Falling to this kind of idiocy.

Through history repetition.

Where age bracket and socila limitation are the limet.

To forget is never easy when you have fallen that much.

To avoid cannot be applied when fate opposes.

Assuming the two roads meet again.

Will the limit disappear?nor fate be the hindrance?

No one knows..

Also known as the memory controller hub (MCH) in Intel systems (AMD, VIA, SiS and others usually use ‘northbridge’), is traditionally one of the two chips in the core logic chipset on a PC motherboard, the other being the southbridge. Separating the chipset into the northbridge and southbridge is common, although there are rare instances where these two chips have been combined onto one die when design complexity and fabrication processes permit it.

The northbridge on a particular system’s motherboard is the most prominent factor in dictating the number, speed, and type of CPU(s) and the amount, speed, and type of RAM that can be used. Other factors such as voltage regulation and available number of connectors also play a role. Virtually all consumer-level chipsets support only one processor series, with the maximum amount of RAM varying by processor type and motherboard design. Pentium-era machines often had a limitation of 128 MB, while most Pentium 4 machines have a limit of 4 GB. Since the Pentium Pro, the Intel architecture can accommodate physical addresses larger than 32 bits, typically 36 bits, which gives up to 64 GB of addressing (see PAE), though motherboards that can support that much RAM are rare because of other factors (operating system limitations and expense of RAM).

A northbridge typically will only work with one or two different southbridges. In this respect, it affects some of the other features that a given system can have by limiting which technologies are available on its southbridge partner.

The northbridge hosts its own memory lookup table (I/O memory management unit), a mapping of the addresses and layout in main memory. The northbridge handles data transactions for the front side bus [[FSB), the memory bus and the AGP port.

The northbridge will have a different model number, even though they are often paired with the same southbridge to come under the collective name of the chipset.

The Intel Hub Architecture (IHA) has replaced the northbridge/southbridge chipset. The IHA chipset also has two parts: the Graphics and AGP Memory Controller Hub (GMCH) and the I/O Controller Hub (ICH). The IHA architecture is used in Intel's 800 series chipsets, which is the first x86 chipset architecture to move away from the northbridge/southbridge design.

SOUTHBRIDGE

Also known as the I/O Controller Hub (ICH) in Intel systems (AMD, VIA, SiS and others usually use 'southbridge'), is a chip that implements the "slower" capabilities of the motherboard in a northbridge/southbridge chipset computer architecture. The southbridge can usually be distinguished from the northbridge by not being directly connected to the CPU. Rather, the northbridge ties the southbridge to the CPU

FUNCTIONS:

• PCI bus. The PCI bus support includes the traditional PCI specification, but may also include support for PCI-X and PCI Express.
• ISA bus or LPC Bridge. Though the ISA support is rarely utilized, it has interestingly managed to remain an integrated part of the modern southbridge. The LPC Bridge provides a data and control path to the Super I/O (the normal attachment for the keyboard, mouse, parallel port, serial port, IR port, and floppy controller) and FWH (firmware hub which provides access to BIOS flash storage).
• SPI bus. The SPI bus is a simple serial bus mostly used for firmware (e.g., BIOS) flash storage access.
• SMBus. The SMBus is used to communicate with other devices on the motherboard (e.g. system temperature sensors, fan controllers).
• DMA controller. The DMA controller allows ISA or LPC devices direct access to main memory without needing help from the CPU.
• Interrupt controller. The interrupt controller provides a mechanism for attached devices to get attention from the CPU.
• IDE (SATA or PATA) controller. The IDE interface allows direct attachment of system hard drives.
• Real Time Clock. The real time clock provides a persistent time account.
• Power management (APM and ACPI). The APM or ACPI functions provide methods and signaling to allow the computer to sleep or shut down to save power.
• Nonvolatile BIOS memory. The system CMOS, assisted by battery supplemental power, creates a limited non-volatile storage area for system configuration data.
• AC97 or Intel High Definition Audio sound interface
• Baseboard Management Controller

HARD DISK DRIVE

A hard disk drive (HDD), commonly referred to as a hard drive, hard disk, or fixed disk drive,^[1] is a non-volatile storage device which stores digitally encoded data on rapidly rotating platters with magnetic surfaces. Strictly speaking, “drive” refers to a device distinct from its medium, such as a tape drive and its tape, or a floppy disk drive and its floppy disk. Early HDDs had removable media; however, an HDD today is typically a sealed unit (except for a filtered vent hole to equalize air pressure) with fixed media.^[2]

HDDs (introduced in 1956 as data storage for an IBM accounting computer^[3]) were originally developed for use with general purpose computers. In the 21st century, applications for HDDs have expanded to include digital video recorders, digital audio players, personal digital assistants, digital cameras and video game consoles. In 2005 the first mobile phones to include HDDs were introduced by Samsung and Nokia.^[4] The need for large-scale, reliable storage, independent of a particular device, led to the introduction of embedded systems such as RAID arrays, network attached storage (NAS) systems and storage area network (SAN) systems that provide efficient and reliable access to large volumes of data.

HARD DISK

JUMPER SETTINGS

Jumper settings determine the order in which EIDE hard drives

and other devices attached to a single interface cable are

detected by a computer system. On SATA hard drives, jumper

settings enable or disable enterprise-level features.

Setting the jumpers correctly on a hard drive requires the

proper placement of a plastic-encased, metal jumper shunt over

two pins on the hard drive jumper block, as shown in Figure 1.

SATA Hard Drive Jumper Settings

WD SATA hard drives are factory set for workstation/desktop

use. For enterprise storage requirements, the jumpers can be set to

enable spread spectrum clocking or power-up in standby modes.

WD SATA drives are shipped from the factory either with or

without a jumper shunt in the spread spectrum clocking (SSC)

enable/disable position (on pins 1 and 2). It is not necessary

to add or remove the jumper shunt on the drive for

workstation/desktop use. For enterprise storage enviroments, use

the following advanced settings:

SSC Mode (Default 1): spread spectrum clocking feature enabled

or disabled. Default 1 setting is disabled or jumper shunt placed

on pins 1–2. Removing the jumper enables the spread spectrum

clocking feature.

SSC Mode (Default 2): spread spectrum clocking feature enabled

or disabled. Default 2 setting is disabled or no jumper shunt

placed on pins 1–2. Adding the jumper to pins 1–2 enables the

spread spectrum clocking feature.

EIDE Hard Drive Jumper Settings

WD EIDE hard drives are factory set with Cable Select (CSEL)

jumper settings. The CSEL jumper setting protocol requires

the use of a special interface cable. All hard drives in a

CSEL-compliant system have the jumpers set in the same position.

Not all computer systems support Cable Select. The

Master/Slave jumper setting protocol must be used if a system does

not support CSEL or if CSEL support cannot be determined. The

Master/Slave protocol works regardless of whether or not the

system, devices, or cable selects CSEL.

Some systems with legacy BIOSs lock up on initial boot or

report a smaller drive capacity than the actual capacity of the hard

drive. In such cases, alternate jumper settings must be used in

conjunction with WD’s Data Lifeguard Tools software.

Three common jumper setting configuration protocols are

used for EIDE drives:

! Single: the hard drive is the only device on the IDE interface

cable.

! Master/Slave: the hard drive is either a Master (C:/) drive or a

Slave drive in a multiple-drive system.

! Cable Select (CSEL/CS): jumper settings are the same on all

hard drives in a system (both single- and multiple-drive

systems); however, a special CSEL cable must be used, and the

host system must support CSEL. WD EIDE hard drives are

factory set for Cable Select configuration.

Note: Not all computer systems and motherboards support the

CSEL option.

Cable Select System Support

Consult the system documentation or contact the system

manufacturer to determine whether a computer supports CSEL.

Checking the jumper position on an existing hard drive or

other EIDE device (such as a CD-ROM drive) is another method

to determine whether a system supports CSEL. If a diagram or

explanation of jumper settings on top of the hard drive or IDE

device verifies that it is jumpered for Cable Select, then the system

supports CSEL protocol.

The Master/Slave configuration protocol must be used when a

system does not support CSEL or when CSEL support cannot be

determined.

Note: Even when the system, devices, and cable support CSEL,

using jumpers on the hard drive(s) for Master/Slave protocol still

works.

Single Hard Drive Installations

To install your new WD hard drive as the only hard drive in

your system, use jumpers as shown in Figure 3.

Cable Select Installations: Connect the hard drive to the black

connector at the end of the IDE interface cable.

Figure 3. EIDE Single Hard Drive Jumper Settings

Dual Hard Drive Installations

To install your new WD EIDE hard drive with an existing hard

drive or CD-ROM on the same interface cable, be sure all drives

are jumpered as shown in Figure 4.

Note: Not all hard drive manufacturers use the same jumper

configurations. To install a new WD hard drive on the same

interface cable with a non-WD hard drive, obtain jumper setting

information from the manufacturer of the non-WD hard drive.

Figure 4. EIDE Dual Hard Drive Jumper Settings

Cable Select Installations: connect the intended boot drive (the first

hard drive to be detected) to the black or end connector of the IDE

interface cable. Connect the storage drive (the second hard drive to

be detected) to the gray or middle connector of the IDE interface

cable.

Master/Slave Installations: to install your new WD hard drive with

an existing drive on separate IDE interface cables, leave the

jumper(s) in default positions for possible future use. The system

recognizes each drive as a single, stand-alone drive. Master/slave

jumper settings are used only when there are two devices on the

same IDE interface cable.

Reduced Power Spinup (RPS)™ Mode

Implementation of RPS requires a jumper on the 4-pin jumper

block of a WD 2.5-inch EIDE drive. To configure the drive for

RPS mode, place a jumper shunt on pins B–C as shown in

Figure 5. A 2.54 mm mini jumper shunt (low profile) is required.

Multiple hard disks

To install your new WD EIDE hard drive with an existing hard

drive or CD-ROM on the same interface cable, be sure all drives

are jumpered as shown in Figure 4.

Note: Not all hard drive manufacturers use the same jumper

configurations. To install a new WD hard drive on the same

interface cable with a non-WD hard drive, obtain jumper setting

information from the manufacturer of the non-WD hard drive.

Magic Square

A magic square is a square array of numbers consisting of the distinct positive integers 1, 2, …,arranged such that the sum of thenumbers in any horizontal, vertical, or main diagonal line is always the same number (Kraitchik 1942, p. 142; Andrews 1960, p. 1; Gardner 1961, p. 130; Madachy 1979, p. 84; Benson and Jacoby 1981, p. 3; Ball and Coxeter 1987, p. 193), known as the magic constant

If every number in a magic square is subtracted from , another magic square is obtained called the complementary magic square. A square consisting of consecutive numbers starting with 1 is sometimes known as a “normal” magic square.

The unique normal square of order three was known to the ancient Chinese, who called it the Lo Shu. A version of the order-4 magic square with the numbers 15 and 14 in adjacent middle columns in the bottom row is called Dürer’s magic square. Magic squares of order 3 through 8 are shown above.

The magic constant for an th order general magic square starting with an integerand with entries in an increasing arithmetic series with differencebetween terms is

(Hunter and Madachy 1975).

It is an unsolved problem to determine the number of magic squares of an arbitrary order, but the number of distinct magic squares (excluding those obtained by rotation and reflection) of order , 2, … are 1, 0, 1, 880, 275305224, … (Sloane’s A006052; Madachy 1979, p. 87). The 880 squares of order four were enumerated by Frénicle de Bessy in 1693, and are illustrated in Berlekamp et al. (1982, pp. 778-783). The number ofmagic squares was computed by R. Schroeppel in 1973. The number ofsquares is not known, but Pinn and Wieczerkowski (1998) estimated it to beusing Monte Carlo simulation and methods from statistical mechanics. Methods for enumerating magic squares are discussed by Berlekamp et al. (1982) and on the MathPages website.

A square that fails to be magic only because one or both of the main diagonal sums do not equal the magic constant is called a semimagic square. If all diagonals (including those obtained by wrapping around) of a magic square sum to the magic constant, the square is said to be a panmagic square (also called a diabolic square or pandiagonal square). If replacing each numberby its squareproduces another magic square, the square is said to be a bimagic square (or doubly magic square). If a square is magic for , , and , it is called a trimagic square (or trebly magic square). If all pairs of numbers symmetrically opposite the center sum to , the square is said to be an associative magic square.

Squares that are magic under multiplication instead of addition can be constructed and are known as multiplication magic squares. In addition, squares that are magic under both addition and multiplication can be constructed and are known as addition-multiplication magic squares (Hunter and Madachy 1975).

Kraitchik (1942) gives general techniques of constructing even and odd squares of order . Forodd, a very straightforward technique known as the Siamese method can be used, as illustrated above (Kraitchik 1942, pp. 148-149). It begins by placing a 1 in any location (in the center square of the top row in the above example), then incrementally placing subsequent numbers in the square one unit above and to the right. The counting is wrapped around, so that falling off the top returns on the bottom and falling off the right returns on the left. When a square is encountered that is already filled, the next number is instead placed below the previous one and the method continues as before. The method, also called de la Loubere’s method, is purported to have been first reported in the West when de la Loubere returned to France after serving as ambassador to Siam.

A generalization of this method uses an “ordinary vector”that gives the offset for each noncolliding move and a “break vector”that gives the offset to introduce upon a collision. The standard Siamese method therefore has ordinary vector (1,and break vector (0, 1). In order for this to produce a magic square, each break move must end up on an unfilled cell. Special classes of magic squares can be constructed by considering the absolute sums , , , and . Call the set of these numbers the sumdiffs (sums and differences). If all sumdiffs are relatively prime toand the square is a magic square, then the square is also a panmagic square. This theory originated with de la Hire. The following table gives the sumdiffs for particular choices of ordinary and break vectors. ordinary vectorbreak vectorsumdiffsmagic squarespanmagic squares

(1, )(0, 1)(1, 3)none

(1, )(0, 2)(0, 2)none

(2, 1)(1, )(1, 2, 3, 4)none

(2, 1)(1, )(0, 1, 2, 3)

(2, 1)(1, 0)(0, 1, 2)none

(2, 1)(1, 2)(0, 1, 2, 3)none

A second method for generating magic squares of odd order has been discussed by J. H. Conway under the name of the “lozenge” method. As illustrated above, in this method, the odd numbers are built up along diagonal lines in the shape of a diamond in the central part of the square. The even numbers that were missed are then added sequentially along the continuation of the diagonal obtained by wrapping around the square until the wrapped diagonal reaches its initial point. In the above square, the first diagonal therefore fills in 1, 3, 5, 2, 4, the second diagonal fills in 7, 9, 6, 8, 10, and so on.

An elegant method for constructing magic squares of doubly even orderis to draw s through eachsubsquare and fill all squares in sequence. Then replace each entryon a crossed-off diagonal byor, equivalently, reverse the order of the crossed-out entries. Thus in the above example for , the crossed-out numbers are originally 1, 4, …, 61, 64, so entry 1 is replaced with 64, 4 with 61, etc.

A very elegant method for constructing magic squares of singly even orderwith(there is no magic square of order 2) is due to J. H. Conway, who calls it the “LUX” method. Create an array consisting ofrows of s, 1 row of Us, androws of s, all of length . Interchange the middle U with the L above it. Now generate the magic square of orderusing the Siamese method centered on the array of letters (starting in the center square of the top row), but fill each set of four squares surrounding a letter sequentially according to the order prescribed by the letter. That order is illustrated on the left side of the above figure, and the completed square is illustrated to the right. The “shapes” of the letters L, U, and X naturally suggest the filling order, hence the name of the algorithm.

Variations on magic squares can also be constructed using letters (either in defining the square or as entries in it), such as the alphamagic square and templar magic square.

Various numerological properties have also been associated with magic squares. Pivari associates the squares illustrated above with Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, the Sun, Venus, Mercury, and the Moon, respectively. Attractive patterns are obtained by connecting consecutive numbers in each of the squares (with the exception of the Sun magic square).

Theodor Holm Nelson (born 1937) is an American sociologist, philosopher, and pioneer of information technology. He coined the term “hypertext” in 1963 and published it in 1965. He also is credited with first use of the words hypermedia, transclusion, virtuality, intertwingularity and teledildonics. The main thrust of his work has been to make computers easily accessible to ordinary people. His motto is:

A user interface should be so simple that a beginner in an emergency can understand it within ten seconds.

Ted Nelson promotes four maxims: “most people are fools, most authority is malignant, God does not exist, and everything is wrong”. (See chapter II, 3rd paragraph, 3rd and 4th sentence in: “The Curse of Xanadu”[1].)

Nelson co-founded Itty bitty machine company, or “ibm”, which was a small computer retail store operating from 1977 to 1980 in Evanston, Illinois. The Itty bitty machine company was one of the few retail stores to sell the original Apple I computer. In 1978 he had a significant impact upon IBM’s thinking when he outlined his vision of the potential of personal computing to the team that three years later launched the IBM PC[5].

Ted Nelson is currently working on a new information structure, ZigZag[6], which is described on the Xanadu project website, which also hosts two versions of the Xanadu code. He is also currently developing XanaduSpace[7] – a system for the exploration of connected parallel documents (an early version of this software may be freely downloaded from [3]. He is a visiting fellow at Oxford University – based at the Oxford Internet Institute – where he works in the fields of information, computers, and human-machine interfaces.

He is the son of the late Emmy Award-winning director Ralph Nelson and the Academy Award-winning actress Celeste Holm.

Tim Berners-Lee

Sir Timothy John Berners-Lee OM KBE FRS FREng FRSA (born 8 June 1955) is an English computer scientist credited with inventing the World Wide Web. On 25 December 1990 he implemented the first successful communication between an HTTP client and server via the Internet with the help of Robert Cailliau and a young student staff at CERN. He was ranked Joint First alongside Albert Hofmann in The Telegraph’s list of 100 greatest living geniuses.[2] Berners-Lee is the director of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), which oversees the Web’s continued development, the founder of the World Wide Web Foundation and he is a senior researcher and holder of the 3Com Founders Chair at the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL).[3]

Timeline1976A Physics graduate of The Queen’s College, Oxford University, UK. Principal engineer with PlesseyTelecommunications in PooleFounding.

1980First hypertext system called “Enquire”

1981-1984Director of ImageComputer Systems

1989Started at CERN, Geneva Switzerland and writes his “www proposal”

1990Invents World Wide Web server and client software for NeXTStep.

1995Received a “Kilby Young Innovator” award by the The Kilby Awards Foundation and was a co-recipient of the ACM Software Systems Award.

July, 1996Was awarded a Distinguished Fellowship of the British Computer Society

CurrentlyThe Director of the W3C and also a Principal Research Scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Laboratory for Computer Science (MIT LCS).

A director of The Web Science Research Initiative (WSRI) [5], and a member of the advisory board of the MIT Center for Collective Intelligence[1][6]

Berners-Lee believes the future of Semantic Web holds immense potential for how machines will collaborate in the coming days. In an interview with an Indian publication, he shared his views as:

“It is evolving at the moment. The data Web is in small stages, but it is a reality, for instance there is a Web of data about all kinds of things, like there is a Web of data about proteins, it is in very early stages. When it comes to publicly accessible data, there is an explosion of data Web in the life sciences community. When you look about data for proteins and genes, and cell biology and biological pathways, lots of companies are very excited. We have a healthcare and life sciences interest group at the Consortium, which is coordinating lot of interest out there.”[citation needed]

He has also become one of the pioneer voices in favour of Net Neutrality..[8]

He feels that ISPs should not intercept customers’ browsing activities, the way companies like Phorm do. He has such strong views about this that he would change ISPs to get away from such activities.[9][10]

Inventing the World Wide Web

This NeXT Computer was used by Berners-Lee at CERN and became the world’s first Web server.

While an independent contractor at CERN from June to December 1980, Berners-Lee proposed a project based on the concept of hypertext, to facilitate sharing and updating information among researchers.[18] While there, he built a prototype system named ENQUIRE. After leaving CERN, in 1980, he went to work at John Poole’s Image Computer Systems Ltd in Bournemouth but returned to CERN in 1984 as a fellow. In 1989, CERN was the largest Internet node in Europe, and Berners-Lee saw an opportunity to join hypertext with the Internet: “I just had to take the hypertext idea and connect it to the Transmission Control Protocol and domain name system ideas and — ta-da! — the World Wide Web.”[19] He wrote his initial proposal in March 1989, and in 1990, with the help of Robert Cailliau, produced a revision which was accepted by his manager, Mike Sendall. He used similar ideas to those underlying the Enquire system to create the World Wide Web, for which he designed and built the first web browser and editor (WorldWideWeb, running on the NeXTSTEP operating system) and the first Web server, CERN HTTPd (short for HyperText Transfer Protocol daemon).

The first Web site built was at CERN[20][21][22][23] and was first put online on 6 August 1991. It provided an explanation about what the World Wide Web was, how one could own a browser and how to set up a Web server. It was also the world’s first Web directory, since Berners-Lee maintained a list of other Web sites apart from his own.

In 1994, Berners-Lee founded the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It comprised various companies that were willing to create standards and recommendations to improve the quality of the Web. Berners-Lee made his idea available freely, with no patent and no royalties due. The World Wide Web Consortium decided that their standards must be based on royalty-free technology, so they can be easily adopted by anyone.[24]

Creation of internet

A 1946 comic science-fiction story, A Logic Named Joe, by Murray Leinster laid out the Internet and many of its strengths and weaknesses. However, it took more than a decade before reality began to catch up with this vision.

The USSR’s launch of Sputnik spurred the United States to create the Advanced Research Projects Agency, known as ARPA, in February 1958 to regain a technological lead.[2][3] ARPA created the Information Processing Technology Office (IPTO) to further the research of the Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) program, which had networked country-wide radar systems together for the first time. J. C. R. Licklider was selected to head the IPTO, and saw universal networking as a potential unifying human revolution.

Licklider moved from the Psycho-Acoustic Laboratory at Harvard University to MIT in 1950, after becoming interested in information technology. At MIT, he served on a committee that established Lincoln Laboratory and worked on the SAGE project. In 1957 he became a Vice President at BBN, where he bought the first production PDP-1 computer and conducted the first public demonstration of time-sharing.

At the IPTO, Licklider recruited Lawrence Roberts to head a project to implement a network, and Roberts based the technology on the work of Paul Baran,[citation needed] who had written an exhaustive study for the U.S. Air Force that recommended packet switching (as opposed to circuit switching) to make a network highly robust and survivable. After much work, the first two nodes of what would become the ARPANET were interconnected between UCLA and SRI International in Menlo Park, California, on October 29, 1969. The ARPANET was one of the “eve” networks of today’s Internet. Following on from the demonstration that packet switching worked on the ARPANET, the British Post Office, Telenet, DATAPAC and TRANSPAC collaborated to create the first international packet-switched network service. In the UK, this was referred to as the International Packet Switched Service (IPSS), in 1978. The collection of X.25-based networks grew from Europe and the US to cover Canada, Hong Kong and Australia by 1981. The X.25 packet switching standard was developed in the CCITT (now called ITU-T) around 1976. X.25 was independent of the TCP/IP protocols that arose from the experimental work of DARPA on the ARPANET, Packet Radio Net and Packet Satellite Net during the same time period. Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn developed the first description of the TCP protocols during 1973 and published a paper on the subject in May 1974. Use of the term “Internet” to describe a single global TCP/IP network originated in December 1974 with the publication of RFC 675, the first full specification of TCP that was written by Vinton Cerf, Yogen Dalal and Carl Sunshine, then at Stanford University. During the next nine years, work proceeded to refine the protocols and to implement them on a wide range of operating systems.

The first TCP/IP-based wide-area network was operational by January 1, 1983 when all hosts on the ARPANET were switched over from the older NCP protocols. In 1985, the United States’ National Science Foundation (NSF) commissioned the construction of the NSFNET, a university 56 kilobit/second network backbone using computers called “fuzzballs” by their inventor, David L. Mills. The following year, NSF sponsored the conversion to a higher-speed 1.5 megabit/second network. A key decision to use the DARPA TCP/IP protocols was made by Dennis Jennings, then in charge of the Supercomputer program at NSF.

The opening of the network to commercial interests began in 1988. The US Federal Networking Council approved the interconnection of the NSFNET to the commercial MCI Mail system in that year and the link was made in the summer of 1989. Other commercial electronic e-mail services were soon connected, including OnTyme, Telemail and Compuserve. In that same year, three commercial Internet service providers (ISP) were created: UUNET, PSINET and CERFNET. Important, separate networks that offered gateways into, then later merged with, the Internet include Usenet and BITNET. Various other commercial and educational networks, such as Telenet, Tymnet, Compuserve and JANET were interconnected with the growing Internet. Telenet (later called Sprintnet) was a large privately funded national computer network with free dial-up access in cities throughout the U.S. that had been in operation since the 1970s. This network was eventually interconnected with the others in the 1980s as the TCP/IP protocol became increasingly popular. The ability of TCP/IP to work over virtually any pre-existing communication networks allowed for a great ease of growth, although the rapid growth of the Internet was due primarily to the availability of commercial routers from companies such as Cisco Systems, Proteon and Juniper, the availability of commercial Ethernet equipment for local-area networking and the widespread implementation of TCP/IP on the UNIX operating system.

Growth

Although the basic applications and guidelines that make the Internet possible had existed for almost a decade, the network did not gain a public face until the 1990s. On August 6, 1991, CERN, which straddles the border between France and Switzerland, publicized the new World Wide Web project. The Web was invented by English scientist Tim Berners-Lee in 1989.

An early popular web browser was ViolaWWW, patterned after HyperCard and built using the X Window System. It was eventually replaced in popularity by the Mosaic web browser. In 1993, the National Center for Supercomputing Applications at the University of Illinois released version 1.0 of Mosaic, and by late 1994 there was growing public interest in the previously academic, technical Internet. By 1996 usage of the word Internet had become commonplace, and consequently, so had its use as a synecdoche in reference to the World Wide Web.

Meanwhile, over the course of the decade, the Internet successfully accommodated the majority of previously existing public computer networks (although some networks, such as FidoNet, have remained separate). During the 1990s, it was estimated that the Internet grew by 100% per year, with a brief period of explosive growth in 1996 and 1997.[4] This growth is often attributed to the lack of central administration, which allows organic growth of the network, as well as the non-proprietary open nature of the Internet protocols, which encourages vendor interoperability and prevents any one company from exerting too much control over the network

Internet structure

There have been many analyses of the Internet and its structure. For example, it has been determined that the Internet IP routing structure and hypertext links of the World Wide Web are examples of scale-free networks.

Similar to the way the commercial Internet providers connect via Internet exchange points, research networks tend to interconnect into large subnetworks such as the following:

GEANT

GLORIAD

The Internet2 Network (formally known as the Abilene Network)

JANET (the UK’s national research and education network)

These in turn are built around relatively smaller networks. See also the list of academic computer network organizations.

In computer network diagrams, the Internet is often represented by a cloud symbol, into and out of which network communications can pass.

History

Back in 1991 Wi-Fi was invented by NCR Corporation/AT&T (later on Lucent & Agere Systems) in Nieuwegein, the Netherlands. Initially meant for cashier systems the first wireless products were brought on the market under the name WaveLAN with speeds of 1Mbps/2Mbps. Vic Hayes who is the inventor of Wi-Fi has been named ‘father of Wi-Fi’ and was with his team involved in designing standards such as IEEE 802.11b, 802.11a and 802.11g. In 2003, Vic retired from Agere Systems. Agere Systems suffered from strong competition in the market even though their products were cutting edge, as many opted for cheaper Wi-Fi solutions. Agere’s 802.11abg all-in-one chipset (code named: WARP) never hit the market, Agere Systems decided to quit the Wi-Fi market in late 2004.

Wi-Fi: How it works

The typical Wi-Fi setup contains one or more Access Points (APs) and one or more clients. An AP broadcasts its SSID (Service Set Identifier, Network name) via packets that are called beacons, which are broadcasted every 100ms. The beacons are transmitted at 1Mbps, and are relatively short and therefore are not of influence on performance. Since 1Mbps is the lowest rate of Wi-Fi it assures that the client who receives the beacon can communicate at at least 1Mbps. Based on the settings (i.e. the SSID), the client may decide whether to connect to an AP. Also the firmware running on the client Wi-Fi card is of influence. Say two AP’s of the same SSID are in range of the client, the firmware may decide based on signal strength (Signal-to-noise ratio) to which of the two AP’s it will connect. The Wi-Fi standard leaves connection criteria and roaming totally open to the client. This is a strength of Wi-Fi, but also means that one wireless adapter may perform substantially better than the other. Since Windows XP there is a feature called zero configuration which makes the user show any network available and let the end user connect to it on the fly. In the future wireless cards will be more and more controlled by the operating system. Microsoft’s newest feature called SoftMAC will take over from on-board firmware. Having said this, roaming criteria will be totally controlled by the operating system. Wi-Fi transmits in the air, it has the same properties as a non-switched ethernet network. Even collisions can therefore appear like in non-switched ethernet LAN’s.

Advantages of Wi-Fi

Unlike packet radio systems, Wi-Fi uses unlicensed radio spectrum and does not require

regulatory approval for individual deployers.

Allows LANs to be deployed without cabling, potentially reducing the costs of network

deployment and expansion. Spaces where cables cannot be run, such as outdoor areas

and historical buildings, can host wireless LANs.

Wi-Fi products are widely available in the market. Different brands of access points and

client network interfaces are interoperable at a basic level of service.

Competition amongst vendors has lowered prices considerably since their inception.

Wi-Fi networks support roaming, in which a mobile client station such as a laptop computer

can move from one access point to another as the user moves around a building or area.

Many access points and network interfaces support various degrees of encryption to protect

traffic from interception.

Wi-Fi is a global set of standards. Unlike cellular carriers, the same Wi-Fi client works

in different countries around the world.

Multimedia

Multimedia is media and content that utilizes a combination of different content forms. The term can be used as a noun (a medium with multiple content forms) or as an adjective describing a medium as having multiple content forms. The term is used in contrast to media which only utilize traditional forms of printed or hand-produced material. Multimedia includes a combination of text, audio, still images, animation, video, and interactivity content forms.

Multimedia is usually recorded and played, displayed or accessed by information content processing devices, such as computerized and electronic devices, but can also be part of a live performance. Multimedia (as an adjective) also describes electronic media devices used to store and experience multimedia content. Multimedia is similar to traditional mixed media in fine art, but with a broader scope. The term “rich media” is synonymous for interactive multimedia. Hypermedia can be considered one particular multimedia application.

Multimedia may be broadly divided into linear and non-linear categories. Linear active content progresses without any navigation control for the viewer such as a cinema presentation. Non-linear content offers user interactivity to control progress as used with a computer game or used in self-paced computer based training. Hypermedia is an example of non-linear content.

Multimedia presentations can be live or recorded. A recorded presentation may allow interactivity via a navigation system. A live multimedia presentation may allow interactivity via an interaction with the presenter or performer.

Multimedia presentations may be viewed in person on stage, projected, transmitted, or played locally with a media player. A broadcast may be a live or recorded multimedia presentation. Broadcasts and recordings can be either analog or digital electronic media technology. Digital online multimedia may be downloaded or streamed. Streaming multimedia may be live or on-demand.Multimedia games and simulations may be used in a physical environment with special effects, with multiple users in an online network, or locally with an offline computer, game system, or simulator.

History of the term

In 1965 the term Multi-media was used to describe the Exploding Plastic Inevitable, a performance that combined live rock music, cinema, experimental lighting and performance art.[citation needed]

In the intervening forty years the word has taken on different meanings. In the late 1970s the term was used to describe presentations consisting of multi-projector slide shows timed to an audio track.[citation needed] In the 1990s it took on its current meaning. In common usage the term multimedia refers to an electronically delivered combination of media including video, still images, audio, text in such a way that can be accessed interactively.[1] Much of the content on the web today falls within this definition as understood by millions.

Some computers which were marketed in the 1990s were called “multimedia” computers because they incorporated a CD-ROM drive, which allowed for the delivery of several hundred megabytes of video, picture, and audio data.

USAGE:

Multimedia finds its application in various areas including, but not limited to, advertisements, art, education, entertainment, engineering, medicine, mathematics, business, scientific research and spatial temporal applications

Source:wikipedia.com

SATA

Designed as a successor to the Advanced Technology Attachment standard (ATA), it is expected to eventually replace the older technology (retroactively renamed Parallel ATA or PATA, also known as IDE or EIDE). Serial ATA adapters and devices communicate over a high-speed serial cable.

Capacity 1.5 Gbit/s, 3.0 Gbit/s, 6.0 Gbit/s Style: Serial
Cables and connectors
Connectors and cables present the most visible differences between SATA and Parallel ATA drives. Unlike PATA, the same connectors are used on 3.5-in (90 mm) SATA hard disks for desktop and server computers and 2.5-in (70 mm) disks for portable or small computers; this allows 2.5″ drives to be used in desktop computers without the need for wiring adapters (a mounting adaptor is still likely to be needed to securely mount the drive).
Some commentators have criticized SATA power connectors and data connectors for their fragility and poor robustness — the thin plastic tops of the connectors (see power connector picture at right) can easily break due to shearing force when the user pulls the plug at a non-orthogonal angle, as can the connectors on drives they connect to. In the case of a broken connector on a hard drive, this could result in a complete loss of access to all data stored on the drive.
Power Supply
Standard Connector
The micro connector originated with SATA 2.6. It is intended for 1.8 inch hard drives. There is also a micro data connector, which it is similar to the standard data connector but is slightly thinner. The SATA standard also specifies a new power connector. Like the data cable, it is wafer-based, but its wider 15-pin shape prevents accidental mis-identification and forced insertion of the wrong connector type. Native SATA devices favor the SATA power-connector over the old four-pin Molex connector (found on most PATA equipment), although some SATA drives retain older 4-pin Molex in addition to the SATA power connector.
*ADVANTAGES:
A third voltage is supplied – 3.3 V – in addition to the traditional 5 V and 12 V.
Each voltage transmits through three pins ganged together – because the small pins by themselves cannot supply sufficient current for some devices. (Each pin should be able to provide 1.5 A.)
Five pins ganged together provide ground.
For each of the three voltages, one of the three pins serves for hotplugging. The ground pins and power pins 3, 7, and 13 are longer on the plug (located on the SATA device) so they will connect first. A special hot-plug receptacle (on the cable or a backplane) can connect ground pins 4 and 12 first.
Pin 11 can function for staggered spinup, activity indication, or nothing. Staggered spinup is used to prevent many drives from spinning up simultaneously, as this may draw too much power. Activity is an indication of whether the drive is busy, and is intended to give feedback to the user through an LED.

