b Learning More About Your Computer Compaq Presario Computers Document Part Number: 277958-001 March 2002 The guide provides basic information to assist you in using the hardware and software features of your computer.
© 2002 Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P. Compaq, the Compaq logo and Presario are trademarks of Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P. in the U.S. and other countries. Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Intel, Pentium, Intel Inside, and Celeron are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. All other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.
Contents 1 Performing Common Tasks Modifying the Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modifying the Keyboard Language Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modifying the Mouse Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shutting Down the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Printing . . . . . .
Contents Defragmenting the Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–5 Protecting from a Virus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–6 Preparing for Shipping or Travel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–7 4 Saving Energy Using Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 Performing Common Tasks You may find yourself wanting to perform tasks such as: ■ Modifying your display ■ Modifying your keyboard language setting ■ Modifying your mouse settings ■ Shutting down your system ■ Printing ■ Playing games ■ Listening to digital audio files Modifying the Display You can modify how information displays on the monitor. To Modify the Display 1. Click the Start button from the Windows taskbar. 2. Click Control Panel. 3. Click Appearance and Themes. 4.
Performing Common Tasks Modifying the Keyboard Language Setting You can modify the language setting for your keyboard. To Modify the Keyboard Language Setting 1. Click the Start button from the Windows taskbar. 2. Click Control Panel. 3. Click Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options. 4. Click Regional and Language Options. 5. Click the Language tab. 6. Click the Details button. 7. Click Keyboard, then the Add button.
Performing Common Tasks 8. Click the Keyboard layout/IME down arrow and select a language from the list. 9. Click OK. 10. Click OK to apply the changes. Modifying the Mouse Properties You can view and modify different properties of the mouse from the Mouse Properties dialog box. The dialog box may vary depending on the type of mouse you purchased.
Performing Common Tasks 6. Click OK to apply the changes.
Performing Common Tasks Shutting Down the Computer When you are finished working or playing on the computer, it is a good idea to shut it down. To Shut Down the Computer 1. Click the Start button from the Windows taskbar. 2. Click Turn Off Computer. Printing You can print text and graphics from most applications and Internet sites as long as you have your computer connected to a printer and the necessary software installed for your printer.
Performing Common Tasks To Use the Print Menu 1. Click File on the menu bar. 2. Click Print... 3. Select your printing options. Remember, the look and feel of the Print dialog box varies from application to application. 4. Click OK.
Performing Common Tasks Before you download or purchase any games, check the computer requirements for the game. These are usually listed on the Internet site or outside of the game box. You should pay particular attention to the amount of disk space required for the game and make sure you have at least that amount available. To Check Hard Disk Space 1. Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar. 2. Click My Computer. 3. Click the hard disk drive where you want to store the game files. 4.
Performing Common Tasks that you use the same disc drive (CD or DVD) to ✎ Itplayis recommended a game that you used to install it. If you have problems installing or playing a game, contact the game manufacturer. Playing Digital Audio You can play digital audio files that you download from the Internet. To Play Digital Audio 1. Click the Start button from the Windows taskbar. 2. Click All Programs, then your media player application. 3. Follow the on-screen instructions for creating a play list.
2 Using Your Computer Drives Computers can have several types of drives that include: ■ Diskette (floppy) ■ Hard ■ CD-ROM (compact disk - read only memory) ■ CD-RW (compact disk - re-writable) ■ DVD-ROM (digital versatile disk- read only memory) ■ DVD-R/RW (digital versatile disk- recordable/re-writable) The type of drive or drives your computer has depends on the model you purchased. Using the Diskette (Floppy) Drive The diskette drive uses a diskette or floppy disk to store files.
Using Your Computer Drives a tower model, hold the diskette with the label facing left ✎ Ifandyouthehave arrow pointing toward the drive. 2. Gently push the diskette into the drive. Removing a diskette You should remove the diskette from the diskette drive when you are: ■ Finished copying information to your diskette, hard drive, or computer ■ Shutting down Microsoft Windows To remove a diskette 1.
