Windows 10: Working With An Operating System Vocabulary

Task View

A button on the taskbar that enables the user to view thumbnail previews of all open tasks in one glance.

Quick Access

A component or File Explorer that contains shortcuts to the most frequently used folders. Folders can be pinned and removed from Quick access.

Search Box

A feature located on the taskbar. Combined with Cortana, or used alone, it provides a convenient way to search the computer or the Web.

Resource Monitor

A feature that displays how the computer is using its key resources such as the CPU and RAM.

Start Menu

A feature that provides a main access to all programs on your computer.

Compressed (Zipped) Folder

A folder created with the Zip feature, contains a file or group of files. A compressed folder uses less drive space and can be transferred or shared with other users more quickly.

Icons

A graphical link to a program, file, folder, or other item related to your computer.

Action Center

A location in Windows 10, accessed by an icon in the Notification area on the taskbar, that provides status information, notifications, and recommended actions for various maintenance and security settings.

Sleep

A power saving state that puts work and settings in memory and draws a small amount of power that allows the computer to resume full-power operation quickly.

Pin

A process to add a tile to the start menu or icon to the task bar.

Windows App

A program that displays full screen without any borders or many controls. It is designed to be best viewed and used on smaller screens such as those on smartphone and tablets.

Tiles

A rectangular icon on the start menu that allows you to access programs and apps.

Firewall

A software program included in Windows 10 that helps to protect against unauthorized access, or hacking, to your computer.

Task Manager

A tool that displays the programs and processes that are running on your computer. It is also used to close a non-responding program.

File History

A utility in Windows that continuously makes copies of your important files so that you can recover them if you encounter a file problem.

Windows Update

A utility in Windows that provides a means to initiate updates and modification pushed to the user that enhances Windows security or fixes problems.

Virtual Desktops

A way to organize and access groups of windows for different purposes.

Disk Cleanup

An administrative tool in Windows that is used to remove unnecessary Files from the computer.

Notification Area

An area on the far right of the taskbar, that includes a clock and a group of icons that relate to the status of a setting or program.

Shortcut

An icon on the desktop designated with a small arrow in the bottom-left corner, that provides a link a program.

Windows Defender

Antispyware and antivirus software included in Windows 10.

Jump List

List of program specific shortcuts to recently opened files, the program name, an option to pin or unpin the program, and a close window option.

Cortana

Microsoft 10's personal assistant that helps search the Web and you PC, and can also assist with reminders, tasks , and other activities.

One Drive

Microsoft's cloud storage system. Saving files to OneDrive enables them to sync across all Windows devices and to be accessible from any internet-connected device.

Recycle Bin

Temporary storage for files deleted from the computer's hard drive or OneDrive.

Taskbar

The horizontal bar at the bottom of the desktop that displays open applications such as the Notification area, Search box, and pinned apps or programs.

Title Bar

The long bar at the top of each window that displays the name of the folder, file, or program displayed in the open window and the application in which you are working.

File Management

The means of providing an organizational structure to file and folders.

Desktop

The primary working area of Windows 10 that contains objects such as windows and icons.