*DISADVANTAGES:
Adaptors exist which can convert a 4-pin Molex connector to a SATA power connector. However, because the 4-pin Molex connectors do not provide 3.3 V power, these adapters provide only 5 V and 12 V power and leave the 3.3 V lines unconnected. This precludes the use of such adapters with drives that require 3.3 V power. Understanding this, drive manufacturers have largely left the 3.3 V power lines unused. However, without 3.3 V power, the SATA device may not be able to implement hotplugging as mentioned in the previous paragraph.

*ECONOMIC COST
Asus – ASUS SATA Cable- $29.49

IDE CONNECTOR
Integrated Drive Electronics is a standard electronic interface used between a computer motherboard’s data paths or bus and the computer’s disk storage devices. The IDE interface is based on the IBM PC Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) 16-bit bus standard, but it is also used in computers that use other bus standards. Most computers sold today use an enhanced version of IDE called Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics (EIDE). In today’s computers, the IDE controller is often built into the motherboard.
IDE is one of the most widely-used hard drive interfaces on the market. The fancy name refers to how the technology integrates the electronics controller into the drive itself. While the original IDE standard could only support hard drives containing up to 540 MB of data, the new standard, EIDE (Enhanced-IDE), supports hard drives with over 250 GB of data. It also allows for data transfer rates that are over twice as fast as the original IDE.Another common hard drive interface is SCSI, which is faster than EIDE, but usually costs more per megabyte. Newer hard drives may also use a SATA (Serial ATA) connection, which improves speed and power consumption over both SCSI and IDE.

Source:wikipedia.com

SOURCE:NET

if you take a slow relaxed approach, discuss, question and research each component as it’s removed, you’ll learn alot. Read the sections on What’s Inside and What You See, fall back on your own knowledge, use the Internet, your books and resource material. It’s impossible to retain all the information, so one of the most important computer skills you can learn is how to research and use your resources to find what you need. Here’s an example of some questions to think about or discuss as you proceed:

Should I document everything I do or everything I remove?
Am I taking the best ESD precautions available to me right now.
When you remove an expansion card what kind of card is it? What kind of expansion slot did it come from? How many bits wide is that slot? What is the bus speed? What does the card do? If there’s any wires attached to the card, what’s the other end attached to and what are the wires or cables for. What kind of port is on the end of the card?
When removing a drive, what kind of drive is it? Is there information documented right on the drive itself? What kind of power connector does it use? Are there jumper settings on the drive? What for? Are any drives connected together or do they all have their own cable? Does it matter which cable I hook up when I reassemble? What are some of the things I know about this particular type of drive?
When removing wires or cables, what are the cables for? Which connectors are actually being used and what could the other ones be for? Are they following the pin-1 rule? Is pin-1 actually designated on the device the cable is attached to? Is it designated in more than one way?
Am I still taking proper ESD precautions and is my antistatic strap still hooked up?
Look at the motherboard again when there’s not so much in the way. Can you point out the CPU? How about the BIOS chip, the battery, cache RAM, keyboard connector? Is it an AT, Baby AT, or ATX format? Is there a math coprocessor? Where is it? Is the system memory supplied on SIMMs or DIMMs? How many pins on the memory module? How many memory slots are thee for each bank of system memory? Is the CPU installed in a ZIF socket or a friction socket? Are there any jumpers on the motherboard? Is there any information silk-screened on the board itself?

This is just an example of the questions you should be asking yourself. Try to come up with lots more. Even if you are not prepared to actually take your computer apart at this time, just take the cover off and ask yourself these questions as you visualize the various steps involved. Remember, not all questions can be answered by a single resource. Look in your notes, check out your manuals and resource material, ask questions.

ESD
Read the section on Electrostatic Discharge and always take ESD precautions. Remember, if you can feel a static shock its probably close to 3000 volts. Some ICs can be affected by as little as 30 volts.
Always use an antistatic wrist strap.
Keep a supply of antistatic bags to place components in as they are removed.
Leaving the computer plugged in is a recommended procedure. However, make sure it’s switched off and remember that the cable going to the remote switch on the front of the case carries AC current at house voltage. Also, ATX motherboards have power to them all the time, even when the switch is off. Before beginning to remove a power supply or an ATX motherboard, always make sure your computer is unplugged.

Before Beginning
You want to make sure you have what you need. Your wrist strap is attached to the computer, you don’t want to have to run to the other side of the room or to another room to get something. Forget about the strap and your computer may follow you.
Have a pen and paper ready. Documentation is real important. After you’ve changed a few jumpers or removed or replaced a few cables and cards, you probably will have to put some back the way they were. If you have documentation, putting things back together can be a simple reverse process. This is true of software troubleshooting as well.
Make sure you have the tools you need and they’re all close by and handy.
Be sure to have a container to keep the screws in so you have them when you want to put things back together.
Make sure you have the resource material, drivers or software that you may need.
If possible, enter the CMOS setup and record the information available. At least record the floppy and hard drive configuration and any settings that may be different from the default. You want to be careful not to remove the battery and lose these settings, but stuff happens.
Disassembly is major surgery, do a full backup of the system. Programs that you have the original disks for can always be replaced, but any upgrades for those programs and any programs that have been downloaded from the Internet may or may not still be available. Bookmarks, e-mail addresses, phone and fax numbers, dial-up connections, DNS settings and networking protocols can be a real pain to replace. Even the best technicians cannot guarantee your data, so back it up. Also, in Windows9x, all the IRQ, I/O addresses, and DMA settings can be found (and printed) from the Device Manager in Control Panel. In Windows98 check out Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Information.
Close all programs, shut down Windows, and turn off your computer. Then remove the cables from the back of the case.
One other thing: you have to use a little common sense. Don’t necessarily follow this information to the letter, it’s only meant to be a guide. If you think it would be easier to remove some expansion cards before removing the drive bay, then do it. If you can better access the data cables after the drive is out, then do it that way. If it would be easier to disconnect the power cables and remove the power supply before accessing DIMMs or SIMMs …..
I think you get the point. Removing the Cover
The standard way of removing tower cases used to be to undo 4-6 screws on the back of the case, slide the cover back about an inch and lift it off. Manufacturers are beginning to come up with trickier and more intricate methods of assembling these cases all the time. If there is no manual, then a little time taken for careful inspection may be in order. Here are some things to remember:
Don’t Force Anything. If it has to be forced, it will probably break. If there are no screws on the back of the case for the cover, check the plastic faceplate on the front. Some pry off to reveal screws or release levers (remember, careful inspection). If everything on the front has its own bezel around it (including the LEDs) then maybe the plastic front pops off (or maybe the case slides off the front).
If you notice a separation between the sides and the top, then they must come off separately. My favorite ATX case allows you to remove two screws from the back, then slide the side panel to the rear an inch and remove it. The other side removes the same way. It’s a good, solid, well built case.
Make sure any screws removed are for the cover. You don’t want to unscrew the power supply by accident and have it fall inside your computer. That’s a bad thing.
After the case is removed, place it in a safe place, where it won’t get knocked of a table, kicked or stepped on and bent.

Removing Adapter Cards
Again, documentation is very important. Yes, that 16-bit ISA card will probably work in any 16-bit ISA slot, but there may be a reason it’s in that particular one. Document the type of card and which slot it comes from.
Check the card for any cables or wires that might be attached and decide if it would be easier to remove them before or after you remove the card.
Undo the screw that holds the card in place.
Grab the card by its edges, front and back, and gently rock it lengthwise to release it. Do not wiggle it side to side as you can break the card, the slot, or the solder. Sometimes it helps to grasp the inside corner of the card with one hand and place a finger from the other hand under the associated port out the back of the computer to pry up the one end of the card.
Once the card is removed, you may want to record any jumper settings you see, just in case one is accidentally dislodged. Try to store the card in an antistatic bag. If you don’t plan on replacing the card then a cover should be installed over the slot opening.

Removing Drives
Removing drives is not that difficult. They usually have a power connector and a data cable attached from the device to a controller card or a connector on the motherboard. CD-ROMs may have an analog cable connected to the sound card.
The power will be attached using one of two connectors, a large Molex connector or a smaller Berg connector for the floppy drive. The Molex connector may need to be wiggled slightly from side to side while applying gentle pressure outwards. The Berg connector may just pull straight out or it may have a small tab that has to be lifted with a tiny flat screwdriver.
The data cables need to be documented. Remember the pin one rule. Know where each one goes before you pull it out and record its orientation (which side is the stripe on, where is pin 1?). Pull data cables gently and carefully. In other words, don’t yank them off, and pull level and in the direction of the pins.
Now you need to do a little more inspection, can the entire drive bay be removed? Does that particular drive come out the back of the bay or does it slide out the front before the bay is removed. If a bay is removable, you may have to remove some screws or unclip a lever then slide the bay back and off. If the bay is not removable, there should be access ports on the other side of the case that allow for access to those screws (there should be, I’ve seen some that you just about have to remove the motherboard to access these screws). Now you can remove the screws and slide the drive out the back of the bay. If the drive slides out the front of the case, then remove the screws and gently slide it forward. Removing the Memory Modules
Memory modules are one of the chips that can be damaged by as little as 30 volts. Be careful of ESD and handle them only by the edges. SIMMs and DIMMs are removed differently:
SIMM – gently push back the metal tabs holding the SIMM in the socket. Tilt the SIMM away from the tabs to about a 45% angle. It should now lift out. Put each SIMM in its own protective bag.
DIMM- There are plastic tabs on the end of the DIMM socket. Push the tabs down and away from the socket. The DIMM should lift slightly. Now you can grab it by the edges and place it in a separate antistatic bag.

Removing the Power Supply
Make sure it’s unplugged.
All power connectors should be removed, including the connection to the motherboard and any auxiliary fans. Watch the little plastic tabs on ATX connectors (you’ld rather not break them). AT power supplies have a two piece power connector that may be labeled P-8 and P-9. Make note of the orientation. The black wires should be in the middle, black to black.
Remove the connection to the remote power switch at the front of the case. Orientation of the colored wires at this switch is critical. If you remove them, make sure you document well, and during re-assembly plug the computer into a fused surge protector before turning it on (this could save your motherboard and components from melting if you’ve reconnected improperly). If you’re putting the same power supply back, it’s better to remove the entire switch and leave the connectors entact. The remote switch on an ATX form factor attaches to the motherboard.
Remove the four screws at the back of the case and gently slide the power supply out of the case. While removing these screws, hold onto the power supply. You don’t want it falling into the case.

Removing the Motherboard
Document and remove all wire attachments to the motherboard. (Some of these have Pin 1 designations also.)
Most cases have a removable panel that the motherboard is attached to. By removing a couple of screws the panel can be taken off and you can gain much better access to the motherboard. Again, a little investigation can save a lot of trouble.
There is usually 2 or 3 screws holding down newer motherboards. Make sure you’ve got the right ones and remove them.
Motherboards sit on plastic or brass standoffs that keep the traces and solder from touching the metal case and grounding out. Once the screws are removed you can lift the motherboard out. In other cases, the motherboard has to be slid horizontally towards the bottom of the case to unclip the plastic standoffs and then lifted out.
Place the motherboard in an antistatic bagReassembling the Computer

Same Way, Only Backwards
When it comes time to put a computer back together, it’s usually just a matter of reversing the order in which you took it apart. Again, you’re going to visualize each step because there may be an easier way. Is it easier to install the motherboard or the power supply first? Are the RAM DIMMs (or SIMMs) easier to access before, or after the power supply is in. If the motherboard pops out the back on a tray, then install the CPU and the RAM before replacing the tray. If you install the power supply first, then you may be able to clip the power connectors on as you install the motherboard and tray.

Tools
When putting the computer back together (or disassembling it for that matter), there are some basic tools that you’ll find handy. Of course, you’ll need your ESD protection equipment and a phillips screwdriver (keep a flat-head screwdriver nearby, too. A small flashlight and a magnifying glass may come in handy, as well as needle nose pliers. A useful device for any kind of computer work is a small srewdriver with a phillips head on one end and a flat-head on the other (I have no idea what the proper name is for the tool). Once again, you’re not in a race. A good carpenter measures twice, and cuts once. When working on computers you want to double-check everything you install or connect. Before you start, make sure you have taken all your ESD precautions. As you continue, make a conscious effort to remain aware of these precautions.

The Power Supply
A fairly basic installation, just lineup the holes and screw it on. Don’t plug it in yet. Remember, the cable going to the remote switch on the front of the case carries 110 volts AC. If you took the wires off the switch, make sure you connect them just as they were before (I hope you documented). A wrong connection here can burn up your PC. After your power supply is installed, do not plug it in, you may not be able to tell if the switch is on or off and you don’t want to turn the power supply on without a load.

The RAM
DIP memory modules are the hardest to install. Luckily, it’s not done much anymore. SIMMs are inserted at about a 45 degree angle then stoand up until they clip into place. If they don’t clip in properly, maybe you have them in backwards. They’ll usually have a key cut into one side. DIMMs are keyed on the edge connector side, they can only be inserted one way. Once they are lined up, push them down until the locking tabs on the side come up. You may have to support the motherboard from underneath if it looks as though its going to flex too much. COAST modules are also keyed on the bottom and insert much like an adapter card (Coast On A STick memory is cache SRAM).

The CPU
Luckily, CPU sockets aren’t friction fit anymore. If you have a PGA Central Processor (Pentium MMX or Celeron, Cyrix or AMD), it will fit into a ZIFF (zero insertion force) socket. Pin#1 on the chip has to be lined up with pin#1 on the socket. This can be indicated on the socket with an arrow, a #1 silk-screened on the board, or a flattened corner. Usually the CPU will indicate pin#1 with a flattened corner (and, or a dot on top, and, or an arrow on the bottom center of the chip). Unclip and lift the handle, insert the chip, lower the handle and clip it in. If it’s a Pentium II or a Pentium III, it will fit into a Slot 1 socket. These are rectangular in shape and have 242 pins in two rows. They’re keyed, and the cartridge should only fit in one way. Check any documentation that came with the motherboard or CPU, and refer to your notes.

The Motherboard
Most PC cases will allow you to remove the metal tray that the motherboard attaches to by removing 2 or more screws. If you didn’t do that during disassembly then you should familiarize yourself with it now. The plastic standoffs on the motherboard are to keep the solder-side of the board from touching the metal case and shorting out. Usually, it’s better to install the RAM and CPU first to avoid the possibility of flexing the board and cracking solder connections or traces. Orient the motherboard properly and either clip in, or slide in the standoffs until the mounting screw holes line up. Insert the screws that hold the board in place. The screws need to be snug, but do not twist them into the motherboard. You may be able to connect the power to the system board as you install the tray. A power supply with a baby-AT form factor will have two motherboard connectors (P8 and P9). These connectors are keyed but can be reversed. Make sure the black wires on the two connectors are beside each other. Clip the keyed edge in at an angle, then straighten the connector up and slide it on. ATX power connectors slide in until the tab clicks. Once the motherboard and tray are secured in place, you can re-install the wires for the front of the case (refer to your documentation).

At this point, you can install the video card. Do a final check on everything installed. Re-check all installations and connections, attach and plug in the monitor. Turn the computer on. Watch for lights on the front panel. How far does the BIOS POST routine get? Are there any error messages? Is this expected?

One thing that I don’t like to do is to completely re-assemble a computer and then just turn it on. If it doesn’t work at that point, then you have to tear it all apart again to find the problem. Once you’ve installed the power supply, motherboard, CPU and RAM, install the video card, hook up the keyboard and cables and start your computer. Of course, there’s no drives installed and some expansion cards are missing, so you’re going to get errors.

