New Perspectives on MicrosoftOffice 2013, First Course
Exploring the Basics of Windows 8
Key Terms
active object A selected object with which you can interact. (WIN 11)
active window The window you are currently working with. (WIN 23)
app A small Windows 8 application created for a specific purpose. (WIN 2)
applicationSoftware that a computer uses to complete tasks; also called a program. (WIN 2)
Apps bar A bar of buttons that appears at the bottom of the screen when you right-click the Start screen or a Windows 8 application; the buttons are related to your current task. (WIN 14)
Apps screenA screen that lists all the applications installed on your computer. (WIN 14)
background Where an application runs when it is open but not visible on the screen. (WIN 22)
charm A button that appears on the Charms bar. (WIN 11)
Charms barA bar of buttons that appears on the right edge of the Start screen and provides access to several options, including the Settings menu and the Start screen. (WIN 11)
ClickTo press a mouse button and immediately release it. (WIN 5)
control A graphical or textual object used for manipulating a window and for using a program. (WIN 7)
Date/Time controlA control that shows the current date and time and lets you set the clock. (WIN 3)
default settings Standard settings that control how the screen is set up and how a document looks when you first start typing. (WIN 9)
desktop application Program developed for previous versions of Windows. (WIN 13)
desktop Your work area for using productivity applications and applications designed to run in previous versions of Windows. (WIN 3)
dialog box A special kind of window in which you enter or choose settings for how you want to perform a task. (WIN 21)
double-click To click the left mouse button twice in quick succession. (WIN 5)
dragTo click an object and then press and hold down the mouse button while moving the mouse. (WIN 5)
File tabA ribbon tab that lists commands for working with files, such as to save or print them. (WIN 20)
gesture The movement you make as you interact with a touchscreen using your fingertips. (WIN 5)
group A collection of controls for related actions on a ribbon’s tab. (WIN 20)
Help and SupportA window that provides articles, video demonstrations, and steps for performing tasks in Windows 8. (WIN 27)
Home tabA ribbon tab that provides access to frequently used commands. (WIN 20)
hot corners The four corners of the Start screen; you point to one to display objects for interacting with Windows. (WIN 2)
icon A small picture that represents an object available on your computer. (WIN 3)
keyboard shortcut A key or combination of keys that perform a command. (WIN 25)
live tile A tile on the Start screen that displays frequently changing content. (WIN 2)
lock screen A screen that appears before you log onto Windows or after your computer has been idle for a certain amount of time; the lock screen displays the date and time and other information such as network and battery status. (WIN 7)
maximize To enlarge a window so that it fills the entire screen. (WIN 18)
menuA group or list of commands. (WIN 11)
menu command Text on a menu that you click to perform a task. (WIN 11)
Microsoft Windows 8 A recent version of the Windows operating system; called Windows 8 for short. (WIN 4)
minimize To hide a window so that only its button is visible on the taskbar. (WIN 18)
mouse The most common type of pointing device. (WIN 4)
multitask To work on more than one task at a time and to switch quickly between projects. (WIN 22)
notification area The area containing icons on the right side of the taskbar; the icons correspond to services Windows provides, such as an Internet connection. (WIN 3)
operating system Software that manages and coordinates activities on the computer and helps the computer perform essential tasks such as displaying information on the computer screen and saving data on disks. (WIN 4)
password A confidential series of characters that you must enter before you can work with Windows. (WIN 7)
PDF documentA file in the Portable Document Format that usually includes text and graphics. (WIN 14)
pin To always display a button, icon, or tile in a certain location, such as the Start screen or taskbar. (WIN 3)
pointTo move the mouse pointer over an object on the screen using a pointing device. (WIN 5)
pointer A small object, such as an arrow, that moves on the screen when you move your mouse. (WIN 5)
pointing device A piece of hardware connected to a computer that helps you interact with objects on the desktop. (WIN 4)
Quick Access ToolbarA row of buttons on the title bar that let you perform common tasks such as saving a file and undoing an action. (WIN 21)
Recycle BinA Windows tool that holds files, folders, and other objects deleted from the hard drive until you remove them permanently. (WIN 3)
ribbon The area at the top of a program window that provides access to a main set of commands, which are organized by task into tabs and groups. (WIN 20)
right-click To click an object with the right mouse button and display the object’s shortcut menu. (WIN 5)
screen saver A program that causes a monitor to go blank or to display an animated design after a specified amount of idle time. (WIN 8)
ScreenTip On-screen text that appears when you point to certain objects; tells you the purpose or function of the object to which you are pointing. (WIN 20)
Search box A text box at the top of the Search menu thathelps you quickly find anything stored on your computer, including programs, documents, pictures, music, videos, and settings. (WIN 17)
Search menuA menu that provides access to applications, documents, settings, and much more. (WIN 16)
Settings menuA menu that lets you access settings and information for your current location and your system. (WIN 11)
shortcut menu A list of commands associated with an object that you right-click. (WIN 15)
SkyDrive A Microsoft server on the Internet on which you can store files and access some Microsoft programs. (WIN 7)
sleep A low-power state in which Windows saves your work and then turns down the power to your monitor and computer. (WIN 30)
snap To display an app on the left or right side of the screen (displayed at a resolution of at least 1366 x 768) and leave it open as you work in other apps. (WIN 15)
Start screenThe screen that appears after you sign into Windows 8 and use to begin working on your computer and start apps. (WIN 2)
Switch List A list that appears on the left side of the screen and displays thumbnails of open apps. (WIN 24)
system software The software that runs a computer, including the operating system. (WIN 4)
tab A collection of commands that perform a variety of related tasks on a program’s ribbon. (WIN 20)
taskbar A strip that gives you quick access to common tools and running desktop applications; appears by default at the bottom of the desktop. (WIN 3)
taskbar button A button on the taskbar that you can click to open a program, make a program active, or minimize a program. (WIN 18)
theme A set of desktop backgrounds, window colors, sounds, and screen savers. (WIN 3)
tile A rectangle on the Start screen that represents an application or other resource, such as a Web page. (WIN 2)
touchscreenA display that lets you touch areas of the screen to interact with software. (WIN 4)
user account A collection of settings that identifies you to the computer. (WIN 7)
user icon An icon that identifies the current user and represents the user access account settings. (WIN 2)
user interface (UI)Everything that lets you interact with the computer, including the layout of the screen and the controls, such as icons and buttons, that the operating system provides so you can make selections and change settings. (WIN 7)
username A unique name that identifies you to Windows. (WIN 7)
View tab A ribbon tab that provides controls for changing the view of the folder window and its contents. (WIN 20)
window A rectangular work area on the screen that contains a program, text, graphics, or data. (WIN 18)
Windows 8 applicationAn application designed to use the Windows 8 interface and work with touchscreen devices. (WIN 2)
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