COMPUTER APPLICATIONS I

GLOSSARY(01/07)
Accent- A way of speaking that is characteristic of a geographic region.\
Acoustic Model- A set of mathematical formulas that analyzes human voice
patterns and evaluates the probability of spoken words in the speech
recognition vocabulary.
Active Cell- The cell ready for data entry.
Address Book- Part of a user’s E-mail account that allows storage of E-mail
addresses.
Align – to line up objects using the top, bottom, center, left, or right edges.
Alignment - The way lines of text are arranged (left, right, centered, justified).
Alternative Input Methods – methods of data input other than the traditional
keyboard/mouse, which utilize programs such as: speech or handwriting
recognition or features of PDA’s.
Animations - Special visual and sound effects applied to a slide.
Anti-virus software- Software that detects viruses and repairs files.
Application level gateways- Also known as Proxy. - Similar to an application
gateway, but uses software applications to view the data before it passes
through the firewall.
Area chart/graph - A line graph that has the area below the plotted line shaded
or colored.
Arithmetic operators - Used in mathematical expressions in queries to retrieve
information from a database. (Ex. +, - , *, /)
ARPAnet. - An early network of computer funded by the United States
Department of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
Arrange - Process of placing data in a particular order.
Arrange - The process of sorting data in ascending or descending order.
Arrow keys - The four keys used to move the cursor in one of four directions
(up, down, left, or right).
ASCII format - A universal code used to represent characters in the computer.
(ASCII is an acronym for American Standard Code of Information
Interchange.)
Ascending - Process of arranging data in an A-Z order.
Aspect Ratio - The relationship between an object’s height and width.
Attachment - Files downloaded from an e-mail message.
Attributes - Properties or characteristics of a slide.
Autoflow- Feature that automatically places text not fitting within a text frame
into the next available text frame.

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Automatic Speech recognizer (ASR)- Speech recognition software, sometimes
called a speech engine, which listens to human speech and converts the
spoken words to text.
Authoring software - Programs used to create documents utilizing point-and-
click features but require some knowledge of the program. Authoring
programs such as Macromedia Director can be used to create multimedia
productions or FrontPage can be used to create web pages.
Background- Area behind text or objects.
Background Color - Slide color usually dark with light text or visa-versa.
Backspace - Key used to delete text to the immediate left of the cursor position.
Bar chart - A graph that shows the comparison of amounts by the length of the
rectangular bar shapes.
Barcode Scanner- Input device that reads bar codes which can track both
assets and inventory, check items in, manage item locations, maintain
physical inventory, and control fixed assets.
Bibliography- A list of sources used in a document.
Biometric Device- Authentication technique that relies on measurable physical
characteristics that can be automatically checked.
Bleed- An object that extends beyond a printer’s print area that can be trimmed
later.
Block - A section of text that has been highlighted to be printed, saved, copied,
formatted, or moved.
Block Style- A letter style in which the date, closure, and signature block are
typed at the left margin (no indentions or tabs).
Bluetooth Technology- a radio frequency technology that does not require a
clear line of sight.
Bold/boldface - A formatting option that makes selected words print darker than
normal.
Booklet- A publication containing a series of folds or binds.
Bookmark - Saves the URL for specific sites.
Boolean logic - Uses operators to manipulate data.
Border - A frame that surrounds pictures or text.
Border Art- Decorative borders that come with a desktop publishing program or
can be created and can be placed around a frame or box.
Bounding box - A rectangular area where a button, list, or picture will appear in
a presentation.
Browser - Special software program required to navigate the WWW that allows
you to access information on the Internet.
Browser hijacking- Software that changes your Internet Explorer settings.
Browsing - Process of exploring the Web.
Bulleted list - A list of key points, each preceded by a symbol for emphasis.

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Bulletin board system - A central computer used by special interest groups to
exchange information on a particular topic.
Calculated column/field - A column or field containing data created by using a
formula
Calculation - The process of computing data using formulas.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome- Painful, inflammatory condition that affects the carpal
or writs portion of the median nerve. Often associated with repetitive
actions such as typing. Can be caused by physical trauma or hereditary
conditions that inflame tendons around the nerve, disrupting hand function
and resulting in numbness and pain.
Catalog- Helps create different types of publications.
CDROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) - A medium that holds text,
graphics, and sound. Stores considerably more information than a hard
disk does—more than 650 MB. Today new technology allows information
to be “burned” to a CD. This new technology allows the CDROM to
become a storage device.
Cell- Part of a table that is formed by the intersection of rows and columns.
Cell Range- A selected group of cells that form a rectangle.
Cell Reference – the column letter and the row number.
Center Justification - A feature when activated will align the text horizontally on
a line.
