Compaq 277958-001 manual See Microsoft Internet Explorer and Windows Explorer

Understanding Computer Terms

drop-down menu

A list of options that drops down when you click a menu name on the menu bar or click the down arrow on a dialog box.

DSL (digital subscriber line)

A telephone line that carries both voice and data signals, allowing you to talk on the phone and surf the Internet at the same time. The data part of the line, which is continuously connected to the Internet, allows high-speed, high-capacity data transfer. Your local telephone company provides the necessary equipment-a DSL modem, a network interface card, (NIC) and a splitter. See NIC.

DSL modem

A modem that connects to the Internet using digital subscriber line service through an existing copper telephone line.

DVD-ROM (DVD read-only media)

A CD-sized disc that stores full-length movies, music videos, and multimedia computer games with three-dimensional graphics. Both single-sided and double-sided discs are available.

DVD-ROM drive

A drive that reads DVDs. Backward-compatible with CD technology, it also reads old music CDs, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs.

E

e-mail (electronic mail)

Messages sent over the Internet.

encrypt

To translate data into a secret code. You must have access to a secret key or password to read an encrypted file. See secure Web site<.

Explorer

See Microsoft Internet Explorer and Windows Explorer.

F

fax modem

A modem that allows your computer to transmit and receive faxes. It can transmit documents to fax machines and other computers with fax modems. It can broadcast a fax to several sites at once.

Learning More About Your Computer 5–11