Using Your Computer Drives Ä CAUTION: If you remove a diskette while the activity light is glowing, you can damage the diskette or the information stored on it. Using the Hard Drive You can store computer operating files, applications, data, Internet, and personal files on your hard drive. As you create and save files, download information from the Internet, install applications, or receive e-mail messages and attachments, your hard drive storage space diminishes.
Using Your Computer Drives Using the CD or DVD Drive The CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, and DVD-R/RW drives allow you to perform several different actions (such as, store information, listen to music, view and create movies). The DVD-ROM and DVD-R/RW drives take longer to begin playback than CD drives because they must determine the type of media being played.
Using Your Computer Drives It is important to read all directions before attempting to record onto a DVD-R or DVD-RW disc. You should make sure that all open applications are closed and remain closed while you are burning the DVD-R or DVD-RW disc. 4.7 Gigabyte (GB) (where 1GB = 1000 cubed or 1 billion bytes ✎ Your as is used on the disc packaging) DVD-R or DVD-RW disc is capable of storing data up to 4.38 GB (where 1GB = 1024 cubed or 1,073,741,824 bytes as is used by Windows).
Using Your Computer Drives Table 2-2: Media Comparison (Continued) Ability to Playback on other PCs DVD Set-top Yes Yes (only once) Requires CD-RW or DVD-R/RW hardware Varies per model MP3 Music Yes Yes (only once) Requires CD-RW or DVD-R/RW hardware Varies per model Data Yes Yes Requires CD-RW or DVD-R/RW hardware Varies per model MP3 Music Yes Yes Requires CD-RW or DVD-R/RW hardware Varies per model Data No Yes Requires DVD playback software and DVD-ROM or DVD-R/RW hardware No DVD
Using Your Computer Drives Inserting a CD or DVD To Insert a CD or DVD 1. Power on the computer. 2. Press the load/eject button to open the drive. 3. Carefully lift the CD or DVD from its case. You should avoid touching the surface of the CD or DVD. If possible, hold the CD or DVD by the edges.
Using Your Computer Drives 4. Place the CD or DVD, label side up (label side left if tower model), into the round tray the tray has support tabs, carefully slide the disc under the tabs to ✎ Ifposition it correctly in the tray. 5. Press the load/eject button to close the drive tray.
Using Your Computer Drives Removing a CD or DVD To Remove a CD or DVD 1. Power on the computer. 2. Press the load/eject button to open the drive. 3. Carefully lift the CD or DVD from the drive. You should avoid touching the surface of the disc. If possible, hold the CD or DVD by the edges. 4. Press the load/eject button on the front of the drive to close the drive tray. 5. Store the CD or DVD in its protective case.
Using Your Computer Drives DVD drives may take longer to begin music playback because ✎ The they must determine the type of media being played. To Listen to Music 1. Insert a CD or DVD as described previously in this chapter, “Inserting a CD or DVD.” 2. Wait for disc to automatically start playing. 3. Press the load/eject button to eject the CD or DVD from the drive. To Adjust the Volume 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 2–10 Click the Start button on Windows taskbar. Click Control Panel.
Using Your Computer Drives 6. Click Apply, then OK. Playing a Movie You can only play a DVD movie from the DVD-ROM and DVD-R/RW drives. To Play a Movie 1. Insert a DVD as described previously in this chapter, “Inserting a CD or DVD.” best performance, it is recommended that you close all running ✎ For programming before inserting a DVD movie.
Using Your Computer Drives 2. Wait for the DVD to automatically start playing. If the DVD does not start playing automatically, follow these steps. a. Click the Start button on your Windows desktop. b. Click All Programs, Compaq WinDVD, then Win DVD Player. c. Click the Play button to start the movie. 3. Press the load/eject button to eject the DVD from the drive. Creating a CD There are several applications available for creating CDs.
