Compaq 277958-001 manual Program

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Understanding Computer Terms

program

A set of instructions, written in a programming language understood by the computer, that tells the hardware what tasks to perform. Some programs are installed at the factory as ROM chips that cannot be altered; they are essential for operating the microprocessor. These

programs are called firmware. Most programs are installed as software from removable storage media. The word “program,” however, is commonly used for specific type of software applications that create data files. See data files. See also hardware and software.

R

RAM (Random Access Memory)

The main memory of the computer. It holds a copy of the operating system (OS), any programs that are running on the computer, and any data that is being processed. RAM is temporary memory; turning off the computer clears RAM. The more RAM your computer has, the faster the programs respond. See main memory, OS, program, and data file. See also ROM.

random erase

The ability to erase a single file at a time from a CD-ReWritable CD, freeing up CD space for immediate re-use, just as you would do on a hard or floppy disk. (Available with CD-RW CDs and DirectCD).

recordable disc

The media used in recordable CD systems. The blank CD is made of a bottom layer of poly carbonate with a preformed track spiral, which the recording laser follows when inscribing information onto the CD. A translucent layer of recordable material is laid on top of the bicarbonate, then a reflective layer (gold or silver colored). On top there is a thin layer of lacquer and sometimes a printed label. The standard recordable CD is “write-once,” which means data written to it cannot be erased, although it is possible to add data in a later session. See multi-session. For erasable and rewritable CDs, see CD-RW.

5–26	Learning More About Your Computer

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Contents Learning More About Your Computer MarchPage Contents Saving Energy Understanding Computer TermsModifying the Display To Modify the DisplayModifying the Keyboard Language Setting To Modify the Keyboard Language SettingTo Modify Mouse Properties Modifying the Mouse PropertiesClick Control Panel Click Printers and Other Hardware Click OK to apply the changes Using the Print Menu Shutting Down the ComputerPrinting To Shut Down the ComputerTo Use the Print Menu Playing GamesClick Print To Check Hard Disk Space Click My ComputerPlaying Digital Audio To Play Digital AudioInserting a diskette Using the Diskette Floppy DriveTo insert a diskette Removing a diskette To remove a disketteUsing the Hard Drive Using the CD or DVD Drive CD-ROM CD-RW DVD-ROM DVD-R/RWMultimedia Support Media ComparisonCD-R Inserting a CD or DVD To Insert a CD or DVDUsing Your Computer Drives Listening to Music Removing a CD or DVDTo Remove a CD or DVD To Adjust the Volume To Listen to MusicPlaying a Movie To Play a MovieCreating a CD Click All Programs, Compaq WinDVD, then Win DVD PlayerUses of the CD-RW Drive Maintaining the CD or DVD Drive CD-R and CD-RW Disc ComparisonRoutine Maintenance Guidelines Maintaining and ShippingCleaning Up the Hard Drive Preventive MaintenanceTo Clean Up the Hard Drive On the General tab, click Disk Cleanup Emptying the Recycle Bin Scanning the Hard DriveTo Empty the Recycle Bin To Scan the Hard DriveDefragmenting the Drive To Defragment the Hard DriveProtecting from a Virus Preparing for Shipping or Travel Using Power Management Properties dialog boxUsing the Power Options Properties Adjusting the Sleep Mode Sleep ModeTo Adjust the Sleep Mode Manually Entering the Sleep Mode To Manually Enter Sleep ModeClick Performance and Maintenance Click Power Options Awaking From SleepHibernate Mode Adjusting the Hibernate ModeAwaking from Hibernation To Hibernate the ComputerUnderstanding 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