Character or text data - Entries in a database or spreadsheet that represent
text; such as, phone numbers, names, color, size.
Chart- Visual display or data in a spreadsheet, also known as a graph.
Charting - Creating and inserting charts to represent information graphically;
examples include bar, line, pie, and scatter.
Chat lines - Can communicate simultaneously in real time with another user
through the use of software and the Internet.
Circuit level gateways- A firewall that only allows data into the network based
on the data that was requested from the network.
Clip art - A collection of copyright-free, commercially prepared illustrations that
can be used in publications or presentations.
Clipboard - An area of computer memory that holds data that has been cut or
copied. This feature permits copying between documents and between
different software. The contents of the clipboard area replaced whenever
new data is cut or copied.
Close- To exist the program or file.
Closing Slide - Gracefully ends a presentation.
Column (excel) – a vertical line identified by letters that appear at the top of the
page.
Column - A vertical block of text or data such as in newspaper columns.

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Column chart- Chart that shows how values change over a period of time; most
used chart type. Rectangular shapes make comparisons of data values
easy.
Column width - The amount of space given a field or column.
Columns - Corresponds to a field in a database.
Communication Connectivity- A computer buzzword that refers to a program or
device’s ability to link with other programs and devices.
Communications software - Programs that allow one computer to communicate
with another through a modem.
Comparison operators - Used in math expressions in queries to compare pairs
of values (ex. <, >, <=)
Computer literacy - An understanding of computer terms and principles of
computer processing.
Continuous Speech Recognition (CSR)- Speech recognition system that
enables users to speak normally, pausing only to give commands and
insert punctuation marks.
Copy - A feature that allows text to be copied into the clipboard.
Copyfitting- Makes the copy fit the space within a publication.
Copyright - Ownership of creative work; protection against unauthorized use of
the work.
Crackers - Person who breaks into a computer system without authorization.
Often leaves a “calling card” that the system has been compromised but
usually does not harm the system.
Criteria expression - Used in a query to identify the information to retrieve from
the database.
Crop-Conceals unwanted portions of an image.
Currency - A numeric type of data which adds a $ sign to the number. Also
allows the user to determine the number of decimals to be displayed.
Cursor - The position or place marker on the screen to indicate where text will be
added.
Custom Animations - Defining animation types, speeds, and sounds.
Cut/paste - A feature that allows text, graphics, or other files to be moved to
another location.
Cyberspace - A term that means the electronic world of the Internet or the
WWW.
Data - Information keyed into a database; also known as an entry.
Database - An efficient means of storing and retrieving data and printing reports
from the stored data.
Database management system - A package of computer programs and
documentation that lets you establish and use a database. It allows you to
store and retrieve data according to your own criteria. An example is
Access software.
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Data Marker- Object that represents the individual values; marker can be a bar,
column, etc.
Data Point- Single value of piece of data from the data series.
Data series- A collection of related values from the worksheet; one row/column
on the worksheet.
Data Sheet View – a method of viewing or inputting data that contains
information about more than one record at a time: table with rows (records)
and columns (fields); also know as list view.
Data source- A database that lists the specific recipient information.
Data stripping- the removal of data when transferring a file to a Pocket PC.
Data table - A spreadsheet-like table often used to display the Y-values of a
graph below the X-axis.
Date data - Entries in a database or spreadsheet that are formatted for a date in
a particular style. (Ex. 01/01/00 or January 1, xxxx)
Decimal tabs - A tab alignment that will align data at the decimal.
Decrease Indent Button – To lower the level of a photograph.
Default - The present conditions of the software which may be modified.
Delete - To remove characters or data from a document.
Delete key - The key, when pressed, removes characters from a document.
Descending - Process of arranging data in a Z-A order.
Design - Process of determining each of the fields, field properties, and data
types in a database.
Desktop - The entire contents of the screen.
Desktop publishing (DTP) - A program that allows you to manipulate text and
graphics to create a variety of publication documents.
Desktop Publishing Program- A program that allows you to manipulate text and
graphics in publication documents.
Dictation Mode- Enables users to dictate text into a computer application.
Digital Camcorder- A camcorder that produces video recordings with highly
accurate color and crisp, clear resolution- far better than the resolution
offered by television broadcast.
Digital Camera- A camera that images rather than records on film. Once a
picture has been taken, it can be downloaded to a computer and then
manipulated and printed.
Digital Pen – A pen that records all movements in a graphic file much the same
way a digital tablet works.
Directory - A collection of files, filenames, extensions, dates of creation, and file
size.

Discrete Speech- Speech recognition system that requires the user to pause
momentarily between each word.

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Domain - The part of an Internet e-mail address after the @ symbol that
identifies the computer where the user is working.
