Compaq 277958-001 manual Brains of the computer. See microprocessor

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Understanding Computer Terms

plug-and-play

A feature introduced with Windows 95 to simplify the use of some peripheral devices. Once the device is installed (in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions), you can plug it into the computer while the computer is running. The operating system automatically recognizes the new device. In order to connect a non-plug-and-play device, you must first shut down the computer. See peripheral.

pop-up menu

A list of options that pops up when you right-click an icon on the desktop or taskbar, the vacant part of the desktop, a selection in a document, or a file in Windows Explorer. See right-click.

premastering

The process of preparing data to be recorded onto a CD. This includes dividing the data into sectors and recording those sectors with the appropriate header (address) and error correction information. In the case of recordable CD systems, premastering and mastering are done in one operation, resulting in a ready-to-read CD.

Processor (short for microprocessor)

The brains of the computer. See microprocessor

product key

A unique series of letters and numbers that is assigned to each software package you buy. You are asked to enter the product key when you install the software. When you register the software, you transmit the product key to the manufacturer for entry in a customer database. Registration activates your warranty. When you telephone for technical support, you are asked for the product key. The technician matches it against the database to determine whether you qualify for support. You should keep a record of all product keys to protect your investment. They are comparable to the serial numbers

on hardware. See software.

See also hardware.

Learning More About Your Computer

5–25

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Contents March Learning More About Your ComputerPage Contents Understanding Computer Terms Saving EnergyTo Modify the Display Modifying the DisplayTo Modify the Keyboard Language Setting Modifying the Keyboard Language SettingModifying the Mouse Properties To Modify Mouse PropertiesClick Control Panel Click Printers and Other Hardware Click OK to apply the changes To Shut Down the Computer Using the Print MenuShutting Down the Computer PrintingPlaying Games To Use the Print MenuClick Print Click My Computer To Check Hard Disk SpaceTo Play Digital Audio Playing Digital AudioUsing the Diskette Floppy Drive Inserting a disketteTo insert a diskette To remove a diskette Removing a disketteUsing the Hard Drive CD-ROM CD-RW DVD-ROM DVD-R/RW Using the CD or DVD DriveMedia Comparison Multimedia SupportCD-R To Insert a CD or DVD Inserting a CD or DVDUsing Your Computer Drives Removing a CD or DVD Listening to MusicTo Remove a CD or DVD To Listen to Music To Adjust the VolumeTo Play a Movie Playing a MovieClick All Programs, Compaq WinDVD, then Win DVD Player Creating a CDUses of the CD-RW Drive CD-R and CD-RW Disc Comparison Maintaining the CD or DVD DriveMaintaining and Shipping Routine Maintenance GuidelinesPreventive Maintenance Cleaning Up the Hard DriveTo Clean Up the Hard Drive On the General tab, click Disk Cleanup To Scan the Hard Drive Emptying the Recycle BinScanning the Hard Drive To Empty the Recycle BinTo Defragment the Hard Drive Defragmenting the DriveProtecting from a Virus Preparing for Shipping or Travel Properties dialog box Using Power ManagementUsing the Power Options Properties Sleep Mode Adjusting the Sleep ModeTo Adjust the Sleep Mode Awaking From Sleep Manually Entering the Sleep ModeTo Manually Enter Sleep Mode Click Performance and Maintenance Click Power OptionsTo Hibernate the Computer Hibernate ModeAdjusting the Hibernate Mode Awaking from HibernationUnderstanding Computer Terms Technical term for a computer program. See program Browser CD-DA CD-I CD-ROM XA CD-RW drive Information that can be processed by a computer. See digital See Windows desktop See folder See Microsoft Internet Explorer and Windows Explorer An older term for disk. See disk GIF Hardware See Microsoft Internet Explorer Hinged plastic case in which CDs are often stored See hyperlink Mailing list Microsoft Internet Explorer Arrow on the screen that moves with the mouse Multiread Program that lets you read and post messages to newsgroups Online shopping Tracks chosen to be played from a CD or DVD Brains of the computer. See microprocessor Program Right-click Scroll mouse Server Shortcut See Windows taskbar To send information to another computer on the Internet See Internet phone See World Wide Web Windows taskbar Learning More About Your Computer