Source: HYPER
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The concept behind an e-book is that it should provide all the functionality of an ordinary book but in a manner that is (overall) less expensive and more environmentally friendly. The actual term e-book is somewhat confusingly used to refer to a variety of things: custom HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view” software to play e-book titles, dedicated HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/hardware/view” hardware to play e-book titles, and the e-book titles themselves. Individual e-book titles can be free or commercial (but will always be less expensive than their printed counterparts) and have to be loaded into a player to be read. Players vary wildly in capability level. Basic ones allow simple reading and bookmarking; better ones include various features like HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/hypertext/view” hypertext, illustrations, audio, and even limited video. Other optional features allow the user to mark-up sections of text, leave notes, circle or diagram things, highlight passages, program or customize settings, and even use HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/IF/view” interactive fiction. There are many types of e-book; a couple popular ones include the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Newtonbook/view” Newton book and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PalmDOC/view” Palm DOC.
e-mail
E-mail is short for electronic mail. It allows for the transfer of information from one computer to another, provided that they are hooked up via some sort of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/network/view” network (often the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Internet/view” Internet. E-mail works similarly to FAXing, but its contents typically get printed out on the other end only on demand, not immediately and automatically as with FAX. A machine receiving e-mail will also not reject other incoming mail messages as a busy FAX machine will; rather they will instead be HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/queue/view” queued up to be received after the current batch has been completed. E-mail is only seven- HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/bit/view” bit clean, meaning that you should not expect anything other than HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ASCII/view” ASCII data to go through uncorrupted without prior conversion via something like HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/uucode/view” uucode or HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/bcode/view” bcode. Some mailers will do some conversion automatically, but unless you know your mailer is one of them, you may want to do the encoding manually.
file
A file is a unit of (usually named) information stored on a computer.
firmware
Sort of in-between HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/hardware/view” hardware and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view” software, firmware consists of modifiable HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view” programs HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/embedded/view” embedded in hardware. Firmware updates should be treated with care since they can literally destroy the underlying hardare if done improperly. There are also cases where neglecting to apply a firmware update can destroy the underlying hardware, so HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/user/view” user beware.
floppy
An extremely common type of removable HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/disk/view” disk. Floppies do not hold too much data, but most computers are capable of reading them. Note though that there are different competing HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/format/view” format used for floppies, so that a floppy written by one type of computer might not directly work on another. Also sometimes called “diskette”.
format
The manner in which data is stored; its organization. For example, VHS, SVHS, and Beta are three different formats of video tape. They are not 100% compatible with each other, but information can be transferred from one to the other with the proper equipment (but not always without loss; SVHS contains more information than either of the other two). Computer information can be stored in literally hundreds of different formats, and can represent text, sounds, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/graphics/view” graphics, animations, etc. Computer information can be exchanged via different computer types provided both computers can interpret the format used.
function keys
On a computer HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/keyboard/view” keyboard, the keys that start with an “F” that are usually (but not always) found on the top row. They are meant to perform user-defined tasks.
graphics
Anything visually displayed on a computer that is not text.
hardware
The physical portion of the computer.
hypertext
A hypertext document is like a text document with the ability to contain pointers to other regions of (possibly other) hypertext documents.
Internet
The Internet is the world-wide HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/network/view” network of computers. There is only one Internet, and thus it is typically capitalized (although it is sometimes referred to as “the ‘net”). It is different from an intranet.
keyboard
A keyboard on a computer is almost identical to a keyboard on a typewriter. Computer keyboards will typically have extra keys, however. Some of these keys (common examples include Control, Alt, and Meta) are meant to be used in conjunction with other keys just like shift on a regular typewriter. Other keys (common examples include Insert, Delete, Home, End, Help, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/functionkeys/view” function keys,etc.) are meant to be used independently and often perform editing tasks. Keyboards on different HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view” platforms will often look slightly different and have somewhat different collections of keys. Some keyboards even have independent shift lock and caps lock keys. Smaller keyboards with only math-related keys are typically called “keypads”.
language
Computer HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view” programs can be written in a variety of different languages. Different languages are optimized for different tasks. Common languages include HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Java/view” Java, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/C/view” C, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CPlusPlus/view” C++, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ForTran/view” ForTran, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Pascal/view” Pascal, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Lisp/view” Lisp, and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/BASIC/view” BASIC. Some people classify languages into two categories, higher-level and lower-level. These people would consider HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/assemblylanguage/view” assembly language and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/machinelanguage/view” machine language lower-level languages and all other languages higher-level. In general, higher-level languages can be either HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/interpreted/view” interpreted or HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/compiled/view” compiled; many languages allow both, but some are restricted to one or the other. Many people do not consider machine language and assembly language at all when talking about programming languages.
laptop
A laptop is any computer designed to do pretty much anything a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/desktop/view” desktop system can do but run for a short time (usually two to five hours) on batteries. They are designed to be carried around but are not particularly convenient to carry around. They are significantly more expensive than desktop systems and have far worse battery life than HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PDA/view” PDAs. Calling a system a laptop implies nothing about its platform. By far the fastest laptops are the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PowerPC/view” PowerPC based HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Mac/view” Macintoshes.
memory
Computer memory is used to temporarily store data. In reality, computer memory is only capable of remembering sequences of zeros and ones, but by utilizing the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/binary/view” binary number system it is possible to produce arbitrary rational numbers and through clever HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/format/view” formatting all manner of representations of pictures, sounds, and animations. The most common types of memory are HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/RAM/view” RAM, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ROM/view” ROM, and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/flash/view” flash.
modem
A modem allows two computers to communicate over ordinary phone lines. It derives its name from modulate / demodulate, the process by which it converts digital computer data back and forth for use with an analog phone line.
monitor
The screen for viewing computer information is called a monitor.
mouse
In computer parlance a mouse can be both the physical object moved around to control a pointer on the screen, and the pointer itself. Unlike the animal, the proper plural of computer mouse is “mouses”.
multimedia
This originally indicated a capability to work with and integrate various types of things including audio, still HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/graphics/view” graphics, and especially video. Now it is more of a marketing term and has little real meaning. Historically the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Amiga/view” Amiga was the first multimedia machine. Today in addition to HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/AmigaOS/view” AmigaOS, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/IRIX/view” IRIX and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Solaris/view” Solaris are popular choices for high-end multimedia work.
NC
The term network computer refers to any (usually HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/desktop/view” desktop) computer system that is designed to work as part of a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/network/view” network rather than as a stand-alone machine. This saves money on HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/hardware/view” hardware, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view” software, and maintenance by taking advantage of facilities already available on the network. The term “Internet appliance” is often used interchangeably with NC.
network
A network (as applied to computers) typically means a group of computers working together. It can also refer to the physical wire etc. connecting the computers.
notebook
A notebook is a small HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/laptop/view” laptop with similar price, performance, and battery life.
organizer
An organizer is a tiny computer used primarily to store names, addresses, phone numbers, and date book information. They usually have some ability to exchange information with HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/desktop/view” desktop systems. They boast even better battery life than HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PDA/view” PDAs but are far less capable. They are extremely inexpensive but are typically incapable of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/run/view” running any special purpose HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/application/view” applications and are thus of limited use.
OS
The operating system is the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view” program that manages a computer’s resources. Common OSes include HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win95/view” Windows ‘95, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MacOS/view” MacOS, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Linux/view” Linux, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Solaris/view” Solaris, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/AmigaOS/view” AmigaOS, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/AIX/view” AIX, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinNT/view” Windows NT, etc.
PC
The term personal computer properly refers to any HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/desktop/view” desktop, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/laptop/view” laptop, or HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/notebook/view” notebook computer system. Its use is inconsistent, though, and some use it to specifically refer to HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view” x86 based systems running HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-DOS/view” MS-DOS, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-Windows/view” MS-Windows, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GEOS/view” GEOS, or HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS2/view” OS/2. This latter use is similar to what is meant by a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinTel/view” WinTel system.
PDA
A personal digital assistant is a small battery-powered computer intended to be carried around by the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/user/view” user rather than left on a desk. This means that the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view” processor used ought to be power-efficient as well as fast, and the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view” OS ought to be optimized for hand-held use. PDAs typically have an instant-on feature (they would be useless without it) and most are grayscale rather than color because of battery life issues. Most have a pen interface and come with a detachable stylus. None use HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/mouse/view” mouses. All have some ability to exchange data with HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/desktop/view” desktop systems. In terms of raw capabilities, a PDA is more capable than an HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/organizer/view” organizer and less capable than a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/laptop/view” laptop (although some high-end PDAs beat out some low-end laptops). By far the most popular PDA is the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PalmPilot/view” Pilot, but other common types include HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Newton/view” Newtons, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Psion/view” Psions, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Zaurus/view” Zauri, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Zoomer/view” Zoomers, and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinCE/view” Windows CE hand-helds. By far the fastest current PDA is the Newton (based around a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ARM/view” StrongARM HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/RISC/view” RISC HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view” processor). Other PDAs are optimized for other tasks; few computers are as personal as PDAs and care must be taken in their purchase. HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/PDA/” Feneric’s PDA / Handheld Comparison Page is perhaps the most detailed comparison of PDAs and handheld computers to be found anywhere on the web.
platform
Roughly speaking, a platform represents a computer’s family. It is defined by both the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view” processor type on the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/hardware/view” hardware side and the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view” OS type on the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view” software side. Computers belonging to different platforms cannot typically HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/run/view” run each other’s HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view” programs (unless the programs are written in a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view” language like HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Java/view” Java).
portable
If something is portable it can be easily moved from one type of computer to another. The verb “to port” indicates the moving itself.
printer
A printer is a piece of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/hardware/view” hardware that will print computer information onto paper.
processor
The processor (also called central processing unit, or CPU) is the part of the computer that actually works with the data and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/run/view” runs the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view” programs. There are two main processor types in common usage today: HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CISC/view” CISC and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/RISC/view” RISC. Some computers have more than one processor and are thus called “multiprocessor”. This is distinct from HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/multitasking/view” multitasking. Advertisers often use HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/megahertz/view” megahertz numbers as a means of showing a processor’s speed. This is often extremely misleading; megahertz numbers are more or less meaningless when compared across different types of processors.
program
A program is a series of instructions for a computer, telling it what to do or how to behave. The terms ” HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/application/view” application” and ” HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/application/view” app” mean almost the same thing (albeit applications generally have HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GUI/view” GUIs). It is however different from an HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/applet/view” applet. Program is also the verb that means to create a program, and a programmer is one who programs.
run
Running a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view” program is how it is made to do something. The term “execute” means the same thing.
software
The non-physical portion of the computer; the part that exists only as data; the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view” programs. Another term meaning much the same is “code”.
spreadsheet
An HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view” program used to perform various calculations. It is especially popular for financial applications. Some common spreadsheets include Lotus 123, Excel, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/FreeSoftware/OpenOffice/view” OpenOffice Spreadsheet, Octave, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/FreeSoftware/Gnumeric/view” Gnumeric, AppleWorks Spreadsheet, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/FreeSoftware/Oleo/view” Oleo, and GeoCalc.
user
The operator of a computer.
word processor
A HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view” program designed to help with the production of textual documents, like letters and memos. Heavier duty work can be done with a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/desktoppublisher/view” desktop publisher. Some common word processors include MS-Word, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/FreeSoftware/OpenOffice/view” OpenOffice Write, WordPerfect, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/FreeSoftware/AbiWord/view” AbiWord, AppleWorks Write, and GeoWrite.
www
The World-Wide-Web refers more or less to all the publically accessable documents on the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Internet/view” Internet. It is used quite loosely, and sometimes indicates only HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/HTML/view” HTML HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/file/view” files and sometimes HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/FTP/view” FTP and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/gopher/view” Gopher files, too. It is also sometimes just referred to as “the web”.
Reference
65xx
The 65xx series of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view” processors includes the 6502, 65C02, 6510, 8502, 65C816, 65C816S, etc. It is a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CISC/view” CISC design and is not being used in too many new stand-alone computer systems, but is still being used in HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/embedded/view” embedded systems, game systems (such as the Super NES), and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view” processor enhancement add-ons for older systems. It was originally designed by MOS Technologies, but is now produced by The Western Design Center, Inc. It was the primary processor for many extremely popular systems no longer being produced, including the Commodore 64, the Commodore 128, and all the Apple ][ series machines.
68xx
The 68xx series of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view" processors includes the 6800, 6805, 6809, 68000, 68020, 68030, 68040, 68060, etc. It is a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CISC/view" CISC design and is not being used in too many new stand-alone computer systems, but is still being used heavily in HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/embedded/view" embedded systems. It was originally designed by Motorola and was the primary processor for older generations of many current machines, including HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Mac/view" Macintoshes, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Amiga/view" Amigas, Sun workstations, HP workstations, etc. and the primary processor for many systems no longer being produced, such as the TRS-80. The HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PowerPC/view" PowerPC was designed in part to be its replacement.
a11y
Commonly used to abbreviate the word "accessibility". There are eleven letters between the "a" and the "y".
ADA
An HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OO/view" object-oriented HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" language at one point popular for military and some academic HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view" software. Lately HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CPlusPlus/view" C++ and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Java/view" Java have been getting more attention.
AI
Artificial intelligence is the concept of making computers do tasks once considered to require thinking. AI makes computers play chess, recognize handwriting and speech, helps suggest prescriptions to doctors for patients based on imput symptoms, and many other tasks, both mundane and not.
AIX
The industrial strength HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OS designed by IBM to run on HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PowerPC/view" PowerPC and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view" x86 based machines. It is a variant of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UNIX/view" UNIX and is meant to provide more power than HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS2/view" OS/2.
AJaX
AJaX is a little like HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/DHTML/view" DHTML, but it adds asynchronous communication between the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/browser/view" browser and Web site via either HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/XML/view" XML or HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/JSON/view" JSON to achieve performance that often rivals desktop HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/application/view" applications.
Alpha
An Alpha is a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/RISC/view" RISC HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view" processor invented by Digital and currently produced by Digital/Compaq and Samsung. A few different HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OSes run on Alpha based machines including Digital UNIX, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinNT/view" Windows NT, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Linux/view" Linux, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/NetBSD/view" NetBSD, and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/AmigaOS/view" AmigaOS. Historically, at any given time, the fastest processor in the world has usually been either an Alpha or a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PowerPC/view" PowerPC (with sometimes HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/SPARC/view" SPARCs and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PA-RISC/view" PA-RISCs making the list), but Compaq has recently announced that there will be no further development of this superb processor instead banking on the release of the somewhat suspect HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Merced/view" Merced.
AltiVec
AltiVec (also called the "Velocity Engine") is a special extension built into some HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PowerPC/view" PowerPC HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view" CPUs to provide better performance for certain operations, most notably HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/graphics/view" graphics and sound. It is similar to HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MMX/view" MMX on the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view" x86 CPUs. Like MMX, it requires special HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view" software for full performance benefits to be realized.
Amiga
A platform originally created and only produced by Commodore, but now owned by Gateway 2000 and produced by it and a few smaller companies. It was historically the first HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/multimedia/view" multimedia machine and gave the world of computing many innovations. It is now primarily used for audio / video applications; in fact, a decent Amiga system is less expensive than a less capable video editing system. Many music videos were created on Amigas, and a few television series and movies had their special effects generated on Amigas. Also, Amigas can be readily synchronized with video cameras, so typically when a computer screen appears on television or in a movie and it is not flickering wildly, it is probably an Amiga in disguise. Furthermore, many coin-operated arcade games are really Amigas packaged in stand-up boxes. Amigas have HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/AmigaOS/view" AmigaOS for their HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OS. New Amigas have either a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PowerPC/view" PowerPC or an HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Alpha/view" Alpha for their main HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view" processor and a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/68xx/view" 68xx processor dedicated to HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/graphics/view" graphics manipulation. Older (and low end) Amigas do everything with just a 68xx processor.
AmigaOS
The HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OS used by HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Amiga/view" Amigas. AmigaOS combines the functionality of an OS and a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/windowmanager/view" window manager and is fully HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/multitasking/view" multitasking. AmigaOS boasts a pretty good selection of games (many arcade games are in fact written on Amigas) but has limited HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/driver/view" driver support. AmigaOS will run on HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/68xx/view" 68xx, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Alpha/view" Alpha, and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PowerPC/view" PowerPC based machines.
Apple ][
The Apple ][ computer sold millions of units and is generally considered to have been the first home computer with a 1977 release date. It is based on the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/65xx/view" 65xx family of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view" processors. The earlier Apple I was only available as a build-it-yourself kit.
AppleScript
A HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/script/view" scripting HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" language for HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MacOS/view" Mac OS computers.
applet
An applet differs from an HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/application/view" application in that is not meant to be HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/run/view" run stand-alone but rather with the assistance of another program, usually a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/browser/view" browser.
AppleTalk
AppleTalk is a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/protocol/view" protocol for computer HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/network/view" networks. It is arguably inferior to HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/TCPIP/view" TCP/IP.
Aqua
The default HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/windowmanager/view" window manager for HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MacOSX/view" Mac OS X.
Archie
Archie is a system for searching through HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/FTP/view" FTP archives for particular files. It tends not to be used too much anymore as more general modern search engines are significantly more capable.
ARM
An ARM is a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/RISC/view" RISC HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view" processor invented by Advanced RISC Machines, currently owned by Intel, and currently produced by both the above and Digital/Compaq. ARMs are different from most other processors in that they were not designed to maximize speed but rather to maximize speed per power consumed. Thus ARMs find most of their use on hand-held machines and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PDA/view" PDAs. A few different HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OSes run on ARM based machines including HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Newton/view" Newton OS, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Java/view" JavaOS, and (soon) HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinCE/view" Windows CE and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Linux/view" Linux. The StrongARM is a more recent design of the original ARM, and it is both faster and more power efficient than the original.
ASCII
The ASCII HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/characterset/view" character set is the most popular one in common use. People will often refer to a bare text file without complicated embedded format instructions as an ASCII file, and such files can usually be transferred from one computer system to another with relative ease. Unfortunately there are a few minor variations of it that pop up here and there, and if you receive a text file that seems subtly messed up with punctuation marks altered or upper and lower case reversed, you are probably encountering one of the ASCII variants. It is usually fairly straightforward to translate from one ASCII variant to another, though. The ASCII character set is seven HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/bit/view" bit while pure HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/binary/view" binary is usually eight bit, so transferring a binary file through ASCII channels will result in corruption and loss of data. Note also that the ASCII character set is a subset of the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Unicode/view" Unicode character set.
ASK
A HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/protocol/view" protocol for an HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/infraredcommunications/view" infrared communications port on a device. It predates the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/IrDA/view" IrDA compliant infrared communications protocol and is not compatible with it. Many devices with infrared communications support both, but some only support one or the other.
assembly language
Assembly language is essentially HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/machinelanguage/view" machine language that has had some of the numbers replaced by somewhat easier to remember mnemonics in an attempt to make it more human-readable. The HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" program that converts assembly language to machine language is called an assembler. While assembly language predates HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ForTran/view" FORTRAN, it is not typically what people think of when they discuss HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" computer languages.
Atom
Atom is an intended replacement for HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/RSS/view" RSS and like it is used for syndicating a web site's content. It is currently not nearly as popular or well-supported by software HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/application/view" applications, however.
authoring system
Any HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GUI/view" GUIs method of designing new HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view" software can be called an authoring system. Any computer HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" language name with the word "visual" in front of it is probably a version of that language built with some authoring system capabilities. It appears that the first serious effort to produce a commercial quality authoring system took place in the mid eighties for the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Amiga/view" Amiga.
AWK
AWK is an HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/interpreted/view" interpreted HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" language developed in 1977 by Aho, Weinberger, & Kernighan. It gets its name from its creators' initials. It is not particularly fast, but it was designed for creating small throwaway HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" programs rather than full-blown HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/application/view" applications -- it is designed to make the writing of the program fast, not the program itself. It is quite HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/portable/view" portable with versions existing for numerous HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view" platforms, including a free HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GNU/view" GNU version. Plus, virtually every version of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UNIX/view" UNIX in the world comes with AWK built-in.
BASIC
The Beginners' All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code is a computer HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" language developed by Kemeny & Kurtz in 1964. Although it is traditionally HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/interpreted/view" interpreted, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/compiled/view" compilers exist for many HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view" platforms. While the interpreted form is typically fairly slow, the compiled form is often quite fast, usually faster than HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Pascal/view" Pascal. The biggest problem with BASIC is HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/portable/view" portability; versions for different machines are often completely unlike each other; HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Amiga/view" Amiga BASIC at first glance looks more like Pascal, for example. Portability problems actually go beyond even the cross platform level; in fact, most machines have multiple versions of incompatible BASICs available for use. The most popular version of BASIC today is called Visual BASIC. Like all BASICs it has portability issues, but it has some of the advantages of an HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/authoringsystem/view" authoring system so it is relatively easy to use.
baud
A measure of communications speed, used typically for HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/modem/view" modems indicating how many HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/bit/view" bits per second can be transmitted.
BBS
A bulletin board system is a computer that can be directly connected to via HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/modem/view" modem and provides various services like HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/e-mail/view" e-mail, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/chat/view" chatting, newsgroups, and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/file/view" file HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/download/view" downloading. BBSs have waned in popularity as more and more people are instead connecting to the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Internet/view" Internet, but they are still used for product support and local area access. Most current BBSs provide some sort of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/gateway/view" gateway connection to the Internet.
bcode
Identical in intent to HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/uucode/view" uucode, bcode is slightly more efficient and more HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/portable/view" portable across different computer types. It is the preferred method used by HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MIME/view" MIME.
BeOS
A HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/lightweight/view" lightweight HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OS available for both HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PowerPC/view" PowerPC and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view" x86 based machines. It is often referred to simply as "Be".
beta
A beta version of something is not yet ready for prime time but still possibly useful to related developers and other interested parties. Expect beta HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view" software to HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/crash/view" crash more than properly released software does. Traditionally beta versions (of commercial software) are distributed only to selected testers who are often then given a discount on the proper version after its release in exchange for their testing work. Beta versions of non-commercial software are more often freely available to anyone who has an interest.
binary
There are two meanings for binary in common computer usage. The first is the name of the number system in which there are only zeros and ones. This is important to computers because all computer data is ultimately a series of zeros and ones, and thus can be represented by binary numbers. The second is an offshoot of the first; data that is not meant to be intepreted through a common HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/characterset/view" character set (like HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ASCII/view" ASCII) is typically referred to as binary data. Pure binary data is typically eight HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/bit/view" bit data, and transferring a binary file through ASCII channels without prior modification will result in corruption and loss of data. Binary data can be turned into ASCII data via HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/uucode/view" uucoding or HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/bcode/view" bcoding.
bit
A bit can either be on or off; one or zero. All computer data can ultimately be reduced to a series of bits. The term is also used as a (very rough) measure of sound quality, color quality, and even HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view" procesor capability by considering the fact that series of bits can represent binary numbers. For example (without getting too technical), an eight bit image can contain at most 256 distinct colors while a sixteen bit image can contain at most 65,536 distinct colors.
bitmap
A bitmap is a simplistic representation of an image on a computer, simply indicating whether or not HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/pixel/view" pixels are on or off, and sometimes indicating their color. Often HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/font/view" fonts are represented as bitmaps. The term "pixmap" is sometimes used similarly; typically when a distinction is made, pixmap refers to color images and bitmap refers to monochrome images.
blog
Short for web log, a blog (or weblog, or less commonly, 'blog) is a web site containing periodic (usually frequent) posts. Blogs are usually syndicated via either some type of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/RSS/view" RSS or HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Atom/view" Atom and often supports HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/TrackBack/view" TrackBacks. It is not uncommon for blogs to function much like newspaper columns. A blogger is someone who writes for and maintains a blog.
boolean
Boolean algebra is the mathematics of base two numbers. Since base two numbers have only two values, zero and one, there is a good analogy between base two numbers and the logical values "true" & "false". In common usage, booleans are therefore considered to be simple logical values like true & false and the operations that relate them, most typically "and", "or" and "not". Since everyone has a basic understanding of the concepts of true & false and basic conjunctions, everyone also has a basic understanding of boolean concepts -- they just may not realize it.
byte
A byte is a grouping of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/bit/view" bits. It is typically eight bits, but there are those who use non-standard byte sizes. Bytes are usually measured in large groups, and the term "kilobyte" (often abbreviated as K) means one-thousand twenty-four (1024) bytes; the term "megabyte" (often abbreviated as M) means one-thousand twenty-four (1024) K; the term gigabyte (often abbreviated as G) means one-thousand twenty-four (1024) M; and the term "terabyte" (often abbreviated as T) means one-thousand twenty-four (1024) G. HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/memory/view" Memory is typically measured in kilobytes or megabytes, and disk space is typically measured in megabytes or gigabytes. Note that the multipliers here are 1024 instead of the more common 1000 as would be used in the metric system. This is to make it easier to work with the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/binary/view" binary number system. Note also that some HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/hardware/view" hardware manufacturers will use the smaller 1000 multiplier on M & G quantities to make their disk drives seem larger than they really are; buyer beware.
bytecode
Sometimes computer HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" languages that are said to be either HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/interpreted/view" interpreted or HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/compiled/view" compiled are in fact neither and are more accurately said to be somewhere in between. Such languages are compiled into bytecode which is then interpreted on the target system. Bytecode tends to be HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/binary/view" binary but will work on any machine with the appropriate HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/environment/view" runtime environment (or virtual machine) for it.
C
C is one of the most popular computer HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" languages in the world, and quite possibly the most popular. It is a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/compiled/view" compiled langauge widely supported on many HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view" platforms. It tends to be more HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/portable/view" portable than HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ForTran/view" FORTRAN but less portable than HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Java/view" Java; it has been standardized by ANSI as "ANSI C" -- older versions are called either "K&R C" or "Kernighan and Ritchie C" (in honor of C's creators), or sometimes just "classic C". Fast and simple, it can be applied to all manner of general purpose tasks. C compilers are made by several companies, but the free HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GNU/view" GNU version (gcc) is still considered one of the best. Newer C-like HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OO/view" object-oriented languages include both Java and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CPlusPlus/view" C++.
C#
C# is a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/compiled/view" compiled HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OO/view" object-oriented HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" language based heavily on HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CPlusPlus/view" C++ with some HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Java/view" Java features.
C++
C++ is a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/compiled/view" compiled HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OO/view" object-oriented HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" language. Based heavily on HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/C/view" C, C++ is nearly as fast and can often be thought of as being just C with added features. It is currently probably the second most popular object-oriented language, but it has the drawback of being fairly complex -- the much simpler but somewhat slower HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Java/view" Java is probably the most popular object-oriented language. Note that C++ was developed independently of the somewhat similar HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ObjC/view" Objective-C; it is however related to HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ObjCPlusPlus/view" Objective-C++.
C64/128
The Commodore 64 computer to this day holds the record for being the most successful model of computer ever made with even the lowest estimates being in the tens of millions. Its big brother, the Commodore 128, was not quite as popular but still sold several million units. Both units sported HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ROM/view" ROM-based HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/BASIC/view" BASIC and used it as a default " HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OS". The C128 also came with HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CPM/view" CP/M (it was a not-often-exercized option on the C64). In their later days they were also packaged with HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GEOS/view" GEOS. Both are based on HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/65xx/view" 65xx family HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view" processors. They are still in use today and boast a friendly and surprisingly active HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/user/view" user community. There is even a current effort to HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/portable/view" port HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Linux/view" Linux to the C64 and C128 machines.
CDE
The common desktop environment is a popular commercial HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/windowmanager/view" window manager (and much more -- as its name touts, it is more of a desktop environment) that runs under HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/X/view" X-Windows. Free work-alike versions are also available.
chain
Some computer devices support chaining, the ability to string multiple devices in a sequence plugged into just one computer port. Often, but not always, such a chain will require some sort of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/terminator/view" terminator to mark the end. For an example, a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/SCSI/view" SCSI HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/scanner/view" scanner may be plugged into a SCSI CD-ROM HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/drive/view" drive that is plugged into a SCSI hard drive that is in turn plugged into the main computer. For all these components to work properly, the scanner would also have to have a proper terminator in use. Device chaining has been around a long time, and it is interesting to note that HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/C64-128/view" C64/128 HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/serial/view" serial devices supported it from the very beginning. Today the most common low-cost chainable devices in use support HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/USB/view" USB while the fastest low-cost chainable devices in use support HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/FireWire/view" FireWire.
character set
Since in reality all a computer can store are series of zeros and ones, representing common things like text takes a little work. The solution is to view the series of zeros and ones instead as a sequence of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/byte/view" bytes, and map each one to a particular letter, number, or symbol. The full mapping is called a character set. The most popular character set is commonly referred to as HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ASCII/view" ASCII. The second most popular character set these days is HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Unicode/view" Unicode (and it will probably eventually surpass ASCII). Other fairly common character sets include HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/EDBIC/view" EBCDIC and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PETSCII/view" PETSCII. They are generally quite different from one another; HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" programs exist to convert between them on most HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view" platforms, though. Usually EBCDIC is only found on really old machines.
CISC
Complex instruction set computing is one of the two main types of processor design in use today. It is slowly losing popularity to HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/RISC/view" RISC designs; currently all the fastest processors in the world are RISC. The most popular current CISC processor is the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view" x86, but there are also still some HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/68xx/view" 68xx, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/65xx/view" 65xx, and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Z80/view" Z80s in use.
CLI
A command-line interface is a text-based means of communicating with a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" program, especially an HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OS. This is the sort of interface used by HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-DOS/view" MS-DOS, or a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UNIX/view" UNIX HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/shell/view" shell window.
COBOL
The Common Business Oriented Language is a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" language developed back in 1959 and still used by some businesses. While it is relatively HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/portable/view" portable, it is still disliked by many professional programmers simply because COBOL HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" programs tend to be physically longer than equivalent programs written in almost any other language in common use.
compiled
If a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" program is compiled, its original human-readable source has been converted into a form more easily used by a computer prior to it being HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/run/view" run. Such programs will generally run more quickly than HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/interpreted/view" interpreted programs, because time was pre-spent in the compilation phase. A program that compiles other programs is called a compiler.
compression
It is often possible to remove redundant information or capitalize on patterns in data to make a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/file/view" file smaller. Usually when a file has been compressed, it cannot be used until it is uncompressed. Image files are common exceptions, though, as many popular image file HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/format/view" formats have compression built-in.
cookie
A cookie is a small HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/file/view" file that a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WWW/view" web page on another machine writes to your personal machine's HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/disk/view" disk to store various bits of information. Many people strongly detest cookies and the whole idea of them, and most HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/browser/view" browsers allow the reception of cookies to be disabled or at least selectively disabled, but it should be noted that both Netscape and MSIE have silent cookie reception enabled by default. Sites that maintain shopping carts or remember a reader's last position have legitimate uses for cookies. Sites without such functionality that still spew cookies with distant (or worse, non-existent) expiration dates should perhaps be treated with a little caution.
CP/M
An early HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/DOS/view" DOS for HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/desktop/view" desktops, CP/M runs on both HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Z80/view" Z80 and the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view" x86 based machines. CP/M provides only a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CLI/view" CLI and there really is not any standard way to get a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/windowmanager/view" window manager to run on top of it. It is fairly complex and tricky to use. In spite of all this, CP/M was once the most popular DOS and is still in use today.
crash
If a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/bug/view" bug in a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" program is severe enough, it can cause that program to crash, or to become inoperable without being restarted. On machines that are not HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/multitasking/view" multitasking, the entire machine will crash and have to be HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/boot/view" rebooted. On machines that are only partially multitasking the entire machine will sometimes crash and have to be rebooted. On machines that are fully multitasking, the machine should never crash and require a reboot.
Cray
A Cray is a high-end computer used for research and frequently heavy-duty HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/graphics/view" graphics applications. Modern Crays typically have HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Solaris/view" Solaris for their HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OS and sport sixty-four HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/RISC/view" RISC HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view" processors; older ones had various other configurations. Current top-of-the-line Crays can have over 2000 processors.
crippleware
Crippleware is a variant of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/shareware/view" shareware that will either self-destruct after its trial period or has built-in limitations to its functionality that get removed after its purchase.
CSS
Cascading style sheets are used in conjunction with HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/HTML/view" HTML and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/XHTML/view" XHTML to define the layout of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WWW/view" web pages. While CSS is how current web pages declare how they should be displayed, it tends not to be supported well (if at all) by ancient HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/browser/view" browsers. HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/XSL/view" XSL performs this same function more generally.
desktop publisher
A HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" program for creating newspapers, magazines, books, etc. Some common desktop publishing programs include FrameMaker, PageMaker, InDesign, and GeoPublish.
DHTML
Dynamic HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/HTML/view" HTML is simply the combined use of both HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CSS/view" CSS and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/JavaScript/view" JavaScript together in the same document; a more extreme form is called HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/AJaX/view" AJaX. Note that DHTML is quite different from the similarly named HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/DTML/view" DTML.
dict
A HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/protocol/view" protocol used for looking up definitions across a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/network/view" network (in particular the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Internet/view" Internet).
digital camera
A digital camera looks and behaves like a regular camera, except instead of using film, it stores the image it sees in HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/memory/view" memory as a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/file/view" file for later transfer to a computer. Many digital cameras offer additional storage besides their own internal memory; a few sport some sort of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/disk/view" disk but the majority utilize some sort of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/flash/view" flash card. Digital cameras currently lack the resolution and color palette of real cameras, but are usually much more convenient for computer applications. Another related device is called a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/scanner/view" scanner.
DIMM
A physical component used to add HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/RAM/view" RAM to a computer. Similar to, but incompatible with, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/SIMM/view" SIMMs.
DNS
Domain name service is the means by which a name (like HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/" www.saugus.net or HYPERLINK "ftp://ftp.saugus.net/" ftp.saugus.net) gets converted into a real HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Internet/view" Internet address that points to a particular machine.
DoS
In a denial of service attack, many individual (usually compromised) computers are used to try and simultaneously access the same public resource with the intent of overburdening it so that it will not be able to adequately serve its normal users.
DOS
A disk operating system manages HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/disk/view" disks and other system resources. Sort of a subset of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OSes, sort of an archaic term for the same. HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-DOS/view" MS-DOS is the most popular HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" program currently calling itself a DOS. HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CPM/view" CP/M was the most popular prior to MS-DOS.
download
To download a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/file/view" file is to copy it from a remote computer to your own. The opposite is HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/upload/view" upload.
DR-DOS
The HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/DOS/view" DOS currently produced by Caldera (originally produced by Design Research as a successor to HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CPM/view" CP/M) designed to work like HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-DOS/view" MS-DOS. While similar to CP/M in many ways, it utilizes simpler commands. It provides only a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CLI/view" CLI, but either HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win3.1/view" Windows 3.1 or HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GEOS/view" GEOS may be run on top of it to provide a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GUI/view" GUI. It only runs on HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view" x86 based machines.
driver
A driver is a piece of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view" software that works with the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OS to control a particular piece of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/hardware/view" hardware, like a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/printer/view" printer or a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/scanner/view" scanner or a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/mouse/view" mouse or whatever.
DRM
Depending upon whom you ask, DRM can stand for either Digital Rights Management or Digital Restrictions Management. In either case, DRM is used to place restrictions upon the usage of digital media ranging from software to music to video.
DTML
The Document Template Mark-up Language is a subset of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/SGML/view" SGML and a superset of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/HTML/view" HTML used for creating documents that dynamically adapt to external conditions using its own custom tags and a little bit of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Python/view" Python. Note that it is quite different from the similarly named HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/DHTML/view" DHTML.
EDBIC
The EDBIC HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/characterset/view" character set is similar to (but less popular than) the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ASCII/view" ASCII character set in concept, but is significantly different in layout. It tends to be found only on old machines..
emacs
Emacs is both one of the most powerful and one of the most popular text editing HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" programs in existence. Versions can be found for most HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view" platforms, and in fact multiple companies make versions, so for a given platform there might even be a choice. There is even a free HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GNU/view" GNU version available. The drawback with emacs is that it is not in the least bit HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/lightweight/view" lightweight. In fact, it goes so far in the other direction that even its advocates will occasionally joke about it. It is however extremely capable. Almost anything that one would need to relating to text can be done with emacs and is probably built-in. Even if one manages to find something that emacs was not built to do, emacs has a built-in HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Lisp/view" Lisp HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/interpreted/view" interpreter capable of not only extending its text editing capabilities, but even of being used as a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/script/view" scripting HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" language in its own right.
embedded
An embedded system is a computer that lives inside another device and acts as a component of that device. For example, current cars have an embedded computer under the hood that helps regulate much of their day to day operation.An embedded file is a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/file/view" file that lives inside another and acts as a portion of that file. This is frequently seen with HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/HTML/view" HTML files having embedded audio files; audio files often embedded in HTML include HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Extensions/au/view" AU files, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Extensions/midi/view" MIDI files, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Extensions/sid/view" SID files, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Extensions/wav/view" WAV files, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Extensions/aiff/view" AIFF files, and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Extensions/mod/view" MOD files. Most HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/browser/view" browsers will ignore these files unless an appropriate HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/plug-in/view" plug-in is present.
emulator
An emulator is a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" program that allows one computer HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view" platform to mimic another for the purposes of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/run/view" running its software. Typically (but not always) running a program through an emulator will not be quite as pleasent an experience as running it on the real system.
endian
A HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view" processor will be either "big endian" or "little endian" based upon the manner in which it encodes multiple HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/byte/view" byte values. There is no difference in performance between the two encoding methods, but it is one of the sources of difficulty when reading HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/binary/view" binary data on different HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view" platforms.
environment
An environment (sometimes also called a runtime environment) is a collection of external variable items or parameters that a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" program can access when HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/run/view" run. Information about the computer's HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/hardware/view" hardware and the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/user/view" user can often be found in the environment.
EPOC
EPOC is a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/lightweight/view" lightweight HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OS. It is most commonly found on the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Psion/view" Psion HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PDA/view" PDA.
extension
Filename extensions originate back in the days of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CPM/view" CP/M and basically allow a very rough grouping of different HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/file/view" file types by putting a tag at the end of the name. To further complicate matters, the tag is sometimes separated by the name proper by a period "." and sometimes by a tab. While extensions are semi-enforced on CP/M, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-DOS/view" MS-DOS, and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-Windows/view" MS-Windows, they have no real meaning aside from convention on other HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view" platforms and are only optional.
FAQ
A frequently asked questions HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/file/view" file attempts to provide answers for all commonly asked questions related to a given topic.
FireWire
An incredibly fast type of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/serial/view" serial port that offers many of the best features of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/SCSI/view" SCSI at a lower price. Faster than most types of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/parallel/view" parallel port, a single FireWire port is capable of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/chain/view" chaining many devices without the need of a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/terminator/view" terminator. FireWire is similar in many respects to HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/USB/view" USB but is significantly faster and somewhat more expensive. It is heavily used for connecting audio/video devices to computers, but is also used for connecting storage devices like HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/drive/view" drives and other assorted devices like HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/printer/view" printers and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/scanner/view" scanners.
fixed width
As applied to a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/font/view" font, fixed width means that every character takes up the same amount of space. That is, an "i" will be just as wide as an "m" with empty space being used for padding. The opposite is HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/variablewidth/view" variable width. The most common fixed width font is Courier.
flash
Flash memory is similar to HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/RAM/view" RAM. It has one significant advantage: it does not lose its contents when power is lost; it has two main disadvantages: it is slower, and it eventually wears out. Flash memory is frequently found in HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PCMCIA/view" PCMCIA cards.
font
In a simplistic sense, a font can be thought of as the physical description of a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/characterset/view" character set. While the character set will define what sets of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/bit/view" bits map to what letters, numbers, and other symbols, the font will define what each letter, number, and other symbol looks like. Fonts can be either HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/fixedwidth/view" fixed width or HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/variablewidth/view" variable width and independently, either HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/bitmap/view" bitmapped or HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/vector/view" vectored. The size of the large characters in a font is typically measured in HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/point/view" points.
Forth
A HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" language developed in 1970 by Moore. Forth is fairly HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/portable/view" portable and has versions on many different HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view" platforms. While it is no longer an very popular language, many of its ideas and concepts have been carried into other computer HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" programs. In particular, some programs for doing heavy-duty mathematical and engineering work use Forth-like interfaces.
FORTRAN
FORTRAN stands for formula translation and is the oldest computer HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" language in the world. It is typically HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/compiled/view" compiled and is quite fast. Its primary drawbacks are HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/portable/view" portability and ease-of-use -- often different FORTRAN compilers on different HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view" platforms behave quite differently in spite of standardization efforts in 1966 (FORTRAN 66 or FORTRAN IV), 1978 (FORTRAN 77), and 1991 (FORTRAN 90). Today languages like HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/C/view" C and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Java/view" Java are more popular, but FORTRAN is still heavily used in military HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view" software. It is somewhat amusing to note that when FORTRAN was first released back in 1958 its advocates thought that it would mean the end of software HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/bug/view" bugs. In truth of course by making the creation of more complex software practical, computer languages have merely created new types of software bugs.
FreeBSD
A free variant of Berkeley HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UNIX/view" UNIX available for HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Alpha/view" Alpha and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view" x86 based machines. It is not as popular as HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Linux/view" Linux.
freeware
Freeware is HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view" software that is available for free with no strings attached. The quality is often superb as the authors are also generally HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/user/view" users.
FTP
The file transfer protocol is one of the most commonly used methods of copying HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/file/view" files across the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Internet/view" Internet. It has its origins on HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UNIX/view" UNIX machines, but has been adapted to almost every type of computer in existence and is built into many HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/browser/view" browsers. Most FTP programs have two modes of operation, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ASCII/view" ASCII, and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/binary/view" binary. Transmitting an ASCII file via the ASCII mode of operation is more efficient and cleaner. Transmitting a binary file via the ASCII mode of operation will result in a broken binary file. Thus the FTP programs that do not support both modes of operation will typically only do the binary mode, as binary transfers are capable of transferring both kinds of data without corruption.
gateway
A gateway connects otherwise separate computer HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/network/view" networks.
GEOS
The graphic environment operating system is a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/lightweight/view" lightweight HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OS with a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GUI/view" GUI. It runs on several different processors, including the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/65xx/view" 65xx (different versions for different machines -- there are versions for the C64, the C128, and the Apple ][, each utilizing the relevant custom chip sets), the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view" x86 (although the x86 version is made to run on top of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-DOS/view" MS-DOS (or HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PC-DOS/view" PC-DOS or HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/DR-DOS/view" DR-DOS) and is not strictly a full OS or a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/windowmanager/view" window manager, rather it is somewhat in between, like HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win3.1/view" Windows 3.1) and numerous different HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PDA/view" PDAs, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/embedded/view" embedded devices, and hand-held machines. It was originally designed by Berkeley Softworks (no real relation to the Berkeley of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UNIX/view" UNIX fame) but is currently in a more interesting state: the company GeoWorks develops and promotes development of GEOS for hand-held devices, PDAs, & and embedded devices and owns (but has ceased further development on) the x86 version. The other versions are owned (and possibly still being developed) by the company CMD.
Glulx
A HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/virtualmachine/view" virtual machine optimized for running HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/IF/view" interactive fiction, interactive tutorials, and other interactive things of a primarily textual nature. Glulx has been HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/portable/view" ported to several HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view" platforms, and in in many ways an upgrade to the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Z-Machine/view" Z-machine.
GNOME
The GNU network object model environment is a popular free HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/windowmanager/view" window manager (and much more -- as its name touts, it is more of a desktop environment) that runs under HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/X/view" X-Windows. It is a part of the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GNU/view" GNU project.
GNU
GNU stands for GNU's not UNIX and is thus a recursive acronym (and unlike the animal name, the "G" here is pronounced). At any rate, the GNU project is an effort by the Free Software Foundation ( HYPERLINK "http://www.fsf.org/" FSF) to make all of the traditional HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UNIX/view" UNIX utilities free for whoever wants them. The Free Software Foundation programmers know their stuff, and the quality of the GNU HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view" software is on par with the best produced commercially, and often better. All of the GNU software can be HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/download/view" downloaded for free or obtained on CD-ROM for a small service fee. Documentation for all GNU software can be downloaded for free or obtained in book form for a small service fee. The Free Software Foundation pays its bills from the collection of service fees and the sale of T-shirts, and exists mostly through volunteer effort. It is based in Cambridge, MA.
gopher
Though not as popular as HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/FTP/view" FTP or HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/HTTP/view" http, the gopher HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/protocol/view" protocol is implemented by many HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/browser/view" browsers and numerous other HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" programs and allows the transfer of files across HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/network/view" networks. In some respects it can be thought of as a hybrid between FTP and http, although it tends not to be as good at raw file transfer as FTP and is not as flexible as http. The collection of documents available through gopher is often called "gopherspace", and it should be noted that gopherspace is older than the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WWW/view" web. It should also be noted that gopher is not getting as much attention as it once did, and surfing through gopherspace is a little like exploring a ghost town, but there is an interesting HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/VR/view" VR interface available for it, and some things in gopherspace still have not been copied onto the web.
GUI
A graphical user interface is a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/graphics/view" graphics-based means of communicating with a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" program, especially an HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OS or HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/windowmanager/view" window manager. In fact, a window manager can be thought of as a GUI for a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CLI/view" CLI OS.
HP-UX
HP-UX is the version of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UNIX/view" UNIX designed by Hewlett-Packard to work with their HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PA-RISC/view" PA-RISC and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/68xx/view" 68xx based machines.
HTML
The Hypertext Mark-up Language is the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" language currently most frequently used to express HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WWW/view" web pages (although it is rapidly being replaced by HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/XHTML/view" XHTML). Every HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/browser/view" browser has the built-in ability to understand HTML. Some browsers can additionally understand HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Java/view" Java and browse HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/FTP/view" FTP areas. HTML is a proper subset of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/SGML/view" SGML.
http
The hypertext transfer protocol is the native HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/protocol/view" protocol of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/browser/view" browsers and is most typically used to transfer HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/HTML/view" HTML formatted files. The secure version is called "https".
Hurd
The Hurd is the official HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GNU/view" GNU HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OS. It is still in development and is not yet supported on too many different HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view" processors, but promises to be the most powerful OS available. It (like all the GNU HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view" software) is free.
i18n
Commonly used to abbreviate the word "internationalization". There are eighteen letters between the "i" and the "n". Similar to (and often used along with) HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/i18n/view" i18n.
iCalendar
The iCalendar standard refers to the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/format/view" format used to store calendar type information (including events, to-do items, and journal entries) on the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Internet/view" Internet. iCalendar data can be found on some HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WWW/view" World-Wide-Web pages or attached to HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/e-mail/view" e-mail messages.
icon
A small HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/graphics/view" graphical display representing an object, action, or modifier of some sort.
IDE
Loosely speaking, a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/disk/view" disk HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/format/view" format sometimes used by HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-Windows/view" MS-Windows, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MacOS/view" Mac OS, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/AmigaOS/view" AmigaOS, and (rarely) HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UNIX/view" UNIX. EIDE is enhanced IDE; it is much faster. Generally IDE is inferior (but less expensive) to HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/SCSI/view" SCSI, but it varies somewhat with system HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/load/view" load and the individual IDE and SCSI components themselves. The quick rundown is that: SCSI-I and SCSI-II will almost always outperform IDE; EIDE will almost always outperform SCSI-I and SCSI-II; SCSI-III and UltraSCSI will almost always outperform EIDE; and heavy system loads give an advantage to SCSI. Note that although loosely speaking it is just a format difference, it is deep down a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/hardware/view" hardware difference.
Inform
A HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/compiled/view" compiled, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OO/view" object-oriented HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" language optimized for creating HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/IF/view" interactive fiction.
infrared communications
A device with an infrared port can communicate with other devices at a distance by beaming infrared light signals. Two incompatible HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/protocol/view" protocols are used for infrared communications: HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/IrDA/view" IrDA and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ASK/view" ASK. Many devices support both.
Instant Messenger
AOL's Instant Messenger is is a means of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/chat/view" chatting over the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Internet/view" Internet in HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/real-time/view" real-time. It allows both open group discussions and private conversations. Instant Messenger uses a different, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/proprietary/view" proprietary HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/protocol/view" protocol from the more standard HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/IRC/view" IRC, and is not supported on as many HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view" platforms.
interactive fiction
Interactive fiction (often abbreviated "IF" or "I-F") is a form of literature unique to the computer. While the reader cannot influence the direction of a typical story, the reader plays a more active role in an interactive fiction story and completely controls its direction. Interactive fiction works come in all the sizes and genres available to standard fiction, and in fact are not always even fiction per se (interactive tutorials exist and are slowly becoming more common).
interpreted
If a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" program is interpreted, its actual human-readable source is read as it is HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/run/view" run by the computer. This is generally a slower process than if the program being run has already been HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/compiled/view" compiled.
intranet
An intranet is a private HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/network/view" network. There are many intranets scattered all over the world. Some are connected to the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Internet/view" Internet via HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/gateway/view" gateways.
IP
IP is the family of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/protocol/view" protocols that makes up the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Internet/view" Internet. The two most common flavors are HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/TCPIP/view" TCP/IP and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UDPIP/view" UDP/IP.
IRC
Internet relay chat is a means of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/chat/view" chatting over the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Internet/view" Internet in HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/real-time/view" real-time. It allows both open group discussions and private conversations. IRC HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" programs are provided by many different companies and will work on many different HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view" platforms. AOL's HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/IM/view" Instant Messenger utilizes a separate incompatible HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/protocol/view" protocol but is otherwise very similar.
IrDA
The Infrared Data Association ( HYPERLINK "http://www.irda.org/" IrDA) is a voluntary organization of various manufacturers working together to ensure that the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/infraredcommunications/view" infrared communications between different computers, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PDA/view" PDAs, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/printer/view" printers, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/digitalcamera/view" digital cameras, remote controls, etc. are all compatible with each other regardless of brand. The term is also often used to designate an IrDA compliant infrared communications port on a device. Informally, a device able to communicate via IrDA compliant infrared is sometimes simply said to "have IrDA". There is also an earlier, incompatible, and usually slower type of infrared communications still in use called HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ASK/view" ASK.
IRI
An Internationalized Resource Identifier is just a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/URI/view" URI with HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/i18n/view" i18n.
IRIX
The variant of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UNIX/view" UNIX designed by Silicon Graphics, Inc. IRIX machines are known for their HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/graphics/view" graphics capabilities and were initially optimized for HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/multimedia/view" multimedia applications.
ISDN
An integrated service digital network line can be simply looked at as a digital phone line. ISDN connections to the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Internet/view" Internet can be four times faster than the fastest regular phone connection, and because it is a digital connection a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/modem/view" modem is not needed. Any computer hooked up to ISDN will typically require other special equipment in lieu of the modem, however. Also, both phone companies and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ISP/view" ISPs charge more for ISDN connections than regular modem connections.
ISP
An Internet service provider is a company that provides HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Internet/view" Internet support for other entities. AOL (America Online) is a well-known ISP.
Java
A computer HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" language designed to be both fairly HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/lightweight/view" lightweight and extremely HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/portable/view" portable. It is tightly bound to the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WWW/view" web as it is the primary language for web HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/applet/view" applets. There has also been an HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OS based on Java for use on small HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PDA/view" hand-held, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/embedded/view" embedded, and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/NC/view" network computers. It is called JavaOS. Java can be either HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/interpreted/view" interpreted or HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/compiled/view" compiled. For web applet use it is almost always interpreted. While its interpreted form tends not to be very fast, its compiled form can often rival languages like HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CPlusPlus/view" C++ for speed. It is important to note however that speed is not Java's primary purpose -- raw speed is considered secondary to portabilty and ease of use.
JavaScript
JavaScript (in spite of its name) has nothing whatsoever to do with HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Java/view" Java (in fact, it's arguably more like HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/NewtonScript/view" Newton Script than Java). JavaScript is an HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/interpreted/view" interpreted HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" language built into a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/browser/view" browser to provide a relatively simple means of adding interactivity to HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WWW/view" web pages. It is only supported on a few different browsers, and tends not to work exactly the same on different versions. Thus its use on the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Internet/view" Internet is somewhat restricted to fairly simple HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" programs. On HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/intranet/view" intranets where there are usually fewer browser versions in use, JavaScript has been used to implement much more complex and impressive programs.
jiffy
A jiffy is 1/60 of a second. Jiffies are to seconds as seconds are to minutes.
joystick
A joystick is a physical device typically used to control objects on a computer screen. It is frequently used for games and sometimes used in place of a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/mouse/view" mouse.
JSON
The JSON is used for data interchange between HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" programs, an area in which the ubiquitous HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/XML/view" XML is not too well-suited. JSON is HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/lightweight/view" lightweight and works extremely cleanly with languages HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" languages including HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/JavaScript/view" JavaScript, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Python/view" Python, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Java/view" Java, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CPlusPlus/view" C++, and many others.
JSON-RPC
JSON-RPC is like HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/XML-RPC/view" XML-RPC but is significantly more HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/lightweight/view" lightweight since it uses HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/JSON/view" JSON in lieu of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/XML/view" XML.
KDE
The K desktop environment is a popular free HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/windowmanager/view" window manager (and much more -- as its name touts, it is more of a desktop environment) that runs under HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/X/view" X-Windows.
Kerberos
Kerberos is a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/network/view" network authentication HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/protocol/view" protocol. Basically it preserves the integrity of passwords in any untrusted network (like the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Internet/view" Internet). Kerberized HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/application/view" applications work hand-in-hand with sites that support Kerberos to ensure that passwords cannot be stolen.
kernel
The very heart of an HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OS is often called its kernel. It will usually (at minimum) provide some HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/library/view" libraries that give programmers access to its various features.
l10n
Commonly used to abbreviate the word "localization". There are ten letters between the "l" and the "n". Similar to (and often used along with) HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/i18n/view" i18n.
library
A selection of routines used by programmers to make computers do particular things.
lightweight
Something that is lightweight will not consume computer resources (such as HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/RAM/view" RAM and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/disk/view" disk space) too much and will thus HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/run/view" run on less expensive computer systems.
Linux
Believe it or not, one of the fastest, most HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/robust/view" robust, and powerful HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/multitasking/view" multitasking HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OSes is available for free. Linux can be HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/download/view" downloaded for free or be purchased on CD-ROM for a small service charge. A handful of companies distribute Linux including Red Hat, Debian, Caldera, and many others. Linux is also possibly available for more HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/hardware/view" hardware combinations than any other OS (with the possible exception of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/NetBSD/view" NetBSD. Supported HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view" processors include: HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Alpha/view" Alpha, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PowerPC/view" PowerPC, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/SPARC/view" SPARC, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view" x86, and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/68xx/view" 68xx. Most processors currently not supported are currently works-in-progress or even available in HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/beta/view" beta. For example, work is currently underway to provide support for HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PA-RISC/view" PA-RISC, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/65xx/view" 65xx, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ARM/view" StrongARM, and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Z80/view" Z80. People have even successfully gotten Linux working on HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PDA/view" PDAs. As you may have guessed, Linux can be made quite HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/lightweight/view" lightweight. Linux is a variant of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UNIX/view" UNIX and as such, most of the traditional UNIX HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view" software will HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/run/view" run on Linux. This especially includes the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GNU/view" GNU software, most of which comes with the majority of Linux distributions. Fast, reliable, stable, and inexpensive, Linux is popular with HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ISP/view" ISPs, software developers, and home hobbyists alike.
Lisp
Lisp stands for list processing and is the second oldest computer HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" language in the world. Being developed in 1959, it lost the title to HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ForTran/view" FORTRAN by only a few months. It is typically HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/interpreted/view" interpreted, but HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/compiled/view" compilers are available for some HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view" platforms. Attempts were made to standardize the language, and the standard version is called "Common Lisp". There have also been efforts to simplify the language, and the results of these efforts is another language called HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Scheme/view" Scheme. Lisp is a fairly HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/portable/view" portable language, but is not particularly fast. Today, Lisp is most widely used with HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/AI/view" AI HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view" software.
load
There are two popular meanings for load. The first means to fetch some data or a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" program from a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/disk/view" disk and store it in HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/memory/view" memory. The second indicates the amount of work a component (especially a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view" processor) is being made to do.
Logo
Logo is an HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/interpreted/view" interpreted HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" language designed by Papert in 1966 to be a tool for helping people (especially kids) learn computer HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" programming concepts. In addition to being used for that purpose, it is often used as a language for controlling mechanical robots and other similar devices. Logo interfaces even exist for building block / toy robot sets. Logo uses a special HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/graphics/view" graphics HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/cursor/view" cursor called "the turtle", and Logo is itself sometimes called "Turtle Graphics". Logo is quite HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/portable/view" portable but not particularly fast. Versions can be found on almost every computer HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view" platform in the world. Additionally, some other languages (notably some HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Pascal/view" Pascal versions) provide Logo-like interfaces for graphics-intensive programming.
lossy
If a process is lossy, it means that a little quality is lost when it is performed. If a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/format/view" format is lossy, it means that putting data into that format (or possibly even manipulating it in that format) will cause some slight loss. Lossy processes and formats are typically used for performance or resource utilization reasons. The opposite of lossy is lossless.
Lua
Lua is a simple HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/interpreted/view" interpreted HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" language. It is extremely HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/portable/view" portable, and free versions exist for most HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view" platforms.
Mac OS
Mac OS is the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OS used on HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Mac/view" Macintosh computers. There are two distinctively different versions of it; everything prior to version 10 (sometimes called HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MacOSClassic/view" Mac OS Classic) and everything version 10 or later (called HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MacOSX/view" Mac OS X).
Mac OS Classic
The HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OS created by Apple and originally used by HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Mac/view" Macs is frequently (albeit slightly incorrectly) referred to as Mac OS Classic (officially Mac OS Classic is this original OS running under the modern HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MacOSX/view" Mac OS X in HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/emulator/view" emulation. Mac OS combines the functionality of both an OS and a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/windowmanager/view" window manager and is often considered to be the easiest OS to use. It is partially HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/multitasking/view" multitasking but will still sometimes crash when dealing with a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/bug/view" buggy HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" program. It is probably the second most popular OS, next only to HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinXP/view" Windows 'XP (although it is quickly losing ground to Mac OS X) and has excellent HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/driver/view" driver support and boasts a fair selection of games. Mac OS will run on HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PowerPC/view" PowerPC and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/68xx/view" 68xx based machines.
Mac OS X
Mac OS X (originally called Rhapsody) is the industrial strength HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OS produced by Apple to run on both HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PowerPC/view" PowerPC and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view" x86 systems (replacing what is often referred to as HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MacOSClassic/view" Mac OS Classic. Mac OS X is at its heart a variant of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UNIX/view" UNIX and possesses its underlying power (and the ability to run many of the traditional UNIX tools, including the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GNU/view" GNU tools). It also was designed to mimic other OSes on demand via what it originally refered to as "boxes" (actually high-performance HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/emulator/view" emulators); it has the built-in capability to run HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" programs written for older Mac OS (via its "BlueBox", officially called Mac OS Classic) and work was started on making it also run HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win95/view" Windows '95 / '98 / HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinME/view" ME software (via what was called its "YellowBox"). There are also a few rumors going around that future versions may even be able to run HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Newton/view" Newton software (via the "GreenBox"). It provides a selection of two HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/windowmanager/view" window managers built-in: HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Aqua/view" Aqua and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/X/view" X-Windows (with Aqua being the default).
machine language
Machine language consists of the raw numbers that can be directly understood by a particular HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view" processor. Each processor's machine language will be different from other processors' machine language. Although called "machine language", it is not usually what people think of when talking about HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" computer languages. Machine language dressed up with mnemonics to make it a bit more human-readable is called HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/assemblylanguage/view" assembly language.
Macintosh
A Macintosh (or a Mac for short) is a computer system that has HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MacOS/view" Mac OS for its HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OS. There are a few different companies that produce Macs, but by far the largest is Apple. Older Macs are based on the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/68xx/view" 68xx HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view" processor, newer Macs on the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PowerPC/view" PowerPC processor. The Macintosh was really the first general purpose computer to employ a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GUI/view" GUI.
mainframe
A mainframe is any computer larger than a small piece of furniture. A modern mainframe is more powerful than a modern HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/workstation/view" workstation, but more expensive and more difficult to maintain.
MathML
The Math Mark-up Language is a subset of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/XML/view" XML used to represent mathematical formulae and equations. Typically it is found embedded within HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/XHTML/view" XHTML documents, although as of this writing not all popular HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/browser/view" browsers support it.
megahertz
A million cycles per second, abbreviated MHz. This is often used misleadingly to indicate HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view" processor speed, because while one might expect that a higher number would indicate a faster processor, that logic only holds true within a given type of processors as different types of processors are capable of doing different amounts of work within a cycle. For a current example, either a 200 MHz HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PowerPC/view" PowerPC or a 270 MHz HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/SPARC/view" SPARC will outperform a 300 MHz HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view" Pentium.
Merced
The Merced is a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/RISC/view" RISC HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view" processor developed by Intel with help from Hewlett-Packard and possibly Sun. It is just starting to be released, but is intended to eventually replace both the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view" x86 and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PA-RISC/view" PA-RISC processors. Curiously, HP is recommending that everyone hold off using the first release and instead wait for the second one. It is expected some day to be roughly as fast as an HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Alpha/view" Alpha or HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PowerPC/view" PowerPC. It is expected to be supported by future versions of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Solaris/view" Solaris, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinNT/view" Windows-NT, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/HP-UX/view" HP-UX, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MacOSX/view" Mac OS X, and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Linux/view" Linux. The current semi-available Merced processor is called the Itanium. Its overall schedule is way behind, and some analysts predict that it never will really be released in significant quanitities.
MFM
Loosely speaking, An old HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/disk/view" disk HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/format/view" format sometimes used by HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CPM/view" CP/M, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-DOS/view" MS-DOS, and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-Windows/view" MS-Windows. No longer too common as it cannot deliver close to the performance of either HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/SCSI/view" SCSI or HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/IDE/view" IDE.
middleware
HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view" Software designed to sit in between an HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OS and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/application/view" applications. Common examples are HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Java/view" Java and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/TclTk/view" Tcl/Tk.
MIME
The multi-purpose Internet mail extensions specification describes a means of sending non- HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ASCII/view" ASCII data (such as images, sounds, foreign symbols, etc.) through HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/e-mail/view" e-mail. It commonly utilizes HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/bcode/view" bcode.
MMX
Multimedia extensions were built into some HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view" x86 HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view" CPUs to provide better performance for certain operations, most notably graphics and sound. It is similar to HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/AltiVec/view" AltiVec on the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PowerPC/view" PowerPC CPUs. Like AltiVec, it requires special HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view" software for full performance benefits to be realized.
MOB
A movable object is a graphical object that is manipulated separately from the background. These are seen all the time in computer games. When implemented in HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/hardware/view" hardware, MOBs are sometimes called HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/sprite/view" sprites.
Modula-2
Modula-2 is an HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OO/view" object-oriented HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" language based on HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Pascal/view" Pascal by its original author in 1977. Modula-3 is a further enhanced form. Both versions are HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/compiled/view" compiled languages.
MOTD
A message of the day. Many computers (particularly more capable ones) are configured to display a MOTD when accessed remotely.
Motif
Motif is a popular commercial HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/windowmanager/view" window manager that runs under HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/X/view" X-Windows. Free work-alike versions are also available.
MS-DOS
The HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/DOS/view" DOS produced by Microsoft. Early versions of it bear striking similarities to the earlier HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CPM/view" CP/M, but it utilizes simpler commands. It provides only a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CLI/view" CLI, but either HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS2/view" OS/2, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win3.1/view" Windows 3.1, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win95/view" Windows '95, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win98/view" Windows '98, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinME/view" Windows ME, or HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GEOS/view" GEOS may be run on top of it to provide a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GUI/view" GUI. It only runs on HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view" x86 based machines.
MS-Windows
MS-Windows is the name collectively given to several somewhat incompatible HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OSes all produced by Microsoft. They are: HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinCE/view" Windows CE, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinNT/view" Windows NT, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win3.1/view" Windows 3.1, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win95/view" Windows '95, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win98/view" Windows '98, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinME/view" Windows ME, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win2K/view" Windows 2000, and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinXP/view" Windows XP.
MUD
A multi-user dimension (also sometimes called multi-user dungeon, but in either case abbreviated to "MUD") is sort of a combination between the online HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/chat/view" chatting abilities provided by something like HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/IRC/view" IRC and a role-playing game. A MUD built with HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OO/view" object oriented principles in mind is called a "Multi-user dimension object-oriented", or MOO. Yet another variant is called a "multi-user shell", or MUSH. Still other variants are called multi-user role-playing environments (MURPE) and multi-user environments (MUSE). There are probably more. In all cases the differences will be mostly academic to the regular HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/user/view" user, as the same HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view" software is used to connect to all of them. Software to connect to MUDs can be found for most HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view" platforms, and there are even HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Java/view" Java based ones that can run from within a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/browser/view" browser.
multitasking
Some HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OSes have built into them the ability to do several things at once. This is called multitasking, and has been in use since the late sixties / early seventies. Since this ability is built into the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view" software, the overall system will be slower HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/run/view" running two things at once than it will be running just one thing. A system may have more than one HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view" processor built into it though, and such a system will be capable of running multiple things at once with less of a performance hit.
nagware
Nagware is a variant of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/shareware/view" shareware that will frequently remind its HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/user/view" users to register.
NetBSD
A free variant of Berkeley HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UNIX/view" UNIX available for HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Alpha/view" Alpha, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view" x86, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/68xx/view" 68xx, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PA-RISC/view" PA-RISC, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/SPARC/view" SPARC, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PowerPC/view" PowerPC, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ARM/view" ARM, and many other types of machines. Its emphasis is on HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/portable/view" portability.
netiquette
The established conventions of online politeness are called netiquette. Some conventions vary from site to site or online medium to online medium; others are pretty standard everywhere. HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/newbie/view" Newbies are often unfamiliar with the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Help/Netiquette/" conventional rules of netiquette and sometimes embarrass themselves accordingly. Be sure not to send that incredibly important HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/e-mail/view" e-mail message before HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Help/Netiquette/" reading about netiquette.
newbie
A newbie is a novice to the online world or computers in general.
news
Usenet news can generally be thought of as public HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/e-mail/view" e-mail as that is generally the way it behaves. In reality, it is implemented by different HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view" software and is often accessed by different HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" programs. Different newsgroups adhere to different topics, and some are "moderated", meaning that humans will try to manually remove off-topic posts, especially HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/spam/view" spam. Most established newsgroups have a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/FAQ/view" FAQ, and people are strongly encouraged to read the FAQ prior to posting.
Newton
Although Newton is officially the name of the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/lightweight/view" lightweight HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OS developed by Apple to run on its MessagePad line of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PDA/view" PDAs, it is often used to mean the MessagePads (and compatible PDAs) themselves and thus the term "Newton OS" is often used for clarity. The Newton OS is remarkably powerful; it is fully HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/multitasking/view" multitasking in spite of the fact that it was designed for small machines. It is optimized for hand-held use, but will readily transfer data to all manner of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/desktop/view" desktop machines. Historically it was the first PDA. Recently Apple announced that it will discontinue further development of the Newton HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view" platform, but will instead work to base future hand-held devices on either HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MacOS/view" Mac OS or HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MacOSX/view" Mac OS X with some effort dedicated to making the new devices capable of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/run/view" running current Newton HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" programs.
Newton book
Newton books provide all the functionality of ordinary books but add searching and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/hypertext/view" hypertext capabilities. The HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/format/view" format was invented for the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Newton/view" Newton to provide a means of making volumes of data portable, and is particularly popular in the medical community as most medical references are available as Newton books and carrying around a one pound Newton is preferable to carrying around twenty pounds of books, especially when it comes to looking up something. In addition to medical books, numerous references, most of the classics, and many contemporary works of fiction are available as Newton books. Most fiction is available for free, most references cost money. Newton books are somewhat more capable than the similar HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PalmDOC/view" Palm DOC; both are specific types of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/e-book/view" e-books.
Newton Script
A HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/interpreted/view" intepreted, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OO/view" object-oriented HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" language for HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Newton/view" Newton MessagePad computers.
nybble
A nybble is half a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/byte/view" byte, or four HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/bit/view" bits. It is a case of computer whimsy; it only stands to reason that a small byte should be called a nybble. Some authors spell it with an "i" instead of the "y", but the "y" is the original form.
object-oriented
While the specifics are well beyond the scope of this document, the term "object-oriented" applies to a philosophy of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view" software creation. Often this philosophy is referred to as object-oriented design (sometimes abbreviated as OOD), and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" programs written with it in mind are referred to as object-oriented programs (often abbreviated OOP). Programming HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" languages designed to help facilitate it are called object-oriented languages (sometimes abbreviated as OOL) and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/database/view" databases built with it in mind are called object-oriented databases (sometimes abbreviated as OODB or less fortunately OOD). The general notion is that an object-oriented approach to creating software starts with modeling the real-world problems trying to be solved in familiar real-world ways, and carries the analogy all the way down to structure of the program. This is of course a great over-simplification. Numerous object-oriented programming languages exist including: HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Java/view" Java, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CPlusPlus/view" C++, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Modula-2/view" Modula-2, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/NewtonScript/view" Newton Script, and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ADA/view" ADA.
Objective-C & ObjC
Objective-C (often called "ObjC" for short) is a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/compiled/view" compiled HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OO/view" object-oriented HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" language. Based heavily on HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/C/view" C, Objective-C is nearly as fast and can often be thought of as being just C with added features. Note that it was developed independently of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CPlusPlus/view" C++; its object-oriented extensions are more in the style of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Smalltalk/view" Smalltalk. It is however related to HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ObjCPlusPlus/view" Objective-C++.
Objective-C++ & ObjC++
Objective-C++ (often called "ObjC++" for short) is a curious hybrid of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ObjC/view" Objective-C and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CPlusPlus/view" C++, allowing the syntax of both to coexist in the same source files.
office suite
An office suite is a collection of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" programs including at minimum a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/wordprocessor/view" word processor, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/spreadsheet/view" spreadsheet, drawing program, and minimal HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/database/view" database program. Some common office suites include MS-Office, AppleWorks, ClarisWorks, GeoWorks, Applixware, Corel Office, and StarOffice.
open source
Open source HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view" software goes one step beyond HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/freeware/view" freeware. Not only does it provide the software for free, it provides the original source code used to create the software. Thus, curious HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/user/view" users can poke around with it to see how it works, and advanced users can modify it to make it work better for them. By its nature, open souce software is pretty well immune to all types of computer HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/virus/view" virus.
OpenBSD
A free variant of Berkeley HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UNIX/view" UNIX available for HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Alpha/view" Alpha, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view" x86, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/68xx/view" 68xx, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PA-RISC/view" PA-RISC, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/SPARC/view" SPARC, and HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PowerPC/view" PowerPC based machines. Its emphasis is on security.
OpenDocument & ODF
OpenDocument (or ODF for short) is the suite of open, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/XML/view" XML-based HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/officesuite/view" office suite application formats defined by the OASIS consortium. It defines a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view" platform-neutral, non- HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/proprietary/view" proprietary way of storing documents.
OpenGL
A low-level 3D HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/graphics/view" graphics HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/library/view" library with an emphasis on speed developed by SGI.
OS/2
OS/2 is the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OS designed by IBM to run on HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view" x86 based machines. It is semi-compatible with HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-Windows/view" MS-Windows. IBM's more industrial strength OS is called HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/AIX/view" AIX.
PA-RISC
The PA-RISC is a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/RISC/view" RISC HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view" processor developed by Hewlett-Packard. It is currently produced only by HP. At the moment only one HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OS runs on PA-RISC based machines: HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/HP-UX/view" HP-UX. There is an effort underway to HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/portable/view" port HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Linux/view" Linux to them, though.
Palm DOC
Palm DOC HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/file/view" files are quite similar to (but slightly less capable than) HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Newtonbook/view" Newton books. They were designed for HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PalmPilot/view" Palm Pilots but can now be read on a couple other HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view" platforms, too. They are a specific type of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/e-book/view" e-book.
Palm Pilot
The Palm Pilot (also called both just Palm and just Pilot, officially now just Palm) is the most popular HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PDA/view" PDA currently in use. It is one of the least capable PDAs, but it is also one of the smallest and least expensive. While not as full featured as many of the other PDAs (such as the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Newton/view" Newton) it performs what features it does have quite well and still remains truly pocket-sized.
parallel
Loosely speaking, parallel implies a situation where multiple things can be done simultaneously, like having multiple check-out lines each serving people all at once. Parallel connections are by their nature more expensive than HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/serial/view" serial ones, but usually faster. Also, in a related use of the word, often HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/multitasking/view" multitasking computers are said to be capable of running multiple HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" programs in parallel.
partition
Sometimes due to hardware limitations, HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/disk/view" disks have to be divided into smaller pieces. These pieces are called partitions.
Pascal
Named after the mathematician Blaise Pascal, Pascal is a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" language designed by Niklaus Wirth originally in 1968 (and heavily revised in 1972) mostly for purposes of education and training people how to write computer HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view" programs. It is a typically HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/compiled/view" compiled language but is still usually slower than HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/C/view" C or HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ForTran/view" FORTRAN. Wirth also created a more powerful HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OO/view" object-oriented Pascal-like language called HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Modula-2/view" Modula-2.
PC-DOS
The HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/DOS/view" DOS produced by IBM designed to work like HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-DOS/view" MS-DOS. Early versions of it bear striking similarities to the earlier HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CPM/view" CP/M, but it utilizes simpler commands. It provides only a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CLI/view" CLI, but either HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win3.1/view" Windows 3.1 or HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GEOS/view" GEOS may be run on top of it to provide a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GUI/view" GUI. It only runs on HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view" x86 based machines.
PCMCIA
The Personal Computer Memory Card International Association is a standards body that concern themselves with PC Card technology. Often the PC Cards themselves are referred to as "PCMCIA cards". Frequently HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/flash/view" flash memory can be found in PC card form.
Perl
Perl is an HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/interpreted/view" interpreted HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view" language extremely popular for HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WWW/view" web HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/application/view" applications.
PET
The Commodore PET (Personal Electronic Transactor) is an early (circa 1977-1980, around the same time as the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Apple2/view" Apple][) home computer featuring a HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ROM/view" ROM-based HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/BASIC/view" BASIC developed by Microsoft which it uses as a default " HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view" OS". It is based on the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/65xx/view" 65xx family of HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view" processors and is the precursor to the HYPERLINK "http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/VIC-20/view" VIC-20.
PETSCII
The PETSCII HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/characterset/view” character set gets its name from “PET ASCII; it is a variant of the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ASCII/view” ASCII character set originally developed for the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PET/view” Commodore PET that swaps the upper and lower case characters and adds over a hundred graphic characters in addition to other small changes. If you encounter some text that seems to have uppercase where lowercase is expected and vice-versa, it is probably a PETSCII file.
PHP
Named with a recursive acronym (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor), PHP provides a means of creating web pages that dynamically modify themselves on the fly.
ping
Ping is a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/protocol/view” protocol designed to check across a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/network/view” network to see if a particular computer is “alive” or not. Computers that recognize the ping will report back their status. Computers that are down will not report back anything at all.
pixel
The smallest distinct HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/point/view” point on a computer display is called a pixel.
plug-in
A plug-in is a piece of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view” software designed not to HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/run/view” run on its own but rather work in cooperation with a separate HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/application/view” application to increase that application’s abilities.
point
There are two common meanings for this word. The first is in the geometric sense; a position in space without size. Of course as applied to computers it must take up some space in practise (even if not in theory) and it is thus sometimes synonomous with HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/pixel/view” pixel. The other meaning is related most typically to HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/font/view” fonts and regards size. The exact meaning of it in this sense will unfortunately vary somewhat from person to person, but will often mean 1/72 of an inch. Even when it does not exactly mean 1/72 of an inch, larger point sizes always indicate larger fonts.
PowerPC
The PowerPC is a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/RISC/view” RISC HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view” processor developed in a collaborative effort between IBM, Apple, and Motorola. It is currently produced by a few different companies, of course including its original developers. A few different HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view” OSes run on PowerPC based machines, including HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MacOS/view” Mac OS, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/AIX/view” AIX, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Solaris/view” Solaris, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinNT/view” Windows NT, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Linux/view” Linux, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MacOSX/view” Mac OS X, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/BeOS/view” BeOS, and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/AmigaOS/view” AmigaOS. At any given time, the fastest processor in the world is usually either a PowerPC or an HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Alpha/view” Alpha, but sometimes HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/SPARC/view” SPARCs and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PA-RISC/view” PA-RISCs make the list, too.
proprietary
This simply means to be supplied by only one vendor. It is commonly misused. Currently, most HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view” processors are non-proprietary, some systems are non-proprietary, and every HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view” OS (except for arguably HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Linux/view” Linux) is proprietary.
protocol
A protocol is a means of communication used between computers. As long as both computers recognize the same protocol, they can communicate without too much difficulty over the same HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/network/view” network or even via a simple direct HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/modem/view” modem connection regardless whether or not they are themselves of the same type. This means that HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinTel/view” WinTel boxes, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Mac/view” Macs, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Amiga/view” Amigas, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UNIX/view” UNIX machines, etc., can all talk with one another provided they agree on a common protocol first.
Psion
The Psion is a fairly popular brand of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PDA/view” PDA. Generally, it is in between a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PalmPilot/view” Palm and a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Newton/view” Newton in capability. It runs the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/EPOC/view” EPOC OS.
Python
Python is an HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/interpreted/view” interpreted, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OO/view” object-oriented HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view” language popular for HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Internet/view” Internet HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/application/view” applications. It is extremely HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/portable/view” portable with free versions existing for virtually every HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view” platform.
queue
A queue is a waiting list of things to be processed. Many computers provide printing queues, for example. If something is being printed and the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/user/view” user requests that another item be printed, the second item will sit in the printer queue until the first item finishes printing at which point it will be removed from the queue and get printed itself.
QuickDraw
A high-level 3D HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/graphics/view” graphics HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/library/view” library with an emphasis on quick development time created by Apple.
RAM
Random access memory is the short-term memory of a computer. Any information stored in RAM will be lost if power goes out, but the computer can read from RAM far more quickly than from a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/drive/view” drive.
random access
Also called “dynamic access” this indicates that data can be selected without having to skip over earlier data first. This is the way that a CD, record, laserdisc, or DVD will behave — it is easy to selectively play a particular track without having to fast forward through earlier tracks. The other common behavior is called HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/sequentialaccess/view” sequential access.
RDF
The Resource Description Framework is built upon an HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/XML/view” XML base and provides a more modern means of accessing data from HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Internet/view” Internet resources. It can provide metadata (including annotations) for HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WWW/view” web pages making (among other things) searching more capable. It is also being used to refashion some existing formats like HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/RSS/view” RSS and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/iCalendar/view” iCalendar; in the former case it is already in place (at least for newer RSS versions), but it is still experimental in the latter case.
real-time
Something that happens in real-time will keep up with the events around it and never give any sort of “please wait” message.
Rexx
The Restructured Extended Executor is an HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/interpreted/view” interpreted HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view” language designed primarily to be embedded in other applications in order to make them consistently programmable, but also to be easy to learn and understand.
RISC
Reduced instruction set computing is one of the two main types of processor design in use today, the other being HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CISC/view” CISC. The fastest processors in the world today are all RISC designs. There are several popular RISC processors, including HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Alpha/view” Alphas, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ARM/view” ARMs, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PA-RISC/view” PA-RISCs, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PowerPC/view” PowerPCs, and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/SPARC/view” SPARCs.
robot
A robot (or ‘bot for short) in the computer sense is a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view” program designed to automate some task, often just sending messages or collecting information. A spider is a type of robot designed to traverse the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WWW/view” web performing some task (usually collecting data).
robust
The adjective robust is used to describe HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view” programs that are better designed, have fewer HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/bug/view” bugs, and are less likely to HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/crash/view” crash.
ROM
Read-only memory is similar to HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/RAM/view” RAM only cannot be altered and does not lose its contents when power is removed.
RSS
RSS stands for either Rich Site Summary, Really Simple Syndication, or RDF Site Summary, depending upon whom you ask. The general idea is that it can provide brief summaries of articles that appear in full on a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WWW/view” web site. It is well-formed HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/XML/view” XML, and newer versions are even more specifically well-formed HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/RDF/view” RDF.
Ruby
Ruby is an HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/interpreted/view” interpreted, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OO/view” object-oriented HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view” language. Ruby was fairly heavily influenced by HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Perl/view” Perl, so people familiar with that language can typically transition to Ruby easily.
scanner
A scanner is a piece of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/hardware/view” hardware that will examine a picture and produce a computer HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/file/view” file that represents what it sees. A HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/digitalcamera/view” digital camera is a related device. Each has its own limitations.
Scheme
Scheme is a typically HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/interpreted/view” interpreted computer HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view” language. It was created in 1975 in an attempt to make HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Lisp/view” Lisp simpler and more consistent. Scheme is a fairly HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/portable/view” portable language, but is not particularly fast.
script
A script is a series of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view” OS commands. The term “batch file” means much the same thing, but is a bit dated. Typically the same sort of situations in which one would say HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/DOS/view” DOS instead of OS, it would also be appropriate to say batch file instead of script. Scripts can be HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/run/view” run like HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view” programs, but tend to perform simpler tasks. When a script is run, it is always HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/interpreted/view” interpreted.
SCSI
Loosely speaking, a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/disk/view” disk HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/format/view” format sometimes used by HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-Windows/view” MS-Windows, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MacOS/view” Mac OS, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/AmigaOS/view” AmigaOS, and (almost always) HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UNIX/view” UNIX. Generally SCSI is superior (but more expensive) to HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/IDE/view” IDE, but it varies somewhat with system HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/load/view” load and the individual SCSI and IDE components themselves. The quick rundown is that: SCSI-I and SCSI-II will almost always outperform IDE; EIDE will almost always outperform SCSI-I and SCSI-II; SCSI-III and UltraSCSI will almost always outperform EIDE; and heavy system loads give an advantage to SCSI. Note that although loosely speaking it is just a format difference, it is deep down a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/hardware/view” hardware difference.
sequential access
This indicates that data cannot be selected without having to skip over earlier data first. This is the way that a cassette or video tape will behave. The other common behavior is called HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/randomaccess/view” random access.
serial
Loosely speaking, serial implies something that has to be done linearly, one at a time, like people being served in a single check-out line. Serial connections are by their nature less expensive than HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/parallel/view” parallel connections (including things like HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/SCSI/view” SCSI) but are typically slower.
server
A server is a computer designed to provide various services for an entire HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/network/view” network. It is typically either a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/workstation/view” workstation or a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/mainframe/view” mainframe because it will usually be expected to handle far greater HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/load/view” loads than ordinary HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/desktop/view” desktop systems. The load placed on servers also necessitates that they utilize HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/robust/view” robust HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view” OSes, as a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/crash/view” crash on a system that is currently being used by many people is far worse than a crash on a system that is only being used by one person.
SGML
The Standard Generalized Mark-up Language provides an extremely generalized level of mark-up. More common mark-up languages like HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/HTML/view” HTML and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/XML/view” XML are actually just popular subsets of SGML.
shareware
Shareware is HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view” software made for profit that allows a trial period before purchase. Typically shareware can be freely HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/download/view” downloaded, used for a period of weeks (or sometimes even months), and either purchased or discarded after it has been learned whether or not it will satisfy the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/user/view” user’s needs.
shell
A HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CLI/view” CLI designed to simplify complex HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view” OS commands. Some OSes (like HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/AmigaOS/view” AmigaOS, the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Hurd/view” Hurd, and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UNIX/view” UNIX) have built-in support to make the concurrent use of multiple shells easy. Common shells include the Korn Shell (ksh), the Bourne Shell (sh or bsh), the Bourne-Again Shell, (bash or bsh), the C-Shell (csh), etc.
SIMM
A physical component used to add HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/RAM/view” RAM to a computer. Similar to, but incompatible with, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/DIMM/view” DIMMs.
Smalltalk
Smalltalk is an efficient HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view” language for writing computer HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view” programs. Historically it is one of the first HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OO/view” object-oriented languages, and is not only used today in its pure form but shows its influence in other languages like HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ObjC/view” Objective-C.
Solaris
Solaris is the commercial variant of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UNIX/view” UNIX currently produced by Sun. It is an industrial strength, nigh bulletproof, powerful HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/multitasking/view” multitasking HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view” OS that will run on HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/SPARC/view” SPARC, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view” x86, and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PowerPC/view” PowerPC based machines.
spam
Generally spam is unwanted, unrequested HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/e-mail/view” e-mail or HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/news/view” Usenet news. It is typically sent out in bulk to huge address lists that were automatically generated by various HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/robot/view” robots endlessly searching the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Internet/view” Internet and newsgroups for things that resemble e-mail addresses. The legality of spam is a topic of much debate; it is at best only borderline legal, and spammers have been successfully persecuted in some states.
SPARC
The SPARC is a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/RISC/view” RISC HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view” processor developed by Sun. The design was more or less released to the world, and it is currently produced by around a dozen different companies too numerous to even bother mentioning. It is worth noting that even computers made by Sun typically sport SPARCs made by other companies. A couple different HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view” OSes run on SPARC based machines, including HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Solaris/view” Solaris, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/SunOS/view” SunOS, and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Linux/view” Linux. Some of the newer SPARC models are called UltraSPARCs.
sprite
A sprite is a small HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MOB/view” MOB, usually implemented in HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/hardware/view” hardware.
SQL
SQL (pronounced Sequel) is an HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/interpreted/view” interpreted HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view” language specially designed for HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/database/view” database access. It is supported by virtually every major modern database system.
Sugar
The HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/windowmanager/view” window manager used by the OLPC HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/XO/view” XO. It is made to run on top of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Linux/view” Linux.
SunOS
SunOS is the commercial variant of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UNIX/view” UNIX formerly produced (but still supported) by Sun.
SVG
Scalable Vector Graphics data is an HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/XML/view” XML file that is used to hold graphical data that can be resized without loss of quality. SVG data can be kept in its own file, or even embedded within a web page (although not all browsers are capable of displaying such data).
Tcl/Tk
The Tool Command Language is a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/portable/view” portable HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/interpreted/view” interpreted computer HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/language/view” language designed to be easy to use. Tk is a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GUI/view” GUI toolkit for Tcl. Tcl is a fairly popular language for both integrating existing HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/application/view” applications and for creating HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WWW/view” Web HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/applet/view” applets (note that applets written in Tcl are often called Tcklets). Tcl/Tk is available for free for most HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view” platforms, and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/plug-in/view” plug-ins are available to enable many HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/browser/view” browsers to play Tcklets.
TCP/IP
TCP/IP is a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/protocol/view” protocol for computer HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/network/view” networks. The HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Internet/view” Internet is largely built on top of TCP/IP (it is the more reliable of the two primary HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/IP/view/” Internet Protocols — TCP stands for Transmission Control Protocol).
terminator
A terminator is a dedicated device used to mark the end of a device HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/chain/view” chain (as is most typically found with HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/SCSI/view” SCSI devices). If such a chain is not properly terminated, weird results can occur.
TEX
TEX (pronounced “tek”) is a freely available, industrial strength typesetting HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view” program that can be HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/run/view” run on many different HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view” platforms. These qualities make it exceptionally popular in schools, and frequently HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view” software developed at a university will have its documentation in TEX HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/format/view” format. TEX is not limited to educational use, though; many professional books were typeset with TEX. TEX’s primary drawback is that it can be quite difficult to set up initially.
TrackBack
TrackBacks essentially provide a means whereby different web sites can post messages to one another not just to inform each other about citations, but also to alert one another of related resources. Typically, a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/blog/view” blog may display quotations from another blog through the use of TrackBacks.
UDP/IP
UDP/IP is a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/protocol/view” protocol for computer HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/network/view” networks. It is the faster of the two primary HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/IP/view/” Internet Protocols. UDP stands for User Datagram Protocol.
Unicode
The Unicode HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/characterset/view” character set is a superset of the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ASCII/view” ASCII character set with provisions made for handling international symbols and characters from other languages. Unicode is sixteen HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/bit/view” bit, so takes up roughly twice the space as simple ASCII, but is correspondingly more flexible.
UNIX
UNIX is a family of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view” OSes, each being made by a different company or organization but all offering a very similar look and feel. It can not quite be considered non- HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/proprietary/view” proprietary, however, as the differences between different vendor’s versions can be significant (it is still generally possible to switch from one vendor’s UNIX to another without too much effort; today the differences between different UNIXes are similar to the differences between the different HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-Windows/view” MS-Windows; historically there were two different UNIX camps, Berkeley / BSD and AT&T / System V, but the assorted vendors have worked together to minimalize the differences). The free variant HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Linux/view” Linux is one of the closest things to a current, non-proprietary OS; its development is controlled by a non-profit organization and its distribution is provided by several companies. UNIX is powerful; it is fully HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/multitasking/view” multitasking and can do pretty much anything that any OS can do (look to the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Hurd/view” Hurd if you need a more powerful OS). With power comes complexity, however, and UNIX tends not to be overly friendly to beginners (although those who think UNIX is difficult or cryptic apparently have not used HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CPM/view” CP/M). HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/windowmanager/view” Window managers are available for UNIX (running under HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/X/view” X-Windows) and once properly configured common operations will be almost as simple on a UNIX machine as on a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Mac/view” Mac. Out of all the OSes in current use, UNIX has the greatest range of hardware support. It will HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/run/view” run on machines built around many different HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view” processors. HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/lightweight/view” Lightweight versions of UNIX have been made to run on HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PDA/view” PDAs, and in the other direction, full featured versions make full advantage of all the resources on large, multi-processor machines. Some different UNIX versions include HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Solaris/view” Solaris, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Linux/view” Linux, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/IRIX/view” IRIX, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/AIX/view” AIX, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/SunOS/view” SunOS, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/FreeBSD/view” FreeBSD, Digital UNIX, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/HP-UX/view” HP-UX, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/NetBSD/view” NetBSD, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OpenBSD/view” OpenBSD, etc.
upload
To upload a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/file/view” file is to copy it from your computer to a remote computer. The opposite is HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/download/view” download.
UPS
An uninterrupted power supply uses heavy duty batteries to help smooth out its input power source.
URI
A Uniform Resource Identifier is basically just a unique address for almost any type of resource. It is similar to but more general than a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/URLa/view” URL; in fact, it may also be a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/URN/view” URN.
URL
A Uniform Resource Locator is basically just an address for a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/file/view” file that can be given to a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/browser/view” browser. It starts with a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/protocol/view” protocol type (such as HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/HTTP/view” http, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/FTP/view” ftp, or HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/gopher/view” gopher) and is followed by a colon, machine name, and file name in HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UNIX/view” UNIX style. Optionally an octothorpe character “#” and and arguments will follow the file name; this can be used to further define position within a page and perform a few other tricks. Similar to but less general than a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/URI/view” URI.
URN
A Uniform Resource Name is basically just a unique address for almost any type of resource unlike a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/URLa/view” URL it will probably not resolve with a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/browser/view” browser.
USB
A really fast type of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/serial/view” serial port that offers many of the best features of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/SCSI/view” SCSI without the price. Faster than many types of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/parallel/view” parallel port, a single USB port is capable of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/chain/view” chaining many devices without the need of a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/terminator/view” terminator. USB is much slower (but somewhat less expensive) than HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/FireWire/view” FireWire.
uucode
The point of uucode is to allow 8- HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/bit/view” bit HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/binary/view” binary data to be transferred through the more common 7-bit HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ASCII/view” ASCII channels (most especially HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/e-mail/view” e-mail). The facilities for dealing with uucoded files exist for many different machine types, and the most common programs are called “uuencode” for encoding the original binary file into a 7-bit file and “uudecode” for restoring the original binary file from the encoded one. Sometimes different uuencode and uudecode programs will work in subtly different manners causing annoying compatibility problems. HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/bcode/view” Bcode was invented to provide the same service as uucode but to maintain a tighter standard.
variable width
As applied to a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/font/view” font, variable width means that different characters will have different widths as appropriate. For example, an “i” will take up much less space than an “m”. The opposite of variable width is HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/fixedwidth/view” fixed width. The terms “proportional width” and “proportionally spaced” mean the same thing as variable width. Some common variable width fonts include Times, Helvetica, and Bookman.
VAX
The VAX is a computer HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view” platform developed by Digital. Its plural is VAXen. VAXen are large expensive machines that were once quite popular in large businesses; today modern HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UNIX/view” UNIX HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/workstation/view” workstations have all the capability of VAXen but take up much less space. Their HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view” OS is called HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/VMS/view” VMS.
vector
This term has two common meanings. The first is in the geometric sense: a vector defines a direction and magnitude. The second concerns the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/format/view” formatting of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/font/view” fonts and images. If a font is a vector font or an image is a vector image, it is defined as lines of relative size and direction rather than as collections of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/pixel/view” pixels (the method used in HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/bitmap/view” bitmapped fonts and images). This makes it easier to change the size of the font or image, but puts a bigger HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/load/view” load on the device that has to display the font or image. The term “outline font” means the same thing as vector font.
Veronica & Veronica2
Although traditionally written as a proper name, Veronica is actually an acronym for “very easy rodent-oriented netwide index to computerized archives”, where the “rodent” refers to HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/gopher/view” gopher. The acronym was obviously a little forced to go along with the pre-existing (and now largely unused) HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Archie/view” Archie, in order to have a little fun with a comic book reference. Regardless, Veronica (or these days more likely Veronica2) is essentially a search engine for gopher resources.
VIC-20
The Commodore VIC-20 computer sold millions of units and is generally considered to have been the first affordable home computer. It features a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/ROM/view” ROM-based HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/BASIC/view” BASIC and uses it as a default ” HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view” OS”. It is based on the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/65xx/view” 65xx family of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view” processors. VIC (in case you are wondering) can stand for either video interface c or video interface computer. The VIC-20 is the precursor to the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/C64-128/view” C64/128.
virtual machine
A virtual machine is a machine completely defined and implemented in HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view” software rather than HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/hardware/view” hardware. It is often referred to as a “runtime environment”; code HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/compiled/view” compiled for such a machine is typically called HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/bytecode/view” bytecode.
virtual memory
This is a scheme by which HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/disk/view” disk space is made to substitute for the more expensive HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/RAM/view” RAM space. Using it will often enable a comptuer to do things it could not do without it, but it will also often result in an overall slowing down of the system. The concept of swap space is very similar.
virtual reality
Virtual reality (often called VR for short) is generally speaking an attempt to provide more natural, human interfaces to HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view” software. It can be as simple as a pseudo 3D interface or as elaborate as an isolated room in which the computer can control the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/user/view” user’s senses of vision, hearing, and even smell and touch.
virus
A virus is a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view” program that will seek to duplicate itself in HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/memory/view” memory and on HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/disk/view” disks, but in a subtle way that will not immediately be noticed. A computer on the same HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/network/view” network as an infected computer or that uses an infected disk (even a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/floppy/view” floppy) or that HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/download/view” downloads and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/run/view” runs an infected program can itself become infected. A virus can only spread to computers of the same HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view” platform. For example, on a network consisting of a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinTel/view” WinTel box, a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Mac/view” Mac, and a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Linux/view” Linux box, if one machine acquires a virus the other two will probably still be safe. Note also that different platforms have different general levels of resistance; HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UNIX/view” UNIX machines are almost immune, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win95/view” Win ’95 / HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win98/view” ’98 / HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinME/view” ME / HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinXP/view” XP is quite vulnerable, and most others lie somewhere in between.
VMS
The industrial strength HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view” OS that runs on HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/VAX/view” VAXen.
VoIP
VoIP means “Voice over HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/IP/view” IP” and it is quite simply a way of utilizing the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Internet/view” Internet (or even in some cases HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/intranet/view” intranets) for telephone conversations. The primary motivations for doing so are cost and convenience as VoIP is significantly less expensive than typical telephone long distance packages, plus one high speed Internet connection can serve for multiple phone lines.
VRML
A Virtual Reality Modeling Language file is used to represent HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/VR/view” VR objects. It has essentially been superceded by HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/X3D/view” X3D.
W3C
The World Wide Web Consortium (usually abbreviated HYPERLINK “http://www.w3c.org/” W3C) is a non-profit, advisory body that makes suggestions on the future direction of the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WWW/view” World Wide Web, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/HTML/view” HTML, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CSS/view” CSS, and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/browser/view” browsers.
Waba
An extremely HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/lightweight/view” lightweight subset of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Java/view” Java optimized for use on HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PDA/view” PDAs.
WebDAV
WebDAV stands for Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning, and is designed to provide a way of editing Web-based resources in place. It serves as a more modern (and often more secure) replacement for HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/FTP/view” FTP in many cases.
WebTV
A WebTV box hooks up to an ordinary television set and displays HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WWW/view” web pages. It will not display them as well as a dedicated computer.
window manager
A window manager is a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view” program that acts as a graphical go-between for a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/user/view” user and an HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view” OS. It provides a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GUI/view” GUI for the OS. Some OSes incorporate the window manager into their own internal HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view” code, but many do not for reasons of efficiency. Some OSes partially make the division. Some common true window managers include CDE (Common Desktop Environment), GNOME, KDE, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Aqua/view” Aqua, OpenWindows, Motif, FVWM, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Sugar/view” Sugar, and Enlightenment. Some common hybrid window managers with OS extensions include HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinME/view” Windows ME, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win98/view” Windows 98, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win95/view” Windows 95, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win3.1/view” Windows 3.1, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS2/view” OS/2 and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GEOS/view” GEOS.
Windows ’95
Windows ’95 is currently the second most popular variant of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-Windows/view” MS-Windows. It was designed to be the replacement HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win3.1/view” Windows 3.1 but has not yet done so completely partly because of suspected security problems but even more because it is not as HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/lightweight/view” lightweight and will not work on all the machines that Windows 3.1 will. It is more capable than Windows 3.1 though and now has excellent HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/driver/view” driver support and more games available for it than any other platform. It is made to run on top of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-DOS/view” MS-DOS and will not do much of anything if MS-DOS is not on the system. It is thus not strictly an HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view” OS per se, but nor is it a true HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/windowmanager/view” window manager either; rather the combination of MS-DOS and Windows ’95 result in a full OS with HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GUI/view” GUI. It is partially HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/multitasking/view” multitasking but has a much greater chance of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/crash/view” crashing than HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinNT/view” Windows NT does (or probably even HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MacOS/view” Mac OS) if faced with a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/bug/view” buggy HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view” program. Windows ’95 runs only on HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view” x86 based machines. Currently Windows ’95 has several HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Y2K/view” Y2K issues, some of which have patches that can be HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/download/view” downloaded for free, and some of which do not yet have fixes at all.
Windows ’98
Windows ’98 is quite possibly the second most popular form of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-Windows/view” MS-Windows, in spite of the fact that its official release is currently a point of legal debate with at least nineteen states, the federal government, and a handful of foreign countries as it has a few questionable features that might restrict the novice computer user and/or unfairly compete with other computer companies. It also has some specific issues with the version of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Java/view” Java that comes prepackaged with it that has never been adequately fixed, and it still has several HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Y2K/view” Y2K issues, most of which have patches that can be HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/download/view” downloaded for free (in fact, Microsoft guarantees that it will work properly through 2000 with the proper patches), but some of which do not yet have fixes at all (it won’t work properly through 2001 at this point). In any case, it was designed to replace HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win95/view” Windows ’95.
Windows 2000
Windows 2000 was the intended replacement for HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinNT/view” Windows NT and in that capacity received relatively lukewarm support. Being based on Windows NT, it inherits some of its HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/driver/view” driver support problems. Originally it was also supposed to replace HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win98/view” Windows ’98, but HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinME/view” Windows ME was made to do that instead, and the merger between Windows NT and Windows ’98 was postponed until Windows XP.
Windows 3.1
Windows 3.1 remains a surprisingly popular variant of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-Windows/view” MS-Windows. It is HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/lightweight/view” lighter weight than either HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win95/view” Windows ’95 or HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinNT/view” Windows NT (but not lighter weight than HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GEOS/view” GEOS) but less capable than the other two. It is made to run on top of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-DOS/view” MS-DOS and will not do much of anything if MS-DOS is not on the system. It is thus not strictly an HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view” OS per se, but nor is it a true HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/windowmanager/view” window manager, either; rather the combination of MS-DOS and Windows 3.1 result in a full OS with HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GUI/view” GUI. Its HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/driver/view” driver support is good, but its game selection is limited. Windows 3.1 runs only on HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view” x86 based machines. It has some severe HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Y2K/view” Y2K issues that may or may not be fixed.
Windows CE
Windows CE is the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/lightweight/view” lightweight variant of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-Windows/view” MS-Windows. It offers the general look and feel of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win95/view” Windows ’95 but is targetted primarily for hand-held devices, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PDA/view” PDAs, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/NC/view” NCs, and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/embedded/view” embedded devices. It does not have all the features of either Windows ’95 or HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinNT/view” Windows NT and is very different from HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win3.1/view” Windows 3.1. In particular, it will not run any HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/software/view” software made for any of the other versions of MS-Windows. Special versions of each HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view” program must be made. Furthermore, there are actually a few slightly different variants of Windows CE, and no variant is guaranteed to be able to run software made specifically for another one. HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/driver/view” Driver support is also fairly poor for all types, and few games are made for it. Windows CE will run on a few different HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view” processor types, including the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view” x86 and several different processors dedicated to PDAs, embedded systems, and hand-held devices.
Windows ME
Windows ME is yet another flavor of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-Windows/view” MS-Windows (specifically the planned replacement for HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win98/view” Windows ’98). Windows ME currently runs only on the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view” x86 HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view” processor.
Windows NT
Windows NT is the industrial-strength variant of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-Windows/view” MS-Windows. Current revisions offer the look and feel of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win95/view” Windows ’95 and older revisions offer the look and feel of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win3.1/view” Windows 3.1. It is the most HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/robust/view” robust flavor of MS-Windows and is fully HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/multitasking/view” multitasking. It is also by far the most expensive flavor of MS-Windows and has far less software available for it than Windows ’95 or ’98. In particular, do not expect to play many games on a Windows NT machine, and expect some difficulty in obtaining good HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/driver/view” drivers. Windows NT will run on a few different HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view” processor types, including the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view” x86, the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Alpha/view” Alpha, and the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PowerPC/view” PowerPC. Plans are in place to HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/portable/view” port Windows NT to the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Merced/view” Merced when it becomes available.
Windows Vista
Windows Vista is the newest flavor of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-Windows/view” MS-Windows (specifically the planned replacement for HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinXP/view” Windows XP). Windows Vista (originally known as Longhorn) currently only runs on HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view” x86 HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view” processors.
Windows XP
Windows XP is yet another flavor of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-Windows/view” MS-Windows (specifically the planned replacement for both HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinME/view” Windows ME and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win2K/view” Windows 2000). Windows XP currently only runs on the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view” x86 HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view” processors. Windows XP is currently the most popular form of MS-Windows.
WinTel
An HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/x86/view” x86 based system running some flavor of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-Windows/view” MS-Windows.
workstation
Depending upon whom you ask, a workstation is either an industrial strength HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/desktop/view” desktop computer or its own category above the desktops. Workstations typically have some flavor of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UNIX/view” UNIX for their HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view” OS, but there has been a recent trend to call high-end HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinNT/view” Windows NT and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win2K/view” Windows 2000 machines workstations, too.
WYSIWYG
What you see is what you get; an adjective applied to a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view” program that attempts to exactly represent printed output on the screen. Related to HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WYSIWYM/view” WYSIWYM but quite different.
WYSIWYM
What you see is what you mean; an adjective applied to a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view” program that does not attempt to exactly represent printed output on the screen, but rather defines how things are used and so will adapt to different paper sizes, etc. Related to HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WYSIWYG/view” WYSIWYG but quite different.
X-Face
X-Faces are small monochrome images embedded in headers for both provides a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/e-mail/view” e-mail and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/news/view” news messages. Better mail and news applications will display them (sometimes automatically, sometimes only per request).
X-Windows
X-Windows provides a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GUI/view” GUI for most HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/UNIX/view” UNIX systems, but can also be found as an add-on library for other computers. Numerous HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/windowmanager/view” window managers HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/run/view” run on top of it. It is often just called “X”.
X3D
Extensible 3D Graphics data is an HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/XML/view” XML file that is used to hold three-dimensional graphical data. It is the successor to HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/VRML/view” VRML.
x86
The x86 series of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view” processors includes the Pentium, Pentium Pro, Pentium II, Pentium III, Celeron, and Athlon as well as the 786, 686, 586, 486, 386, 286, 8086, 8088, etc. It is an exceptionally popular design (by far the most popular HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CISC/view” CISC series) in spite of the fact that even its fastest model is significantly slower than the assorted HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/RISC/view” RISC processors. Many different HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view” OSes run on machines built around x86 processors, including HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MS-DOS/view” MS-DOS, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win3.1/view” Windows 3.1, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win95/view” Windows ’95, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win98/view” Windows ’98, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinME/view” Windows ME, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinNT/view” Windows NT, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Win2K/view” Windows 2000, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinCE/view” Windows CE, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/WinXP/view” Windows XP, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GEOS/view” GEOS, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Linux/view” Linux, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Solaris/view” Solaris, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OpenBSD/view” OpenBSD, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/NetBSD/view” NetBSD, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/FreeBSD/view” FreeBSD, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/MacOSX/view” Mac OS X, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS2/view” OS/2, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/BeOS/view” BeOS, HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CPM/view” CP/M, etc. A couple different companies produce x86 processors, but the bulk of them are produced by Intel. It is expected that this processor will eventually be completely replaced by the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Merced/view” Merced, but the Merced development schedule is somewhat behind. Also, it should be noted that the Pentium III processor has stirred some controversy by including a “fingerprint” that will enable individual computer usage of web pages etc. to be accurately tracked.
XBL
An XML Binding Language document is used to associate executable content with an XML tag. It is itself an HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/XML/view” XML file, and is used most frequently (although not exclusively) in conjunction with HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/XUL/view” XUL.
XHTML
The Extensible Hypertext Mark-up Language is essentially a cleaner, stricter version of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/HTML/view” HTML. It is a proper subset of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/XML/view” XML.
XML
The Extensible Mark-up Language is a subset of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/SGML/view” SGML and a superset of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/XHTML/view” XHTML. It is used for numerous things including (among many others) HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/RSS/view” RSS and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/RDF/view” RDF.
XML-RPC
XML-RPC provides a fairly HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/lightweight/view” lightweight means by which one computer can execute a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view” program on a co-operating machine across a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/network/view” network like the HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Internet/view” Internet. It is based on HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/XML/view” XML and is used for everything from fetching stock quotes to checking weather forcasts.
XO
The energy-efficient, kid-friendly HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/laptop/view” laptop produced by the OLPC project. It runs HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Sugar/view” Sugar for its HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/windowmanager/view” window manager and HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Linux/view” Linux for its HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view” OS. It sports numerous built-in features like wireless HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/network/view” networking, a video camera & microphone, a few HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/USB/view” USB ports, and audio in/out jacks. It comes with several educational HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/application/view” applications (which it refers to as “Activities”), most of which are written in HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Python/view” Python.
XSL
The Extensible Stylesheet Language is like HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CSS/view” CSS for HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/XML/view” XML. It provides a means of describing how an XML resource should be displayed.
XSLT
XSL Transformations are used to transform one type of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/XML/view” XML into another. It is a component of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/XSL/view” XSL that can be (and often is) used independently.
XUL
An XML User-Interface Language document is used to define a user interface for an application using XML to specify the individual controls as well as the overall layout.
Y2K
The general class of problems resulting from the wrapping of computers’ internal date timers is given this label in honor of the most obvious occurrence — when the year changes from 1999 to 2000 (abbreviated in some HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/program/view” programs as 99 to 00 indicating a backwards time movement). Contrary to popular belief, these problems will not all manifest themselves on the first day of 2000, but will in fact happen over a range of dates extending out beyond 2075.