Domain extension (also known as top-level domain) - The last three letters of
an Internet address.
Domain extension types - .com=commercial service, .edu=education,
.gov = government, .mil=military, .net=network provider, .org=organization.
Domain name system (DNS) - The system used to identify Internet addresses.
Domain or subdomain - Identify the computer where the user is working.
Dot Leaders- Tiny dots of dashes that make it easier to read a table of contents
or other columned information.
Download - Transferring data (files) from a remote computer to a location on the
user’s local computer.
Dragging - To hold down a mouse button while moving the mouse to relocate
graphics/text from one location to another.
Dragon- Company, also known as Dragon Systems, that released the first
continuous speech recognition (CSR) product in 1997 with over 30,000
words in its speech dictionary. The product was called Naturally Speaking.
Drawing Tools- Toolbox buttons that let you create geometric designs.
Drop Case- A formatting feature that lets you change the appearance of a
paragraph’s initial character.
Edit - To change or modify the original entry.
Editing - Special features in software that allow inserting, deleting, correcting,
and rearranging text in a document.
Electronic address - A name or number given to an Internet or network account,
usually consisting of userID@system.institution.typeB
Electronic dictionary - A feature on a word processor that has the ability to
check the document for misspelled words with a dictionary program.
Ellipsis- Three dots (…) that indicate another dialog box will opened.
E-mail- Means of communicating electronically via the Internet.
E-mail address - A unique address that identifies you when you are connected
to the Internet.
Embedded – Objects that become a part of a given document.
Embedded Chart- Chart that appears on the same sheet as the worksheet data.
Embedding – Inserting an object into another file (such as a sound file or a
picture file) so that it becomes a permanent part of that file.
Emoticons - A combination of symbols and letters usually sent with electronic
mail that when combined display a little picture that expresses an emotion
when you tilt your head to the left side.
Encryption - Scrambling text so that only the sender and receiver can read the
data.
Endnotes- References used to credit the source of information.

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Enhancements - Different styles of characters such as boldface, italics, and
underlining.
Enter/return key - Computer key used to leave blank lines or to return the cursor
to the beginning of a new line such as at the end of a paragraph
Entry - The data and formulas that are typed in a field.
Ethics - The study of standards of conduct and moral judgment.
Favorites/bookmarks- Websites that the users can store and visit by clicking on
the name of the site.
Field - One item of information in a record and is represented by a column
Field name - The title you assign each field
Field properties - Additional design information about a database; such as, field
size, decimal places, and format.
File – A saved database.
File extension - A suffix to a file name that further identifies the contents or type
of the file.
File transfer protocol - An Internet tool that allows a user to retrieve and
transfer a file from a computer anywhere on the Internet to another
computer.
Firewall - A piece of hardware or software that examines data passing into the
computer or network and discards it if it does not meet certain criteria.
Fire Wire Device- A very fast external bus standard that supports data transfer
rates of up to 400 Mbps.
Flash Media Cards- quarter-size data storing cards that act as additional
storage for PDA’s.
Flip- Objects created using drawing tools which can be rotated horizontally or
vertically using a toolbar button.
Flush left - Aligning along the left margin.
Flush right - Aligning along the right margin.
Font - A group of characters (letters, numbers, and symbols) that have a similar
appearance.
Font Attributes - Additions that enhance and emphasize font.
Font Size- The size of characters.
Footer - Repetitive text automatically printed at the bottom of a document, such
as a page number.
Footnotes- References used to credit the source of information or add
explanations.
Foreground- Area of a page where most information is placed.
Foreground color – Usually the text color; usually light on a dark background or
visa-versa.
Form - A customized manner of inputting data into a database or presenting data
on a screen

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Form letter - A document containing mail merge codes that is to be merged with
a database file to create a mail merge. The form letter is the primary
document.
Form view - A method of viewing or inputting data, which contains information
about one record at a time.
Format - The procedure of defining how information appears on a page. This
may include bold, underlining, italics, arranging text on a page, number of
decimal places, the style of print, color, etc.
Format Stripping- the removal of certain formatting when transferring a file to a
Pocket PC.
Formatting a disk (initializing) - Prepares a disk so you can store data on it.
Full justified - Text that is evenly spaced between the left and right margins so
that lines are both aligned.
Formatting Tool Bar- Buttons on the tool bar used to change the appearance of
objects in a publication.
Formula- Equations with symbols for math operations. A formula begins with an
equals sign. Example: =B6+B7+B8+B9.
Frame- Object in a publication containing text, a graphic image, a table, or any
combination of these.
Function- Special formulas that do not use operators to calculate a result. i.e. A
shortcut formula. Example: =Sum(A6:A9).
