inserted.
Signature line
A block of text that is automatically put at the end of an email message.
E-book
A book in a digital format that can be read on a screen.
Note container
A box in OneNote for text, pictures, video clips, and other types of notes.
Select All box
A box in the upper left corner of the worksheet grid that, when clicked, selects all the cells in a worksheet.
Placeholder
A box on a slide with dotted or dashed borders that holds title and body text or other content such as charts, tables, and pictures.
Manual line break
A break that moves text to the right of the insertion point to a new line while keeping the text in the same paragraph.
Cable internet access
A broadband internet service offered by a cable TV provider that uses the same wires to carry both TV and internet signals.
Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH)
A broadband internet service that carries signals on fiber-optic cable and is the fastest type of broadband internet connection.
Mobile internet access
A broadband internet service that uses cellular 4G (fourth generation) and 5G (fifth generation) network standards. The signals are transmitted by a series of cellular towers.
Satellite internet access
A broadband internet service that uses communications satellites positioned in the southern sky.
Add-on
A browser extension created for a specific browser to add features to it.
Pop-up blocker
A browser feature that prevents webpages from opening a new window.
Smart home
A building that uses automation to control lighting, heating and cooling, security, entertainment, and appliances.
Menu icon
A button consisting of three lines that, when clicked, expands a menu; often used in mobile applications because it is compact to use on smaller screens—also referred to a hamburger menu.
Split button
A button divided into two parts and in which clicking the main part of the button performs a command and clicking the arrow opens a menu with choices.
Toggle button
A button that can be turned on by clicking it once, and then turned off by clicking it again.
Layout Options
A button that displays when an object is selected and that has commands to choose how the object interacts with surrounding text. Also, picture formatting options that control the manner in which text wraps around a picture or other object.
Chart Elements button
A button that enables you to add, remove, or change chart elements such as the title, legend, gridlines, and data labels.
Chart Filters button
A button that enables you to change which data displays in the chart.
Chart Styles button
A button that enables you to set a style and color scheme for your chart.
AutoSum
A button that provides quick access to the SUM function.
Digital video camera
A camera designed to record digital video that is easily uploaded to your computer, where it can be edited, stored, and shared.
Autofocus
A camera feature that automatically adjusts the focal length by using a small motor to move the lens in or out.
Cascade Update Related Fields
A cascade option that enables you to change the data in the primary key field in the table on the one side of the relationship and update that change to any fields storing that same data in related tables.
Cascade Delete Related Records
A cascade option that enables you to delete a record in a table and also delete all of the related records in related tables.
Data bar
A cell format consisting of a shaded bar that provides a visual cue to the reader about the value of a cell relative to other cells; the length of the bar represents the value in the cell—a longer bar represents a higher value and a shorter bar represents a lower value.
Absolute cell reference
A cell reference that refers to cells by their fixed position in a worksheet; an absolute cell reference remains the same when the formula is copied.
Backstage view
A centralized space for file management tasks; for example, opening, saving, printing, publishing, or sharing a file.
Legend
A chart element that identifies the patterns or colors that are assigned to the categories in the chart.
Column chart
A chart in which the data is arranged in columns and that is useful for showing data changes over a period of time or for illustrating comparisons among items.
Line chart
A chart type that displays trends over time; time displays along the bottom axis and the data point values are connected with a line.
Switch Row/Column
A charting command to swap the data over the axis—data being charted on the vertical axis will move to the horizontal axis and vice versa.
Integrated circuit
A chip that contains a large number of tiny transistors fabricated into a semiconducting material called silicon.
Product key
A code supplied with a software license that you must enter when you install some software, and that helps a software publisher verify that the software was legally purchased.
MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3)
A codec to compress audio files, allowing them to maintain excellent quality while being reasonably small.
AAC (advanced audio coding)
A codec used to compress audio files that creates files that are somewhat higher quality than MP3 files.
Slack
A collaboration and communication hub that connects your organization through a workspace.
Style set
A collection of character and paragraph formatting that is stored and named.
File
A collection of information stored on a computer under a single name.
RGB
A color model in which the colors red, green, and blue are added together to form another color.
Data marker
A column, bar, area, dot, pie slice, or other symbol in a chart that represents a single data point; related data points form a data series.
Keyboard shortcut
A combination of two or more keyboard keys, used to perform a task that would otherwise require a mouse.
Context sensitive
A command associated with the currently selected or active object; often activated by right-clicking a screen item.
Compressed Folder Tools
A command available in File Explorer with which you can extract compressed files.
Check Accessibility
A command that checks a document for content that people with disabilities might find difficult to read.
Flip
A command that creates a reverse image of a picture or object.
Show Formulas
A command that displays the formula in each cell instead of the resulting value.
Freeze Panes
A command that enables you to select one or more rows or columns and freeze (lock) them into place; the locked rows and columns become separate panes.
Merge & Center
A command that joins selected cells in an Excel worksheet into one larger cell and centers the contents in the merged cell.
Bookmark
A command that marks a word, section, or place in a document so that you can jump to it quickly without scrolling. Also, the term used to describe saved links to commonly visited webpages that allow for efficient web browsing.
Scale
A command that resizes a picture to a percentage of its size.
Restore Down
A command that resizes a window to its previous size.
Find and Replace
A command that searches the cells in a worksheet—or in a selected range—for matches and then replaces each match with a replacement value of your choice.
Check Compatibility
A command that searches your document for features that may not be supported by older versions of Office.
Inspect Document
A command that searches your document for hidden data of personal information that you might not want to share publicly.
Page Width
A command that zooms the document so that the width of the page matches the width of the window.
Text from File
A command to insert text from another file into your document.
Date & Time
A command with which you can automatically insert the current date and time into a document in a variety of formats.
In-app purchases
A common way to monetize a mobile app. The app itself is free to download and install, but additional features, levels, or other content can be purchased for small, one-time payments or via subscriptions.
Network adapter
A communication device that establishes a connection with a network; may be onboard, an expansion card, or a USB device, and may be wired or wireless.
Modem
A communication device that modulates digital data into an analog signal that can be transmitted over a phone line and, on the receiving end, demodulates the analog signal back into digital data. Also, analog device that connects to the internet-short for modulator-demodulator.
Fax device (facsimile)
A communication device that scans a document and converts it into a digital format that can be transmitted over telephone lines to a receiving fax device, which then prints or displays the document.
All-in-one computer
A compact desktop computer with an integrated monitor and system unit.
Cloud service provider (CSP)
A company that provides cloud (internetbased) computing services.
Between ... And operator
A comparison operator that looks for values within a range.
Microprocessor
A complex integrated circuit that contains processing circuitry.
Expansion slot
A component located on the motherboard that enables you to connect an adapter card to a computer.
Drive controller
A component located on the motherboard that provides a drive interface that connects disk drives to the processor.
AND condition
A compound criteria used to display records that match all parts of the specified criteria.
OR condition
A compound criteria used to display records that match at least one of the specified criteria.
Lossy compression
A compression algorithm on files that contain more information than humans can discern. That extra information is removed from the file.
Lossless compression
A compression algorithm that looks for the redundancy in a file and creates an encoded file by removing the redundant information; when the file is decompressed, all the information from the original file is restored.
Desktop application
A computer program that is installed on your PC and requires a computer operating system such as Microsoft Windows to run; also known as a desktop app.
Desktop app
A computer program that is installed on your PC and requires a computer operating system such as Microsoft Windows to run; also known as a desktop application.
Operating system (OS)
A computer program that manages all the other programs on your computer, stores files in an organized manner, enables you to use software programs, and coordinates the use of computer hardware such as the keyboard and mouse. Also, system software that provides the user with an interface to communicate with the hardware and software on a computer. A computer cannot run without an operating system installed. Also, a specific type of computer program that manages the other programs on a computing device such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a game console.
Computer zombie
A computer that is infected with malware and is part of a botnet under the control of a master. Also called a bot.
Bot
A computer that is infected with malware and is part of a botnet under the control of a master. Also called a zombie.
Port
A connection point that is used to attach peripheral devices to the motherboard.
Link
A connection to data in another file.
Folder
A container in which to store files.
Software license
A contract distributed with a program that gives you the right to install and use the program on one or more computers.
Site license
A contract with a software publisher that enables an organization to install copies of a program on a specified number of computers.
Thread
A conversation in a discussion board or forum.
Forum
A conversation much like chat but not in real time. Also known as a discussion board or message board.
Screen clipping
A copy of what you are seeing on your screen, a webpage, or a document is then sent to the active notebook page.
Is Null
A criteria that searches for fields that are empty.
Is Not Null
A criteria that searches for fields that are not empty.
AutoNumber data type
A data type that describes a unique sequential or random number assigned by Access as each record is entered and that is useful for data that has no distinct field that can be considered unique.
Query
A database object that retrieves specific data from one or more database objects—either tables or other queries—and then, in a single datasheet, displays only the data you specify.
Customer Relations Management system (CRM)
A database system to maintain customer information and connections.
Blank desktop database
A database that has no data and has no database tools—you must create the data and tools as you need them; the database is stored on your computer or other storage device.
Custom web app
A database that you can publish and share with others over the internet.
Cell style
A defined set of formatting characteristics, such as font, font size, font color, cell borders, and cell shading.
SmartArt
A designer-quality visual representation of your information that you can create by choosing from among many different layouts to effectively communicate your message or ideas.
Firewall
A device or software that blocks unauthorized access to a network or an individual computer.
Removable storage device
A device such as a USB flash drive used to transfer information from one computer to another.
Router
A device that connects two or more networks.
Analog input device
A device that converts data signals into continuous electronic waves or pulses.
Wireless access point (WAP)
A device that enables wireless devices to join a network.
Backlit
A device that includes an internal light source.
Card reader
A device that provides a slot to insert a memory card into a computer so that the data on the card can be read. Used to transfer data, such as photos and music, between a card and a computer or printer.
Digital device
A device that represents audio or video data as a series of 0s and 1s.
Communication device
A device that serves as both input and output device and enables you to connect to other devices on a network or the internet.
Input device
A device to enter data into the computer system.
Output device
A device, for example, a printer or monitor, that returns processed information to the user.
Podcast
A digital media file of a prerecorded radio- or TV-like show that is distributed over the web to be downloaded and listened to or watched on a computer or portable media player.
Radio frequency identification (RFID)
A digital technology that uses RFID tags to provide information and is used in inventory tracking, electronic toll collection, and contactless credit card transactions.
