Student Dictionary: Computer Basics and Word Processing

VOCABULARY flashcards covering key terms from the Computer Basics and Word Processing notes.

APPLICATION

Another word for a program or software.

BOLD

A font style that makes letters and words darker.

Boot

To start up a computer; the process is called ? (you can also reboot or restart).

CPU

The computer’s brain that processes data.

CLICKING

Pointing to something on the screen and pressing the mouse button.

CURSOR

The line or arrow you control with the mouse.

DESKTOP

The screen you see first when the computer turns on; has icons.

DIALOGUE BOX

A window that opens and asks you questions.

DISK DRIVE

The place for floppy disks to save files.

DISKS

A storage medium used to save work, like a video tape.

DOCUMENT

Anything you create in Microsoft Word.

Double Clicking

Clicking the left mouse button twice quickly.

Drag and Drop

Click on an icon or text, move the mouse, then release to place it.

FILE

A piece of computer information such as a document or part of a program.

FOLDER

Like a file folder in a filing cabinet; used to keep documents.

FONT

The way letters and words look.

FORMAT

Changing the appearance of text on the page.

HARDWARE

All the parts of the computer you can touch (monitor, CPU, printer, mouse, keyboard).

HARD DRIVE

The place inside your computer where programs and files are stored.

HEADSET

Earphones and a microphone worn on the head.

HIGHLIGHT/SELECTING

Clicking and dragging a line or lines of text; this text can be changed.

Hovering

Moving the cursor over links or menus to see pop-ups.

ICON

Symbols or pictures you click to perform an action; each program has this.

Internet Explorer

Microsoft’s web browser.

ITALICS

A font style that slants words to the right.

KEYBOARD

The input device you type with; like a typewriter; used to tell the computer what to do.

LAPTOP

A portable computer you can carry.

Link

A place on a website that takes you to another page; cursor becomes a hand; click to go.

MENU BAR

The words at the top of the screen; opens menus.

MENU

A list of options you can perform; appears when you click on a Menu Bar item.

MICROSOFT

A software company started by Bill Gates.

MICROSOFT POWERPOINT

A software program for making presentations.

MICROSOFT WINDOWS

An operating system made by Microsoft.

MICROSOFT WORD

A word-processing program for typing letters, resumes, and school papers.

MINIMIZE

To move a window to the bottom of the screen without closing it.

MAXIMIZE

To expand a window to full size of the screen.

RESTORE

To make a window smaller or reposition it.

MONITOR

Your computer’s screen.

MOUSE

The tool you use to tell the computer what to do (click or double-click).

OPEN

A command on the File Menu that brings files onto the screen so you can see them.

OPERATING SYSTEM

The most important program in your computer; like the manager of all other programs.

PC

Personal Computer; a computer designed to use Windows; there are PCs and Macs.

POINT

The size of text (e.g., 12 point, 16 point, 24 point).

PROGRAMS

Another word for software or applications.

SCREEN SAVER

A design that turns on if you don’t use your computer for a few minutes.

SCROLL BARS

Bars on the sides of the screen to move up or down.

SOFTWARE

Another word for programs; instructions that help the computer perform tasks.

SPELL CHECK

In Word, a button to check for spelling and grammar mistakes.

SPREADSHEET

Organizes information into rows and columns and uses numbers.

Start Menu

Gateway to open programs, find files and manage information.

Task Bar

The bar at the bottom of the desktop that shows open windows.

TOOL BARS

The bars across the top of the screen with icons to click for actions.

USB DRIVE

A disk for saving information; also called a flash drive or thumb drive.

WORD PROCESSING

Typing documents on a computer; includes formatting, saving, and editing.