Global Positional System- By using three satellites, GPS can calculate the
longitude and latitude of the receiver based on the intersection of the three
spheres.
Graffiti- the handwriting recognition software for Palm OS.
Graph - A pictorial illustration of data normally displayed in a table form.
Graphical browser - A special software program, often called a GUI or a
graphical user interface, that allows you to access text, color, video, sound,
and multimedia presentations on the Internet.
Graphics- Images that enhance a document of publication.
Graphic Image- A piece of electronic artwork.
Gridline- Horizontal or vertical line that extends across the plot area of the cart to
make it easier to read/understand the values.
Group- Combines multiple objects into one easily manipulated object.
Gutters - The space between columns in a publication.
Hackers - Persons who illegally enter computer systems often for the purpose of
illegally obtaining information and/or cause damage or destruction.
Hacking - Breaking a code and gaining illegal access into a computer system;
like “breaking and entering.”
Handheld Computer (Pocket PC) - A portable computer that is small enough to
be held in one’s hand. Although extremely convenient to carry, handheld
computers have not replaced notebook computers because of their small
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 keyboards and screens. The most popular hand-held computers functions,
such as a calendar and address book. The most popular are IPAQ and
Palm.
Handles- Small, usually black, squares displayed around the perimeter of a
selected object used in sizing.
Handwriting Recognition- The technique by which a computer system can
recognize characters and other symbols written by hand. In theory,
handwriting recognition should free us from our keyboards allowing us to
write and draw in a more natural way. It is considered one of the key
technologies that will determine the ultimate success or failure of PDA’s
and other hand-held devices.
Hanging indent - All lines except the first line are indented, such as in a
reference entry.
Hard break- Created by the user, inserts a page break manually by pressing CTL
+ Enter.
Hard copy - Printed output from a software program.
Header - Repetitive information that is automatically printed at the top of each
page of a word processing document.
Hierarchy – Levels within an outline.
Highlight - A feature that allows you to select or block a portion of text to be
manipulated.
History- The listing of websites that the use has been to in the past few days.
Hits (database) - Number of items found in a response to a search query.
Home page - The main page for a Web site.
Horizontal Ruler- Measuring guide that displays above the publication window.
Horizontally Centered- Equal white space on left and right margins.
Host - An Internet computer.
Hypertext - A portion of a text document that contains programming code to link
a word, graphic, or phrase to another section in a document or to a
different document.
Hypertext driven - Allows user to jump from word, graphic or phrase to another
section of the document.
Hypertext link - Allows user to jump from word, graphic or phrase to a different
document.
HyperText markup language (HTML) - Refers to the embedded directions
within regular text to create web pages.
HyperText transfer protocol (HTTP) - The communications instructions used to
connect the WWW across the Internet.
Hyphenation - A word processing feature that will automatically hyphenate
words in a document.

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Identity theft- Any instance where a person uses someone else’s identification
documents or other identifiers in order to impersonate that person for any
reason.
Increase Indent Button – To raise a paragraph to another level.
Indent - Insetting text from one of the margins (left indent, right indent, hanging
indent).
Index- A list of page numbers where specific information (words and phrases)
are found in a document. A special word processing feature in many
programs will auto-create a table of contents for the document.
Insert - To place data between other previously existing pieces of data.
Interactive Whiteboard- A whiteboard uses software to connect to a computer
and provides handwriting recognition.
Internet - The worldwide “network of networks” that connects networks to each
other using TCP/IP protocols.
Internet service provider (ISP) - A company that provides full access to the
Internet through the telephone.
Internet transactions safety - Technology, such as encryption, used to secure
privacy of information transmitted on the Internet.
Internet - An electronic information and communication system connecting
governmental institutions, military branches, educational institutions, and
commercial companies.
Italics - Text in which the characters are evenly slanted toward the right.
Jargon- Unique vocabulary including technical terms, slang, and phrases not
used by the general public. Also called shop talk.
Justify - To have an exact straight left and right margin.
Kerning- Adjusts the spacing between character pairs.
Key - Identifier for each record (ex. Catalog # or First Name/Last Name).
Keywords- Words used to locate images within clip are and images.
Label- Text, symbol, date, or number not used in calculations.
Landscape - Page orientation (layout) that is wider than tall; horizontal or wide
layout.
Language Bar- Speech recognition or voice control center providing easy
access to speech and handwriting recognition tools in Microsoft Office.
Layer- Changes the position of objects in relation to one another so that one
appears to be on top of or behind another.
Layout - A sketch to show how the text and graphics should appear on a
publication page.
Layout Guides- Lines that assist in accurately positioning objects on a page.
