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.