Using Your Computer Drives Table 2-3: Uses of the CD-RW Drive You can create a(an)... To.... Audio CD Create personal music CDs with your favorite music tracks and MP3/WMA files. Data CD Store data from files or folders on your hard disk. This feature is useful for backing up important files or for sharing data with other people. Direct copy Write files directly to a CD-R and CD-RW just like you copy files to a disk drive. You can drag-and-drop files from one drive to another in Microsoft Explorer.
Using Your Computer Drives Table 2-4: CD-R and CD-RW Disc Comparison Allows you to...
3 Maintaining and Shipping Routine and preventive maintenance for the computer is easier than you might think. A few basic procedures will help keep the computer and monitor in good operating condition. ■ Disk cleanup ■ Scan disk ■ Defragment Use virus scan software to protect your operating system, applications, and personal files. If you plan to ship or travel with the computer, make sure to review the shipping guidelines.
Maintaining and Shipping ■ Keep the computer away from excessive heat, cold, moisture, and direct sunlight (for specific ranges of temperature and humidity, see your computer specifications) ■ Keep liquids away from the computer and keyboard ■ Turn off the computer before you: ❏ Wipe the exterior with soft, damp cloth ❏ Clean the air vents Preventive Maintenance Preventive maintenance is essential for keeping your computer in good working condition.
Maintaining and Shipping 4. Right click the hard disk drive you want to clean up. 5. Click Properties on the pop-up menu. 6. On the General tab, click Disk Cleanup. 7. Click the types of files you want to delete. 8. Click OK.
Maintaining and Shipping Emptying the Recycle Bin After you delete files from the hard drive, they are sent to the recycle bin. You can retrieve files that are sent to the recycle bin as long as you have not emptied it. Once you empty the recycle bin, your files are permanently deleted. To Empty the Recycle Bin 1. Double click the Recycle Bin icon on your Windows desktop. 2. On the File menu, click Empty Recycle Bin to delete all files. 3. Click Yes to confirm the deletion.
Maintaining and Shipping 8. Click Start to begin scanning. Defragmenting the Drive You can increasingly improve the efficiency of the computer by defragmenting it on a regular basis. Defragmenting moves the files closer together so that the hard drive space is used more effectively. computer may not have defragmenting software installed or use ✎ Your another type of defragmenter. To Defragment the Hard Drive 1. Close all open programs. 2. Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar. 3.
Maintaining and Shipping 8. Click Defragment to begin. Protecting from a Virus A computer virus can destroy information on the hard drive. You can get a virus through: ■ An infected diskette ■ A CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-R or DVD-RW disc ■ E-mail messages and attachments ■ Infected files downloaded from the Internet Some viruses will affect your computer immediately, while others may activate only if you open a certain file or do not delete them before a certain date.
Maintaining and Shipping You should take the following precautions in order to protect your new computer: ■ Do not open unsolicited e-mail from unknown sources ■ Only download files from sources you feel are safe ■ Always scan documents for viruses before opening ■ Make sure you have the latest version of Norton Anti-Virus Norton offers a free upgrade for six months from the date you register Norton Anti-Virus. To download the latest version of the anti-virus application, go to Norton.com.
4 Saving Energy You can conserve energy by using the Microsoft Windows Power Management system. With this system, you can determine when the computer is sleeping, hibernating, or awake. You can also determine when your monitor and hard drive turns off.
Saving Energy your computer is connected to a network or has “always on” DSL ✎ Ifconnection, you should use the Always On power scheme. Using the Power Options Properties 1. Click Start from the Windows taskbar. 2. Click Control Panel. 3. Click Performance and Maintenance. 4. Click Power Options to display the Power Options Properties dialog box.
Saving Energy Sleep Mode Sleep mode is a low-power standby state that reduces the amount of electrical power consumed by the computer while you are not using it. The Microsoft Windows Power Management system automatically puts the computer into sleep mode after it has been idle for a while. You can: ■ Determine when your computer should automatically go into sleep mode ■ Manually put your computer to sleep Adjusting the Sleep Mode You can determine when the computer automatically goes into sleep mode.