LCD (liquid crystal display) – A type of display used in many portable
computers and flat screen monitors. LCD displays utilize two sheets of
polarizing material with a liquid crystal solution between them. An electric
current passed through the liquid causes the crystals to align so that light
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 cannot pass through them. Each crystal, therefore, is like a shutter, either
allowing light to pass through or blocking the light.
Leaders - Row of periods used to lead the eye across the page, usually from one
column to another.
Left Bound Report- A report bound together on the left. Left margin is increased
to 1.5’.
Left justify (ied) (ication) - Alignment that allows a document to have an even
left margin.
Legal size paper - 8 ½" by 14" paper.
Legend- The object that explains the symbols, colors, or patterns used to
differentiate the series in the chart.
Lernout & Hauspie- Early leader in the development of speech recognition and
translation software. Pioneered many speech recognition technologies and
translation tools with Microsoft. Pioneered Natural Language Technology
(NLT) commands in its Voice Xpress software.
Letter- A type of correspondence sent from one business to another.
Letter size paper - 8 ½" by 11" paper.
Level – A position within an outline that indicates importance.
Line chart - A graph that uses a line to connect data points.
Line spacing - The amount of space between lines in a document such as a
single space, double space, etc.
Linking (spreadsheet) - A function that allows one spreadsheet to contain
external references to one or more supporting spreadsheets or graphs so
that as a user updates, the external and remote spreadsheets or graphs
will be updated. For example if one salesman sells $50,000 of goods, the
updating of the salesman’s spreadsheet will trigger the linked spreadsheet
to update the figures for the entire company. The functions can also be
used with objects, pictures, etc.
Links - Allow user to move from one part of a site to another or from one part of
a site to another site.
List view - A method of viewing or inputting data that contains information about
more than one record at a time.
Literal search engines- Search using Boolean operations to narrow the search
of sites. Searches are based on the words that the user enters.
Local area network (LAN) - A group of linked computers located within a
specifically defined area such as an office or a building.
Lock Aspect Ratio – Displays a check mark to maintain object proportions.
Login - A procedure to identify yourself to the computer system that provides
access to the Internet.
Logo- Distinctive shape, symbol, or color that is visibly recognized as belonging
to a company or product.
Log off - The steps to disconnect from the main or computer system.
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Mailing labels - Address labels that are attached to an envelope. Many software
packages have the ability to create mailing labels as part of the mail merge
process.
Mail merge - Integrating two documents into one such as integrating addresses
into a letter.
Main document- Contains special mail merge fields that act as placeholders for
the recipient’s name and address.
Margins - The borders that mark the left, right, top and bottom of a page.
Masthead- The banner at the beginning of a newsletter that contains its name,
volume, issue, and date.
Maximize- To make the window fill up the entire screen.
Media Storage Device- Objects on which data can be stored. These include
hard disks, floppy disks, CD-ROMs, smart media, flash disks, memory
sticks, and tapes.
Memorandum- A type of correspondence sent within a business. Margins:
Top=2’, Side=1’, and Bottom= 1’.
Menu Bar- Contains menus from which you choose commands.
MILnet. - Military portion of the ARPAnet.
Miniature Mobile Storage Device- Devices that use flash technology for data
storage such as Compact Flash, Smart Media, SD Media, Mini SD,
Transflash, xDPicture Card, and Memory Sticks.
Minimize- To shrink the window down to the taskbar.
Mirrored Guides- Layout guides and margins on left and right facing pages that
appear to be mirrored images.
Mixed Punctuation- A colon after the salutation and coma after the
complimentary close.
Modem - The hardware that transfers data by converting computer signals that
can by transmitted over a telephone line.
Modified Block Style- A letter style in which the date and closure are keyed at
center point (usually 6 tabs over).
Move - A feature that allows text to be moved to another location in the
document. Also known as cut/paste.
Multi-level Slide – A slide that contains more than one level.
Multimedia - Presenting information using text, audio, graphics, animation, and
video.
Natural language search engines- Searches are completed by typing in
complete sentences. Searches are based on key words in the sentence.
Natural Language Technology (NLT)- Commands that make speaking to a
speech recognition system almost as natural as talking to a person.
Naturally Speaking- First accurate, continuous speech recognition product with
over 30,000 words in its speech dictionary.
Netiquette - Unwritten and written rules of Internet etiquette.
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Network - Two or more computers linked together so that they can exchange
files and messages and share resources.
Network security - Set of decisions that collectively determine the organization’s
attitude with respect to security from its network, computers, property and
employees.
New Line Command- Ends the current line of text and moves in insertion point
to the next line.
New Paragraph Command- Ends a paragraph and moves the insertion point to
the next line. Generally, there is more white space between paragraphs
than between lines within a paragraph.
