save
To write data (as a file) to a storage medium, such as a
floppy disk or a hard disk.
script
A simple program consisting
of a set of instructions to perform or automate specific tasks
or functions.
self-extracting
file
An executable program file that contains
one or more compressed text or data files. When a user runs
the program, it automatically decompresses the compressed
files and stores them on the user's hard drive.
service
pack
A service pack is a means by which
Microsoft product updates are distributed. A service pack
includes updates, system administration tools, drivers, and
additional components. All are conveniently bundled for easy
downloading.
setup
wizard
In Microsoft Windows, a structured
series of questions and options that leads a user through the
process of installing a new program.
shortcut
In Windows 95, 98, or NT,
an icon on the desktop that a user can double-click on to
immediately access a program, a data file, or a Web page.
short date and
long date
There are two date format settings in
the Regional Settings Control Panel of the Windows operating
system: the short date and the long date. The short date
choice is preset (by "default") to display the year in only
two digits, but can easily be changed by a user to a
four-digit year format (by choosing one of the options that
includes "yyyy").
The long date (a more fully descriptive
format that includes the spelling of the month) is preset (by
"default") to display a four-digit year (also represented by
"yyyy").
software
Instructions for the
computer. A series of instructions that performs a particular
task is called a program. Two main types of software are
system software (operating system), which controls the
workings of the computer and software programs (applications),
which perform the tasks for which people use computers.
A
common misconception is that software is data. It is not.
Software tells the hardware how to process the data. Software
is "run." Data is "processed."
software
package
A software program or software
application sold to the public, ready to run, and containing
all necessary components and documentation. Also called
"shrink wrapped" or "off-the-shelf" software.
software
program
A software application. Common types of
software programs include word processing programs (for
example, Microsoft Word or WordPerfect), spreadsheet programs
(for example, Excel or Lotus 123) and database applications
(for example, Access, FileMaker Pro, or dBase).
spreadsheet
A document (or data
file) that is created with a spreadsheet program. Spreadsheets
commonly contain information about budgets, forecasting, or
other finance-related information that can be time-sensitive.
spreadsheet
program
An application commonly used for
budgets, forecasting, and other finance-related tasks that
organizes data values using cells, where the relationships
between cells are defined by formulas. A change to one cell
produces changes to related cells. Spreadsheet programs
usually provide graphing capabilities for output and a variety
of formatting options for text, numeric values and graph
features.
storage
In computing, any device in
or on which information can be kept. Microcomputers generally
rely on disk drives and other external storage media for
permanently storing information.
system
Any collection of component
elements that work together to perform a task. Examples are a
hardware system consisting of a microprocessor, its allied
chips and circuitry, input and output devices, and peripheral
devices; an operating system consisting of a set of programs
and data files; or a database management system used to
process specific kinds of information.