Saving Energy Manually Entering the Sleep Mode You can manually put the computer into sleep or standby mode to conserve energy. To Manually Enter Sleep Mode 1. Close all programs and save any open files. 2. Click Start on the Windows taskbar 3. Click the Control Panel. 4. Click Performance and Maintenance. 5. Click Power Options. 6. On the Advanced tab, under When I press the power button on my computer, click Standby. 7. Click OK or Apply, and then turn off the power.
Saving Energy Hibernate Mode You can also set the computer to go into Hibernate mode after a specified period of inactivity. Before the computer can hibernate, it saves everything in memory to the hard drive. Then, it shuts itself off. When you awake the computer, the Windows Desktop appears exactly as you left it. Adjusting the Hibernate Mode You can determine when the computer automatically goes into hibernation mode. To Hibernate the Computer 1. Click Start from the Windows taskbar. 2.
5 Understanding Computer Terms This chapter provides definitions for computer terms used in this guide and other documents that ship with your computer. A 1394 port A new type of connector for plugging in peripherals with extremely fast data-transfer rates, such as video cameras. The 1394 standard synchronizes audio and video files by delivering data at the intended rate-in real time. See peripheral. See also USB port.
Understanding Computer Terms application A technical term for a computer program. See program. audio/video streaming See streaming. authoring What you do to create a program that may eventually be stored on a CD. For example, if you want to create a multimedia game or presentation, you need authoring software that allows you to combine sound, graphics, and text with user interactivity. When you finish creating your program with the authoring software, use Easy CD Creator to record it on CD.
Understanding Computer Terms browser Software that searches for, displays, and downloads text, graphics, sound, and video from the Internet. Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator are two popular browsers. buffer A temporary storage area in memory. It acts as a holding area where data with different transfer rates can be collected, then sent as a steady stream to the device that processes data for permanent storage. In CD recorders, the buffer helps to prevent buffer underruns.
Understanding Computer Terms byte Eight bits of data strung together to make a message that the computer can interpret. Most information is organized into bytes, the standard unit of data. One byte of data is required to represent a single character that you can see on the screen (a letter, number, punctuation mark, or other symbol). For example, the byte 01001000 represents the capital letter H. See bit. C cable modem A modem that allows you to access the Internet through your cable service provider.
Understanding Computer Terms CD-I A compact disc format developed by Philips, designed to allow interactive multimedia applications to be run on a player attached to a television. The standard document defining CD-I is called the Green Book. CD-R (CD-recordable) Media used in a CD-R drive to record or write data that cannot be erased. The base is a circular piece of clear plastic, molded with a spiral track to ensure that the CD-R drive follows the same spiral path as that stamped on a conventional CD.
Understanding Computer Terms CD-ROM drive A drive that reads a CD-ROM (or music CD) by shining a laser into the clear plastic base and interpreting the way the laser light is reflected by the shiny aluminum layer. The CD-ROM drive is read-only; it cannot write to a disc. Most modern drives can also read a CD-R (unless written in multi-sessions by a CD-RW drive). Only the newest multi-session CD-ROM drives can read a CD-RW written in multi-sessions. CD-ROM XA “XA” stands for Extended Architecture.
Understanding Computer Terms CD-RW drive A drive with three laser powers that can write to a CD-RW, erase the data, or read the data. A high-power laser melts the crystalline recording layer. It cools quickly, sets without forming crystals, and absorbs the laser beam. Data is written in pits that form as the non-crystalline material shrinks. A medium-power laser erases the data. It melts the recording layer at a lower temperature for a longer period of time.
Understanding Computer Terms close session When a session is closed, information about its contents is written into the Table of Contents of the CDs, and a lead-in and lead-out are written to prepare the CD for subsequent sessions. coaster Popular term for a ruined recordable CD, named after the round object you rest your drinking glass on to avoid marking the table. component a device installed inside the computer.