Z-Machine
A HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/virtualmachine/view” virtual machine optimized for running HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/IF/view” interactive fiction, interactive tutorials, and other interactive things of a primarily textual nature. Z-Machines have been HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/portable/view” ported to almost every HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/platform/view” platform in use today. Z-machine HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/bytecode/view” bytecode is usually called Z-code. The HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Glulx/view” Glulx virtual machine is of the same idea but somewhat more modern in concept.
Z80
The Z80 series of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/processor/view” processors is a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CISC/view” CISC design and is not being used in too many new stand-alone computer systems, but can still be occasionally found in HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/embedded/view” embedded systems. It is the most popular processor for HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/CPM/view” CP/M machines.
Zaurus
The Zaurus is a brand of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PDA/view” PDA. It is generally in between a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PalmPilot/view” Palm and a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/Newton/view” Newton in capability.
zip
There are three common zips in the computer world that are completely different from one another. One is a type of removable removable HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/disk/view” disk slightly larger (physically) and vastly larger (capacity) than a HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/floppy/view” floppy. The second is a group of programs used for running HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/IF/view” interactive fiction. The third is a group of programs used for HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/compression/view” compression.
Zoomer
The Zoomer is a type of HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/PDA/view” PDA. Zoomers all use HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/GEOS/view” GEOS for their HYPERLINK “http://www.saugus.net/Computer/Terms/OS/view” OS and are / were produced by numerous different companies and are thus found under numerous different names. The “classic” Zoomers are known as the Z-7000, the Z-PDA, and the GRiDpad and were made by Casio, Tandy, and AST respectively. Newer Zoomers include HP’s OmniGo models, Hyundai’s Gulliver (which may not have actually been released to the general public), and Nokia’s Communicator line of PDA / cell phone hybrids.