NSFnet. - Non-military system of supercomputers funded by the National
Science Foundation.
Numbered List- Used to list items in a particular order.
Numeric data - Entries in a database or spreadsheet that are formatted for
numbers that can be used in calculations.
Objects – The make up of a slide that includes text, graphics, charts, etc.
Object-oriented images - Images that are created in draw programs;
mathematical formulas (rather than pixels) determine the graphic.
Object Shadow- Gives and object the illusion or depth by adding a shadow
behind it.
Objects Toolbar- Contains buttons used to create frames for text, tables, and
graphics.
One-page flyer- A document that informs the public about local happenings or
events.
On-line communication - Communication transmitted by the use of
telecommunications software, a modem, and telephone connection.
Open punctuation- No punctuation after salutation or complimentary close.
Orientation- Position the paper is printed in.
Orphan - The first line of a paragraph that is separated from the rest of the
paragraph.
Outline- An enumerated list of information found with in a document such as a
report.
Outlining – Developing the presentation using an outline to assist with
organization.
Overstrike mode - A feature that allows you to replace the character at the
cursor position with a new character.
Packet filtering firewall- This firewall compares the incoming data to a list of
rules prepared for the destination it is intended for.
Page break - A mark on some word processors indicating that the maximum
number of lines have been keyed on a page and a new page is beginning.
When manually placed in the document it is called a hard page break.

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 When the software package places a page break it is called a soft page
break.
Page orientation- Direction a document is printed (landscape or portrait).
Pagination - The process by which a word processing program automatically
breaks long documents into pages by inserting page breaks.
Painting/drawing graphics program - A software program for creating or
editing a graphic using bit-mapped images that can be inserted into a
document.
Palette - A feature which allows the user to select colors.
Password - A unique set of characters that secure entry into a computer system
or information service.
Paste - To insert or copy text into a document from the clipboard.
PDA- Personal Digital Assistant.
Percent - A numeric type of data which adds a % symbol to a number.
Phrase- Group of words that express an idea.
Pie chart - A circular graph divided into slices where the slices represent portions
of the whole.
PIM- Personal Information Management- software that handles tasks to keep you
organized.
Plot Area- the rectangular area bound by the category and values axes.
Plug and Play- Indicates that the hardware will run as soon as it plugged into the
computer. Most of these are mice, storage devices, and printers.
Pocket PC- the generic name for PDA’s that run Microsoft CE or Microsoft
Mobile.
Point Size- The measurement of the height of a character—1/72nd of an inch
equals one point.
Portrait - Printing a page taller than it is wide.
PPT – The filename extension.
Presentation graphics - Software used to create presentation by combining
text, graphics, pictures, voice, and video.
Preview - A feature that allows you to see on screen how a hard copy of the
document will print.
Primary sort - A method of sorting a column of data in a particular order by
selecting the field to consider first when sorting.
Printing - Sending a document to the printer and producing a hard copy.
Probe (scientific devices) – Devices that, when connected to a computer, are
able to translate data received.
Profile- Special file that collects data about a user’s speech patterns. A user
profile enables the speech recognition system to store speech patterns
and vocabulary for individual speakers.
Pronunciation- Sounds of words when they are spoken.
Proof Print- Approximation of how your final publication will look.
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Protocol - An agreed upon standard for electronic communications.
Public domain software - Software that is not copyrighted and is freely
distributed and copied.
Pull down menus - Contains the menu commands you can use to perform
specific tasks
Pull Quote- A short statement extracted from the text and set aside from the
body of the text.
Query - A set of conditions that provides for retrieval of certain records
Record - A group of related fields of information. Everything on one row is a
record.
Reference Initials- Initials of the typist, typed in lower case with no punctuation.
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)- Condition, such as a carpal tunnel syndrome,
that causes painful inflammation that affects parts of the body involved in
repetitive actions such as typing.
Replace - A feature that changes all occurrences of a word or character in a
document.
Report - Specifications for output of data in a particular format
Retrieve - The process of loading information that has been stored.
Reverse Text- Formatting method that displays light characters on a dark
background.
Right justify (ied) (ication) - Alignment that allows a document to have an even
right margin.
Rotate- Changes the position of an object in degrees.
Row - Corresponds to a record in a database

Rows – Identified by numbers on the left side of the spreadsheet (horizontal).

Ruler - A row of numbers at the top of a word processing screen that displays tab
stops, indents, and margin settings.
Ruler Guides- Created in the foreground of individual pages by dragging a ruler
while holding shift.
Rulers- Horizontally and vertically scaled displays beneath the tool bar and to
the left of the workspace.
Say What You See- Voice-activated technology that enables users to access any
function or command visible in a dialog box, many bar, toolbar, or task
pane.