Data source
A document that contains a list of variable information, such as names and addresses, that you merge with a main document to create customized form letters or labels. Also, the table or tables from which a form, query, or report retrieves its data.
Cover letter
A document that you send with your resume to provide additional information about your skills and experience.
Column break indicator
A dotted line containing the words Column Break that displays at the bottom of the column.
Section break
A double dotted line that indicates the end of one section and the beginning of another section.
Internal drive
A drive located inside the system unit in an internal drive bay that is not accessible from the outside.
External drive
A drive that may be attached as a peripheral device using a USB or Thunderbolt connection.
Dictate
A feature in Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote for Windows 10; when you enable Dictate, you start talking and as you talk, text appears in your document or slide.
Snap Assist
A feature that displays all other open windows after one window is snapped.
AutoCalculate
A feature that displays three calculations in the status bar by default—Average, Count, and Sum—when you select a range of numerical data.
Recolor
A feature that enables you to change all colors in the picture to shades of a single color.
Mail merge
A feature that joins a main document and a data source to create customized letters or labels.
Live Layout
A feature that reflows text as you move or size an object so that you can view the placement of surrounding text.
AutoComplete
A feature that speeds your typing and lessens the likelihood of errors; if the first few characters you type in a cell match an existing entry in the column, Excel fills in the remaining characters for you.
Common field
A field included in two or more tables that stores the same data.
Calculated field
A field that stores the value of a mathematical operation.
Portable Document Format
A file format that creates an image that preserves the look of your file, but that cannot be easily changed; a popular format for sending documents electronically, because the document will display on most computers.
Gradient fill
A fill effect in which one color fades into another.
Liquid crystal display (LCD)
A flat-panel display type found on most desktop and notebook computers that consists of two layers of glass glued together with a layer of liquid crystals between them. When electricity is passed through the individual crystals, it causes them to pass or block light to create an image.
Bug
A flaw in software programming.
Serif font
A font design that includes small line extensions on the ends of the letters to guide the eye in reading from left to right.
Sans serif font
A font design with no lines or extensions on the ends of characters.
Small caps
A font effect that changes lowercase letters to uppercase letters, but with the height of lowercase letters.
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
A form of cloud computing that delivers applications over the internet.
Cyberharassment
A form of computer harassment that happens between two adults.
Cyberbullying
A form of computer harassment that happens between two minors.
Cyberstalking
A form of computer harassment that is serious in nature, with a pattern of harassment and a credible threat of harm.
Spyware
A form of malware that secretly gathers personal information about you.
Optical disc
A form of removable storage where data is stored by using a laser to either melt the disc material or change the color of embedded dye. A laser reads the variations as binary data.
Antivirus software
A form of security software that protects against viruses, Trojan horses, worms, and spyware.
Antispyware software
A form of security software used to prevent and remove adware and spyware infections.
Worm
A form of self-replicating malware that does not need a host to travel. It travels over networks and spreads over the network connections without any human intervention.
Browser hijacker
A form of spyware that changes your home page and redirects you to other websites.
Subdatasheet
A format for displaying related records when you click the plus sign (+) next to a record in a table on the one side of the relationship.
Table
A format for information that organizes and presents text and data in columns and rows; the foundation of a database.
Conditional format
A format that changes the appearance of a cell—for example, by adding cell shading or font color—based on a condition; if the condition is true, the cell is formatted based on that condition, and if the condition is false, the cell is not formatted.
Really Simple Syndication (RSS)
A format used for distributing web feeds that change frequently.
Expression
A formula that will perform the calculation.
OneDrive
A free file storage and file sharing service provided by Microsoft when you sign up for a free Microsoft account.
Chrome
A free web browser application developed by Google.
Firefox
A free web browser developed by Mozilla.
Ergonomic keyboard
A full-sized keyboard with a curved shape that positions the wrists in a more natural position to reduce strain.
IFS function
A function that checks whether one or more conditions—logical tests—are met, and then returns a value corresponding to the first TRUE condition.
IF function
A function that uses a logical test to check whether a condition is met, and then returns one value if true, and another value if false.
Meme
A funny image or catchphrase, often of celebrity or pop culture reference, that is spread by internet users across social media.
Paste Options gallery
A gallery of buttons that provides a Live Preview of all the Paste options available in the current context.
Internet
A global network of computer networks.
Cloud
A global network of servers—usually accessible via the internet. Sometimes cloud is used as a synonym for the internet.
Floating object
A graphic that can be moved independently of the surrounding text characters.
Alignment guide
A green vertical or horizontal line that displays when you are moving or sizing an object to assist you with object placement.
Office application suite
A group of applications that work together to manage and create different types of documents and include features that allow multiple users to collaborate.
Style
A group of formatting commands, such as font, font size, font color, paragraph alignment, and line spacing, that you can apply to a paragraph with one command. Also, a collection of formatting options that you can apply to a picture, text, or an object. Combinations of formatting options that look attractive together.
Logical functions
A group of functions that test for specific conditions and that typically use conditional tests to determine whether specified conditions are true or false.
Menu bar
A group of menus at the top of a program window.
Chart Styles gallery
A group of predesigned chart styles that you can apply to an Excel chart.
Tiles
A group of square and rectangular boxes that display on the start menu.
Series
A group of things that come one after another in succession; for example, January, February, March, and so on.
Team
A group of workers tasked with working together to solve a problem, make a decision, or create a work product.
Tablet
A handheld mobile device that falls somewhere between a notebook and a smartphone.
Workstation
A high-end desktop computer or one that is attached to a network in a business setting.
Game console
A home entertainment system that connects to a television or monitor to display a game.
Row
A horizontal group of cells in a worksheet.
FireWire
A hot-swappable port that can connect up to 63 devices per port. It also allows for peer-to-peer communication between devices, such as two video cameras, without the use of a computer. Also known as IEEE 1394.
Toggle key
A keyboard key, such as CAPS LOCK or NUM LOCK, that turns a feature on or off when pressed.
Modifier key
A keyboard key, such as CTRL, ALT, and SHIFT, that you press in conjunction with other keys.
Service pack
A large, planned software update that addresses multiple problems, or adds multiple features, and includes previous patches and hotfixes.
Image sensor
A light-detecting microchip that behaves like a piece of digital film. The image sensor captures light that passes through a lens and turns it into digital information.
Axis
A line that serves as a frame of reference for measurement and which borders the chart plot area.
Numbered list
A list of items preceded by numbers, which indicate sequence or rank of the items. Sometimes called ordered lists. Also, a list that uses consecutive numbers or letters to introduce each item in a list.
Bulleted list
A list of items preceded by small dots or other shapes, which do not indicate order or rank. Sometimes called unordered lists. Also, a list of items with each item introduced by a symbol such as a small circle or check mark, and which is useful when the items in the list can be displayed in any order.
Page tabs list
A list on the left side of the OneNote notebook that displays the name of each page in the active section.
Section tabs list
A list on the left side of the OneNote notebook that displays the name of each section in the active notebook.
Numbered list
A list that uses consecutive numbers or letters to introduce each item in a list.
Star topology
A local area network topology in which every node on the network is attached to a central device such as a switch or wireless access point.
Ring topology
A local area network topology in which the devices are connected to a single cable; the ends of the cable are connected in a circle, and the data travels around the circle in one direction.
Bus topology
A local area network topology in which the nodes are all connected using a single cable; the data travels back and forth along the cable, which is terminated at both ends.
Time bomb
A logic bomb that is triggered by a specific date or time.
Keychain
A macOS feature that stores various passwords and passphrases in one place and makes them accessible through a master password.
FileVault
A macOS feature, which when turned on, encrypts the contents of your hard disk.
Turing machine
A machine that can perform mathematical computations.
Style guide
A manual that contains standards for the design and writing of documents.
Triangulation
A mathematical principle used by GPS to determine the position of the receiving device in three dimensions.
Turing test
A measure of a computer's ability to display intelligent behavior.
Petaflops
A measure of computer performance obtainable by today's supercomputers.
Gigahertz (GHz)
A measure of the speed at which a processor executes the information cycle. 1 GHz is equal to 1 billion cycles per second.
Floating-point operations per second (FLOPS)
A measurement of computer performance typically used to describe supercomputers.
Points
A measurement of the size of a font; there are 72 points in an inch.
Analytical Engine
A mechanical computer designed, but not built, in the early 19th century by mathematician Charles Babbage that could be programmed using punch cards.
Shortcut menu
A menu that displays commands and options relevant to the selected text or object; also called a context menu.
Flame
A message that expresses an opinion without holding back any emotion and that may be seen as being confrontational and argumentative.
A method of exchanging messages via the internet in which the message resides in the recipient's mailbox until he or she signs in to read it.
A microblogging platform used for social networking, which allows registered users to post and send messages to other registered users.
iOS
A mobile operating system that is a scaled-down version of macOS and that uses direct manipulation and multi-gesture touch such as swipe, tap, and pinch to control it.
Google Doodle
A modified Google search engine home page logo created to observe a special event, season, or holiday.
Organic light-emitting diode (OLED)
A monitor composed of extremely thin panels of organic molecules sandwiched between two electrodes.
Drag and drop
A mouse technique in which the user selects one or more objects and drags it to a different location. Also, a technique by which you can move, by dragging, selected text from one location in a document to another.
Server
A multi-user computer system that provides services, such as internet access, email, or file and print services, to client systems.
All-in-one printer
A multifunction device that has a built-in printer and scanner, and that may also have fax capabilities.
Network operating system (NOS)
A multiuser operating system that controls the software and hardware that runs on a network. It enables multiple client devices to communicate with the server and each other, to share resources, to run applications, and to send messages.
Enterprise fund
A municipal government fund that reports income and expenditures related to municipal services for which a fee is charged in exchange for goods or services.
Wireless adapter
A network adapter used to connect to Wi-Fi networks.
Wireless network adapter
A network adapter used to connect to Wi-Fi networks.
Storage area network (SAN)
A network between the data storage devices and the servers on a network that makes the data accessible to all servers in the SAN; regular users are not part of the SAN but can access the information through the local area network servers.
Domain
A network composed of a group of clients and servers under the control of one central security database on a special server called the domain controller.
Ad hoc network
A network created when two wireless devices connect to each other directly.
Smart grid
A network for delivering electricity to consumers that includes communication technology to manage electricity distribution efficiently.
