Integration A

linked object

A text selection, value, or picture that is contained in a destination file and linked to a source file. When a change is made to the linked object in the source file, the change also occurs in the linked object in the destination file.

objects

A text selection, value, or picture that when copied from one program to another and make changes in the source file those changes do not appear in the destination file.

source file

In integration, the file from which the information is copied or used. An Excel file that is inserted into a file that contains a Word report is the source file.

destination file

In integration, the file that receives the copied information. A Word file that contains an Excel file is the destination file.

Object Linking and Embedding (OLE)

The ability to use data created in one application in a file created by another application; the difference between linking and embedding relates to where the object is stored and how the object is updated after placement in a document. A linked object in a destination file is an image of an object contained in a source file. Both objects share a single source, which means the object is updated only in the source file.

embed

To copy and paste source data into a destination file; an embedded object is edited by opening it in the destination file and then using the tools of the source file to make changes. These changes appear only in the embedded object in the destination file.

link

To create a connection between source data and the copy in a destination file; the copy in the new file is updated every time a change is made to the source data.

integration

To incorporate a document and parts of a document created in one program into another program; for example, to incorporate an Excel chart into a PowerPoint slide, or an Access table into a Word document.