Save - The process of storing a file on a disk or other storage medium for future
use.
Save As- Used to save a document for the first time or to save a new version of
an edited file.
Scanner - A device that lets you input text or other images into a computer.
Scratch Area- Surrounds the publication and is used to store elements.
Scratch That- Voice command that erases the last word or phrase dictated.
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Search - The ability to locate a string of characters or particular data in a
document.
Search engine - An Internet tool that allows you to search for information on a
particular topic all across the Internet.
Secondary sort - When sorting a column of data, the second column to consider
when arranging the data.
Secure website- A website that uses data encryption to keep all information
protected.
Security policy - Written document that states beliefs about network security,
computers, property, employee rights and expectations. Determines the
limits of acceptable behavior and the response to violations.
Shareware - Software distributed free of charge on a trial basis; if you use it, pay
for it and receive additional documentation, support, or upgrades.
Sidebar- Information not vital to a publication which is placed to the side of the
regular text.
Simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP) - allows computers all over the world to
understand what is being sent through e-mail.
Site license - License to use software within a specific facility.
Sizing - To change size of a graphic in a presentation.
Slides – The basic unit of a presentation.
Slide Show – An electronic presentation.
Slide Transitions – A special effect used to progress slides throughout a
presentation.
Smart phone- a cell phone with PDA capabilities or a PDA with cell phone
capabilities.
Snap-to- Feature with a magnetic-like effect that pulls whatever is being lined up
to the layout guide.
Soft break- A new page automatically created by the software program.
Soft copy - Output you see on the monitor.
Software piracy - The illegal duplication of copyrighted software.
Sort - Process of arranging data in a particular order.
Sound byte - A verbal annotation that can be added to a document using
modern software and sound capabilities.
Speech Balloon- Displays messages about the current status of the speech
recognition software and warns users if the current speech is too loud or
too soft for processing.
Speech Dictionary- Contains words recognized by CSR software. Speech
dictionaries containing over 300,000 words are now common.
Speech Recognition - The field of computer science that deals with designing
computer systems that can recognize spoken words. Note that voice
recognition implies only that the computer can take dictation, not that it
understands what is being said.
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Speech Vocabulary- List of words a speech recognition program recognizes.
Only words in the vocabulary can be displayed.
Spell checker - A feature in a word processor that has the ability to check the
document for misspelled words with a dictionary program.
Spreadsheet- A program that allows you to use rows and columns or data to
manage, predict, and present information.
Spyware - Technology that gathers information about a computer user without
their permission or knowledge.
Stacked bar graph - A graph where each bar represents more than one value
and each bar is divided into two or more parts.
Standard Tool Bar- Buttons on a toolbar for completing common tasks.
Stateful inspection- A packet filter firewall that examines more than just the
address and port information.
Status bar - Displays information about the current page.
Story - Text in a publication.
Style- Defined formatting attributes.
Subscript - Text that has been lowered vertically such as a chemical formula.
Superscript - Text that has been raised vertically such as an exponent.
Synchronization- the transfer and update of files between a computer and a
PDA.
SYSOP - Acronym for system operator.
Tab key - Allows the user to move the cursor a predetermined number of spaces.
Table- A grid of rows and columns that intersect to form cells.
Table of contents - A listing of divisions of the document and their locations in a
document, such as chapters or side headings. A special word processing
feature in many programs will create a table of contents for the document.
Tablet- An input device that enables the user to enter drawings and sketches into
a computer. A digitizing tablet consists of an electronic tablet and a cursor
or pen. A cursor (also called a puck) is similar to a mouse, except that is
has a window with cross hairs for pinpoint placement, and it can have as
many as 16 buttons. A pen (also called stylus) looks like a simple ballpoint
pen but movement of the cursor or pen and translate the movements into
digital signals that it sends to the computer.
Tablet PC- A type of notebook computer that has an LCD screen on which the
user can write using a special stylus. The handwriting is digitized and can
be converted to standard text through handwriting recognition, or it can
remain as handwritten text. Tablet PCs typically have a keyboard and/or
mouse for input.
Table wizard - A feature that provides sample of tables, each with its own
appropriate fields, which may be formatted in the document.
Template - A pre-stored/predefined document that may be retrieved and used
without making manual setup changes.
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Test Wrap- Feature that allows text to flow around an object of graphic.
Text - Words, symbols, numbers, and punctuation used in documents.
Text browser - A special software program that allows you to access text only on
the Internet.
Text Frame- Graphic object in which text is typed.
Text Overflow- Text that does not fit in the frame.
Text Slide – A slide where text is primarily represented.
Thesaurus - A utility on most word-processing programs which includes a list of
synonyms and/or antonyms for words.