Botnet
A network of computer zombies, or bots, controlled by a master, which can be used to send out spam and viruses or to launch a denial-ofservice attack.
Public cloud
A network of shared resources and services available to the public over the internet.
Metropolitan area network (MAN)
A network that covers a single geographic area.
Peer-to-peer network (P2P)
A network that does not require a network operating system, in which each computer is considered equal. Each device can share its resources with every other device, and there is no centralized authority.
Local area network (LAN)
A network that has all connected devices or nodes located in the same physical location.
Client-server network
A network that has at least one server at its center; users log in to the network instead of their local computers and are granted access to resources based on that login.
Wide area network (WAN)
A network that spans multiple locations and connects multiple local area networks over dedicated lines by using routers.
Wireless LAN (WLAN)
A network that uses Wi-Fi to transmit data.
Cellular network
A network that uses cell towers to transmit voice and data over large distances. Also called a mobile network.
Private cloud
A network that uses internet technologies to provide resources and services accessible to an internal organization.
3D models
A new kind of shape that you can insert from an online library of ready-to-use three-dimensional graphics.
Line break indicator
A non-printing character in the shape of a bent arrow that indicates a manual line break.
Creative Commons
A nonprofit organization that provides free legal tools to change the creator copyright terms from "All Rights Reserved" to "Some Rights Reserved".
Flash memory
A nonvolatile form of memory that can be electrically erased and programmed.
Read-only memory (ROM)
A nonvolatile form of memory that does not need power to keep its data.
Citation
A note inserted into the text of a research paper that refers the reader to a source in the bibliography.
Subnotebook
A notebook computer that is thin and light and that has high-end processing and video capabilities.
Binary number system (base 2)
A number system that has only two digits—0 and 1.
Value axis
A numerical scale on the left side of a chart that shows the range of numbers for the data points; also referred to as the y-axis.
Newsletter
A periodical that communicates news and information to a specific group.
Desktop computer
A personal computer that fits into a workspace, such as a desk or counter.
User folder
A personal folder with subfolders inside it that Windows creates automatically for each username.
Unix
A pioneering operating system developed at AT&T's Bell Laboratories in the 1970s.
Picture element
A point of light measured in dots per square inch on a screen; 64 pixels equals 8.43 characters, which is the average number of characters that will fit in a cell in an Excel worksheet using the default font.
Acceptable use policy, AUP
A policy that computer and network users in a business or school must abide by that forces users to practice safe computing.
Thunderbolt
A port that carries both PCIe and DisplayPort video signals on the same cable, so it can be used to connect many different types of peripherals to a computer.
Mobile device
A portable computer such as a smartphone or tablet.
Two-in-one notebook
A portable computer that converts to a tablet by detaching the screen from the keyboard.
Notebook
A portable personal computer. Also referred to as a laptop. In OneNote, a collection of files organized by major divisions and stored in a common folder.
Laptop
A portable personal computer. Also referred to as a notebook.
Pane
A portion of a worksheet window bounded by and separated from other portions by vertical and horizontal bars.
Subset
A portion of the total records available.
SUM function
A predefined formula that adds all the numbers in a selected range of cells.
Function
A predefined formula—a formula that Excel has already built for you—that performs calculations by using specific values in a particular order or structure.
Function
A predefined formula—a formula that Excel has already built for you—that performs calculations by using specific values in a particular order.
Theme
A predefined set of colors, fonts, lines, and fill effects that coordinate with each other and that is applied to an entire document by a single selection.
Database template
A preformatted database that contains prebuilt tables, queries, forms, and reports that perform a specific task, such as tracking events.
Slide
A presentation page that can contain text, pictures, tables, charts, and other multimedia or graphic objects.
Slide Sorter view
A presentation view that displays thumbnails of all of the slides in a presentation.
First principle of good database design
A principle of good database design stating that data is organized in tables so that there is no redundant data.
Second principle of good database design
A principle stating that appropriate database techniques are used to ensure the accuracy and consistency of data as it is entered into the table.
Thermal printer
A printer that creates an image by heating specially coated heat-sensitive paper, which changes color where the heat is applied.
Photo printer
A printer that prints high-quality photos on special photo paper.
Inkjet printer
A printer that sprays droplets of ink onto paper.
Laser printer
A printer that uses a laser beam to draw an image on a drum. The image is electrostatically charged and attracts a dry ink called toner. The drum is then rolled over paper, and the toner is deposited on the paper. Finally, the paper is heated and pressure is applied, bonding the ink to the paper.
Dye-sublimation printer
A printer that uses heat to turn solid dye into a gas that is transferred to special paper.
Notes page
A printout that contains the slide image on the top half of the page and notes that you have created on the Notes pane in the lower half of the page.
Intranet
A private network that runs on web technologies.
Hangouts
A private space where contacts can post status updates, chat, or initiate a video call using their Google accounts.
Algorithm
A procedure for solving a problem.
Rounding
A procedure in which you determine which digit at the right of the number will be the last digit displayed and then increase it by one if the next digit to its right is 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9.
Navigate
A process for exploring within the file organizing structure of Windows.
Pipelining
A process used by a single processor to process multiple instructions simultaneously; as soon as the first instruction has moved from the fetch to the decode stage, the processor fetches the next instruction.
Real-time co-authoring
A process where two or more people work on the same file at the same time and see changes made by others in seconds.
GPU (Graphics processing unit)
A processor on a video card that can contain multiple cores.
A professional social networking site where you can find past and present colleagues and classmates, connect with appropriate people when seek a new job or business opportunity, or get answers from industry experts.
Client-side program
A program in which the coding is within a webpage, downloaded to the client computer, and compiled and executed by a browser or plug-in.
Keylogger
A program or hardware device that captures what is typed on a keyboard.
Spider
A program sent out by a search engine to crawl the web and gather information.
Trojan horse
A program that appears to be a legitimate program but that is actually malicious.
Spreadsheet application
A program that creates electronic worksheets composed of rows and columns.
Tax preparation software
A program that enables you to complete your income tax returns on your computer or online.
Voice-recognition software
A program that enables you to control a computer verbally and dictate text.
Video editor
A program that enables you to modify digitized videos.
Mobile application (mobile app)
A program that extends the functionality of a mobile device.
Web browser
A program that interprets HTML to display webpages as you browse the internet.
Personal information manager (PIM)
A program to manage email, calendar, and tasks and that is often part of an office suite.
Search utility
A program with which you can search an entire hard disk or any indexed network storage device for a file.
SharePoint
A related group of technologies from Microsoft for collaboration, file sharing, and web publishing within organizations. A Microsoft technology that enables employees in an organization to access information across organizational and geographic boundaries.
Primary key
A required field that uniquely identifies a record in a table; for example, a Student ID number at a college.
Thesaurus
A research tool that provides a list of synonyms.
Toolbar
A row, column, or block of buttons or icons that displays across the top of a window and that contains commands for tasks you perform with a single click.
Computer fraud
A scheme perpetrated over the internet or by email that tricks a victim into voluntarily and knowingly giving money or property to a person.
Active matrix OLED (AMOLED) screen
A screen type found in mobile devices that has a sharper display with a wider viewing angle than an LCD and is ideal for watching movies and sports.
Normal view
A screen view that maximizes the number of cells visible on your screen and keeps the column letters and row numbers close to the columns and rows. Also, the primary editing view in PowerPoint where you write and design your presentations.
Metasearch engine
A search engine that searches other search engines.
Tell Me
A search feature for Microsoft Office commands that you activate by typing what you are looking for in the Tell Me box.
Boolean search
A search that use logical operators—AND, OR, and NOT—to link the words you are searching for.
Spotlight
A search tool in macOS.
App
A self-contained program usually designed for a single purpose and that runs on smartphones and other mobile devices.
Text string
A sequence of characters.
Path
A sequence of folders (directories) that leads to a specific file or folder.
Dot leader
A series of dots preceding a tab that guides the eye across the line.
Excel table
A series of rows and columns that contains related data that is managed independently from the data in other rows and columns in the worksheet.
Protocol
A set of rules for communication between devices that determines how data is formatted, transmitted, received, and acknowledged.
Referential integrity
A set of rules that Access uses to ensure that the data between related tables is valid.
Airplane mode
A setting that disables or turns off all network adapters on a device.
Bevel
A shape effect that uses shading and shadows to make the edges of a shape appear to be curved or angled.
Tweet
A short message posted in Twitter, limited to 280 characters and spaces.
Flat database
A simple database file that is not related or linked to any other collection of data.
.txt file
A simple file consisting of lines of text with no formatting that almost any computer can open and display.
Desktop
A simulation of a real desk that represents your work area; here you can arrange icons such as shortcuts to files, folders, and various types of documents in the same manner you would arrange physical objects on top of a desk.
Clip
A single media file such as art, sound, animation, or a movie.
Field
A single piece of information that is stored in every record; represented by a column in a database table. In a mail merge, the column headings in the data source.
Data breach
A situation in which sensitive data is stolen or viewed by someone who is not authorized to do so.
Drive-by download
A situation that occurs when you visit a website that installs a program in the background without your knowledge.
Title slide
A slide layout—most commonly the first slide in a presentation—that provides an introduction to the presentation topic.
Shape
A slide object such as a line, arrow, box, callout, or banner.
Black slide
A slide that displays after the last slide in a presentation indicating that the presentation is over.
Ultrabook
A small Windows notebook computer with high-end processing and video capabilities built into a lightweight system.
Keypad
A small alternative keyboard that has a limited set of keys.
ScreenTip
A small box that displays useful information when you perform various mouse actions such as pointing to screen elements or dragging.
Spin box
A small box with an upward- and downward-pointing arrow that lets you move rapidly through a set of values by clicking.
Memory board
A small circuit board that contains memory chips.
Adapter card
A small circuit board that plugs directly into an expansion slot on the motherboard and enables you to connect additional peripheral devices to a computer. Also called an expansion card.
Expansion card
A small circuit board that plugs directly into an expansion slot on the motherboard and that enables you to connect additional peripheral devices to a computer. Also called an adapter card.
Smartphone
A small computer that combines a cellular phone with such features as internet and email access, a digital camera, GPS and mapping tools, the ability to edit documents, and access to mobile apps.
Solid-state drive (SSD)
A small drive that uses flash memory to store data.
Dialog Box Launcher
A small icon that displays to the right of some group names on the ribbon and that opens a related dialog box or pane providing additional options and commands related to that group.