Understanding Computer Terms dedicated line A telephone line that is always connected to the modem (inside the computer) to provide constant access to the Internet. A separate telephone line is used for phone calls. See modem. default The option that the program automatically chooses for you when you do not indicate a choice yourself. For example, when you print a document, the Print dialog box asks which pages to print (the default is All) and how many copies to print (the default is 1).
Understanding Computer Terms disc image A single large file which is an exact representation of the whole set of data and programs as it will appear on a CD in terms of both content and logical format. This may be an ISO 9660 image or some proprietary format such as the .cif format used by Easy CD Creator. discussion group A group discussion held on the Internet on a topic of mutual interest. Instead of meeting in a classroom, students may meet for group discussions on the Internet.
Understanding Computer Terms drop-down menu A list of options that drops down when you click a menu name on the menu bar or click the down arrow on a dialog box. DSL (digital subscriber line) A telephone line that carries both voice and data signals, allowing you to talk on the phone and surf the Internet at the same time. The data part of the line, which is continuously connected to the Internet, allows high-speed, high-capacity data transfer.
Understanding Computer Terms file extension A dot and three letters after a file name that indicate the program in which the file was created. For example, filename.doc. The file extension .doc indicates that the file was created in Microsoft Word. floppy disk An older term for disk. See disk. folder Represented by an icon that looks like a yellow manila folder, a computer folder contains other folders (subfolders) and files.
Understanding Computer Terms gap The gap (more correctly called a pause) is a space dividing tracks on a CD. In some situations, a gap is required by standards such as the Red Book. For example, if you have data and audio tracks within the same session, they must be separated by a gap. Also, there must be a gap of two to three seconds preceding the first track on a CD. GIF (pronounced “giff”). A file format for graphics displayed on the Internet. These are easily identified by the file extension.gif.
Understanding Computer Terms hard drive The drive that reads and writes to the hard disk. If you have a large hard drive, it may be divided into several partitions. Each partition is designated by a different icon and a consecutive drive letter, beginning with the letter C. Partition C: contains the files the computer uses to start up. The other partitions contain no pre installed files. hardware The physical components of a computer-the parts you can physically touch. See software.
Understanding Computer Terms I icon A small picture that represents a menu command, file, program, tool, or peripheral. interactive A computer program that responds to you as if you were having a conversation. You give instructions; computer performs an action (or requests additional information). Computer games and multimedia tutorials are interactive programs. interface A means of communication between two entities. A person and a computer interface through an operating system (OS).
Understanding Computer Terms ISP (Internet Service Provider) A company that provides access to the Internet. To use the service, you need the ISP software, a user name, a password, and access phone number(s). J jewel case The hinged plastic case in which CDs are often stored. jewel case sleeve The pieces of paper that can be inserted into the jewel case to help identify the contents of the CD stored in the case.
Understanding Computer Terms lead-out An area at the end of a session which indicates that the end of data has been reached. The first lead-out on a CD is 6750 sectors long. Any subsequent lead-outs are 2250 sectors, or about 30 seconds. link See hyperlink. link block A block, also known as a sector, of digital rubbish that is written each time the recording laser is turned on (before) or off (after) writing a track or a packet. See also Run-in/Run-out Blocks.
Understanding Computer Terms M mailing list An electronic mail-forwarding service that allows subscribers to send e-mail to a single address where the message is copied and sent to all addresses on the list. Clubs and professional organizations use this service, sometimes called a “listserv,” to contact members quickly, cheaply, and effortlessly. main memory RAM memory chips inside the computer.
Understanding Computer Terms Microsoft Internet Explorer A Web browser developed by the Microsoft Corporation. See browser. Microsoft Windows The most popular computer operating system in the world. It is characterized by the use of windows and icons. Each running program and open file has its own window. Instead of memorizing commands, you click icons to communicate with the computer. Clicking the Minimize button shrinks a program to a button on the taskbar.
Understanding Computer Terms mixed-mode disc A CD that includes both computer data and CD-DA tracks. The data is all contained in track one, and the audio in one or more of the following tracks. Contrast with CD Extra. modem: A device in the computer that converts data from digital format to analog format so that it can be transferred through a standard telephone line to another computer. The modem in the receiving computer converts the data back to digital format. See digital.