Tick mark- Small line or maker on the X-Axis and Y-axis to help in reading the
values.
Title bar - Contains application name or title of current Web page.
Title Slide – The first slide that introduces the presentation to the audience.
Toggle - Term refers to a feature to become activated and deactivated by the
same key.
Toolbar - Buttons with graphic representations that perform tasks more quickly
than using a menu bar.
Toolbox - A feature that displays the tools that can be used in the program.
Touch Screen- A touch-sensitive transparent panel covering the screen. Instead
of using a device such as a stylus, you can use your finger to point directly
to a selection on the screen.
Train- Process in which a user reads a sample script aloud, enabling the speech
recognition system to record an individual’s unique speech patterns,
increasing the accuracy of the conversation from spoken words to the text.
Transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) - The name of the
collection of rules used to connect computers and networks.
Two-page Spread- View that enables you to see two pages at once.
Typeface - A set of characters with a common style and design.
Type over - A feature in word processing allowing for text to be keyed over the
existing text.
Undo - A feature of a software program that will allow a command to be reversed
in order for the document not to reflect changes.
Unbound Report- A short report that is stapled or help together by a paper clip.
Ungroup- Turns a single object into multiple objects.
Underline- A horizontal line that is placed beneath characters.
Universal resource locator (URL) - The specific and unique address of a
particular document, file, graphic, sound, or video on the WWW.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Flash Drive (Pen Drive or Jump Drive) – Plug this
device into your USB port, and you instantly have an additional hard drive.
Update - Adding or changing data in a document.
Upload - To copy a file or information from your computer to another computer or
server.
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URL- Uniform Resource Locator. The web address.
USB- Acronym for the Universal Serial Bus, an interface connection to a
personal computer. USB speech recognition headsets and microphones
bypass the sound card and input speech more directly and with less
distortion into a computer processor.
Username - Part of an e-mail address that identifies the specific person at that
site.
Value- A number entered into a spreadsheet cell that will be used for
calculations.
Vertically Centered- Initials of the typist, typed in lower case with no
punctuation.
ViaVoice- Continuous voice dictation software created by IBM.
Virus - Computer program that attaches to a file and spreads from one computer
to another, over the Internet and over a network.
Voice Command Mode- Enables users to give verbal commands to control
menus and format documents in any Microsoft Office application.
Voice Commands – Using your voice to manipulate a presentation.
Voice Xpress- Speech recognition product created by Lernout & Hauspie. It
pioneered many Natural Language Technology or NLT commands.
Watermark- A faint, lightly shaded image that appears behind other images.
Webcam- A camera that broadcasts images through the Internet via wireless
communication.
Web Cell Phone – a cellular telephone that allows users to access the Internet
via wireless communication.
Web page - A multimedia file containing HTML codes which can be stored on a
Web server and viewed by multiple platforms on the WWW.
Web site - Collection of Web pages.
Web TV- A small box with a keyboard that connects to a telephone line and
television. It connects to the Internet via a telephone service and then
converts the downloaded Web pages to a format that can be displayed on
the TV. These products also come with a remote control device so that you
can navigate the Web.
Widow - The last line of a paragraph appearing at the top of a page or a column
by itself.
Widow/orphan protection - A word processing feature that will prevent
widow/orphan lines in a document.
Wireless Communication- The ability to send data or video without being
connected to a wire, either by telephone or handheld computers.
Wireless networking- Technology that enable two or more computers to
communicate without wires.
Wizard - Step by step guide for help in creating a particular feature in a
document.
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WordArt- A cartoon-like object containing curves or wavy text.
Word processing - Software that is designed for the entry, editing, and printing
of documents.
Word wrap - When keying a document, words automatically go to the next line
without using the ENTER/RETURN key.
Workspace- The area where a new or existing publication appears.
World Wide Web (WWW) - Hypermedia system that lets you browse through
related documents on the Internet through the use of hypertext links.
Widow- Last line of a paragraph goes to the next line.
Word Art – A text object containing curves or wavy text designed as shapes.
Workspace – The area where a new or existing publication appears.
WYSIWYG - An acronym that stands for “What You See is What You Get.” In
programs that display text in WYSIWYG, the document will print as it
appears on the screen.
XP/2003- Microsoft’s speech recognition product that is built into MS Office XP or
2003.
X-axis- Category axis that describes what is shown in the chart.
XY Chart- Chart that is also known as a scatter chart and is used to show
relationships between multiple values.
Y-axis- The value axis that shows the range of values (or scale) of the chart.
Zero Point- The location of zero on both the vertical and horizontal rulers that
can be moved; allows for precise measurements.
Zoom Mode- Makes the page scale larger or smaller so you can move in or
away from page objects.

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