Emoji
A small image that represents facial expressions, common objects, and people and animals. An image that represents facial expressions. An emoji should be used only in informal electronic communication to convey feelings.
Personal computer (PC)
A small microprocessor-based computer designed to be used by one person at a time.
Personal area network (PAN)
A small network that consists of devices connected by Bluetooth.
Widget
A small program in a webpage that can be run by the person viewing the page.
Cookie
A small text file placed on a computer when you visit a website that helps the website identify you when you return.
Dialog box
A small window that displays options for completing a task.
Flash drive
A small, portable, solid-state drive with a USB interface.
Microblogging
A social form of blogging in which posts are limited to a relatively small number of characters and users post updates frequently.
Subscription
A software distribution model in which a customer pays a monthly or yearly fee for access to software for a limited time.
Volume license
A software license that allows multiple installations of software in an organization using the same product key.
Patch
A software update that addresses an individual problem when it is discovered. Also called a hotfix.
Hotfix
A software update that addresses an individual problem when it is discovered. Also called a patch.
Image editor
A sophisticated graphics program to edit and create images and save them in a variety of file formats.
Relational database
A sophisticated type of database that has multiple collections of data within the file that are related to one another.
Ascending order
A sorting order that arranges text alphabetically (A to Z) and numbers from the lowest number to the highest number.
Descending order
A sorting order that arranges text in reverse alphabetical order (Z to A) and numbers from the highest number to the lowest number.
E-reader
A special class of tablet specifically to read books, magazines, and other publications.
Safe Mode
A special diagnostic mode for troubleshooting the system that loads Windows without most device drivers.
Stylus
A special pen-like input tool that enables you to write directly on a touchscreen.
Braille embosser
A special printer that translates text to Braille.
Domain controller
A special server that contains the central security database of a domain network.
Cable modem
A special type of digital modem that connects to the cable system instead of a telephone line to provide fast internet access.
Embedded computer
A specialized computer found in common devices, such as gasoline pumps, supermarket checkouts, traffic lights, and home appliances.
Embedded operating system
A specialized operating system that runs on GPS devices, ATMs, smartphones, and other devices.
Webcam
A specialized video camera that provides visual input for online communication.
Tab stop
A specific location on a line of text, marked on the Word ruler, to which you can move the insertion point by pressing the Tab key, and which is used to align and indent text.
Number format
A specific way in which Excel displays numbers in a cell.
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)
A specification that defines how software and hardware interact in a system, used to boot and configure a computer.
Three-dimensional spreadsheet
A spreadsheet that has multiple worksheets that are linked together.
IEEE 1394
A standard port type that is hot-swappable and can connect up to 63 devices per port. It also allows for peer-to-peer communication between devices, such as two video cameras, without the use of a computer. Also known as FireWire.
Universal Serial Bus (USB)
A standard port type used to connect many kinds of devices, including printers, mice, keyboards, digital cameras, cell phones, and external drives. Up to 127 devices can share a single USB port.
COUNT function
A statistical function that counts the number of cells in a range that contains numbers.
COUNTIF function
A statistical function that counts the number of cells within a range that meet the given condition and that has two arguments—the range of cells to check and the criteria.
Dark web
A subset of the deep web that is encrypted and hidden and only accessible using the Tor browser to view it anonymously and securely.
TCP/IP protocol stack
A suite of protocols that define many types of data movement including the transfer files and webpages, sending and receiving email, and network configuration.
Fund
A sum of money set aside for a specific purpose.
Rotation handle
A symbol with which you can rotate a graphic to any angle; displays above the top center sizing handle.
Chat
A synchronous form of online communication among multiple people at the same time in a chat room.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
A system of at least 24 satellites that transmit signals that can be picked up by a receiver on the ground and used to determine the receiver's current location, time, and velocity through triangulation of the signals.
Wireless encryption
A system that adds security to a wireless network by encrypting transmitted data.
Multiuser computer
A system that allows multiple, simultaneous users to connect to it, allowing for centralized resources and security.
File system
A system that keeps track of what files are saved and where they are stored on the disk.
Video game simulation
A system that replicates realistic environments and scenarios.
Binary code
A system that represents digital data as a series of 0s and 1s that can be understood by a computer.
Paywall
A system that requires you to pay for access to content.
Contextual tab
A tab added to the ribbon automatically when a specific object is selected and that contains commands relevant to the selected object.
Section tab
A tab that identifies a primary division of the active OneNote notebook.
Task View
A taskbar button that displays your desktop background with small images of all open programs and apps and from which you can see and switch between open apps, including desktop apps.
Virtual memory
A technique that uses a portion of the com puter's hard disk as an extension of RAM.
Surround sound
A technique used in movies and video games that makes it sound as if the audio surrounds the listener.
Bluetooth
A technology that connects peripherals wirelessly at short range.
Near field communication (NFC)
A technology that enables devices to share data with each other by touching them together or bringing them within a few centimeters of each other.
Digital rights management (DRM)
A technology that is applied to digital media files such as music, eBooks, and videos to impose restrictions on the use of these files.
Live Preview
A technology that shows the result of applying an editing or formatting change as you point to possible results—before you actually apply it.
Clipboard
A temporary storage area that holds text or graphics that you select and then cut or copy.
Volatile
A term used to describe an Excel function that is subject to change each time the workbook is reopened; for example, the NOW function updates itself to the current date and time each time the workbook is opened.
Following
A term used to describe the accounts to which you are subscribing or seeing tweets from when using Twitter.
Object
A text box, picture, table, or shape that you can select and then move and resize.
Plug-in
A third-party browser extension, such as Adobe Reader.
Sparkline
A tiny chart in the background of a cell that gives a visual trend summary alongside your data; makes a pattern more obvious.
Transistor
A tiny electric switch used in second-generation computers.
Eyedropper
A tool that captures the exact color from an object on your screen and then applies it to any shape, picture, or text.
Quick Analysis Tool
A tool that displays in the lower right corner of a selected range, with which you can analyze your data by using Excel tools such as charts, color-coding, and formulas.
Resistive screen
A touchscreen that can sense pressure and can be used with a finger or an ordinary stylus.
Capacitive screen
A touchscreen that senses the conductive properties of an object such as a finger or a specially designed conductive stylus.
Task Manager
A troubleshooting tool that enables you to view and stop processes that are running on a Windows computer.
Vacuum tube
A tube that resembles an incandescent light bulb that was used in first-generation computers.
Select query
A type of Access query that retrieves (selects) data from one or more tables or queries, displaying the selected data in a datasheet; also known as a simple select query.
Funnel chart
A type of chart that shows values across the stages in a process.
Retail software
A type of software for which the user pays a fee to use the software for an unlimited period of time.
Byte
A unit of digital information that consists of 8 bits; used to represent a single character in modern computer systems.
Standard account
A user account created for normal use, which has limited access to change system and security settings.
Guest account
A user account for users who need temporary access to a system. This account is turned off by default.
Administrator account
A user account that should be used only when necessary, for such tasks as configuring and troubleshooting the system, and that should be protected by a strong password.
Microsoft account
A user account with which you can sign in to any Windows 10 computer on which you have, or create, an account.
User account
A user on a single computer.
Scroll bar
A vertical bar that displays when the contents of a window or pane are not completely visible; a scroll bar can be vertical, displayed at the side of the window, or horizontal, displayed at the bottom of a window.
Supercomputer
A very expensive and powerful computer system that is used to perform complex mathematical calculations, such as those used in weather forecasting and medical research.
Reading view
A view in PowerPoint that displays a presentation in a manner similar to a slide show but in which the taskbar, title bar, and status bar remain available in the presentation window.
Read Mode
A view in Word that optimizes the Word screen for the times when you are reading Word documents on the screen and not creating or editing them.
Print Preview
A view of a document as it will appear when you print it.
Presenter view
A view that shows the full-screen slide show on one monitor or projection screen while enabling the presenter to view a preview of the next slide, notes, and a timer on another monitor.
Avatar
A virtual body used to interact with others in virtual worlds and games.
Hyperthreading
A virtual form of parallel processing, used in processors built by Intel, which enables a single CPU to appear as two logical processors.
Swap file
A virtual memory file on the hard disk used as a temporary storage space for instructions that the operating system can access as you do your work. Also known as the paging file.
Paging file
A virtual memory file on the hard disk used as a temporary storage space for instructions that the operating system can access as you do your work. Also known as the swap file.
Random access memory (RAM)
A volatile form of memory that stores the operating systems, programs, and data the computer is currently using.
Complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)
A volatile form of memory that uses a small battery to provide it with power to keep the data in memory even when the computer is turned off. It stores settings that are used by the BIOS.
Wireless mesh network
A way to expand a wireless network by adding mesh nodes—small radio transmitters that function in the same way as a wireless router—throughout the building.
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)
A way to set up a secure wireless network by using a button, personal identification number (PIN), or USB key to configure devices to connect to a network automatically.
Mobile browser
A web browser used on small screen devices, such as tablets, e-readers, and smartphones.
Social news site
A website that differs from traditional media news sites in that at least some of the content is submitted by users.
Social media sharing site
A website that enables anyone to create and share media.
Wiki
A website that enables you to edit content, even if it was written by someone else.
Social review site
A website that enables you to review hotels, movies, games, books, and other products and services.
Social bookmarking site
A website that enables you to save and share your bookmarks or favorites online.
Goal Seek
A what-if analysis tool that finds the input needed in one cell to arrive at the desired result in another cell.
File Explorer window
A window that displays the contents of the current location and contains helpful parts so that you can navigate—explore within the file organizing structure of Windows.
Folder window
A window that typically displays the File List for a folder.
Ethernet card
A wired network adapter with a port that resembles a telephone jack.
Wi-Fi hotspot
A wireless access point available in many public locations, such as airports, schools, hotels, and restaurants, either free or for a fee.
Infrastructure wireless network
A wireless network in which devices connect through a wireless access point.
Service set identifier (SSID)
A wireless network name.
Hashtag
A word or phrase preceded by the # symbol to group tweets based on a topic identified by the user.
Record
All of the categories of data pertaining to one person, place, event, thing, or idea; represented by a row in a database table.
Blogosphere
All the blogs on the web and the connections among them.
Digital footprint
All the information that someone could find out about you by searching the web, including social network sites.
American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII)
An 8-bit binary code set with 256 characters.
Best Fit
An Access command that adjusts the width of a column to accommodate the column's longest entry.