SOURCE:?
Understand the differences between a Workbook and a Worksheet
Understand a cell and its importance to Excel
Move around a workbook
The Excel Window
Many items you see on the Excel 2003 screen are standard in most other Microsoft software programs like Word, PowerPoint and previous versions of Excel. Some elements are specific to this version of Excel.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_excelws.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Workbook
Also called a spreadsheet, the Workbook is a unique file created by Excel.
Title bar
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_titlebar.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The Title bar displays both the name of the application and the name of the spreadsheet.
Menu bar
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_menubar.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The Menu bar displays all the menus available for use in Excel 2003. The contents of any menu can be displayed by clicking on the menu name with the left mouse button.
Toolbar
Some commands in the menus have pictures or icons associated with them. These pictures may also appear as shortcuts in the Toolbar.
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Column Headings
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_columnname.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Each Excel spreadsheet contains 256 columns. Each column is named by a letter or combination of letters.
Row Headings
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_rowname.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Each spreadsheet contains 65,536 rows. Each row is named by a number.
Name Box
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_formbar_name.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Shows the address of the current selection or active cell.
Formula Bar
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_formbar_function.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Displays information entered-or being entered as you type-in the current or active cell. The contents of a cell can also be edited in the Formula bar.
Cell
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_cellb3_active.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
A cell is an intersection of a column and row. Each cell has a unique cell address. In the picture above, the cell address of the selected cell is B3. The heavy border around the selected cell is called the cell pointer.
Navigation Buttons and Sheet Tabs
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_navigationbar.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Navigation buttons allow you to move to another worksheet in an Excel workbook. Used to display the first, previous, next or last worksheets in the workbook.
Sheet tabs separate a workbook into specific worksheets. A Workbook defaults to three worksheets. A Workbook must contain at least one worksheet.

Workbooks and Worksheets
A Workbook automatically shows in the workspace when you open Microsoft Excel 2003. Each workbook contains three worksheets. A worksheet is a grid of cells, consisting of 65,536 rows by 256 columns. Spreadsheet information–text, numbers or mathematical formulas–is entered in the different cells.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_cella1_active.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Column headings are referenced by alphabetic characters in the gray boxes that run across the Excel screen, beginning with the Column A and ending with Column IV.
Rows are referenced by numbers that appear on the left and then run down the Excel screen. The first row is named Row 1 and the last row is named 65536.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_arrow.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Important Terms
A workbook is made up of three worksheets.
The worksheets are labeled Sheet1, Sheet2, and Sheet3.
Each Excel worksheet is made up of columns and rows.
In order to access a worksheet, click on the tab that says Sheet#.
The Cell
An Excel worksheet is made up of columns and rows. Where these columns and rows intersect, they form little boxes called cells. The active cell, or the cell that can be acted upon, reveals a dark border. All other cells reveal a light gray border. Each cell has a name. Its name is comprised of two parts: the column letter and the row number.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_worksheet_components.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
In the following picture the cell C3, formed by the intersection of column C and row 3, contains the dark border. It is the active cell.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_cellc3_active.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_arrow.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Important Terms
Each cell has a unique cell address composed of a cell’s column and row.
The active cell is the cell that receives the data or command you give it.
A darkened border, called the cell pointer, identifies it.
Moving around the worksheet
You can move around the spreadsheet in several different ways.
To Move the Cell Pointer:
To activate any cell, point to a cell with the mouse and click.
To move the pointer one cell to the left, right, up, or down, use the keyboard arrow keys.
To Scroll Through the worksheet:
The vertical scroll bar located along the right edge of the screen is used to move up or down the spreadsheet. The horizontal scroll bar located at the bottom of the screen is used to move left or right across the spreadsheet.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_scrollbars_horvert.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The PageUp and PageDown keys on the keyboard are used to move the cursor up or down one screen at a time. Other keys that move the active cell are Home, which moves to the first column on the current row, and Ctrl+Home, which moves the cursor to the top left corner of the spreadsheet or cell A1.
To Move between worksheets
As mentioned, each Workbook defaults to three worksheets. These worksheets are represented by tabs-named Sheet1, Sheet2 and Sheet3-that appear at the bottom of the Excel window.
To Move from one worksheet to another worksheet:
Click on the sheet tab (Sheet1, Sheet2 or Sheet 3) that you want to display INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_sheettabs_sheet1.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Challenge!
Display the contents of every menu in the menu bar and note the icons associated with specific menu choices.
Try and find the matching pictures or shortcuts in the standard toolbar.
Click on each of the three worksheet tabs — Sheet1, Sheet2 and Sheet3 –to practice moving from sheet-to-sheet in the workbook.
Practice scrolling in the worksheet by using the Page Up (PgUp) and Page Down (PgDn) keys.
Use the horizontal and vertical scrollbars to practice scrolling up, down, left and right in the worksheet.

Lesson 2: Create, open and save workbooks
By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:
State the differences between New, Open, Close Save and Save As
Create a workbook
Save a workbook
Open a workbook
Close a workbook
Understanding File Terms
The File menu contains all the operations that we will discuss in this lesson: New, Open, Close, Save and Save As.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_filemn.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
New
Used to create a new Workbook.
Open
Used to open an existing file from a floppy disk or hard drive of your computer.
Close
Used to close a spreadsheet.
Save As
Used when to save a new file for the first time or save an existing file with a different name.
Save
Used to save a file that has had changes made to it. If you close the workbook without saving then any changes made will be lost.
Creating a workbook
A blank workbook is displayed when Microsoft Excel is first opened. You can type information or design a layout directly in this blank workbook.
To Create an Excel Workbook:
Choose File INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET New from the menu bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_filemn_new.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The New Workbook task pane opens on the right side of the screen. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_filenew_blankwb.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Choose Blank Workbook under the New category heading.
A blank workbook opens in the Excel window. The New Workbook task pane is closed.
Saving a workbook
Every workbook created in Excel must be saved and assigned a name to distinguish it from other workbooks. The first time you save a workbook, Excel will prompt you to assign a name through the Save As operation. Once assigned a name, any additional changes made to the text, numbers or formulas need to be saved using the Save operation.
To Save a new Workbook:
Choose File INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Save As from the menu bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_filemn_saveas.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The Save As Dialog Box appears.
Click on the Save In: dropdown menu and locate where the file will be saved. Choose 3 1/2 Floppy (A:) to save the file to a floppy disk or Local Disk (C:) to save the file to your computer.
Type a name for your file in the File Name: box.
Click the Save button. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_saveasdb.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
To Save Changes Made to an Existing Workbook:
Choose File INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Save from the menu bar, orClick the INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_savebut.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Save button on the Standard toolbar.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET If you’re saving the file for the first time and you do not choose a file name, Microsoft Excel will assign a file name for you.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET It is a good idea to Save frequently when working in a spreadsheet. Losing information is never fun! You can quickly save your spreadsheet by using the quick-key combination Ctrl + S.
Opening a workbook
You can open any workbook that has previously been saved and given a name.
To Open an Existing Excel 2003 Workbook:
Choose File INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Open from the menu bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_filemn_open.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The Open dialog box opens. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_opendb.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
In the Look in list, click the drive, folder, or Internet location that contains the file you want to open.
In the folder list, open the folder that contains the file. Once the file is displayed, click on the file you want to open.
Click the Open button.
Closing a Workbook
To close an existing Excel 2003 Workbook:
Choose File INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Close from the menu bar. The workbook in the Excel window is closed. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_filemn_close.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Excel 2003 will prompt you to save information if any has been typed between the last save and the time you close the file.

Challenge!
In this challenge you will create a spreadsheet that allows you to track your monthly income and expenses. This file will be used in all of the remaining Excel 2003 challenges.
·ð    C r e a t e   a   n e w   b l a n k   f i l e   a n d   s a v e   a s   M o n t h l y   B u d g e t .
·ð    C l o s e   t h e   b l a n k   f i l e .
I N C L U D E P I C T U R E   ” h t t p : / / w w w . g c f l e a r n f r e e . o r g / g r a p h i c s / l e s s o n s / c o m _ l e s s o n _ c h e c k . g i f “   \ *   M E R G E F O R M A T I N E T   I m p o r t a n t   R e m i n d e r :   I f   y o u   a r e   u s i n g   a   p u b l i c   c o m p u t e r ,   s u c h   a s   o n e  at a library or learning center, you may not be able to use the same computer each time. It is very important to understand the policies on saving documents to public computers. Some places do not allow you to use floppy disks due to the risk of computer viruses. Ask someone in charge of the public computers where you are. If you are unsure how you will keep a recent copy of the assignment, you can always email a copy of the document to yourself when you finish working on the document.

