The CD-ROM drove on a PC. In speech it is referred to as the 'D drove'. See CD-ROM.

Any information processed by, or stored on, a computer

A program used for storing, organising and sorting information. Each entry is called a record and each category of information held in a record is called a field.

Settings and preferences automatically adopted by your PC for any program when none are specified by the user.

A program which 'tidies' files on the hard disk. When a file is saved to the hard disk, Windows may not be able to save all parts of it in the same place, so its elements become fragmented. This makes the retrieval of the file much slower. The 'defrag' program, solves this problem by regrouping all related data in the same place.

To remove a file, folder, image or piece of text completely. If you delete text or other item from a document by accident, you can immediately undelete it using the Edit/Undo function or the Undo toolbar button.

When Windows has finished starting up, it presents you with a set of icons on screen. The icons represent the itms your would find in an office, such as files, a wastebin and a briefcase. These icons together with the Taskbar and Start button are known collectively as the Desktop. See Icon and Taskbar.

A window that appears on screen displaying a message from the program currently in use. This usually asks for preferdnces or information to be input by the user.

The process of accessing another computer via a telephone line.

Data that exists in binary number form as '0's and '1's Computers process digital data.

An image stored in number format, that can be transferred to hard disks or removable storage disks, displayed on screen or printed.

A device for storing digital data. A hard disk is composed of a stack of rigid disks; a floppy disk has just one flexible plastic disk.

Programs that manage and maintain the hard disk, ensuring data is stored efficiently and that the hard disk runs at optimum speed.

A single piece of work created in a program. Also referred to as a file, See File.

Disk Operating System. The standard operating system for PCs before the advent or Windows.

The number of dots that a printer can print on one square inch of paper. The more dots, the greater the detail and the better quality the printout.

To press and release the left mouse button twice in quick succession.

To copy a file or program from another computer or your own. For example, when you collect e-mail from an internet Service Provider, your are downloading it.

A mouse action used to highlight text, reshape objects or move an object or file. To move an object with the mouse pointer, for instance, click on it and keep the left mouse button held down. Move the mouse pointer and the object moves with it.

A device that holds a disk. The drive has a motor that spins the disk, and a head that reads it- like the stylus on a record player.

Software that translates instructions from Windows into a form that can be understood by a hardware device such as printer.

Digital Versatile Disc. A CD-like disc that can store 4.7 GB or more of information- several times more data than a CD-ROM.