Currency data type
An Access data type that describes monetary values and numeric data that can be used in mathematical calculations involving values with one to four decimal places.
Short Text data type
An Access data type that describes text, a combination of text and numbers, or numbers that are not used in calculations, such as the Postal Code.
Design view
An Access view that displays the detailed structure of a table, query, form, or report. For forms and reports, may be the view in which some tasks must be performed, and only the controls, and not the data, display in this view.
AutoFit
An Excel feature that adjusts the width of a column to fit the cell content of the widest cell in the column.
Recommended Charts
An Excel feature that displays a customized set of charts that, according to Excel's calculations, will best fit your data based on the range of data that you select.
Auto Fill
An Excel feature that generates and extends values into adjacent cells based on the values of selected cells.
Range finder
An Excel feature that outlines cells in color to indicate which cells are used in a formula; useful for verifying which cells are referenced in a formula.
Formula AutoComplete
An Excel feature which, after typing an = (equal sign) and the beginning letter or letters of a function name, displays a list of function names that match the typed letter(s).
Workbook
An Excel file that contains one or more worksheets.
AVERAGE function
An Excel function that adds a group of values, and then divides the result by the number of values in the group.
MAX function
An Excel function that determines the largest value in a selected range of values.
MIN function
An Excel function that determines the smallest value in a selected range of values.
MEDIAN function
An Excel function that finds the middle value that has as many values above it in the group as are below it; it differs from AVERAGE in that the result is not affected as much by a single value that is greatly different from the others.
NOW function
An Excel function that retrieves the date and time from your computer's calendar and clock and inserts the information into the selected cell.
Excel pointer
An Excel window element with which you can display the location of the pointer.
Expand Formula Bar button
An Excel window element with which you can increase the height of the Formula Bar to display lengthy cell content.
Expand horizontal scroll bar button
An Excel window element with which you can increase the width of the horizontal scroll bar.
AutoSave
An Office 365 feature that saves your document every few seconds—if saved on OneDrive, OneDrive for Business, or SharePoint Online—and enables you to share the document with others for real-time co-authoring.
Gallery
An Office feature that displays a list of potential results.
Cc
An abbreviation for courtesy copy or carbon copy, and is used to send a copy of the email to one or more recipients who are interested in the message but not the primary recipient.
GUI
An abbreviation of the term graphical user interface.
Two-factor authentication
An account security measure that requires both a password and a verification code to sign in.
Multi-factor authentication
An account security measure that requires multiple methods of identification to sign in.
DBMS
An acronym for database management system.
JPEG
An acronym that stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group and that is a common file type used by digital cameras and computers to store digital pictures.
Payload
An action or attack by a computer virus or other malware.
Snap
An action to arrange two or more open windows on your screen so that you can work with multiple screens at the same time.
Mirrorless camera
An advanced point-and-shoot camera with interchangeable lenses and other DSLR features.
Unmanned aircraft system (UAS)
An aircraft piloted by remote control or onboard computers. Also known as a drone.
Drone
An aircraft piloted by remote control or onboard computers. Also known as an unmanned aircraft system (UAS).
Middle Align
An alignment command that centers text between the top and bottom of a cell.
Dvorak Simplified Keyboard
An alternate keyboard designed to put the most commonly used letters where they are more easily accessed to increase efficiency and reduce fatigue.
Bitcoin
An anonymous, digital, encrypted currency.
FaceTime
An application built into macOS and iOS that enables you to make video calls to other FaceTime users.
Platform neutral
An application that can run on all modern personal computing systems.
Word processor
An application to create, edit, and format text documents. The documents can also contain images.
Project management software
An application to help you to complete projects, keep within your budget, stay on schedule, and collaborate with others.
Learning Management System (LMS)
An application used in both schools and corporate training environments to deliver educational materials, track student interactions, and assess student performance.
Vector graphic program
An application used to create math-based vector graphics.
Podcast client
An application used to find and play podcasts.
Navigation area
An area at the bottom of the Access window that indicates the number of records in the table and contains controls in the form of arrows that you click to move among the records.
Trust Center
An area of Access where you can view the security and privacy settings for your Access installation.
Print buffer
An area of memory that holds documents until they can be sent to the printer.
Buffer
An area of memory that temporarily holds data and instructions.
Notes pane
An area of the Normal view window that displays below the Slide pane with space to type notes regarding the active slide.
Table (Word)
An arrangement of information organized into rows and columns.
Right alignment
An arrangement of text in which the text aligns at the right margin, leaving the left margin uneven.
Justified alignment
An arrangement of text in which the text aligns evenly on both the left and right margins.
Hierarchy
An arrangement where items are ranked and where each level is lower in rank than the item above it.
Scroll arrow
An arrow found at either end of a scroll bar that can be clicked to move within the window in small increments.
Manual column break
An artificial end to a column to balance columns or to provide space for the insertion of other objects.
Virtual Reality (VR)
An artificial world that consists of images and sounds created by a computer and that is affected by the actions of a person who is experiencing it.
Relationship
An association that you establish between two tables based on common fields.
Logic bomb
An attack by malware that occurs when certain conditions are met.
Denial-of-service attack (DoS)
An attack that sends out so much traffic that it could cripple a server or network.
Noise-cancelling headphones
An audio output device that reduces the effect of ambient noise; especially useful in noisy environments, such as airplanes.
E-ink
An e-reader technology that creates a screen that is easy on the eyes and most like the experience of reading a printed book.
LED (Light-emitting diode)
An electronic component that emits light when an electrical current is passed through it.
Geocaching
An electronic scavenger hunt where players (geocachers) hide geocaches and post GPS coordinates on the internet for other geocachers to find.
Formula Bar
An element in the Excel window that displays the value or formula contained in the active cell; here you can also enter or edit values or formulas.
Name Box
An element of the Excel window that displays the name of the selected cell, table, chart, or object.
Virus hoax
An email message that does not contain a virus but that tricks you into behavior that can be harmful, such as searching for and deleting files that the computer actually needs.
Reply
An email response that is sent back to the original sender.
Reply All
An email response that is sent to all the addressees of the original message and the original sender.
Forward
An email response used to send an email message to someone else.
Store-and-forward technology
An email server holds messages until the client requests them.
Mobile operating system
An embedded operating system that runs on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets and is more full-featured than other embedded operating systems.
Template
An existing document that you use as a starting point for a new document; it opens a copy of itself, unnamed, and then you use the structure—and possibly some content, such as headings—as the starting point for a new document.
Video card
An expansion card that provides the data signal and connection for a monitor or projector. It may also include input ports to connect a TV tuner or another video device to the system. Also called a display adapter.
Unicode
An extended ASCII set that has become the standard on the internet and includes codes for most of the world's written languages, mathematical systems, and special characters. It has codes for about 100,000 characters.
iOS device
An iPod, iPhone, or iPad.
Snip
An image captured by the Snipping tool that can be annotated, saved, copied, or shared via email.
High dynamic range (HDR)
An image created by taking multiple images at different exposures and stitching them together.
.png file
An image file type that can be transferred over the internet, an acronym for Portable Network Graphic.
Screenshot
An image of an active window on your computer that you can paste into a document.
Hanging indent
An indent style in which the first line of a paragraph extends to the left of the remaining lines and that is commonly used for bibliographic entries.
Touchscreen
An input device that can accept input from a finger or stylus.
Optical scanner
An input device that converts photos or documents into digital files.
Microphone
An input device that converts sound into digital signals. It is used to chat in real time or as part of voice-recognition applications used in video games and for dictating text.
Optical mouse
An input device that detects motion by bouncing light from a red LED (light-emitting diode) off the surface below it.
Touchpad
An input device that detects your finger moving across the touch-sensitive surface.
Scanner
An input device that increases the speed and accuracy of data entry and converts information into a digital format that can be saved, copied, and manipulated.
Joystick
An input device that is mounted on a base and consists of a stick, buttons, and sometimes a trigger.
Mouse
An input device that may include one or more buttons and a scroll wheel and works by moving across a smooth surface to signal movement of the pointer.
Biometric scanner
An input device that measures human characteristics such as fingerprints and eye retinas.
Biometric scanner
An input device that measures human characteristics such as fingerprints, retinal patterns, and voice patterns.
Text box
An object with which you can position text anywhere on a slide. Also, a movable resizable container for text or graphics.
Moore's Law
An observation made by Gordon Moore in 1965 that the number of transistors that can be placed on an integrated circuit had doubled roughly every two years.
DVI (Digital visual interface)
An older, digital video standard that was designed to replace VGA.
OneNote
An online Microsoft application with which you can create a digital notebook that provides a single location where you can gather and organize information in the form of notes.
Massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG)
An online game that allows you to interact with people in real time using an avatar—a virtual body.
Blog
An online journal.
Command-line interface
An operating system interface that requires the user to type all commands.
Desktop operating system
An operating system that runs on a personal computer.
Blu-ray disc
An optical disc with about five times the capacity of a DVD; the single-layer disc capacity is 25 GB, and double-layer disc capacity is 50 GB.
Troll farm
An organization whose members attempt to sway public opinion or provoke responses by posting false information on mainstream social media sites.
Domain name
An organization's unique name on the internet, which consists of a chosen name combined with a top level domain such as .com, .org, or .gov.
Database
An organized collection of facts about people, events, things, or ideas related to a specific topic or purpose.
List level
An outline level in a presentation represented by a bullet symbol and identified in a slide by the indentation and the size of the text.
Analog output device
An output device such as a telephone, television, or CRT monitor that translates the digital electronic pulses back into audio and video signals.
Augmented reality (AR)
An overlay of virtual content on the physical world. The virtual content does not interact with the physical world.
Cyberterrorism
An unlawful attack against computers or networks that is done to intimidate a government or its people for a political or social agenda.
Simple select query
Another name for a select query.
Label
Another name for a text value, and which usually provides information about number values.
Spreadsheet
Another name for a worksheet.
Omnibox
Another name for the address bar in Google Chrome, because it serves as both an address and a search bar.
X-axis
Another name for the horizontal (category) axis.
Logical test
Any value or expression that can be evaluated as being true or false.
iCloud
Apple's cloud storage integrated into its Mac and iOS operating systems.
Web apps
Applications that run in a browser.
File fragmentation
Unorganized files that are broken into small pieces and stored in nonadjacent, or noncontiguous, clusters on the disk.