Lesson 3: Enter, edit and delete data
By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:
Enter text in a cell
Edit information in a cell
Delete information in a cell
Select multiple cells
Entering Text in a Cell
You can enter three types of data in a cell: text, numbers, and formulas. Text is any entry that is not a number or formula. Numbers are values used when making calculations. Formulas are mathematical calculations.
To Enter Data into a Cell:
Click the cell where you want to type information.
Type the data. An insertion point appears in the cell as the data is typed. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_ws_insertpoint.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The data can be typed in either the cell or the Formula bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_textentyss1.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Data being typed appears in the both active cell and in the formula bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_textentry2.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Notice the Cancel and Enter buttons in the formula bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_formulabar.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click the Enter button INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_enterbut.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET to end the entry and turn off the formula bar buttons.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Excel’s AutoComplete feature keeps track of previously-entered text. If the first few characters you type in a cell match an existing entry in that column, Microsoft Excel fills in the remaining characters for you.
Editing Information in a Cell
Information in a spreadsheet is likely to change over time. Information can be changed in either of two ways.
Quick and Easy Method:
Click the cell that contains the information to be changed.
Type the new entry. The old entry is replaced by the new entry.
If the original entry is long and requires only a minor adjustment (in spelling, for example), then you can directly edit the information in the cell.
To Edit Information in a Cell:
Method 1: Direct Cell Editing
Double-click on the cell that contains the information to be changed.
The cell is opened for direct editing. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_editss_cell.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Make the necessary corrections.
Press Enter or click the Enter button on the Formula bar INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_enterbut.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET to complete the entry.
Method 2: Formula Bar Editing
Click the cell that contains the information to be changed.
Edit the entry in the formula bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_editss_formulabar.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Deleting Information in a Cell
To Delete Data that Already Appears in a Cell:
Click the cell that contains the information to be deleted.
Click on the information displayed in the formula bar.
Click the Cancel button INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_cancelbut.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET to delete an entry and turn off the formula buttons.
OR
Click the cell that contains the information to be deleted.
Press the Delete key, or
Right-click and choose Clear Contents from the shortcut menu. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_shortcutlbox_clearcontent.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
To Delete Data Being Typed But Not Yet Added to the Cell:
Cancel an entry by pressing the Escape key.
Performing Undo and Redo
Sometimes, you might do something to a spreadsheet that you didn’t mean to do, like type the wrong number in a cell. Excel 2003 allows you to undo an operation. Use the INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_undobut.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Undo button on the Standard toolbar to recover an error. The last single action is recoverable.
To Undo Recent Actions (typing, formatting, etc), One at a Time:
Click the INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_undobut.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Undo button.
To Undo Several Recent Actions at Once:
Click the arrow next to the Undo button.
Select the desired Undo operation(s) from the list. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_undolbox.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Microsoft Excel reverses the selected action and all actions that appear in the list above it.
An Undo operation can be cancelled by applying a Redo. This is useful when an Undo operation was mistakenly applied. Remember, a Redo is possible only if you have not changed an Excel spreadsheet since the last Undo operation was completed:
To Redo an Undo Operation:
Press the INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_redobut.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Redo button.
To Redo several recent Undo actions at once:
Click the arrow next to Redo button.
Select the desired Redo operation from the list.
Microsoft Excel reverses the Undo operation.
Selecting Multiple Cells
The currently-selected cell in Excel is called the active cell. You can also select a group of adjacent cells, or a cell range. Many operations can be done against a cell range: move it, copy, it, delete it or format it. A cell range can be defined in different ways: select a specific range of cells, select multiple columns or rows, or select the entire worksheet.
To Select a Range of Cells:
Move to the first cell in the range.
The mouse pointer becomes a large cross.
Click-and-hold the left mouse button and drag left or right, up or down to the last cell you want to select.
Release the mouse button.
The cells you selected are shaded. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_cellrangess.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
To Select All Cells in a Column or Row:
Click the gray Column heading to select the entire column. (Click and drag the cursor across other column headings to select those columns). INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_cellrangess_column.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click the gray Row heading to select the entire row. (Click and drag the cursor down through the row headings select those rows). INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_cellrangess_row.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
To Select the Entire Worksheet:
Click the gray rectangle in the upper left corner to select entire worksheet. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_cellrangess_entirewb.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET If the cells and columns you want to select are not directly next to one another, select one of the ranges you want to select, and hold down the Control key while selecting other ranges.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_cellrangess_cntrlkey.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Challenge!
Open your Monthly Budget file.
Type the following data in the spreadsheet:
In cell A1, type Monthly Budget.
In cell A2, type Rent or Mortgage.
In cell A3, type Car Payment.
In cell A4, type Cable.
In cell A5, type Power.
In cell A6, type Phone.
In cell A7, type Insurance.
In cell A8, type Credit Cards.
In cell A9, type Groceries.
In cell A10, type Gas.
Type your other monthly bills in Column A, cells A11-A14 (if you have any).
Type Total Monthly Expenses in cell A15.
Type Income in cell A16.
Type Savings in cell A17.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_exampleentrychallenge3.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Save and close the Monthly Budget file.

Lesson 4: Moving, Copying and Deleting Cell Contents
By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:
Copy and paste cell contents
Cut and paste cell contents
Move cell contents using drag-and-drop
Cut, copy, paste defined
Cut, Copy and Paste are very useful operations in Excel. You can quickly copy and/or cut information in cells (text, numbers or formulas) and paste them into other cells. These operations save you a lot of time from having to type and retype the same information.
The Cut, Copy and Paste buttons are located on the Standard toolbar.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_tb_cut_copy_paste.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The Cut, Copy and Paste operations also appear as choices in the Edit menu:
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_editmn.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The Cut, Copy and Paste operations can also be performed through shortcut keys:
CutCtrl+XCopyCtrl+CPasteCtrl+VPage 3
Copy and Paste Cell Contents
The Copy feature allows you to copy selected information from the spreadsheet and temporarily place it on the Clipboard, which is a temporary storage file in your computer’s memory. The Paste feature allows you to select any of the collected items on the Clipboard and paste it in a cell of the same or different spreadsheet.
To Copy and Paste:
Select a cell or cells to be duplicated.
Click on the INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_copybut.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Copy button on the standard toolbar.
The border of the copied cell(s) takes on the appearance of marching ants. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_cellss_copy.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click on the cell where you want to place the duplicated information. The cell will be highlighted. If you are copying contents into more than one cell, click the first cell where you want to place the duplicated information. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_cellss_paste.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Press the Enter key. Your information is copied to the new location.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Be careful if you paste copied cell information into cells that already contain data. If you do, the existing data is overwritten.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET You can copy information from many different sources including Web sites, emails or other Office applications like Word and PowerPoint and paste it into an Excel spreadsheet.
Cut and Paste Cell Contents
The Cut feature allows you to remove information from cells in the spreadsheet. Information that is cut can be pasted in another cell, as long as the pasting occurs before you perform another operation. If you don’t paste the cut information immediately, it is removed from the Office clipboard.
To Cut and Paste:
Select a cell or cells to be cut.
Click on the Cut INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_cutbut.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET button on the Standard toolbar.
The information in the cell is deleted.
The border of the cut cell(s) take on the appearance of marching ants.
Click on the cell where you want to place the duplicated information. The cell will be highlighted. If you are copying contents into more than one cell, click the first cell where you want to place the duplicated information. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_cellss_paste.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Press the Enter key. Your information is pasted to the new location.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET You do not have to paste information that has been cut. You can use Cut to delete information from a cell.
Moving Information Using Drag-and-Drop
Another way to move information from one cell to another is to use the drag-and-drop method. You use the cursor to point to the information to be moved and then drag the cell to its new location.
To Use Drag and Drop:
Highlight and select the cell(s) you want to move to a new location.
Position the mouse pointer near one of the outside edges of the selected cell(s). The mouse pointer changes from a large, white cross and becomes a slender, black cross with arrows at all ends. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_movecell_pointercross.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Keep the mouse pointer on the outer edge of the selected cell, click and hold the left mouse button and drag the cell(s) to a new location. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_morecell_dragdrop.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Release the mouse button to move the information to its new location.
Challenge!
Open your Monthly Budget file.
Move the word Insurance from cell A7 to A4 and the word Cable from A4 to A7 using the cut, copy, and paste, and drag and drop features you learned in this lesson.
Type January in C1.
Type the corresponding amounts for your monthly expenses and income in Column C.
In cell C2, type your rent/mortgage bill amount.
In cell C3, type your Car Payment amount.
In cell C4, type your Insurance bill amount.
In cell C5, type your Power bill amount.
In cell C6, type your Phone bill amount.
In cell C7, type your Cable bill amount.
In cell C8, type your Credit Card bill amount.
In cell C9, type your Grocery/Food bill estimate.
In cell C10, type your Gas bill estimate.
In cells C11 – C14, type the amount of any additional bills you have listed.
In cell C16, type your Income.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_exampleexpensesentrychallenge4.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Save and close the Monthly Budget file.
Note: Be sure to leave cells C15 and C17 blank.

Lesson 5: Creating Simple Formulas
By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:
Understand the parts of an Excel formula
Create a simple addition formula
Create a simple subtraction formula using the Point-and-Click Method
Create simple multiplication formulas
Create simple division formulas
About Formulas
In school, you learned formulas used to calculate math problems. Microsoft Excel uses these same formulas to perform calculations in a spreadsheet.
A formula can be a combination of values (numbers or cell references) and math operators (+, -, /, *, =) into an algebraic expression. Excel requires every formula to begin with an equal sign (=).
The following table illustrates the mathematical operators learned in school and those represented in Excel 2003.
SchoolExcel 2003Addition++Subtraction–MultiplicationX*Division//Equals==The result of a formula-the answer to 2+3, for example-displays in the cell on the Excel worksheet. The formula is visible only in the formula bar. A formula’s result will change as different numbers are entered into the cells included in the formula’s definition.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_formbar_formula.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Creating a Simple Addition Formula
A simple formula in Excel contains one mathematical operation only: one number plus a second number equals a third number. Writing a simple formula is really no more difficult than that: 1+1. The only difference in Excel is that all formulas must begin with the equal sign (=). It is not enough to type 1+1 in Excel because what will appear in the cell is “1+1.” You must begin the equation with an equal sign, or =1+1. This holds true for any formula, simple or complicated, that adds, subtracts, multiplies or divides.
Let’s add two numbers to create a third, 128+345=473. In Excel, this would be expressed by the formula, =128+345, as shown below.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_cellformula.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
To Create a Simple Formula that Adds Two Numbers:
Click the cell where the formula will be defined.
Type the equal sign (=) to let Excel know a formula is being defined.
Type the first number to be added (128, for example)
Type the addition sign (+) to let Excel know that an add operation is to be performed.
Type the second number to be added (345, for example
Press Enter or click the Enter button on the Formula bar to complete the formula.
Creating a Simple Addition Formula (continued)
But what if a column contains many numbers, each of which regularly changes? You don’t want to write a new formula each time a number is changed. Luckily, Excel 2003 lets you include cell references in formulas.
A formula can add the value of two cells-B2 and B3, for example. Type any two values in these two cells and the formula will adjust the answer accordingly.
Using this method to calculate two numbers-128 and 345, for example-requires that you type 128 in cell B2, for example, and 345 in cell B3. The Excel formula, =B2+B3, would then be defined in cell B4.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_cellformula_add.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
To Create a Simple Formula that Adds the Contents of Two Cells:
Type the numbers you want to calculate in separate cells (for example, type 128 in cell B2 and 345 in cell B3).
Click the cell where the answer will appear (B4, for example).
Type the equal sign (=) to let Excel know a formula is being defined.
Type the cell number that contains the first number to be added (B2, for example).
Type the addition sign (+) to let Excel know that an add operation is to be performed.
Type the cell number that contains the first number to be added (B3, for example).
Press Enter or click the Enter button on the Formula bar to complete the formula.
Creating a Simple Subtraction Formula Using the Point-and-Click Method
Formulas can be created by using either numbers or cell references in the definition. You can also use the mouse to select the cells to be used in the formula instead of typing the cell number or cell reference. Using this method, we are going to write a simple formula that subtracts one cell from another: =B3-B2.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_formula_subtract.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
To Create a Simple Formula using the Point and Click Method:
Type the numbers you want to calculate in separate cells (for example, type 128 in cell B2 and 345 in cell B3).
Click the cell where the answer will appear (B4, for example).
Type the equal sign (=) to let Excel know a formula is being defined.
Click on the first cell to be included in the formula (B3, for example).
Type the subtraction sign (-) to let Excel know that a subtraction operation is to be performed.
Click on the next cell in the formula (B2, for example).
If you include multiple cells in the formula, repeat steps 4 and 5 until the entire formula is entered.
Press Enter or click the Enter button on the Formula bar to complete the formula.
Creating Simple Multiplication Formulas
Creating multiplication formulas is very similar to addition and subtraction formulas. To multiply two cells the formula, B2 and B3, you would need to insert a multiplication operator * between them, =B2*B3.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_formula_multiply.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET

To Create a Simple Formula that Multiplies the Contents of Two Cells:
Type the numbers you want to calculate in separate cells (for example, type 128 in cell B2 and 345 in cell B3).
Click the cell where the answer will appear (B4, for example).
Type =
Click on the first cell to be included in the formula (B2, for example).
Type a mathematical operator (Ex: the multiplication symbol *). The operator displays in the cell and Formula bar.
Click on the next cell in the formula (B3, for example).
If you include multiple cells in the formula, repeat steps 4 and 5 until the entire formula is entered.
Press Enter or click the Enter button on the Formula bar to complete the formula.
Creating Simple Division Formulas
Creating division formulas is very similar to the addition, subtraction and multiplication formulas. To divide the contents of cell B2 by cell B3, you would need to insert a division operator / between them, =B2/B3.
To Create a Simple Formula that Divides One Cell by Another:
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_formula_divide.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Type the numbers you want to calculate in separate cells (for example, type 128 in cell B2 and 345 in cell B3).
Click the cell where the answer will appear (B4, for example).
Type the equal sign (=) to let Excel know a formula is being defined.
Click on the first cell to be included in the formula (B2, for example).
Type a mathematical operator (Ex: the division symbol /). The operator displays in the cell and Formula bar.
Click on the next cell in the formula (B3, for example).
If you include multiple cells in the formula, repeat steps 4 and 5 until the entire formula is entered.
Very Important: Press Enter or click the Enter button on the Formula bar. This step ends the formula.
Challenge!
Open your Monthly Budget file.
Add cells C2 through C10 using a handheld calculator, the calculator on your computer, or pencil and paper.
If you included additional monthly bills in cells C11 through 14, add cells C2 through C14 together to get your total monthly expenses.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_exaddchallenge5.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
How long did it take you to add all those numbers? Well, in the next three modules you will learn how Excel can do the math for you!
Type the total you came up with in cell C15.
Type a subtraction formula in C17 that subtracts the amount in C15 from the amount in C16.
Save and close the Monthly Budget file.

Lesson 6: Creating Complex Formulas
By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:
Create complex formulas
Fill a formula to another cell
Copy and paste a formula to another cell
Revise a formula
Create an absolute reference
Complex Formulas Defined
Simple formulas have one mathematical operation. Complex formulas involve more than one mathematical operation.
The order of mathematical operations is very important. If you enter a formula that contains several operations–like adding, subtracting and dividing–Excel 2003 knows to work those operations in a specific order. The order of operations is:
Operations enclosed in parenthesis
Exponential calculations (to the power of)
Multiplication and division, whichever comes first
Addition and subtraction, whichever comes first
Using this order, let us see how the formula 120/(8-5)*4-2 is calculated in the following picture:
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/exXP/exXP_formula_breakdown.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Let’s take a look at another example:
2*(6-4) =?
Is the answer 8 or 4? Well, if you ignored the parentheses and calculated in the order in which the numbers appear, 2*6-4, you’d get the wrong answer, 8. You must follow the order of operations to get the correct answer.
To Calculate the Correct Answer:
Calculate the operation in parenthesis (6-4), where the answer is 2.
Multiply the answer obtained in step #1, which is 2, to the numeric 2* that opened the equation. In other words, multiply 2*2.
The answer is 4.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET When using formulas with cell references, the results change each time the numbers are edited.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Remember: In Excel, never do math “in your head” and type the answer in a cell where you would expect to have a formula calculate the answer.
Complex Formulas Defined (continued)
Before moving on, let’s explore some more formulas to make sure you understand the order of operations by which Excel calculates the answer.
5*3/2Multiply 5*3 before performing the division operation because the multiplication sign comes before the division sign. The answer is 7.5.5/3*2Divide 5/3 before performing the multiplication operation because the division sign comes before the multiplication sign. The answer is 3.333333.5/(3*2)Perform the operation in parentheses (3*2) first and divide 5 by this result. The answer is 0.833333.5+3-2Add 5+3 before performing the subtraction operation because the addition sign comes before the subtraction sign. The answer is 6.5-2+3Subtract 5-2 before performing the addition operation because the subtaction sign comes before the addition sign. The answer is 6.5-2*3Multiply 2*3 before performing the subtraction operation because the multiplication sign is of a higher order than the subtaction sign. The answer is -1.(5-2)*3Perform the operation in parenthesis (5-2) first and then multiply by 3. The answer is 9.Creating Complex Formulas
Excel 2003 automatically follows a standard order of operations in a complex formula. If you want a certain portion of the formula to be calculated first, put it in parentheses.
If we wanted to add the contents of cell B2 and cell B3, for example, and then take that answer and multiply it by the data in cell A4, then we would need to define the following formula: =(B2+B3)*A4.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_complexform.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Enter the numbers you want to calculate.
Click the cell where you want the formula result to appear.
Type the equal sign (=) to let Excel know a formula is being defined.
Type an open parenthesis, or (
Click on the first cell to be included in the formula (cell B2, for example).
Type the addition sign (+) to let Excel know that an add operation is to be performed.
Click on the second cell in the formula. The reference B3 displays where you want your result.
End the B2+B3 operation by adding the close parenthesis, or )
Type the next mathematical operator, or the multiplication symbol (*) to let Excel know that an multiply operation is to be performed.
Click on the third cell to be included in the formula, cell A4.
Very Important: Press Enter or click the Enter button INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_enterbut.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET on the Formula bar. This step ends the formula.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Try changing one of the values in the formula and watch the answer to the formula change.

Filling Formulas to Other Cells
Sometimes, you will write a formula that gets used a lot in different places of a worksheet. For example, a spreadsheet may contain several columns of numbers. Each column will contain a formula that adds all the numbers in it. You could write the formula several times, once in each column. Or you could copy-and-paste it into each column. The fill formula method allows you to copy a formula and fill it into many different consecutive cells at the same time.
The mouse pointer changes to a black crosshair when passed over the fill handle, or the square box in the lower right corner of the cell.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_fillhandle.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
To Use the Fill Handle to Copy a Formula to a Surrounding Cell:
Click on the cell that contains the formula to be copied.
Position the mouse pointer over the fill handle.
Click and hold the left mouse button, and then drag the contents to the cell that’s to receive the fill formula.
Release the mouse button.
Select the Copy Cells option in the fill formula drop-down menu. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_fillbox_copycell.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The cell references in a formula are automatically updated when the formula is copied to other cells in the spreadsheet.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET You can also use copy and paste to copy a formula to other cells. Click next to learn more about the copy and paste method.
Copy and Paste Formulas
The process to copy and paste a formula is identical to that process used to copy and paste text.
To Copy and Paste a Formula:
Select the cell that contains the formula to be copied.
Click the INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_copybut.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Copy button. Marching “ants” appear around the copied cell(s). INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_cellss_copy.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Select the cell where the copied formula is to be pasted.
Press the Enter key. The formula is copied to the new location.
Revising Formulas
You can revise any formula that was previously written in a worksheet.
To Revise a Formula using the Keyboard:
Double-click the cell that contains the formula you want to revise.
The cursor can now move left and right between the values in the formula in cell B5. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_reviseform_keyboard.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Make the necessary changes to the formula.
Press the Enter key or click the Enter button to accept the new formula.
Creating an Absolute Reference
In earlier lessons we saw how cell references in formulas automatically adjust to new locations when the formula is pasted into different cells.
Sometimes, when you copy and paste a formula, you don’t want one or more cell references to change. Absolute reference solves this problem. Absolute cell references in a formula always refer to the same cell or cell range in a formula. If a formula is copied to a different location, the absolute reference remains the same.
An absolute reference is designated in the formula by the addition of a dollar sign ($). It can precede the column reference or the row reference, or both. Examples of absolute referencing include:
$A$2The column and the row do not change when copied.A$2The row does not change when copied.$A2The column does not change when copied.To Create an Absolute Reference:
Enter the numbers you want to calculate (e,g., 34,567 in cell B2 and 1,234 in cell B3).
Then, create a simple formula (=B2+B3). INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_simpleform_add.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
To create an absolute reference in the formula just created, insert a $ value before the B (column reference) and 2 (row reference) in the reference to B2 so the new formula reads, (=$B$2+B3) INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_simpleform_abref.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Copy and Paste the formula to another adjacent cell. The formula now includes an absolute reference to B2, (=$B$2+D3). INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_simpleform_abrepaste.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Challenge!
·ð    O p e n   y o u r   M o n t h l y   B u d g e t   s p r e a d s h e e t .
·ð    F i l l   t h e   f o r m u l a   d e f i n e d   i n   c e l l   C 1 7   t o   D 1 7   t h r o u g h   N 1 7 .
·ð    T y p e   P e r c e n t   S a v e d   i n   A 1 8 .
·ð    W r i t e   a   f o r m u l a   i n   C 1 8   t h a t   d i v i d e s   y o u r   m o n t h l y   S a v i n g s   a m o u n t   ( C 1 7 )   b y   y o u r   m o n t h l y   I n c o m e   ( C 1 6 ) .
·ð    S a v e   a n d   c l o s e   the Monthly Budget spreadsheet.

Lesson 7: Using functions
By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:
Understand definition of a function
Use Excel 2003 functions in calculations
Access Excel 2003 functions
Find the sum of a range of data
Using Functions
A function is a pre-defined formula that helps perform common mathematical functions. Functions save you the time of writing lengthy formulas. You could use an Excel function called Average, for example, to quickly find the average of range of numbers. Or you could use the Sum function to find the sum of a cell range. Excel 2003 contains many different functions.
Each function has a specific order, called syntax, which must be strictly followed for the function to work correctly.
Syntax Order:
All functions begin with the = sign.
After the = sign define the function name (e.g., Sum).
One or more arguments-numbers, text or cell references-enclosed by parentheses. If there is more than one argument, separate each by a comma.
An example of a function with one argument that adds a range of cells, B3 through B10:
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/exXP/exXP_functionform_1argument.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
An example of a function with more than one argument that calculates the average of numbers in a range of cells, B3 through B10, and C3 through C10:
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/exXP/exXP_functionform_2argument.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Excel literally has hundreds of different functions to assist with your calculations. Building formulas can be difficult and time-consuming. Excel’s functions can save you a lot of time and headaches.
Excel’s Different Functions
There are many different functions in Excel 2003. Some of the more common functions include:
Statistical Functions:
SUM – summation adds a range of cells together.
AVERAGE – average calculates the average of a range of cells.
COUNT – counts the number of chosen data in a range of cells.
MAX – identifies the largest number in a range of cells.
MIN – identifies the smallest number in a range of cells.
Financial Functions:
Interest Rates
Loan Payments
Depreciation Amounts
Date and Time functions:
DATE – Converts a serial number to a day of the month
Day of Week
DAYS360 – Calculates the number of days between two dates based on a 360-day year
TIME – Returns the serial number of a particular time
HOUR – Converts a serial number to an hour
MINUTE – Converts a serial number to a minute
TODAY – Returns the serial number of today’s date
MONTH – Converts a serial number to a month
YEAR – Converts a serial number to a year
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET You don’t have to memorize the functions but should have an idea of what each can do for you.
Finding the Sum of a Range of Data
The AutoSum function allows you to create a formula that includes a cell range-many cells in a column, for example, or many cells in a row.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_functionform_autosumbut.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
To Calculate the AutoSum of a Range of Data:
Type the numbers to be included in the formula in separate cells of column B (Ex: type 128 in cell B2, 345 in cell B3, 243 in cell B4, 97 in cell B5 and 187 cell B6).
Click on the first cell (B2) to be included in the formula.
Using the point-click-drag method, drag the mouse to define a cell range from cell B2 through cell B6.
On the Standard toolbar, click the Sum button.
The sum of the numbers is added to cell B7, or the cell immediately beneath the defined range of numbers.
Notice the formula, =SUM(B2:B6), has been defined to cell B7. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_functionform_autosumrang.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Finding the Average of a Range of Numbers
The Average function calculates the average of a range of numbers. The Average function can be selected from the AutoSum drop-down menu.
To Calculate the Average of a Range of Data:
Type the numbers to be included in the formula in separate cells of column B (Ex: type 128 in cell B2, 345 in cell B3, 243 in cell B4, 97 in cell B5 and 187 cell B6).
Click on the first cell (B2) to be included in the formula.
Using the point-click-drag method, drag the mouse to define a cell range from cell B2 through cell B6.
On the Standard toolbar, click on the drop-down part of the AutoSum button. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_autosumbut.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Select the Average function from the drop-down Functions list. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_autosumbut_average.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The average of the numbers is added to cell B7, or the cell immediately beneath the defined range of numbers.
Notice the formula, =AVERAGE(B2:B6), has been defined to cell B7. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_functionform_average.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Accessing Excel 2003 Functions
To Access Other Functions in Excel:
Using the point-click-drag method, select a cell range to be included in the formula.
On the Standard toolbar, click on the drop-down part of the AutoSum button.
If you don’t see the function you want to use (Sum, Average, Count, Max, Min), display additional functions by selecting More Functions. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_autosumbut_movefunctions.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The Paste Function dialog box opens.
There are three ways to locate a function in the Insert Function dialog box:
You can type a question in the Search for a function box and click GO, or
You can scroll through the alphabetical list of functions in the Select a function field, or
You can select a function category in the Select a category drop-down list and review the corresponding function names in the Select a function field. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_insertfunctiondb_datetime.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Select the function you want to use and then click the OK button.
Challenge!
Open your Monthly Budget file.
Type the following in Row 1:
February in D1.
March in E1.
April in F1.
May in G1.
June in H1.
July in I1.
August in J1.
September in K1.
October in L1.
November in M1.
December in N1.
Total in O1.
Type the amount of your expenses in each cell in Column D (cells 2 through 17), just like you did with Column C in a previous challenge.
Delete the number in C15.
Type a function in cell C15 that adds the range of cells, C2 through C14.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_examplesumchallenge7.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Fill the formula from C15 to D15 through O15.
Type your Income for the month of February in D16.
Type a formula in O17 that adds your savings for the year. Since you have only entered data for the month of January and February, this amount indicates your savings for the two months.
Save and close the Monthly Budget spreadsheet.

Lesson 8: Working with multiple worksheets
By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:
Name Worksheets
Insert and Delete Worksheets
Group and Ungroup Worksheets
Copy and Move Worksheets
Naming Worksheets
At the beginning of this course, we learned that the tabs displayed at the bottom of the screen are named Sheet1, Sheet2 and Sheet3. These are not very informative names. Excel 2003 allows you to define a meaningful name for each worksheet in a workbook-Checkbook, Reports, Accounts-so you can quickly locate information.

To Name a Worksheet:
Double-click the sheet tab to select it. The text is highlighted by a black box. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_sheettabs_sheet1.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Type a new name for the worksheet. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_sheettabs_checkbook.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Press the Enter key.
The worksheet now assumes the descriptive name defined.
Inserting Worksheets
By default, each new workbook in Excel 2003 defaults to three worksheets named Sheet1, Sheet2 and Sheet3. You have the ability to insert new worksheets if needed or delete others you no longer want.
To Insert a New Worksheet:
Choose Insert INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Worksheet from the menu bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_insertmn_worksheet.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
A new worksheet tab is added to the bottom of the screen. It will be named Sheet4, Sheet5 or whatever the next sequential sheet number may be in the workbook.

Deleting Worksheets
Any worksheet can be deleted from a workbook, including those that have data in it. Remember, a workbook must contain at least one worksheet.
To Delete One or More Worksheets:
Click on the sheet(s) you want to delete.
Choose Edit INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Delete Sheet from the menu bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_editmn_deletesheet.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The following dialog box appears if the sheet being deleted contains information on it. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_deletedb_confirm.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click the Delete button to remove the worksheet and all the data in it.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Another way to delete or insert a worksheet is to right-click on the sheet to be deleted and then select Delete or Insert from the shortcut menu.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_sheetshortcutmn.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Grouping and Ungrouping Worksheets
A workbook is a multi-page Excel document that contains multiple worksheets. Sometimes you will want to work with the worksheets one at a time as if each is a single unit. Other times, the same information or formatting may need to be added to every worksheet. You can type and retype the same information in each worksheet, or apply identical formatting, or you can group the worksheet and enter the information once.
Worksheets can also be combined together into a group. Grouping worksheets allows you to apply identical formulas and/or formatting across all the worksheets in the group. When you group worksheets, any changes made to one worksheet will also be changed in any other worksheets in the group. If many worksheets are to have the same data–regions, departments, quarters, months, weeks and days, for example–then you type it once and it will appear on every worksheet included in the grouping.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_group_worksheets.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
To Group Worksheets:
To select one worksheet, click on the sheet tab.
To select more than one worksheet, hold the Control key down and click on one or more worksheet tabs in the workbook.
To select all worksheets in a workbook, right-click on any worksheet tab and choose Select All Sheets from the shortcut menu.
When finished entering, moving, copying or formatting the data, you will need to ungroup worksheets. If you do not ungroup the sheets, any work you do in one sheet will be duplicated in all the others.
To Ungroup Worksheets:
Right-click on any of the selected worksheet tabs.
Choose Ungroup Sheets from the shortcut menu.

Moving Worksheets
When you move a sheet, you are moving it to a new location in this or another workbook.
To Move a Workbook:
Select the worksheet you want to move/copy.
Choose Edit INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Move or Copy from the menu bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_editmn_movecopysheet.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
In the Move or Copy dialog box, use the drop down boxes to select the name of the workbook you will move the sheet to (the current workbook is the default). Also define where you want the sheet positioned in the workbook. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_movecopydb_checkbook.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Check Create a copy to copy it.
Click the OK button to move the worksheet to its new location.
Copying Worksheets
When you copy a sheet, you make an exact copy of it.
To Copy a Worksheet:
Select the worksheet you want to move/copy.
Choose Edit INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Move or Copy from the menu bar.
In the Move or Copy dialog box, use the drop down boxes to select the name of the workbook you will copy the sheet to (the current workbook is the default). Also define where you want the sheet positioned in the workbook.
Click the Create a copy checkbox. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_movecopydb_sheet1copy.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click OK to create an exact copy of the worksheet and move it to the location specified.
Challenge!
Open your Monthly Budget file.
Rename Sheet1 to 2005, Sheet2 to 2006 and Sheet3 to 2007.
Insert two worksheets and name them 2008 and 2009.
Move the 2008 and 2009 worksheets so they are immediately following the 2007 sheet.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_groupingexamplechallenge8.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Use the Grouping feature so that the 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 sheets contain the same information as Column A and Row 1 of the 2005 sheet.
Delete the 2009 sheet.
Save and close the Monthly Budget document.

Lesson 9: Inserting and Deleting Rows and Columns
By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:
Insert rows and columns
Delete rows and columns
Inserting a row
You can insert a row in a spreadsheet anywhere you need it. Excel moves the existing rows down to make room for the new one.
To Insert a Row:
Click anywhere in the row below where you want to insert the new row.
Choose Insert INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Rows from the menu bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_insertmn_rows.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
A new row is inserted above the cell(s) you originally selected.
OR
Click anywhere in the row below where you want to insert the new row.
Right-click and choose Insert from the shortcut menu. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_shortcutmn_insert.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The Insert dialog box opens. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_insertdb_row.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Choose the Entire Row radio button.
Click the OK button.
A new row is inserted above the cell(s) you originally selected. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_insertrowss.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Select multiple rows before choosing Insert to add rows quickly. Excel inserts the same number of new rows that you originally selected.
Inserting a column
In Excel, you can insert a column anywhere you need it. Excel moves the existing columns to make room for the new one.
To Insert a Column:
Click anywhere in the column where you want to insert a new column.
Choose Insert INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Columns from the menu bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_insertmn_columns.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
A new column is inserted to the left of the existing column.
OR
Click anywhere in the column where you want to insert a new column.
Right-click and choose Insert from the shortcut menu. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_shortcutmn_insert2.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The Insert dialog box opens. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_insertcolumndb.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click the Entire Column radio button in the Insert dialog box.
Click the OK button.
A new column is inserted to the left of the existing column. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_insertcolumnss.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET You can also select multiple columns before choosing Insert to add columns quickly. Excel inserts the same number of new columns that you originally selected.
Deleting columns and rows
Columns and rows are deleted in much the same manner as inserting columns and rows.
To Delete a Row and All Information in It:
Select a cell in the row to be deleted.
Choose Edit INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Delete from the menu bar.
Click the Entire Row radio button in the Delete dialog box. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_deleterowdb.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click the OK button.
To Delete a Column and All Information in it:
Select a cell in the column to be deleted.
Choose Edit INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Delete from the menu bar.
Click the Entire Column radio button in the Delete dialog box. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_deletecolumndb.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click the OK button.
Challenge!
Open your Monthly Budget file.
Delete the blank Column B.
After you delete the blank Column B it may look like this:
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_deletecolumnexample.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Save and close the document.

