Alias: An icon that points to a particular file, folder or application in the Macintosh OS.

Application: A program designed to perform a specific function directly for the user or, in some cases, for another application.

Bit (Binary Digit): The smallest unit of information in a computer.

Boot Up: To load an operating system into the computer's RAM (Random Access Memory).

Byte (Binary Term): A unit of storage capable of holding 8 bits.

CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory): A read-only storage medium. CD-ROMs contain up to 650MB of information.

CD-ROM Drive: A device that can read data from a CD-ROM.

Central Processing Unit (CPU) or Processor: A microchip containing the logic circuitry that responds to and processes instructions that drive the computer.

Desktop: The main GUI generated by the operating system.

Floppy Disk: A portable magnetic storage medium for computer data. Floppy disks typically hold 1.44 MB of information.

Floppy Disk Drive: A device that reads data from and writes data to a floppy diskette.

Gigabyte: A measure of electronic holding space. One gigabyte equals 1,073,741,824 bytes.

Graphical User Interface (GUI): A program interface that takes advantage of the computer's graphics capabilities to make the program easier to use.

Hard Drive: The primary storage location on the computer.

Hardware: The physical components of the computer system.

Hierarchical File System: A file system that is organized in the shape of a pyramid.

Icon: A picture or symbol used to represent a file, folder or application/program.

Input Device: Any device that generates input for the computer.

Keyboard: An input device used to submit data to the computer.

Kilobyte: A measure of electronic holding space. One kilobyte equals 1,024 bytes.

Megabyte: A measure of electronic holding space. One megabyte equals 1,048,576 bytes.

Memory: The electronic holding place for instructions and data that your computer's microprocessor can reach quickly.

Menu: A list of options from which you can execute commands.

Monitor: A video or computer display device.

Mouse: A small hand-controlled input device that relays signals to the computer, which moves a corresponding pointer on the monitor screen.

Operating System: An application that manages other applications and devices.

Output Device: Any device that displays information from the computer.

Program: The Windows OS term for an application (see definition above).

Random Access Memory (RAM): Primary working memory that holds data and instructions while the computer is in use.

Read Only Memory (ROM): Built in memory that permanently stores instructions and data. (The instructions and data in ROM are created when it is manufactured and cannot be changed.)

Reboot: To restart a computer.

Shortcut: An icon that points to a particular file, directory or application in Windows OS.

Speaker: A device that translates computer signals into sound.

Wildcard: A symbol that allows the user to perform unrestricted find routines in Windows OS.

Window: A resizable viewing area on a computer display screen in a system that allows multiple viewing areas as part of a graphical user interface (GUI).

Write-Protected Disk: Physically altering the disk so that changes cannot be made to the files contained on it.