Spam
Unsolicited and unwanted email messages, also called junk mail.
Junk email
Unsolicited and unwanted email messages, also called spam.
Second screen
Using a computer or mobile device while watching television to interact with other viewers or view enhanced content.
Accounting software
Business software that tracks business finances such as expenses, invoicing, payroll, and inventory management, and generates reports and graphs to help you make business decisions.
Sheet tab scrolling buttons
Buttons to the left of the sheet tabs used to display Excel sheet tabs that are not in view; used when there are more sheet tabs than will display in the space provided.
Aggregate functions
Calculations such as Min, Max, Avg, and Sum that are performed on a group of records.
Voice over IP (VoIP)
Calls transmitted over the internet instead of over traditional telephone lines or cellular towers.
Mobile payment system
Using a mobile device rather than cash or credit cards to pay for items.
Piggybacking
Using an open wireless network to access the internet without permission.
Computational photography
Using digital computation rather than optical processes to create an image.
Chart types
Various chart Formats used in a way that is meaningful to the reader; common examples are column charts, pie charts, and line charts.
Micropayment
Very small amount charged for additional lives, levels, or other features from within an app.
User-generated content
Web content created by ordinary users.
Bcc
is an abbreviation for blind carbon copy (or blind courtesy copy), and is used to send a copy of the message to one or more recipients who would be interested in the message and whose name is not visible to other recipients of the message.
Identity theft
that occurs when someone uses your name, Social Security number, or bank or credit card number fraudulently.
Field properties
Characteristics of a field that control how the field displays and how data can be entered in the field; vary for different data types.
Nonprinting characters
Characters that display on the screen, but do not print, indicating where the Enter key, the Spacebar, and the Tab key were pressed; also called formatting marks.
Formatting marks
Characters that display on the screen, but do not print, indicating where the Enter key, the Spacebar, and the Tab key were pressed; also called nonprinting characters.
Leader character
Characters that form a solid, dotted, or dashed line that fills the space preceding a tab stop.
Data type
Classification identifying the kind of data that can be stored in a field, such as numbers, text, or dates.
Social media
Collectively, the tools that enable users to create content, connect, network, and share on the web.
Context-sensitive commands
Commands that display on a shortcut menu that relate to the object or text that is selected.
Asynchronous communication
Communication that does not require the participants to be online at the same time.
Synchronous online communication
Communication that happens in real-time, with two or more people online at the same time.
Workgroup
Computers in a peer-to-peer network.
Wearable tech
Computing devices that are worn on the body, such as wearable computers, virtual reality headsets, and smartwatches.
Criteria
Conditions that you specify in a logical function. Also, conditions in a query that identify the specific records you are looking for.
E-commerce
Conducting business on the web.
Number values
Constant values consisting of only numbers.
Text values
Constant values consisting of only text, and which usually provide information about number values; also referred to as labels.
Index
Contains information about the files located on a computer.
Multimedia
Content that integrates text and media—graphics, video, animation, and sound.
Truncated
Data that is cut off or shortened because the field or column is not wide enough to display all of the data or the field size is too small to contain all of the data.
Database management system (DBMS)
Database software that controls how related collections of data are stored, organized, retrieved, and secured; also known as a DBMS.
Desktop shortcuts
Desktop icons that can link to items accessible on your computer such as a program, file, folder, disk drive, printer, or another computer.
Metadata
Details about a file that describe or identify it, including the title, author name, subject, and keywords that identify the document's topic or contents; also known as document properties.
Document properties
Details about a file that describe or identify it, including the title, author name, subject, and keywords that identify the document's topic or contents; also known as metadata.
Phishing
Email messages and instant messages that appear to be from those you do business with, designed to trick you into revealing personal information, such as usernames and passwords for your accounts.
Productivity program
General-purpose application software that helps you work more efficiently and effectively on both personal and businessrelated documents.
Shared with Me
Google Drive location that stores files that others have shared with you.
My Drive
Google Drive location that stores files that you create using Google applications.
Upload
Google Drive location that stores files that you have uploaded to Drive.
Gmail
Google's free web-based email service.
Proprietary software license
Grants a license to use one or more copies of software, but ownership of those copies remains with the software publisher.
Drawing objects
Graphic objects, such as shapes, diagrams, lines, or circles.
Media
Graphics, video, animation, and sound.
Alignment guides
Green lines that display when you move an object to assist in alignment.
Hacktivism
Hacking to make a political statement.
Crop handles
Handles used to define, and remove, unwanted areas of a picture.
Move
In File Explorer, the action of removing a file or folder from its original location and storing it in a new location.
Ribbon
In Office applications, displays a group of task-oriented tabs that contain the commands, styles, and resources you need to work in an Office desktop app. In a File Explorer window, the area at the top that groups common tasks on tabs. such as copying and moving, creating new folders, emailing and zipping items, and changing the view on related tabs.
Channel
In Slack, single place organized around a specific thing, like a department or project, for messaging, tools, and files.
Content pane
In a File Explorer window, another name for the file list.
File list
In a File Explorer window, the area that displays the contents of the current location.
Main document
In a mail merge, the document that contains the text or formatting that remains constant.
Wildcard character
In a query, a character that represents one or more unknown characters in criteria; an asterisk (*) represents one or more unknown characters, and a question mark (?) represents a single unknown character.
Footnote
In a research paper, a note placed at the bottom of the page.
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)
In cloud computing, an online programming environment in which to develop, deploy, and manage custom web applications.
Home folder
In macOS, a folder created on a Mac computer for each user and which contains subfolders to store Documents, Downloads, Movies, Music, and Pictures.
Finder
In macOS, the program used to find and organize files, folders, and apps; similar to File Explorer in Windows.
Gantt chart
In project management, a chart that shows the schedule and progress of a project.
Works Cited
In the MLA style, a list of cited works placed at the end of a research paper or report.
Join line
In the Relationships window, the line connecting two tables that visually indicates the common fields and the type of relationship.
Quick access
In the navigation pane in a File Explorer window, a list of files you have been working on and folders you use often.
Object tab
In the object window, a tab that identifies the object and which enables you to make an open object active.
File properties
Information about a file, such as the author, the date the file was last changed, and any descriptive tags.
Webpage
Information on the web, written in HTML, and viewable in a web browser.
Mission-critical information
Information that, if lost, will result in the failure of business operations.
Broadband
Internet access that exceeds 25 Mbps as defined by the FCC.
Dialog Box
Launcher A small icon that displays to the right of some group names on the ribbon and that opens a related dialog box or pane providing additional options and commands related to that group.
Copyright
Legal protection for literary and artistic works.
Shapes
Lines, arrows, stars, banners, ovals, rectangles, and other basic shapes with which you can illustrate an idea, a process, or a workflow.
Hyperlink
Link that connects pieces of information on the internet.
Trademark
Logos or symbols that represent a brand.
Context menus
Menus that display commands and options relevant to the selected text or object; also called shortcut menus.
Cortana
Microsoft's intelligent personal assistant in Windows 10 and also available on other devices; named for the intelligent female character in the video game Halo.
Bing
Microsoft's search engine.
A virtual memory file on the hard disk used as a temporary storage space for instructions that the operating system can access as you do your work. Also known as the swap file.
Paging
A command that zooms the document so that the width of the page matches the width of the window.
Paging file
Sponsored links
Paid advertisements shown as links, typically for products and services related to your search term. Sponsored links are the way that search sites like Google, Bing, and others earn revenue.
The process of transferring files from the virtual memory file from the hard disk to RAM and back.
Paint program
Subject line
Part of an email message used to give the recipient some idea of the content of the email. Also, the optional line following the inside address in a business letter that states the purpose of the letter.
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)
Part of cloud computing; the use of internet-based servers.
Drive bay
Part of the system unit that holds the storage devices.
Graphics
Pictures, charts, or drawing objects.
Ciphertext
Plain text that has been encrypted.
Slide handout
Printed images of slides on a sheet of paper.
Distributed computing
Processing of a task distributed across a group of computers.
Media management software
Programs that organize and play multimedia files such as music, videos, and podcasts.
Sound card
Provides audio connections for both input devices—microphones and synthesizers—and output devices—speakers and headphones.
A Learning Tools command that reads text out loud and highlights each word as it is read; this command is available in both Word and Outlook.
Read Mode
A view in Word that optimizes the Word screen for the times when you are reading Word documents on the screen and not creating or editing them.
Read-only memory (ROM)
A nonvolatile form of memory that does not need power to keep its data.
Reading view
A view in PowerPoint that displays a presentation in a manner similar to a slide show but in which the taskbar, title bar, and status bar remain available in the presentation window.
Real-time co-authoring
Pharming
Redirects you to a phony website to trick you into revealing information, such as usernames and passwords for your accounts.
Parenthetical references
References that include the last name of the author or authors, and the page number in the referenced source.
Cloud computing
Refers to applications and services that are accessed over the internet, rather than to applications that are installed on your local computer. Also, the use of web servers on the internet—for example a One-Drive or SharePoint library—to store files and run applications.
Contiguous slides
Slides that are adjacent to each other in a presentation.
Noncontiguous slides
Slides that are not adjacent to each other in a presentation.
Sizing handles
Small circles or squares that indicate a picture or object is selected.
Icons
Small images that represent commands, files, applications, or other windows. Also, pictures composed of straight and curved lines.
Freemium
Software offered for free that requires in-app purchases for additional content.
Shareware
Software offered in trial form or for a limited period that enables you to try it out before purchasing a license.
Firmware
Software stored on a flash ROM (read-only memory) chip in a piece of hardware that provides instructions for how the device communicates with the other computer hardware.
Device driver
Software that acts as a translator, which enhances the capabilities of the operating system by enabling it to communicate with hardware.
Document management system (DMS)
Software that businesses use to save, share, search, and audit electronic documents throughout their lifecycle.
Screen reader
Software that enables visually impaired users to read text on a computer screen to understand the content of pictures.
Extension
Software that extends the functionality of a web browser.
Open source
Software that has its source code published and made available to the public, enabling anyone to copy, modify, and redistribute it without paying fees.
Utility software
Software that helps maintain, repair, and protect the computer; it may be included with the operating system or supplied by another organization.
Paint program
Software to create bitmapped graphics, which are images composed of tiny squares or dots that correspond to one pixel.
Genealogy program
Software to create family trees and slideshows of your photos, view timelines and maps, and search through millions of historical records on the internet.
