Introduction to Application Software Flashcards

This set of 30 vocabulary flashcards covers essential terms related to software types, computer concepts, mouse operations, and the Windows desktop environment as discussed in the lecture notes.

Software

The set of electronic program instructions or data a computer processor reads in order to perform a task or operation.

Hardware

The physical components of a computer that can be seen and touched, such as the hard drive, mouse, and keyboard.

Systems Software

Programs dedicated to managing the computer itself, including the operating system, file management utilities, and disk operating system.

Disk Operating System (DOS)

A specific type of systems software used for managing computer operations and files.

Application Software

Also called productivity or end-user programs, these enable users to complete specific tasks like creating documents, spreadsheets, or playing games.

Productivity Programs

A synonym for application software that allows users to perform work-related tasks such as creating publications and databases.

End-user Programs

Another term for application software, reflecting that these programs are designed for the person using the computer to complete tasks.

Mouse

A device used to control the motion of a cursor in two dimensions within a graphical user interface.

Icons

Pictures in graphical interfaces that represent files, programs, or actions, such as a paper notebook representing a text file.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

An interface that allows users to interact with the computer through visual elements like windows, icons, and menus.

Point

The mouse operation of moving the pointer so that the tip of the arrow head rests on a required object.

Click

The action of tapping the left mouse button to select an object or activate a button.

Double-Click

Tapping the left mouse button twice in quick succession without moving the pointer to activate an operation.

Right-Click

Clicking the right mouse button to open a context menu relevant to the pointed object.

Context Menu

A menu of options that appears during a right-click, containing choices specific to the selected object.

Drag

Pointing to an object and holding down the left mouse button while moving the pointer to a new position.

Desktop

An on-screen work area with a Graphical User Interface that serves as the large background area of the Windows screen.

Start Button

A button that displays the Start Menu, where users can find and start all the applications on the computer.

Search (Cortana)

A box used to type names of apps, files, or Internet queries, and to communicate with a digital personal assistant.

Task View Button

A button that displays a pop-up view of all open windows and allows for switching between them.

Virtual Desktops

A feature accessible via the Task View Button that allows the user to create and manage multiple desktop environments.

Edge Browser Button

The button used to access Windows 10's completely redesigned web browser called Edge.

Action Center

A section of the desktop that includes the Network icon and the Notifications icon.

Network icon

An icon located in the Action Center that is clicked to attach the computer to a WiFi network.

Notifications icon

An icon that, when clicked, opens a panel showing app notifications and quick access Setting buttons.

Desktop Shortcuts

Traditional icons located on the desktop that a user double-clicks to start an application.

Shortcuts Pinned to Taskbar

Shortcuts appearing on the taskbar that require only a single click to start an application.

Taskbar

The bar across the bottom of the Desktop containing the Start Button, Search Box, and icons for open or pinned applications.

Lit-up App icon

An icon on the taskbar that indicates a specific application window is currently open.

Operating System

Systems software that manages computer hardware resources as well as applications and data.