Compaq 277958-001 manual Shortcut

Understanding Computer Terms

shortcut

An icon on the Windows desktop that you double-click to launch a program. Without the shortcut, you click the Start button on the Windows taskbar, point to Programs to display a menu of programs installed on your computer, and click the one you want to launch. You can create shortcuts to your favorite programs. See icon and double-click.

shortcut menu

A menu that pops up when you right-click an icon on the Windows desktop or taskbar, the vacant part of the desktop, a selection in a document, or a file in Windows Explorer. The options on the pop-up menu are the most commonly used commands that relate to the item you right-clicked. See right-click.

sleep mode

A low-power state that saves electricity when the computer is on but not in use.

software

A program you can install on computer from a disk, CD, DVD, Zip disk, or the Internet. Software can be upgraded or uninstalled. It may contain system files for an operating system (OS), an application for creating data files, a utility for making the computer run efficiently, or a game for entertainment. See OS, data file, and utility.

streaming

To deliver real-time multimedia content that you can play while it is being downloaded from the Internet, not afterwards. Several tools use advanced streaming technology: Microsoft Media Player, RealNetworks RealPlayer, and Vivo VideoNow.

surf

To jump from place to place on the Internet, searching for topics of interest, by clicking hyperlinks. Instead of searching for specific information, surfing is an undirected type of Web browsing. You just click whatever catches your interest. See hyperlink.

5–30 Learning More About Your Computer