Desktop publishing program
Software used to create newsletters, product catalogs, advertising brochures, and other documents that require unusual design and layout not normally provided by a word processor.
Freeware
Software you can use at no cost for an unlimited period of time.
Network resource
Software, hardware, or files shared among computers on a network.
Ubiquitous computing (ubicomp)
Sometimes called invisible computing, technology that recedes into the background and becomes part of the user's environment.
Standards
Specifications that have been defined by an industry organization, which ensure that equipment that is made by different companies will be able to work together.
Split
Splits the window into multiple resizable panes that contain views of your worksheet. This is useful to view multiple distant parts of your worksheet at one time.
Ethernet
Standards that define the way data is transmitted over a local area network.
Cloud storage
Storage space on an internet site that may also display as a drive on your computer. Also, online storage of data so that you can access your data from different places and devices.
Comparison operators
Symbols that are used to evaluate data in the field to determine if it is the same (=), greater than (>), less than (), or in between a range of values as specified by the criteria.
Speech recognition
Technology that enables you to control a device without a keyboard by using voice commands.
Memory
Temporary storage that is used by a computer to hold instructions and data.
Alternative text
Text added to a picture or object that helps people using a screen reader understand what the object is; also called alt text.
Alt text
Text added to a picture or object that helps people using a screen reader understand what the object is; also called alternative text.
Bullets
Text symbols such as small circles or check marks that precede each item in a bulleted list.
Hypertext
Text that contains links to other text and allows you to navigate through pieces of information by using the links, known as hyperlinks, that connect them.
Form view
The Access view in which you can view records, but you cannot change the layout or design of the form.
Datasheet view
The Access view that displays data organized in columns and rows similar to an Excel worksheet.
Accounting Number Format
The Excel number format that applies a thousand comma separator where appropriate, inserts a fixed U.S. dollar sign aligned at the left edge of the cell, applies two decimal places, and leaves a small amount of space at the right edge of the cell to accommodate a parenthesis for negative numbers.
Comma Style
The Excel number format that inserts thousand comma separators where appropriate and applies two decimal places; Comma Style also leaves space at the right to accommodate a parenthesis when negative numbers are present.
pt
The abbreviation for point when referring to a font size.
Multitasking
The ability to do more than one task at a time.
PDF Reflow
The ability to import PDF files into Word so that you can transform a PDF back into a fully editable Word document.
Backward compatibility
The ability to run some older programs on a newer system.
Document management
The ability to save, share, search, and audit electronic documents throughout their lifecycle.
The acronym for Portable Document Format, which is a file format that creates an image that preserves the look of your file, but that cannot be easily changed; a popular format for sending documents electronically, because the document will display on most computers.
URL
The acronym for Uniform Resource Locator.
XPS
The acronym for XML Paper Specification—a Microsoft file format that creates an image of your document and that opens in the XPS viewer.
Hacking
The act of gaining unauthorized access to a computer system or network.
Triple-click
The action of clicking the left mouse button three times in rapid succession.
Populate
The action of filling a database table with records.
Manual page break
The action of forcing a page to end and placing subsequent text at the top of the next page.
Drag
The action of holding down the left mouse button while moving your mouse.
Zoom
The action of increasing or decreasing the size of the viewing area on the screen.
Point to
The action of moving the mouse pointer over a specific area.
Paste
The action of placing cell contents that have been copied or moved to the Clipboard into another location.
Click
The action of pressing the left button of the mouse pointing device.
Download
The action of transferring or copying a file from another location—such as a cloud storage location, your college's Learning Management System, or from an internet site—to your computer.
Center alignment
The alignment of text or objects centered horizontally between the left and right margin.
Category axis
The area along the bottom of a chart that identifies the categories of data; also referred to as the x-axis.
Numbered row headings
The area along the left edge of a worksheet that identifies each row with a unique number.
Backstage tabs
The area along the left side of Backstage view with tabs to display screens with related groups of commands.
Status bar
The area along the lower edge of the Excel window that displays, on the left side, the current cell mode, page number, and worksheet information; on the right side, when numerical data is selected, common calculations such as Sum and Average display.
Lettered column headings
The area along the top edge of a worksheet that identifies each column with a unique letter or combination of letters.
Message Bar
The area directly below the ribbon that displays information such as security alerts when there is potentially unsafe, active content in an Office document that you open.
Browsing window
The area of the screen that displays the contents of the website.
Navigation pane
The area on the left side of the File Explorer window to access your OneDrive, folders on your PC, devices and drives connected to your PC, and other PCs on your network. Also, an area of the Access window that displays and organizes the names of the objects in a database; from here, you open objects for use.
Recycle Bin
The area where deleted items are stored until you empty the bin; enables you to recover deleted items until the bin is emptied.
Address bar
The area, at the top of the browser window, in which you can type a URL to visit a website. Also, in a File Explorer window, the area that displays your current location in the folder structure as a series of links separated by arrows.
Layout
The arrangement of elements, such as title and subtitle text, lists, pictures, tables, charts, shapes, and movies, on a slide.
Machinima
The art of creating videos using screens captured from video games.
Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)
The authoring language that defines the structure of a webpage.
Time Machine
The backup utility in macOS.
Nameplate
The banner on the front page of a newsletter that identifies the publication.
Taskbar
The bar at the bottom of your Windows screen that contains buttons to launch programs and buttons for all open apps.
Record selector bar
The bar at the left edge of a record when it is displayed in a form, and which is used to select an entire record.
Objects
The basic parts of a database that you create to store your data and to work with your data; for example, tables, queries, forms, and reports.
Footer
The bottom section of a webpage that typically contains the name of the entity that publishes the website, copyright information, and basic navigation links. Also, a reserved area for text or graphics that displays at the bottom of each page in a document. Text that displays at the bottom of every slide or that prints at the bottom of a sheet of slide handouts or notes pages.
Artificial intelligence
The branch of science concerned with making computers behave like humans.
Default browser
The browser that opens links you click from locations such as your desktop, email messages, and links in documents.
No Paragraph Space
The built-in paragraph style—available from the Paragraph Spacing command—that inserts no extra space before or after a paragraph and uses line spacing of 1.
Siri
The built-in personal assistant found on Macs and iOS devices.
Left alignment
The cell format in which characters align at the left edge of the cell; this is the default for text entries and is an example of formatting information stored in a cell. Also, an arrangement of text in which the text aligns at the left margin, leaving the right margin uneven.
Active cell
The cell, surrounded by a black border, ready to receive data or be affected by the next Excel command.
Resources
The collection of the physical parts of your computer such as the central processing unit (CPU), memory, and any attached devices such as a printer.
Chart layout
The combination of chart elements that can be displayed in a chart such as a title, legend, labels for the columns, and the table of charted cells.
Format Painter
The command to copy the formatting of specific text or to copy the formatting of a paragraph and then apply it in other locations in your document; when active, the pointer takes the shape of a paintbrush.
Single spacing
The common name for line spacing in which there is no extra space before or after a paragraph; uses line spacing of 1.
Peripheral devices
The components that serve the input, output, and storage functions of a computer.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The connection of the physical world to the internet. Objects are tagged and can be located, monitored, and controlled using small embedded electronics.
End user license agreement (EULA)
The contract between the software user and the software publisher.
Encryption
The conversion of unencrypted, plain text into code called ciphertext.
Underlying value
The data that displays in the Formula Bar.
General format
The default format that Excel applies to numbers; this format has no specific characteristics—whatever you type in the cell will display, with the exception that trailing zeros to the right of a decimal point will not display.
Optical network terminal (ONT)
The device that connects a fiber optic network to the internet.
Contrast
The difference between the darkest and lightest area of a picture.
Dynamic range
The difference between the shadows and highlights in an image.
Domain Name System (DNS)
The directory system on the internet that allows you to use a friendly name like google.com instead of an IP address like 173.194.43.2 to contact a website.
Output
The display of processed data.
Focal length
The distance at which subjects in front of the lens are in sharp focus.
Line spacing
The distance between lines of text in a paragraph.
Point-and-shoot
The easiest, least expensive type of digital camera.
Green computing
The efficient and eco-friendly use of computers and other electronics.
Chart area
The entire chart and all of its elements.
Synonyms
Words with the same or similar meaning.
Public domain
Works not restricted by copyright.
Search provider
A website that provides search capabilities on the web.
DVD
(digital video disc/digital versatile disc) An optical disc that can hold approximately 4.7 GB of information in a single-layer (SL) disc. Double-layer (DL) discs have a second layer to store data and can hold about 8.5 GB.
Sector
A wedge-shaped section of a disk where data is stored.
BitLocker
A Windows feature that encrypts an entire drive.
User Account Control (UAC)
A Windows feature that will notify you before changes are made to your computer.
Hologram
A 3-D image created by a laser or another light source.
Lock screen
A background that fills the computer screen when the computer boots up or wakes up from sleep mode.
Pie chart
A chart that shows the relationship of each part to a whole.
Cut
A command that removes a selection and places it on the Clipboard.
Crop
A command that removes unwanted or unnecessary areas of a picture.
Search engine
A computer program that searches for specific words and returns a list of documents in which the search term was found.
Video game system
A computer system that is designed primarily for playing games.
Track
A concentric circle created on a disk during low-level disk formatting.
Report
A database object that summarizes the fields and records from a table or query in an easy-to-read format suitable for printing.
Ransomware
A form of malware that prevents you from using your computer until you pay a fine or fee.
Breadcrumb trail
A list of links that you have followed through the structure of the website, which enables you to see the path you have taken and to quickly go back in that path by clicking the appropriate page name.
Teams
A platform that combines chat, meetings, notes, and attachments.
Three-dimensional (3-D) printer
A printer that can create objects such as prototypes and models.
One-to-many relationship
A relationship between two tables where one record in the first table corresponds to many records in the second table—the most common type of relationship in Access.
Clickjacking
A social network attack in which clicking on a link enables malware to post unwanted links on your page.
Disk defragmenter
A utility that rearranges the fragmented files on a disk.
Parameter
A value that can be changed.
Data point
A value that originates in a worksheet cell and that is represented in a chart by a data marker.
Variant
A variation on the presentation theme style and color.
Distribution
A version of Linux that includes the operating system, various utilities, and software applications such as browsers, games, entertainment software, and an office suite.
Office 365
A version of Microsoft Office to which you subscribe for an annual fee.
Column
A vertical group of cells in a worksheet.