Lesson 10: Changing Column Width and Row Height
By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:
Change column width
Change row height
Adjusting column widths
By default, Excel’s columns are 8.43 characters wide, but each individual column can be enlarged to 240 characters wide.
If the data being entered in a cell is wider or narrower than the default column width, you can adjust the column width so it is wide enough to contain the data.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_colwidthss.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET You can adjust column width manually or use AutoFit.
To Manually Adjust a Column Width:
Place your mouse pointer to the right side of the gray column header.
The mouse pointer changes to the adjustment tool (double-headed arrow). INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_colwidthss_pointer.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Drag the Adjustment tool left or right to the desired width and release the mouse button. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_colwidthss_adjust.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
To AutoFit the Column Width:
Place your mouse pointer to the right side of the column header.
The mouse pointer changes to the adjustment tool (double-headed arrow).
Double-click the column header border.
Excel “AutoFits” the column, making the entire column slightly larger than the largest entry contained in it.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET To access AutoFit from the menu bar, choose Format INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Column INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET AutoFit Selection.
Adjusting row height
Changing the row height is very much like adjusting a column width. There will be times when you want to enlarge a row to visually provide some space between it and another row above or below it.
To Adjust Row Height of a Single Row:
Place your mouse pointer to the lower edge of the row heading you want to adjust.
The mouse pointer changes to the adjustment tool (double-headed arrow). INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_rowheightss_adjbefore.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Drag the Adjustment tool up or down to the desired height and release the mouse button. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_rowheightss_adjafter.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
To AutoFit the Row Height:
Place your mouse pointer to the lower edge of the row heading you want to adjust.
The mouse pointer changes to the adjustment tool (double-headed arrow).
Double-click to adjust the row height to “AutoFit” the font size.
Excel 2003 “AutoFits” the row, making the entire row slightly larger than the largest entry contained in the row.
Challenge!
Open your Monthly Budget file.
AutoFit the column width of Column A.
Manually adjust the column width for any columns that you need to enlarge. For example, Column J may need to be adjusted so the word September fits in the cell.
Adjust the row height of Row 1 to at least double its current width.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_challenge10example.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Save and close the document.

Lesson 11: Inserting and Deleting Cells
By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:
Insert cells
Delete cells
Merge cells
Inserting a cell
When working in an Excel 2003 worksheet, you may need to insert or delete cells without inserting or deleting entire rows or columns.
To Insert Cells:
Select the location where the new cell(s) should be inserted. It can be a single cell or a range of cells.
Right-click and choose Insert.Note: You could also choose Insert INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Cell on the menu bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_shortcutmn_insertcell.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The Insert dialog box opens. Select either:
Shift cells right to shift cells in the same row to the right.
Shift cells down to shift selected cells and all cells in the column below it downward. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_insertcelldb_down.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Choose an option and click the OK button.
Your result displays in the spreadsheet. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_insertcell.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Remember, you can also use the Insert dialog box to insert or delete columns and rows.
Deleting a cell
To Physically Delete the Cell from the Spreadsheet:
Right-click and choose Delete. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_shortcutmn_delete.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The Delete dialog box opens. Select either:
Shift cells left to shift cells in the same row to the left.
Shift cells up to shift selected cells and all cells in the column above it upward. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_deletecelldb_up.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Choose an option and click the OK button.
Your result displays in your spreadsheet.
Merging cells
In Excel 2003, you have another alignment option available to you: merge and center. This is performed when you want to select one or more cells and merge them into a larger cell. The contents will be centered across the new merged cell.
The picture below shows why we might want to merge two cells. The spreadsheet presents Last Month and This Month Sales and Expenses for Sally. Notice that Sally’s name appears above the Last Month column. To evenly center Sally’s name across the two cells we would perform a merge and center.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_mergecellss_before.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
To Merge Two Cells Into One:
Select the cells that you want to merge. It can be cells in a column, row or both columns and rows.
Click the INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_mergebut.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Merge and Center button on the standard toolbar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_mergecenterbut.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The two cells are now merged into one. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_mergecellss_after.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Challenge!
Open your Monthly Budget file.
Insert a blank row above the current Row 1, which contains the months of the year.
Type My Budget in A1.
Use the merge and center function to center My Budget over Columns A through N.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_mergecenterexample.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Save and close the document.
Lesson 12: Text and Cell Alignments
By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:
Change horizontal cell alignment
Change vertical cell alignment
Change text control
Change text orientation
Using the Standard Toolbar to Align Text and Numbers in Cells
You’ve probably noticed by now that Excel 2003 left-aligns text (labels) and right-aligns numbers (values). This makes data easier to read.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_alignss_example.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
You do not have to leave the defaults. Text and numbers can be defined as left-aligned, right-aligned or centered in Excel 2003. The picture below shows the difference between these alignment types when applied to labels.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/exXP/exXP_alignss_example2.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Text and numbers may be aligned using the left-align, center and right-align buttons of the Formatting toolbar:
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_alignmentbut.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
To Align Text or Numbers in a Cell:
Select a cell or range of cells
Click on either the Left-Align, Center or Right-Align buttons in the standard toolbar.
The text or numbers in the cell(s) take on the selected alignment treatment.
Changing Horizontal Cell Alignment
We’ve previously seen how to align text or numbers using the left-align, center and right-align buttons in the standard toolbar. You can also define alignment in the Alignment tab of the Format Cells dialog box.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_alignmentss_horizontal.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET The Horizontal section features a drop-down that contains the same left, center, and right alignment options in the picture above and several more:
Fill
“Fills” the cell with the current contents by repeating the contents for the width of the cell.
Justify
If the text is larger than the cell width, Justify wraps the text in the cell and adjusts the spacing within each line so that all lines are as wide as the cell.
Center Across Selection
Contents of the cell furthest to the left are centered across the selection of cells. Similar to merge and center, except the cells are not merged.
To Change Horizontal Alignment using the Format Cells Dialog Box:
Select a cell or range of cells.
Choose Format INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Cells from the menu bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_formatmn_cells.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET (You could also right-click and choose Format Cells from the shortcut menu.)
The Format Cells dialog box opens.
Click the Alignment tab. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_formatcellsdb_alignmenttab.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click the Horizontal drop-down menu and select a horizontal alignment treatment.
Click OK to apply the horizontal alignment to the selected cell(s).

Changing Vertical Cell Alignment
You can also define vertical alignment in a cell, similar to how it is done for horizontal alignment. In Vertical alignment, information in a cell can be located at the top of the cell, middle of the cell or bottom of the cell. The default is bottom.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_alignmentss_vertical.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
To Change Vertical Alignment using the Format Cells Dialog Box:
Select a cell or range of cells.
Choose Format INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Cells from the menu bar.(You could also right-click and choose Format Cells from the shortcut menu.)
The Format Cells dialog box opens.
Click the Alignment tab.
Click the Vertical drop-down menu and select a vertical alignment treatment.
Click OK to apply the vertical alignment to the selected cell(s).
Changing Text Control
Text Control allows you to control the way Excel 2003 presents information in a cell. There are three types of Text control: Wrapped Text, Shrink-to-Fit and Merge Cells.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_alignment_textcontrol.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_arrow.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET The Wrapped Text wraps the contents of a cell across several lines if it’s too large than the column width. It increases the height of the cell as well.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_arrow.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Shrink-to-Fit shrinks the text so it fits into the cell; the more text in the cell the smaller it will appear in the cell.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_arrow.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Merge Cells can also be applied by using the INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_mergebut.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Merge and Center button on the standard toolbar.
To Change Text Control using the Format Cells Dialog Box:
Select a cell or range of cells.
Choose Format INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Cells from the menu bar.
The Format Cells dialog box opens.
Click the Alignment tab.
Click on either the Wrapped Text, Shrink-to-Fit or Merge Cells check boxes-or any combination of them-as needed.
Click the OK button.
Changing Text Orientation
The fourth type of cell alignment in the Format Cells dialog box is Text Orientation, which allows text to be oriented 90 degrees in either direction up or down.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_alignment_orientation.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
To Change Text Orientation using the Format Cells Dialog Box:
Select a cell or cell range to be subject to text control alignment.
Choose Format INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Cells from the menu bar.
The Format Cells dialog box opens.
Click the Alignment tab.
Increase or decrease the number shown in the Degrees field or spin box.
Click the OK button.
Challenge!
Open your Monthly Budget file.
Center the text horizontally in Column A and Row 2.
Apply a distributed vertical text alignment to Row 2.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_alignmentexample.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Save your document.
Use the text control and text orientation features so that you are familiar with them.
Close the document without saving any of the formatting from the text control and text orientation features.

Lesson 13: Formatting Numbers
By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:
Format the display of numbers
Format the date
Format the time
Format the display of percentages
Formatting Numbers in the Format Cells Dialog Box
Numbers in Excel can assume many different formats: Date, Time, Percentage or Decimals.
To Format the Appearance of Numbers in a Cell:
Select a cell or range of cells.
Choose Format INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Cells from the menu bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_formatmn_cells.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET (You could also right-click and choose Format Cells from the shortcut menu.)
The Format Cells dialog box opens.
Click the Number tab. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_formatcellsdb_numbertab.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click Number in the Category drop-down list. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_formatcellsdb_number.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Use the Decimal places scroll bar to select the number of decimal places (e.g., 2 would display 13.50, 3 would display 13.500).
Click the Use 1000 Separator box if you want commas (1,000) inserted in the number.
Use the Negative numbers drop-down list to indicate how numbers less than zero are to be displayed.
Click the OK button.
Formatting Date in the Format Cells Dialog Box
The date can be formatted in many different ways in Excel 2003. Here are a few ways it can appear:
October 6, 200310/06/0310-Oct-03
To Format the Appearance of a Date in a Cell:
Select a cell or range of cells.
Choose Format INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Cells from the menu bar.
The Format Cells dialog box opens.
Click the Number tab.
Click Date in the Category drop-down list. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_formatcellsdb_date.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Select the desired date format from the Type drop-down list.
Click the OK button.
Formatting Time in the Format Cells Dialog Box
The time can be formatted in many different ways in Excel 2003. Here are a few ways it can appear:
13:301:30 PM
To Format the Appearance of Time in a Cell:
Select the range of cells you want to format.
Choose Format INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Cells from the menu bar.
The Format Cells dialog box opens.
Click the Number tab.
Click Time in the Category drop-down list. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_formatcellsdb_time.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Select the desired time format from the Type drop-down list.
Click the OK button.
Formatting Percentage in the Format Cells Dialog Box
There may be times you want to display certain numbers as a percentage. For example, what percentage of credit cards bills account for your total monthly expenses?

To Express Numbers as a Percentage in a Spreadsheet:
Select a cell or range of cells. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_cellrangess_percentage.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Choose Format INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Cells from the menu bar.
The Format Cells dialog box opens.
Click the Number tab.
Click Percentage in the Category drop-down list. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_formatcellsdb_percentage.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Define the Decimal Places that will appear to the right of each number.
Click the OK button. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_rangecellss_percentage.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Challenge!
Open your Monthly Budget file.
Format the numbers in the spreadsheet as Currency without the $ symbol.
Fill the formula from B19 to C19 through N19. This text INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_challenge13.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET will appear in cell 19 of Columns D through N because expenses have not been entered for those columns yet.
Select Row 19 and format the numbers as a percent with no decimal places.
An Example:
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_currencyandpercent.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Save and close the document.

Lesson 14: Applying Font, Color and Borders to Cells
By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:
Apply fonts
Apply a font color
Apply borders
Change font type, size and color
In Excel 2003 a font consists of three elements: Typeface, or the style of the letter; Size of the letter; and Color of the letter. The default font in a spreadsheet is Arial 10 points, but the typeface and size can be changed easily.
Selecting a Font Typeface:
The amount of typefaces available for use varies depending on the software installed on your computer.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_typefaces.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
To Apply a Typeface to Information in a Cell:
Select a cell or range of cells.
Click on the down arrow to the right of the Font Name list box on the Formatting toolbar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_fontbox.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
A drop-down list of available fonts appears. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_fontbox_arial.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click on the Typeface of your choice.
The selection list closes and the new font is applied to the selected cells.
Change font type, size and color (continued)
To Apply a Font Size to Information in a Cell:
The “Font Size” list varies from typeface to typeface. The Arial font sizes, for example, are 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 36, 48, 72.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_pointsizes.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Select a cell or range of cells.
Click on the down arrow to the right of the font size list box on the Formatting toolbar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_sizebox.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
A drop down list of available font sizes appears. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_sizelbox_10.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click on the Font Size of your choice.
The selection list closes and the new font size is applied to the selected cells.
Change font type, size and color (continued)
To Apply Color to Information in Cells:
Select a cell or range of cells.
Click on the down arrow to the right of the font color list box. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_colorbut.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
A drop-down list of available colors appear. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_colordb.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click on the color of your choice.
The selection list closes and the new font color is applied to the selected cells.

Underline, italics and bold
In addition to the typeface, size and color, you can also apply Bold, italics, and/or underline font style attributes to any text or numbers in cells.
To Select a Font Style:
Select a cell or range of cells.
Click on any of the following options on the Formatting toolbar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_biutbbut.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Bold button (Ctrl + B).
Italics button (Ctrl + I).
Underline button (Ctrl + U).
The attribute(s) selected (bold, italics, or underline) are applied to the font.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET The Bold, Italics, and Underline buttons on the Formatting toolbar are like toggle switches. Click once to turn it on, click again to turn it off.
Design and apply styles
Styles can save a lot of time when formatting a spreadsheet. A Style is a unique collection of font attributes (Number, Alignment, Font, Border, Patterns and Protection). Many different styles can be created in a spreadsheet, each with different attributes and names. When applied to a cell, information in it resembles the attributes defined for that style.
To Apply a style:
Select the cell or range of cells.
Choose Format INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Style from the menu bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_formatmn_style.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Select a style from the Style name drop-down list. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_styledb.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET You can change the style attributes (Number, Alignment, Font, Border, Patterns and Protection) for any Style Name.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET You can create new styles by clicking on the Add button in the Style dialog box.
Adding a border to cells
Borders can be applied to cells in your worksheet in order to emphasize important data or assign names to columns or rows.
To Add a Border to a Cell or Cell Range:
Select a cell or range of cells.
Click on the down arrow next to the Borders button.
The Border drop-down appears. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_borderlbox.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Choose a borderline style from the Border drop-down menu.
The selected cells display the chosen border.

Adding Color to Cells
Colors can be applied to cells in your worksheet in order to emphasize important data or assign names to columns or rows.
To Add Color to a Cell:
Select a cell or range of cells.
Click the down arrow next to the Font Color button. A Font Color drop-down menu displays. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_colorbox.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Choose a font color from the Font Color drop-down menu. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_colorbox_examples.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The selected cells display the color.
Challenge!
Open your Monthly Budget file.
Bold the words My Budget in Row 1 and change the font to Verdana, size 14.
Format the other labels (Rent, Car Payment, Insurance, etc.) as Arial, bold, size 10.
Use AutoFit to format Columns A, J, L, and M.
Change the font color of all your expenses to RED.
Change the font color of all your income to GREEN.
Apply at least one border.
An Example:
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_challenge14example.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Save and close the document.

Lesson 15: Creating a Chart
By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:
Identify the parts of a chart
Identify different types of charts
Create an Embedded Chart
Create a Chart Sheet
Understanding the Different Chart Types
Excel 2003 allows you to create many different kinds of charts.
Area Chart
An area chart emphasizes the trend of each value over time. An area chart also shows the relationship of parts to a whole.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chart_area.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Column Chart
A column chart uses vertical bars or columns to display values over different categories. They are excellent at showing variations in value over time.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chart_column.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Bar Chart
A bar chart is similar to a column chart except these use horizontal instead of vertical bars. Like the column chart, the bar chart shows variations in value over time.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chart_bar.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Line Chart
A line chart shows trends and variations in data over time. A line chart displays a series of points that are connected over time.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chart_line.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Pie Chart
A pie chart displays the contribution of each value to the total. Pie charts are a very effective way to display information when you want to represent different parts of the whole, or the percentages of a total.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chart_pie.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Other Charts
Other charts that can be created in Excel 2003 include: Doughnut; Stock XY (scatter); Bubble; Radar; Surface; or Cone, Cylinder, and Pyramid charts.
Identifying the Parts of a Chart
Have you ever read something you didn’t fully understand but when you saw a chart or graph, the concept became clear and understandable? Charts are a visual representation of data in a worksheet. Charts make it easy to see comparisons, patterns, and trends in the data.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chartss_datasource.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Source Data
The range of cells that make up a chart. The chart is updated automatically whenever the information in these cells change.
Title
The title of the chart.
Legend
The chart key, which identifies each color on the chart represents.
Axis
The vertical and horizontal parts of a chart. The vertical axis is often referred to as the Y axis, and the horizontal axis is referred to as the X axis.
Data Series
The actual charted values, usually rows or columns of the source data.
Value Axis
The axis that represents the values or units of the source data.
Category Axis
The axis identifying each data series.
Creating a Chart Using the Chart Toolbar
Charts can be created in a number of ways in Excel 2003. The quickest way to create and edit your charts is to use the Chart Toolbar.
To Show the Chart Toolbar:
Choose View INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Toolbars INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Chart on the menu bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_viewmn_toolbarschart.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Parts of the Chart Toolbar:
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_charttb.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Chart Objects List Box
This list box lets you select different parts of a chart for editing.
Format Chart Area
Used to format that part of the chart which is currently selected.
Chart Type
A drop-down menu that lets you select different types of charts. The chart type can be changed at any time.
Legend
Used to show or hide the chart legend.
Data Table
Used to show or hide the actual Source Data used to create the chart.
By Row
Plots the Data Series using the row labels (Y-axis).
By Column
Plots the Data Series using the column labels (X-axis).
Angle Text
Use to rotate the angle of the X-axis and Y-axis labels.
Creating an Embedded Chart
Charts can be created in either of two ways in Excel 2003: Embedded Charts and a Chart Sheet. Excel creates an embedded chart by default. An embedded chart is placed on the same worksheet as the source data used to create it.
To Embed a Chart in a Worksheet:
Choose View INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Toolbars INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Chart on the menu bar.
Select the range of cells that you want to chart. Your source data should include at least three categories or numbers. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_rangess_chart.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click the chart type pull down on the chart toolbar and select the chart that you would like to use. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_charttb_chartdbox.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Open the chart options dialog box: Chart INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Options to add a title to your chart. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chartmn_chartoptions.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Select the Titles tab and type the title of the chart in the Chart Title text box. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chartoptionsdb.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Different charts work best with different data. A pie chart, for example, can only display one data series at a time.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Excel 2003 includes a 4-step Chart Wizard that you can use to guide you through the steps for creating a chart. Highlight the cell range you want to chart, choose Insert INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Chart on the menu bar and follow the instructions in the wizard.
Creating a chart sheet
Sometimes, you may want to create a chart and place it on a separate sheet in the workbook. This is called a Chart Sheet. Chart sheets can make your charts stand out, particularly when working with complicated spreadsheets.
To Move an Embedded Chart to a Chart Sheet:
Create an embedded chart.
Select the chart to be moved to a chart sheet.
Choose Chart INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Location from the menu bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chartmn_location.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
In the Chart Location dialog box, select the As a new sheet radio button.(The As object in radio button adds the chart as an embedded object on the worksheet.) INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chartlocationdb.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click the OK button. The chart is displayed on a separate Chart Sheet in the Workbook. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chartsheet.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET You can also use the Chart Location dialog box to rename the Chart Sheet.
Challenge!
Open your Monthly Budget file.
Type your income for the month of March in D17.
Type your expenses for the month of March in the appropriate cells of Column D.
The Total Expenses and Savings will be calculated for you because of the formula in each cell.
Create an embedded Column Chart using the expense data for the months of January and February.
Important Note: Do not include the data for rows 16 through 18 and do not include the data for the month of March.
Create a title for your chart and name it My Budget.

An Example:

INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_challenge15example.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Save and close the document.

Lesson 16: Moving, Resizing, and Deleting Charts
By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:
Move a chart
Resize a chart
Delete a chart
Moving a chart
An embedded chart can be moved anywhere on a worksheet. The easiest way to move a chart is to drag it around the worksheet.
To Move a Chart:
Click anywhere on the white space in the chart and use the cursor to drag the chart anywhere on the worksheet. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chartss_move.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Release the mouse button to place the graph in its new location.
Resizing a Chart
Charts can be resized-made larger or smaller-to fit on a worksheet. Chart Titles are sized in proportion to how large or small you make the chart. And within the Chart Area, the Legend and/or Plot Area can be made larger or smaller. Chart Titles can be moved but not resized.

To Resize a Chart:
Click anywhere on the white space of the chart area, plot area or legend you want to move or resize. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chartss_components.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Point the mouse to one of the Grab Handles or Resize Cursor-the pointer changes to a double-headed arrow-to resize the chart. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chartss_grabhandles.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Use the mouse to drag the sizing handle until the chart is resized to the desired size.

Deleting a Chart
Any embedded chart or chart sheet can be deleted from a worksheet. A chart sheet is deleted in the same manner a worksheet is deleted. This section discusses how to delete an embedded chart.
To Delete a Chart:
Click anywhere on the white space of the chart area to select the chart.
Press the Delete key on your keyboard.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET If you have difficulty deleting a chart, click anywhere outside of the chart and then select the chart again.
Challenge!
Open your Monthly Budget file.
Move the chart so that it is located below Row 19 and all the data.
Resize the chart so that it is larger than its current size.
Save and close the document.

Lesson 17: Editing Charts
By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:
Change Chart Data
Change the Chart Title
Change the Data Series Names or Legend Names
Change the Chart Type
Changing Chart Data
When you add a chart to your worksheet, Excel creates a link between the chart and your source data. Any changes made to the original source data are automatically reflected in the chart.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chartss_editdatasource.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
To Change Chart Values Directly in Worksheet Cells:
Open the worksheet that contains the chart to be changed.
Click in the cell whose value will change and type the new value.
Press Enter to accept the new value.
Changing Chart Data (continued)
To Add Data to an Existing Chart:
Rows or columns of data can be added to an existing chart by selecting the Add Data option on the Chart Menu.
Input any new Source Data into the worksheet (e.g., a new column called South America). INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chartss_adddata.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click on the chart to select it for editing.
Choose Chart INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Add Data from the menu bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chartmn_adddata.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The Add Data dialog box appears.
Select the cell range of new data to be added to the chart. Marching ants appear around the cell range. The selected cells are added to the Add Data dialog box. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_adddatadb_range.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click the OK button to add the new data to the chart.
Changing the Chart Title
The Chart Title can be changed at any time to a name that’s meaningful to you.

To Change the Chart Title on the Chart:
Click on the Chart Title. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chartss_charttitle.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click anywhere in the title name and make any changes to the text. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chartss_charttitledit.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click anywhere outside of the title to apply your changes.

Changing the Data Series Names or Legend Text
Data Series Names and Legend Text are changed in much the same manner as when you changed Chart Values in the worksheet.
To Change the Data Series Names or Legend Text on the Worksheet:
Click the cell that contains the Data Series name or Legend that you want to change. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chartss_serieslegendexample.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Type the new name.
Press the Enter key to add the new name to the chart.
Changing the Chart Type
There are 14 different types of charts in Excel 2003, and, with each chart type, there can be several variations. You can see that you can create any number of different charts. The Chart Type can be changed at any time with a couple of clicks of the mouse.
To Select a Different Chart Type:
Click on the chart to select it for editing.
Click on the Chart Type dropdown list box and select a different chart. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chartddbox_line.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The new chart replaces that one selected for change.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chartss_newtitleadded.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Challenge!
Open your Monthly Budget file.
Change the dollar amount of Gas you spent in the month of February (cell C11) and press Enter to accept the new value.
Notice how the chart changes when you make that modification. Also, the values in C16 and C18 change automatically.
If you did not see the chart change, try entering another number into C11.
Add the data for the month of March to the chart.
Change the chart title from My Budget to whatever you wish to name it.
Save and close the document.

Lesson 18: Formatting a Chart
By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:
Format the chart title
Format the chart legend
Format the axis
Formatting the Chart Title
The Chart Title can be formatted to change color, pattern, typeface, size and alignment using the Format Chart Title dialog box.
To format the chart title:
Select the Chart Title. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chartss_formattitle.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click the Format Button on the Chart Toolbar (or double click the Chart Title). INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_charttb_formatitlebut.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The Format Chart Title dialog box contains three different tabs-Patterns, Font and Alignment-that can be used to format the Chart Title.
The Patterns tab lets you define borders and fill colors (see lesson 13).
The Font tab lets you define Font, Font Style, Size and Color (see lesson 11).
The Alignment tab lets you define horizontal and vertical cell placement, as well as text orientation (see lesson 11). INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_formatcharttitledb_font.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click the OK button to accept the Chart Title format changes.
Formatting the Chart Legend
The chart legend displays very useful information about the chart. Like a roadmap, the Legend identifies what different colors or objects represent in the chart. The Chart Legend, like the Chart Title and Category Axis Labels, can be formatted to your liking.
To Format the Chart Legend:
Press the show/hide legend button on the Chart Toolbar to turn on the Legend display. (This button acts like a toggle by turning the display on or off.) INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chartss_legendexample.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click to select the Chart Legend.
Click the Format Button on the Chart Toolbar (or double click the chart legend). INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_charttb_formatlegendbut.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The Format Legend dialog box contains three different tabs-Patterns, Font and Alignment-that can be used to format the Chart Title.
The Patterns tab lets you define borders and fill colors.
The Font tab lets you define Font, Font Style, Size and Color.
The Placement tab lets you define the location where the Legend will appear on the chart. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_formatlegenddb_placement.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click the OK button to accept the Chart Legend format changes.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET The only way to change the actual text that appears in the Chart Legend is to change the Source Data in the worksheet.
Formatting the Axis Labels
We’ve previously made reference to a Y-axis and an X-axis in Excel. In Excel, a graph represents a data in two dimensions. The number of items sold in January is data on two dimensions: number of items and month. The number of items might be plotted on one axis, Y-axis, while the month may be plotted on the X-axis. The Y-axis runs up-and-down on the graph. The X-axis runs left-to-right.
When formatting the Axis labels in your chart, you can adjust the numbers on the Scale of the chart as well as change font, color, and style.
To Format an Axis:
Click anywhere in the Axis label that you want to edit: INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/exXP/exXP_chartss_xaxis.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/exXP/exXP_chartss_yaxis.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click the Format Button on the Chart Toolbar (or double click the chart axis). INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_charttb_formataxisbut.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The Format Axis dialog box contains five different tabs-Patterns, Font and Alignment-that can be used to format the Chart Title.
The Patterns tab lets you define borders and tick marks.
The Scale tab lets you define numeric intervals on the Value (Y) Axis scale.
The Font tab lets you define Font, Font Style, Size and Color.
The Number tab lets you define the format of numbers displayed in the Axis (see lesson 12).
The Alignment tabs let you define text orientation (see lesson 11). INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_formataxisdb_number.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click the OK button to accept the Axis format changes.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET You can also use the angle axis buttons on the chart toolbar to change the angle of the value and category axis.
Changing the Data Series Color
When a chart is created in Excel 2003 you notice that color is automatically applied to the Data Series. You can keep this format or change it for each Data Series in the chart. Many different aspects of each data series can be changed, but you’ll probably change the color of bars, columns, pie slices and areas most often.
To Change the Color of a Data Series:
Select the data series that you wish to edit. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/exXP/exXP_chartss_dataseriesexample.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click the Format Button on the Chart Toolbar (or double click the data series). INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_charttb_formatdataseriesbut.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Use the Format Data Series dialog box to pick a new color. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_formatdataseriesdb_patterns.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click the OK button to accept the Data Series color changes.
Challenge!
Open your Monthly Budget file.
Format the chart title to Verdana, size 12 font.
Select the show/hide legend button until the legend is visible on the chart.
Format the legend placement so that it is to the left of the chart.
Format the y-axis so the currency amount has a dollar symbol ($) in front of it.
Modify the color of the January data series so that the January column appears GREEN.
Save and close the document.

Lesson 19: Defining Page Setup Options
By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:
Set page margins
Change page orientation and paper size
Create headers and footers
Create sheet settings
Setting Page Margins
The Page Margins define where on the page Excel will print the worksheet. By default, the top and bottom margins are set at 1 inch in Excel 2003. The left and right margins are set at .75 inch. Margin settings can be changed to whatever you want. Different margins can be defined for each worksheet in the workbook.
To Change the Margins in the Page Setup Dialog Box:
Select the correct worksheet.
Choose File INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Page Setup from the menu bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_filemn_pagesetup.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Select the Margins tab. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_pagesetupdb_marginstab.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Use the spin box controls to define the settings for each page margin-Top, Bottom, Left, Right, Header and Footer.
Click the OK button to change the margin settings.
Changing the Page Orientation and Paper Size
The Page tab of the Page Setup dialog box lets you change page orientation (portrait or landscape) or paper size (e.g., letter size or legal size). The default paper size in Excel 2003 is 8.5 X 11 inches, with a portrait orientation (prints up and down on the long side of the page). A landscape orientation, on the other hand, prints up and down on the short side of the page.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_pagesetupdb_pagetab-pa.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
To Change Page Orientation:
Select the correct worksheet.
Choose File INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Page Setup from the menu bar.
Click on the Page tab. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_pagesetupdb_pagetab.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Choose an Orientation (Portrait or Landscape) for the worksheet.
Select a Paper Size from the list of available paper size options that appear in the list box.
Click on the paper size.
Click the OK button to accept the page settings.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET The Page tab of the Page Setup dialog box lets you shrink the spreadsheet data so it fits on a specified number of pages when you print. Click the Fit to: option button and enter the desired number of pages wide and pages tall.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET The Page tab of the Page Setup dialog box lets define the resolution of the print job. Print Quality is measured in dpi, or dots per inch. High dpi provides a better print quality.
Creating Headers and Footers
Headers and Footers can be added to any worksheet, although not required. A Header is any information that appear at the top of each page. A Footer prints at the bottom of the page. If you want a header or footer inserted onto a page then you will have to define them. Excel 2003 defaults to no header and no footer.
To Create a Header:
Choose File INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Page Setup from the menu bar.
Select the Header/Footer tab in the Page Setup dialog box. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_pagesetupdb_headerfoo.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click the Header drop down list and select and of the predefined headers: INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_pagesetupdb_headfootabheadbox.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET ORclick the Custom Header button to create your own header. Follow the instructions in the Header dialog box to make your entry.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_pagesetupdb_headfootabcustomheaddb.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Click the OK button to return to the Page Setup dialog box.
To Create a Footer:
Choose File INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Page Setup from the menu bar.
Select the Header/Footer tab in the Page Setup dialog box.
Click the Footer drop down list and select one of the predefined footers. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_pagesetupdb_headfoottabfootlbox.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET ORClick the Custom Footer button to create your own footer. Follow the instructions in the Footer dialog box to make your entry.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET You can insert Placeholder buttons into both the header and footer to format text, insert page numbers, date, time, filename, or tab name. Excel replaces those placeholders with the information each represents when the worksheet is printed. Follow the instructions in the Header and Footer dialog boxes.
Creating Sheet Settings
The Sheet tab in the Page Setup dialog box provides additional print options you may want to add to your worksheet.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_pagesetupdb_sheettab.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Print Area
By default, Excel prints from the A1 to the last occupied cell in a worksheet. You can specify a different range of cells to print.
Print Titles
Prints column and row labels on each page of the printout. Specify these rows or columns in the Rows to Repeat at Top and Columns to Repeat at Left textboxes.
Print – Gridlines
Determines whether gridlines are printed. However, turning off gridlines does not affect their appearance in Normal View.
Print – Black and White
If you used colors in your worksheet but don’t want to waste the ink in your color printer, use black and white.
Print – Draft Quality
Choose draft quality to print the worksheet without gridlines or graphics.
Print – Row and Column Headings
Click this option to include row numbers and columns letters in your printed document.
Page Order
Determines the order in which worksheets are printed.
Challenge!
Open your Monthly Budget file.
Change the right and left margins to .5″.
Verify the top and bottom margins are 1″.
Change the Page Orientation to Landscape and verify the page size is 8.5 X 11″.
Create a custom footer with your name or GCF username in the left section and the date in the right section.
Save and close the document.