Maximize
A window control button that will enlarge the size of the window to fill the entire screen.
Minimize
A window control button that will keep a program open but will remove it from screen view.
File Explorer
A window that displays the contents of the current location and contains helpful parts so that you can navigate within the file organizing structure of Windows. The Windows program that displays the contents of locations, folders, and files on your computer.
Ethernet adapter
A wired network adapter.
Chart sheet
A workbook sheet that contains only a chart.
Summary sheet
A worksheet where totals from other worksheets are displayed and summarized.
Streaming video
Accessing video clips almost immediately after you click a video link on a webpage without waiting for the entire file to download.
Streaming media
Accessing video or audio clips almost immediately after you click a link on a webpage without waiting for the entire file to download.
Number data type
An Access data type that represents a quantity, how much or how many, and may be used in calculations.
MRU
Acronym for most recently used, which refers to the state of some commands that retain the characteristic most recently applied; for example, the Font Color button retains the most recently used color until a new color is chosen.
Enclosures
Additional documents included with a business letter.
Print Titles
An Excel command that enables you to specify rows and columns to repeat on each printed page.
Uniform resource locator (URL)
An address that uniquely identifies a location on the internet.
Intellectual property (IP)
Creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce.
Cybercrime
Criminal activity on the internet.
Censorship
Blocking access to content on the internet or restricting what can be posted or published.
Virtual private network (VPN)
Creates a private network through the public network—the internet—enabling remote users to access a local area network securely without needing dedicated lines.
Format
Changing the appearance of cells and worksheet elements to make a worksheet attractive and easy to read.
Internet service providers (ISPs)
Companies that offer internet access.
Smart guides
Dashed lines that display on your slide when you are moving an object to assist you with alignment.
Sound file
Digitized data in the form of recorded live sounds or music, which are saved in one of several standardized sound formats.
Artistic effects
Formats applied to images that make pictures resemble sketches or paintings.
Bitmapped graphics
Images composed of tiny squares or dots that correspond to one pixel.
Structure
In Access, the underlying design of a table, including field names, data types, descriptions, and field properties.
Tagging
Labeling images or files with keywords to make them easier to organize, search for, and share.
Patent
Legal protection for inventions.
Flash Fill
Recognizes a pattern in your data, and then automatically fills in values when you enter examples of the output that you want. Use it to split data from two or more cells or to combine data from two cells.
eCycling
Recycling electronics.
Storage
Saving digital information for archiving or later access.
Text messaging
Sending brief electronic messages between mobile devices using Short Message Service (SMS).
Codec
Short for compression/decompression; an algorithm used to reduce the size of media files.
HFS+
The Mac OS X file system.
Plot area
The area area bounded by the axes of a chart, including all the data series.
Display adapter
The card that provides the data signal and connection for a monitor or projector. Also called a video card.
System unit
The case that encloses and protects the power supply, motherboard, processor (CPU), and memory of a computer.
Displayed value
The data that displays in a cell.
Microsoft Edge
The default web browser included with Windows 10.
macOS
The desktop operating system that runs on Apple Mac computers.
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
The organization that coordinates the internet naming system.
Hardware
The physical components of a computer.
Timeline
The real-time stream of tweets that display in the center of the Twitter window. Also, a Windows 10 feature that when you click the Task view button, you can see activities you have worked on across your devices; for example, you can find a document, image, or video you worked on yesterday or a week ago.
Brightness
The relative lightness of a picture.
Details pane
When activated in a folder window, displays—on the right—the most common file properties associated with the selected file.
Source file
When importing a file, refers to the file being imported.
Multi-core processor
A CPU that consists of two or more processors that are integrated on a single chip.
Conversation
A Gmail message that gets sent back and forth many times as you and your recipient exchange thoughts about a topic.
View
A Gmail sharing setting applied the recipient can only view the document, but cannot comment on or edit the document.
Comment
A Gmail sharing setting applied when the recipient can view and comment on the document, but cannot edit the document.
Edit
A Gmail sharing setting applied when the recipient can view, comment on, and edit the document. Also, the process of making changes to text or graphics in an Office file.
Page Color
A Learning Tools command that changes the color of the page to make the text easy to scan and consume.
Column Width
A Learning Tools command that changes the width of the line length to fit more or less text on each line; options include Very Narrow, Narrow, Moderate, or Wide.
Text Spacing
A Learning Tools command that increases the spacing between words, characters, and lines.
Read Aloud
A Learning Tools command that reads text out loud and highlights each word as it is read; this command is available in both Word and Outlook.
Syllables
A Learning Tools command that shows breaks between syllables of words.
XML Paper Specification
A Microsoft file format that creates an image of your document and that opens in the XPS viewer.
Skype
A Microsoft product with which you can make voice calls, make video calls, transfer files, or send messages—including instant messages and text messages—over the internet.
File Printout
A OneNote feature that inserts information from a file as a printed copy in the page; this feature is useful because text in the printout can be searched just like any content in OneNote.
Sepia
A Page Color command in Learning Tools that shades the screen in pale yellow with a print feel.
Inverse
A Page Color in Learning Tools that displays the text in white on a black background.
Side to Side
A Page Movement setting that enables you to see whole pages by sliding each page from right to left or left to right.
Slide pane
A PowerPoint screen element that displays a large image of the active slide.
Outline view
A PowerPoint view that displays the presentation outline to the left of the Slide pane.
Enhanced ScreenTip
A ScreenTip that displays useful descriptive information about the command.
Direct message
A Slack conversation outside of the workspace that does not include everyone in the channel.
Cache memory
Fast memory that stores frequently accessed information close to the processor.
File quarantine
Feature found in macOS applications that download files from the internet (Safari, Messages, iChat, and Mail), checks for known malware when you try to open a downloaded file.
Learning Tools
Features in Word that add visual changes to assist with reading fluency and comprehension.
Compressed files
Files that have been reduced in size, take up less storage space, and can be transferred to other computers faster than uncompressed files.
Font styles
Formatting emphasis such as bold, italic, and underline.
Picture styles
Frames, shapes, shadows, borders, and other special effects that can be added to an image to create an overall visual style for the image.
Google Drive
Free storage available for anyone with a Google account; it can be used to store any type of file.
Municipal Wi-Fi
Free wireless internet service offered in some cities and towns.
Window snip
From the Snipping Tool, a command that captures the entire displayed window.
Full-screen snip
From the Snipping Tool, a command that captures the entire screen.
Rectangular snip
From the Snipping Tool, a command that draws a precise box by dragging the mouse pointer around an area of the screen to form a rectangle.
Free-form snip
From the Snipping Tool, a command that draws an irregular line such as a circle around an area of the screen.
Switch
Network device that connects multiple devices on a local area network and uses address information to send data packets only to the port to which the appropriate device is connected.
Placeholder text
Nonprinting text that holds a place in a document where you can type.
Constant value
Numbers, text, dates, or times of day that you type into a cell.
Data
Numbers, words, pictures, or sounds that represent facts about people, events, things, or ideas. The unprocessed, or raw, form of information. Text or numbers in a cell. The documents, worksheets, pictures, songs, and so on that you create and store during the day-to-day use of your computer.
Electronic waste (E-waste)
Old computers, cell phones, TVs, VCRs, and other electronic devices that are discarded.
Tabs (ribbon)
On the Office ribbon, the name of each activity area.
Groups
On the Office ribbon, the sets of related commands that you might need for a specific type of task.
Undo
On the Quick Access Toolbar, the command that reverses your last action.
Home page
On your own computer, the webpage you have selected—or that is set by default—to display on your computer when you start Google Chrome. When visiting a website, the starting point for the remainder of the pages on that site.
American Psychological Association (APA)
One of two commonly used style guides for formatting research papers.
Modern Language Association (MLA)
One of two commonly used style guides for formatting research papers.
Cluster
One or more sectors on a disk where data is stored.
Website
One or more webpages that all are located in the same place.
Social networks
Online communities that combine many of the features of other online tools.
Logical operators
Operators that combine criteria using AND and OR. With two criteria, AND requires that both conditions be met and OR requires that either condition be met for the record to display in the query results.
Speakers
Output devices that convert digital signals from a computer or media player into sound.
Headphones
Output devices that convert digital signals into sound; available in several different sizes and styles ranging from tiny earbuds that fit inside your ear to full-size headphones that completely cover your outer ear.
Processor
Short for central processing unit (CPU). The brain of a computer, housed inside the system unit on the motherboard. It consists of two parts: the arithmetic logic unit and the control unit.
Distro
Short for distribution.
Netiquette
Short for internet etiquette, the rules for acceptable behavior and manners while on the internet.
Data bus
Wires on the motherboard over which data flows between the components of the computer.
Scroll box
Within a scroll bar, a box that you can move to bring the contents of the window into view.
Ruler guides
Dotted red vertical and horizontal lines that display in the rulers indicating the pointer's position.
Wardriving
Driving around and locating open wireless access points.
Picture effects
Effects that enhance a picture, such as a shadow, glow, reflection, or 3-D rotation.
Scale to Fit
Excel commands that enable you to stretch or shrink the width, height, or both, of printed output to fit a maximum number of pages.
Statistical functions
Excel functions, including the AVERAGE, MEDIAN, MIN, and MAX functions, which are useful to analyze a group of measurements.
Shill bidding
Fake bidding by a seller or his or her accomplice to drive up the price of an auction item.
A communication device that modulates digital data into an analog signal that can be transmitted over a phone line and, on the receiving end, demodulates the analog signal back into digital data. Also, analog device that connects to the internet-short for modulator-demodulator.
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Slide transitions
Motion effects that occur in Slide Show view when you move from one slide to the next during a presentation.
Indenting
Moving the beginning of the first line of a paragraph to the right or left of the rest of the paragraph to provide visual cues to the reader to help divide the document text and make it easier to read.
Compound criteria
Multiple conditions in a query or filter.
Data series
Related data points represented by data markers; each data series has a unique color or pattern represented in the chart legend.
Cascade options
Relationship options that enable you to update records in related tables when referential integrity is enforced.
Server virtualization
Running multiple versions of server software on the same computer.
Outermost sort field
When sorting on multiple fields in Datasheet view, the field that will be used for the first level of sorting.
Innermost sort field
When sorting on multiple fields in Datasheet view, the field that will be used for the second level of sorting.
Sharebaiting
When users share posts, often without actually clicking them first, which can lead you to believe the links are safe.