Lesson 20: Print Management
By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:
Specify a print area
Preview a page
Insert and remove page breaks
Print a worksheet or workbook
Specify a print area
In Excel 2003 you can print an entire workbook, a worksheet, a cell range or a cell. Excel defaults to printing the entire worksheet. But if you want to print only a certain area of a spreadsheet then you can define a print area.
To Specify a Print Area:
Choose View INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Page Break Preview from the menu bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_viewmn_pagebreakpreview.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
A reduced image of the chart is displayed on the screen.
Click on one of four blue-colored borders and drag to highlight and select the area to print. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_chartss_printrange.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Choose File INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Print Area INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Set Print Area on the menu bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_filemn_printarea.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Only that area you defined in the print range will print when the worksheet is submitted to the printer for printing.
Preview a page before printing
Excel 2003 provides a Print Preview capability that shows a smaller picture of the printed page directly on the computer screen. Print Preview is a good way for you to review the formatting and make sure the columns, rows and margins appear exactly where you want them.
To Print Preview:
Choose File INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Print Preview on the menu bar, orClick the Print Preview button on the standard toolbar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_filemn_printpreview.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
In Print Preview window, the document is sized so the entire page is visible on the screen. Simply check the spreadsheet for overall formatting and layout. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_printpreviewdb.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET The Zoom button in Print Preview will enlarge the data so it can be read.
Inserting and Removing a Page Break
There are two different kinds of page breaks in Excel: soft page breaks and hard page breaks. A soft page break is automatically inserted into a spreadsheet when there is too much data to fit on one page. A hard page break is one that you can insert into a spreadhseet, wherever you want it to appear.
To Insert a Page Break:
Move the cursor to the row where a page break needs to be inserted. This row will be the first row on the new page.
Choose Insert INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Page Break from the menu bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_filemnpagebreak.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
A page break, indicated by a dashed line, is inserted into the worksheet.
To Delete a Page Break:
Move the cursor to the row where a page break appears
Choose Insert INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Remove Page Break from the menu bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_filemn_removepagebreak.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The page break (represented by a dashed line) is removed from the page.
Printing a Worksheet or Workbook
Printing in Excel is much like printing in other Office applications like Microsoft Word. As previously mentioned, Excel defaults to printing the entire worksheet.
To Print a Worksheet:
Choose File INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Print from the menu bar. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_filemn_print.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
The Print dialog box opens. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_printdb.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Specify the Printer Name where the spreadsheet will print. If you only have one printer in your home or office, Excel will default to that printer.
In Print Range, choose whether to print All or a certain range of pages (Pages From n to y, where n and y are the beginning and ending page numbers.
In Print what, choose whether to print a Selection, the Active sheet or the Entire Workbook (all worksheets in the workbook). Excel defaults to the Active Sheet.
Choose the Number of Copies to print by clicking on the up or down arrows.
Click the OK button to print the worksheet.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_check.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Don’t print your Excel spreadsheet without checking spelling first! Excel includes two tools to help correct spelling errors: AutoCorrect and Spelling.
Challenge!
·ð    O p e n   y o u r   M o n t h l y   B u d g e t   f i l e .
·ð    S e l e c t   t h e   2 0 0 5   s h e e t .
·ð    U s e   P r i n t   P r e v i e w   t o   v i e w   t h e   s h e e t   a n d   t h e n   P r i n t   t h e   d o c u m e n t .
·ð    S a v e   a n d   c l o s e .
C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s !   Y o u   h a v e   c o m p l e t e d   a l l   t h e   t u t o r i a l s   a n d   c h a l l e n g e s   f o r   E x c e l   2 0 0 3 .

L e s s o n   2 1 :   U s i n g   AutoFilter INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computer/@siteGraphics/video_icon.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
By the end of this module, learners should be able to:
Filter data in a spreadsheet
Using AutoFilter
The AutoFilter feature makes filtering, or temporarily hiding, data in a spreadsheet very easy. This allows you to focus on specific spreadsheet entries.
To Use AutoFilter:
Select Data from the main menu.
Select Filter INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET AutoFilter.
Click the drop-down arrow next to the heading you would like to filter.
For example, if you would like to only view data from the West Sales Region, click the drop-down arrow next to Sales Region.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_autofilter2.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Choose the data you would like to display.
In this example, you would choose West. All other data will be filtered, or hidden, and only the West Sales Region data is visible.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_arrow.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Click the drop-down arrow again and select All to display all of your original data.
Lesson 22: Sorting Lists INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computer/@siteGraphics/video_icon.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
By the end of this module, learners should be able to:
Sort lists in ascending order
Sort lists in descending order
Sort multiple categories at the same time
Sorting Lists
Sorting lists is a common spreadsheet task that allows you to easily reorder your data. The most common type of sorting is alphabetical ordering, which you can do in ascending or descending order.
In this example, we will alphabetize the employee names.
To Sort in Ascending or Descending Order:
Select Data from the main menu.
Select Sort. The Sort dialog box will appear.
Select the category you would like to Sort by.
Select Ascending to sort in alphabetical order from A to Z.
Click OK. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_sort.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_arrow.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET To sort in reverse alphabetical order from Z to A, select Descending.
To Sort Multiple Categories:
Select Data from the main menu.
Select Sort. The Sort dialog box will appear.
Select the category you would like to Sort by.
Select Ascending to sort in alphabetical order from A to Z.
In the Then by section, select the second category you would like to sort.
Click OK to sort in alphabetical order and by sales region. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_sort2.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET

Lesson 23: Inserting, Viewing, and Editing Comments INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computer/@siteGraphics/video_icon.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
By the end of this module, learners should be able to:
Insert comments
View comments
Edit comments
Delete comments
Show and hide comments
Inserting, Viewing, and Editing Comments
There may be times you would like to leave a reminder or note in the spreadsheet for yourself or someone else. Excel allows you to easily insert comments in a cell, as well as view and edit those comments.
To Insert a Comment:
Select the cell where you would like to add a comment.
Choose Insert INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Comment from the main menu.
Enter your comment into the text box that appears next to the selected cell.
Click in any other cell. The comment box will disappear.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_arrow.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Notice the small, red triangle in the upper-right corner of the selected cell. This triangle indicates that there is a comment associated with the cell.
To Edit, Delete, Show, or Hide a Comment:
Right-click the cell with a comment.
Select Edit Comment, Delete Comment, or Show/Hide Comments from the menu. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_comments.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_arrow.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET To hide a comment after choosing to show it, simply right-click the cell, choose Hide Comment from the menu.

Lesson 24: Inserting Hyperlinks INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computer/@siteGraphics/video_icon.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
By the end of this module, learners should be able to:
Insert a hyperlink
Inserting Hyperlinks
You can insert hyperlinks into a spreadsheet to access specific websites from that spreadsheet. Many businesses use hyperlinks within spreadsheets to easily link to online documents that are relevant to that specific spreadsheet.
In this example, we are working with a personal budgeting spreadsheet. We will insert a hyperlink that links to the GCFLearnFree.org® website. The site offers a tutorial on Money Basics, which includes general budgeting information.
To Insert a Hyperlink to a Website:
Select the cell where you would like to insert the hyperlink.
Select Insert INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Hyperlink from the main menu. The Insert Hyperlink dialog box will appear.
Enter the text you would like to appear as your link in the Enter text to display: field.
Enter the website address in the Address: field at the bottom of the dialog box.
Click OK. The hyperlink will appear in your spreadsheet.
INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_hyperlink.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET

Lesson 25: Grouping Worksheets INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computer/@siteGraphics/video_icon.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
By the end of this module, learners should be able to:
Group worksheets
Format multiple worksheets at the same time
Formatting Worksheets
You can format multiple worksheets at the same time in Excel. To do this you must first group the worksheets together.
To Group and Format Worksheets:
Click the first sheet tab you would like to format.
Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard.
Click the last sheet tab you would like to format.
For example, if you have a workbook with three worksheets labeled 2005, 2006, and 2007, respectively, you would click the 2005 tab, press and hold the Shift key, and then click the 2007 tab. Both sheet tabs you clicked, and any in between, will be highlighted. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_formatworksheets2.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
Edit one of the worksheets.
Any changes you make to one sheet will appear in all the highlighted sheets. For example, if you delete a row in the first sheet, that row will no longer appear in any of the highlighted sheets.

Lesson 26: Applying and Modifying Cell Formats INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computer/@siteGraphics/video_icon.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
By the end of this module, learners should be able to:
Format cell styles using the Format Cells dialog box.
Format numbers, alignment, font, border, and patterns in a spreadsheet.
Applying and Modifying Cell Formats
You may want to modify the appearance of your spreadsheet to make it more visually appealing. Excel allows you to make cosmetic changes to cell formatting.
To Apply and Modify Cell Formats:
Use your mouse to select the cells you want to modify.
Select Format INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET Cells from the main menu. The Format Cells dialog box will appear.
Decide how you want to format the cells.
Select the tabs that allow you to make the desired changes.
Use the Format Cells drop-down menus and tools to make the desired changes.
Click OK. INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/ex03/ex03_cellformats.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET

In the Format Cells Dialog Box You Can Change:
Number Formatting
Alignment Formatting
Font Formatting
Border Formatting
And More!
Lesson 27: Creating New Workbooks from Templates INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computer/@siteGraphics/video_icon.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET
By the end of this module, learners should be able to:
View available templates
Create a new workbook from a template
Creating New Workbooks Using Templates
Excel allows your to create new workbooks using templates, or a predefined pattern. Several templates are preloaded in Excel and others are located on Microsoft Office Online.
To Create New Workbooks Using Templates On Your Computer:
Open Excel.
Select New from the menu. The New Workbook dialog box will appear.
File INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.gcflearnfree.org/graphics/lessons/com_lesson_action.gif” \* MERGEFORMATINET New from the main menu. The New Workbook task pane will appear.
Click On my computer… in the Templates section of the New Workbook task pane. The Templates dialog box will appear.
Select the Spreadsheet Solutions tab.
Select the template you wish to use.
Click OK.

Ep
I am Wernher-Bel P.  Ancheta. I am the product of the love of my parents. I was born on February 25, 1992. 10 PM at Bethany Hospital. San Fernando city La union. I spent my early childhood in Aparri, Cagayan. My mother’s hometown. I love to stay in Aparri because life in Aparri is simple. Not like here in San Fernando. It’s so complex. There are fewer tricycles that you can here passing the streets. Life is simpler. And you know you are safe and at peace. Of course because people in the province are better and nicer than people in the city (But of course, not all. Because there are also good-hearted people in the city). The air that you breathe is also fresher and the atmosphere is cooler because pollution is not yet so heavy like here in the city. But of course as time and years passes by. Aparri also changes. More and more Fast food chains are being constructed throughout the province. Internet cafes are also being built. Transportation evolves and more and more cars and other vehicles fill the streets of Aparri. But well, that’s life. One thing can never be the same. As the philosopher once ask in one of the book that I have red (History of Ancient Philosophy by Ignatius Yarza). If you soaked your feet on a river then soaked it again after a few seconds. Is it still the same river that you soaked your feet into? Of course not, because river flows like time does. It’s nice sometimes when you reminisce the moments of your childhood. And write it up like this so that other people will also know who you are and where you came from. And I can still remember the times when I’m playing in our park in Aparri, Cagayan. Wherein we climbed every single monkey bars. Slide through blue slides. Seesawed with a friend or a cousin while sharing childhood stories. We sat on every bench together with my family and cousins. We ate lunch and meryenda in the grassy area in the park where I was once bitten by the ants. We have also gone to the sea. But the sea doesn’t seem to welcome people who want to swim and resort from the daily stresses of life. Because the waves in our beach is huge. So I never got the chance to experience swimming on the beach.
And now, here are my most unforgettable moments in Aparri.
First was when I attended school where I met my very first friend. Marco Polo. I can still remember on our graduation when we were carrying the big bible.
Second, was when we have gone to Callao cave for a field trip. Together with our parents. It is so cool inside that place. The cave has many chambers. Wherein you can see numerous stalactites and stalagmites (the rock formations which you can see on the floor and on the ceiling of the cave. Which are like horns). We have also gone to Tuguegarrao, Cagayan on that field trip. Wherein we have gone to a radio station, a fast food chain (Jollibee), a fire station, an airport (wherein we have experienced to ride on a true airplane), a zoo, and a Planetarium.
Oh and I can still remember the name of my teacher at that time (kinder 1 at kidi kolege, Aparri, Cagayan). It was Ms. Gay Miguel. Together with the pastor that I cannot remember the name anymore.
Those were the happiest moment I wish would not end.
Now I shall share to you my childhood to adolescent story here in San Fernando. The hometown of my father.
I studied in CCNK (Capitol church). When I was four or five years old. It was not as great as the experience when I am in Aparri because I could not remember having a best friend in that school. And I can still remember the principal at that time. It was Mrs. Casuga.
And when I reached the age of six. My mother sent me to Gifted Learning Centre to study. The newest school at that time. Because it was only established in the year 1996. GLC was located at Governor Nisce street. Owned by Mr. Zamoranos and Mrs. Juliet Zamoranos. I spent my six years studying at Gifted Learning Centre. So I consider it my home school and my first alma mater. Who guided me for six years in elementary.
It was a great experience studying at Gifted. Where I met many friends and also foes. I can still remember my best friend’s name. It was Federico Maglayon and PJ Dumuk. I can still recall the times when we laughed out loud and tripped when our teacher is not around. But the most unforgettable of all was the day of our field trip in the Butterfly Garden/ Sanctuary. Where we almost got lost. Because we have really enjoyed hanging out in that place. The time was really not enough for us. And we forgot the time has passed. The school bus for the  grade 3 students has already returned to the school. And we (PJ, Fed, and I) were the only grade 3 students who were left. But fortunately we are caught by the higher grades and ask if what our grade is. Then we said: “We are grade 3.” Then they said: “the bus for grade 3 has already left.” So we went together with the grade 4 students. But because we are pasaway   at that time. We were scolded by our teachers.
We also have lots of fieldtrips for the 6 years that I stayed in Gifted. We have gone to planetariums, museums, trial courts (RTC), and other places which are really awesome and educational.
Gifted is really a great school even if it is not as spacious as the other schools. It is still the school were I met my friends, foes, good teachers and principal and also crushes. It is my foundation school. Without Gifted I am nothing.
Some of my teachers whom I still remember were teacher Jasmin Gazmen (Science teacher), Teacher Irvin Deloeg (EPP Teacher), Teacher Arneil Padrigan ( Filipino Teacher. But now he is our English Teacher here in Lorma Colleges), Teacher Glenda Bernardo(Science Teacher), Teacher Elizabeth Andrion ( Science and  Math teacher), Teacher Michelle Mina (English Teacher), Teacher Jeriel Cardinez (Hekasi and Arts teacher), Teacher Dominador Miranda( Math teacher), Teacher Paz( Computer Teacher), Teacher Daphne Ignacio (English Teacher), Teacher Mosuela (Music teacher), Teacher Dioren Baliton (GMRC Teacher). They were the only teacher whom I can remember by face and by name. And I am very thankful to them. For sharing to us their knowledge. They were all good teachers.
I can also remember our janitor at that time. It was Mr. Tsong and Mr. Edgar. Especially Mr. Edgar because he was a great janitor. He knows many jokes. And he always makes us laugh every time we see him cleaning in the silent corridors of Gifted.
I can also remember our strict principal Mr. Milagros F. Chan. She is very strict and students often curse her because of her strictness. But I’m not one of those students because I am a good boy. I only become bad when I am aggravated by super hard-headed classmates (My foes when I was in Elementary). One was Jerome Misanes, whom I often box with. Because he was too sadistic at that time. Almost all of our classmates hate him. Because of his bad doings. And I can’t help but to revenge with the bad things he has done. But now, I know he is now a new person. He has changed because he was sent to Bible Baptist by his parents in order for him to change. Now he is studying at UCC (Union Christian College). I know because he once came to our house to load his cell phone. That’s why I got the chance to talk to him for a while.
When there are enemies there are also competitors. Because life is boring without competitions. Some of my classmates whom I once compete with lightly (In academics) were: Christian Paul Maglaya, Jazenielle Jo Rulloda, Federico Maglayon, April Joy Apilado, Verne Jules Cabading, Riende Godoy, Aileen Braganza, Aileen Guevarra and lastly my greatest rival Arnel Dario. But it’s sad that I never got the chance to conquer him just for once.
I could not also forget some of my friends Beside from Fed and PJ. They were Ace Florendo and Ronell Jay Navalta. I have made only a few friends. But it does not matter as long as they are true.
That’s my Elementary life. It’s full of lessons to learn. That can guide me through my future.

The next day chapter of my life is high school life. This maybe the most unforgettable of all experiences.
I spent my high school years in the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University Mid-La Union Campus Laboratory High school or simply DMMSU-MLUC Lab High. It is really a great experience studying at DMMMSU even though the facilities in that school is not as good and as many as the facilities in other schools. I still enjoyed it. And I treasure every moments I spent with my teachers, friends, classmates, and other people from that institution. And I will surely miss the moments in the classroom. Where my classmates are so noisy, sharing there own stories to their friends. While the teacher is discussing. The happiest moments when our teacher is not around. We rock and roll. Enjoying the remaining time. The tampuhan and sweet moments of some of our classmates. The kulitan sessions. And of course, we can never avoid na may magka-pikunan at may magsuntukan.But that’s life. The high school life the DMMMSU way. And we cannot also forget when our teachers scolded us because of some reasons. Especially our principal Ms. Cleofe Bello and Dr. Florecita Nartates. Who is very strict. And she cannot control the words coming out of her mouth when she is angry. That was really terrible. But we still thank her for all the things she has thought to us. All the lessons and stories she has shared to us.
I am also very thankful to our teachers from first year to fourth year. Like Mr. Tumbaga ( 1st year Social Studies teacher), who always share to us his not so green jokes. Dr. Florecita Nartates( 1st  year Science and 2nd year Biology and Research teacher), Mr. Leonardo Graycochea(4th year Trigonometry teacher), Mrs. Eleanor Nisperos(3rd year Chemistry teacher), Mr. Aloysius Aurelio(2nd year and 3rd year Math and Geometry teacher), Mrs. Noemi Boado(2nd year Computer teacher, 3rd year Statistics teacher,4th year physics teacher), Mrs. Primitiva Quevedo(3rd year Social Studies teacher, 4th  year Economics teacher), Mr. Arnulfo Amoite(3rd year Auto Diesel Teacher), Mr. Orlando Ducusin(2nd year Drafting Teacher and 4th year Ceramics Teacher), Mrs. Agnes Vega( 1st year-4th year Filipino teacher), Mrs. Alma Apilado(1st year EPP  and values teacher),Mrs. Elena Patacsil( 3rd year English teacher), Mrs. Evelyn Ochoco(2nd yr and 4th year English teacher, and 3rd year journalism teacher), Mr. Rex de Guzman(1st year Speech and drama teacher, 1st year-4th year P.E.H.M Teacher),one of my favorite teacher. Because he always shares to us his funny stories. And also his life stories. Which are sometimes sad.
I am also very thankful to my best friends. Although few but they are true and good friends. Namely: Aljean Apigo (also my batch mate when I  am studying at Gifted Learning Centre), Arten dela Cruz, Francis Michael Honrales. We are the so-called The three musketeers. Because we are always seen together. The name three musketeers was given to us by Ma’am Alma Apilado our EPP  teacher.
I have also friends. They are Patricia Ofrecio, Kim Han Piell Carmelo, and Krisha Alcantara. Although we are not so close. I consider them my brothers and sisters.
My most unforgettable experience in high school was: First, our field trip when we were in second year. It was a field trip to all the campus of DMMMSU here in La Union. I learned so many things in that field trip. It was also great to see all the DMMMSU Campuses here in La Union. All campuses are so spacious. And offers a variety of courses. Second is the Prom night. Who wouldn’t forget that night. Where we get to dance and talk to our classmates and crushes. It’s really unforgettable. Third are the Christmas Parties. Which are always the same. Always have games. That I have not fully enjoyed because I am a shy type of person. But then I also joined few. No matter what I have to experience joining activities. Fourth was the Poster making contest (3rd year). I won as the 2nd place in that contest but I am not the one who colored my work. Because I am already hungry at that time. Because the contest started late. It was Ate CJ Cacdac (4th year student) who colored it. I was only 3rd year at that time. That is why I am surprised when they told me that I have won. That is why I ma very thankful to Ate CJ.(But I never told her to color my work for me). Lastly, the graduation day. I t was not very special for me. But it was unforgettable and very dramatic for some of my classmates. Who spend most of their time taking pictures together.
Other unforgettable moments were meetings outside the campus. Like when we practice Role plays and dances. And also, when we go to the house of our friends to celebrate there birthday. Especially when the foods are really delicious.
That was all about my high school life.
And the next chapter is my college life.
I am currently studying at Lorma Colleges taking up Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at the College of Computer Studies and Engineering. It is really challenging here in Lorma. Especially when the whole class voted me as the NSTP (National Service Training Program) President. Because I have never experienced to be a leader before and I do not know what to do. But I accepted it as a challenge. Because I believe in myself.
I have also got the chance to show my talents here in Lorma. Because in they never hold a talent contest in DMMMSU. That is why I am very grateful and thankful to my parents because they sent me to school.

This time I am sharing to you my life story outside of school from the starting point of 7 years old. When I was still a kid I am very sickly. That is why I am always confined in the hospital for sickness like dengue and typhoid fever. So I believe that I have not fully enjoyed my childhood years. So sometimes I am a little childish. And I always play with my nephews and nieces (children of my half brother and half sister) like I am as the same age as them.
But now, because being a college student demands more study time. Childish acts are being decreased and I am becoming more mature and responsible on my actions.
Let us go back to the original story.  My childhood years are always the same. And I am not the usual kid who spends the whole day outdoors. Because my tita (Tita Bang) brought me a Playstation in exchange for the house plan that my father made. I have always spent half of the day playing playstation with my cousins (Gerald and Clizel). And when I have finished playing. I always draw anime characters and robots. So I only go outside once in a long while (introvert). I only go outside when going to school and going to church with my family. But of course, I have also experience playing outside. Playing hide and seek (Tagu-taguan), Langit-lupa, awt-awtan, Bahay-bahayan, Habulan, biking and other childhood outdoor activities.
I can still remember the moments when I have played with my cousins and other playmates. And I always get hurt because I am a weak kid. I always go home with a wound on my knee. But the most unforgettable of all was when I was 7 years old.
It was a cold night(7 PM) but I have still gone outside to watch Ghost Fighter(anime series). Because my mother watches Mula sa puso (Teleserye with Claudine Baretto as the main protagonist) at that time. Then I have finally found a place to watch Ghost Fighter. It was our neighbor who is watching the anime series. So I decided to watch by the window. At first the place was okay. But then after minutes pass. The place gets crowded and more children like me want to watch by the window. And then I was being pushed by one of those kids. And I was hurt. Then the rumble started. Fortunately our neighbor came to stop us. But then after that fight. I was full of scratches because that kid doesn’t know how to use his fist in fighting. But well, that’s a kid fight which can never be avoided especially if both sides are fighters.
On Sundays we always go to church (St. William parish). Together with my mother and my father. Ever since I was a kid. But then, because I am still young at that time. I still don’t understand the teachings in front. So my mother always lets me sleep in the bench. But when I grew up of course I began to understand what the people in front of the altar are talking about and I ma glad that my parents always brings me to church in order to know that there is a loving God.
Speaking of churches. I have only gone to 7 churches in the past 16 years of my life. Those are: St. William Parish (San Fernando, La Union), St. Jude parish (San Fernando, La union), Nueva Segovia Church (Vigan, Ilocos sur)-it was the biggest church I have seen. 2 churches in Tuguegarao, Cagayan, and our church in Aparri, Cagayan.

I shall now narrate to you my most unforgettable and most terrifying experience in Vigan, Ilocos sur. In the house of my half brother (Wiljohn Ancheta). It was a dark and rainy night. I never thought that there would be a supernatural event that would take place in that house at that night. I have  gone to the second floor of that house to discover. Then I decided to go to the room where my mother is. Slowly I opened the door by moving the door knob in counter-clockwise motion. Then a few seconds after I opened the door. There was a very deep voice. A very deep voice that sounds like coming from hell. Saying aaaahhh. Which lasted for about 2 to 4 seconds. And I know that it was no ordinary human voice. Because it is too loud and so deep. A voice of a man not of a woman. During that moment I almost lose myself because of fear. Hopefully my mother was just a few steps away from me. So during that moment I instantly go to her side. Running and very scared. Then people came into that room. My half sister (Winnie Ancheta) and other people whom I don’t remember. Then they told us the whole story about what just happened. They said that the second floor of the house was left vacant because my half brother (Wiljohn) and his family never occupied that space. Because they only reside on the first floor. Even though it was a new house (maybe 20 years old up to this time. Year 2008) we can never avoid supernatural incidents to happen because the wood use in that room was an old wood. A very old wood. And many people believe that old trees has their own guardian spirits which maybe bad or good. So maybe when they saw the tree and used it for a house. The spirit or supernatural entity still stayed their for the wood. And it is proven by old towns folk that old trees have their own guardians. Like this another story that happened here in Flores St. San Fernando, La Union. It also happened at night time. This is a narrated story of my father. I never caught this incident in my naked eyes. But I believe that it is a true story. It was already midnight and I was already asleep. When our driver (Tirso) cam to give his boundary to my father. Our driver is still on the other side of the house (directly under the sampalok tree. Then my father noticed while the driver is on the other side. At the back of the driver were a lady and a kid in white. When the driver was in front of the house. My father asked him:” how about your passengers?”. The driver was amazed and he answered.”What? I don’t have any passengers’ sir” It was then that my father realized that what he saw was a ghost. A white lady as many people say. Those kinds of supernatural events really take place. Especially if you have the third eye. Which has the ability to see the unseen (supernatural entities). And I don’t want to have this kind of ability.  Because nothing is more horrifying than seeing a ghost asking help from you. Because every ability must have its equal responsibility from its owner. And that responsibility (having a third eye) is to help people with supernatural problems related to having a third eye. And also, you have to help the ghost that asks helps from you (those who cannot rest in peace. Because they died young. And still wants to live longer.)

Our family is not a typical travel some kind of family. We only went to important places. Few places for discussion purposes. Discussion with relatives and other people.
I can still remember when we went to Baluarte. Balurate was a place owned by Chavit Singson. It was a place especially made for rare animals. You can see their ostrich, a Tiger, snakes, crocodile, and others. It was a nice place especially when you see those ostrich running. And the snakes which are being held by people.

At the age of 12 (1st year high school). I was sent by my mother to study piano at KMM (music and arts learning studio located at St. Joseph village, San Fernando, La Union). I took the opportunity and tried my best by using my free time to practice. And I also attended all of the sessions. But then, it seems like it is rally hard for me . Because playing piano requires a hundred percent concentration in order to press the corresponding keys in the keyboard which the short pieces tells. My teacher (Mrs. Ana Marie Viloria) always gets mad at me (she was a high-blooded teacher). Because I tend to memorize the keys to be played. Which should not be. Because the rule is you have to press the exact key with the correct timing. And memorizing destroys that timing. It was really hard for me to do that ways so I tried to practice and memorize the keys before going to the sessions. And it worked, TMM (teachers mad moments) were diminished.
And then the days passed. At last the day has come. The day that my teacher will give my first piece. To be played on the day of my first recital. To be played at the CAP building. To be seen by my parents and the parents of my batch mates and the teachers in that learning studio (batch mates with different talents   to show. Like singing, drawing, ballet dancing, guitar playing, taekwondo and karate do, drum playing and of course piano playing) my first recital piece was moon river a classical song. That is made simpler because I am still a beginner. But it was still difficult. I have spent a lot of time practicing and polishing by piece. At first I was hard up but I have practice hard enough to memorize that piece so at the end I was able to play it smoothly with no mistakes. Days have passed and now the recital day has come. The recital started 3 PM. And I have already prepared. My mother told me to put coins inside my shoes so that I will not become nervous. Hours and minutes have come to pass and at last its now my turn to perform on stage. My heart is beating faster and my hands are getting colder. I cannot explain what is the feeling until I found myself standing in front of the crowd. Then I began to play Moon River even if my heart is palpitating so fast and my hand doesn’t seem to move. But then, after I began to play. I remember the days of endless practices. Practicing that piece. Then a feeling of comfort while playing came to light. I finished the piece having to play it with only 2 mistakes. But then I was able to carry out those 2 mistakes and I continued to play until it was done. I bowed my head. The master of ceremonies (DJ Billy from the FM radio station Love Radio) even asked me something. But then, I am out of myself at that time and all I wanted was to go back to my seat. So I did not answer his question. After that, I was happy. That I was able to play the piece. Thanks to god, my parents and my practice.
My quest for piano playing does not end there. I was able to finish the two beginner course and half of the grade 1 course in KMM. But my teacher will soon go to Switzerland to teach piano. So the learning studio will close. Because of that, my mother decided to enroll me at STARDOM (also a music and arts learning studio). I studied there grade 1 course for piano (it was not still finished because you have to complete 2 books in order to graduate from grade 1. Those 2 books were by John Thompson and Michael Aaron. John Thompson is a little bit harder) . My teacher at that time was Mr. Hidalgo. Better than my teacher in KMM because   he is no a high-blooded type of teacher. I have also performed a recital piece in the recital day of STARDOM students. It was the piece ‘Misty’, Also a classical song but a little bit harder than my pieces in KMM (Moon River, I left my heart in San Francisco, Blue Danube, Poltergeist, and the soundtrack of Incredible hulk).
The recital night was also as great as the KMM recital. It has rock bands and other guest performers. And the students were also great performers. And I also played my recital piece comfortably. Unlike the first time that I played my recital piece. That I was too nervous.

But after that, my mother enrolled me at musicians corner to learn to play the guitar (because that is my wish).My teacher at that time was Sir Bhong. But it is really hard to play the guitar. Not like the piano that you would only press the keys. But then, I learned something. I learned how to play the intro of Narda (a song by kamikaze), intro of Pinoy ako (a song by Orange and Lemons), intro of Welcome to the black parade (a song by My chemical romance), intro of Magbalik ( a song by calla lily) and others.  And I was able to convert piano pieces into guitar pieces. And guitar pieces into piano pieces. It’s really good that you can play the same song on different instrument even if it is a simple song. I also learned to play our National Anthem, the Lupang Hinirang because of guitar playing. That is why I am very thankful to God that he gave me good parents who are willing to spend money in order for me to learn something.
Apart from piano playing and guitar playing. I also love to draw (my original god-given talent). And because of that, I have started to collect my drawings since grade 5 or grade 6. And at present (year 2008), I have filled 11 old magazines with drawings and other materials (dried leaves, advertisements, newspapers, projects and others). Those 11 old magazines which I call ‘Album of Artworks’ are my treasures.
I also love to read books. Some of which that I have already finished are: History of Ancient Philosophy by Ignatius Yarza, Ethics by Fr. Eddie Babor, and a General psychology book. I also read Readers Digest, National Geographic, and other books which interest me. But I cannot find those books that I really want to read (Great Mysteries: opposing viewpoints). I have only red the two of those collection of books. The Bermuda Triangle and the El Dorado land of gold. Which my father brought from the largest floating bookstore (MV Doulos). Because I have a great interest on supernatural events. Even though I don’t want to have a third eye to see some super naturals.
I also love to watch anime online. Some of which that I have already watch and are still watching are. Death note (a story about a person named Light Yagami who has owned a death note dropped by the shinigami ( Death god) Ryuk. Light Yagami wants to change the word by using the death note to kill all the criminals in our world.), Hunter X hunter ( tells about the quest of Gon Freaks and his friends to be a licensed hunter and to find his long lost father who is also a hunter ( Gin Freaks), Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (story of a girl who is very much interested on the super naturals like Espers (one who has ESP of Extra Sensory Perception), Time travelers, and Aliens (Data Integrated Entities). And who also has melancholia. An illness characterized by being bored on the daily events of life. Much more like being depressed But it is of a different level), Onepiece movies and specials (stories of the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy (a devil fruit user) and his pirate crew. Outside the episodes shown. Some of which are: Omatsuri Island adventure, clockwork island adventure, Mystery of the the legendary sword, kingdom of Alabasta: the complete retelling of the story, Chopper and the land of mysterious animals , and others), Onepiece episodes (The quest of Monkey D. Luffy to be the pirate king), Bleach (story of Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student who can see ghost), Naruto/ Shippuden ( story about Naruto, a ninja who is a Jinchuuriki. A Jinchuuriki is a human who has a monster inside).
I am also a music lover. My favorite bands are the Beatles, Spongecola, YUI,  Parokya ni Edgar and Siakol.
This is my life story. My life is not as exciting as the life of other people. But I am satisfied and happy with what I have. But sometimes you cannot avoid to ask for more. Live your life well. Find the things that makes you happy. Always make use of the new day that God has made to improve yourself and to love others.

Gos

This is the story how my mother and my father have  met. My Father has his first family back then. With four children. But then his wife was unfaithful. And his wife married another man and also bore children. My dad was left behind and he is working back then. He was working in Saudi Arabia as an architect. Working for about 20 years. When he was working there are so many gossips about his wife. He did not believe those gossips. But then he came back here in the Philippines. He found out that there is another child bore by his wife. So that event made the gossips true. And it is proven that the woman was really unfaithful. My dad was hurt at that time so he devoted all of his time in working so that he could forget what happened. But before that, after graduating from college. He taught architecture and fine arts students from all year levels in UNP (University of Northern Philippines) Vigan, Ilocos Sur. There he saw my mother (Isabel). My mother was only first year college at that time (year 1978). Taking up commerce. My father thought in UNP for the straight 5 years . Then has gone to Saudi for 2 years. Then he has came back again in Vigan and taught for 1 year as part-time. Then he had gone back again to Saudi for 14 years. But also coming back every six months (coming back in Vigan). That is for the first 6 years. But for the remaining years he came home here in San Fernando, La Union. But when he is in Saudi. My mother and my father are mailing each other. My mother was in Abu Dhabi at that time (they were mailing each other at that time because my mother and my father have met in UNP) And then they began to court each other. Then their feeling for each other deepens. Until such time that my father decided to marry my mother (it was also his choice because my mother passed the requirements or criteria of my dad. For choosing whom to marry. This criteria was to choose a woman who is not a stranger or is known by his children. So that there will be no conflict that will happen in the future. If the woman that he will marry is unknown) They married in the city hall of Manila. A civil wedding, because my father has no budget at that time (the reason why my father chose my mother is because my half brothers and half sisters knows my mother. Because both lives in the ancestral house in Vigan. Because the father of my father and the grandma of my half brother were siblings)
And the rest was history. Wenher-Bel Ancheta was already formed in the womb of my mother. It was then that  we stayed in Aparri. But I am born here in San Fernando, La Union. We only stayed there for about 4 years. Then we came back here. That’s the story of how my father and my mother have met. And I am very thankful that god gave me the chance to live life.