Understanding Computer Terms multiread: An OSTA (Optical Storage Technology Association) standard for CD-ROM and ROM drives. Drives that follow the multiread standard can read commercial CDs (audio and data), CD-R discs, and CD-RW discs. They can also read CDs written in fixed- or variable-length packets. multi-session A method of adding data incrementally to a CD in more than one recording session.
Understanding Computer Terms newsgroup A discussion group on the Internet where people can post or read messages on thousands of topics, such as professional basketball, environmental protection, Himalayan cats, Scottish bagpipes, Irish clog dancing, soufflés, macramé, book reviews, mountain bikes, political candidates, and cartoon strips. Imagine a topic, and you can probably find a newsgroup that discusses it. newsreader A program that lets you read and post messages to newsgroups.
Understanding Computer Terms online shopping Ordering products on the Internet. You can purchase books, flowers, music CDs, toys, groceries, stocks, airline tickets, cars, and much more. on the fly To write on the fly means to write directly from source data to CD data without first writing a disc image. OS (Operating System) The interface that permits a person and a computer to “talk” to one another.
Understanding Computer Terms peripheral An external device connected to a computer, such as a monitor, keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner, printer, and digital camera. See component. PDF (Portable Document Format) A file format that has captured all the elements of a printed document as an electronic image, which you can view, navigate, print, or forward to someone else. PDF files are created using Adobe Acrobat, Acrobat Capture, or similar products.
Understanding Computer Terms plug-and-play A feature introduced with Windows 95 to simplify the use of some peripheral devices. Once the device is installed (in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions), you can plug it into the computer while the computer is running. The operating system automatically recognizes the new device. In order to connect a non-plug-and-play device, you must first shut down the computer. See peripheral.
Understanding Computer Terms program A set of instructions, written in a programming language understood by the computer, that tells the hardware what tasks to perform. Some programs are installed at the factory as ROM chips that cannot be altered; they are essential for operating the microprocessor. These programs are called firmware. Most programs are installed as software from removable storage media.
Understanding Computer Terms right-click To press and quickly release the right mouse button to display a menu of options. See pop-up menu. ROM (Read-Only Memory) Memory that contains the basic instructions for the microprocessor. ROM is permanent memory; turning off the computer does not erase it. Since you cannot change or write to ROM, it is referred to as read-only. See microprocessor. See also RAM. Run-In/Run-Out Blocks Blocks of written data before and after a packet or a track.
Understanding Computer Terms scroll mouse A mouse with a scroll wheel (between the two mouse buttons) for automatic scrolling through long documents or Web pages. See scroll and mouse. search engine A program, accessed on the Internet, that allows you to search large databases for information by using keywords or phrases. See database. sector The smallest recordable unit on a CD. A CD can contain [(75 sectors per second) x (60 seconds per minute) x (number of minutes on a CD)] sectors.
Understanding Computer Terms server A computer with a large hard drive that serves (provides information to) other computers connected to it on a network. In a local area network, several computers in the same room or all the computers in a high-rise office building may be connected to a server. The server stores everyone’s files. The Internet is the largest computer network in the world. It is a network of servers.
Understanding Computer Terms shortcut An icon on the Windows desktop that you double-click to launch a program. Without the shortcut, you click the Start button on the Windows taskbar, point to Programs to display a menu of programs installed on your computer, and click the one you want to launch. You can create shortcuts to your favorite programs. See icon and double-click.
Understanding Computer Terms surge protector A device that protects a computer from fluctuations in power. A surge protector regulates the flow of electricity to the computer and prevents high-voltage surges from reaching and possibly damaging the equipment. SVGA (Super Video Graphics Array) A video display standard that offers greater resolution and color depth than VGA. The resolution (clarity and sharpness) of an image is determined by the number of pixels that can be displayed per square inch.
Understanding Computer Terms track-at-once A method of writing data to a CD. Each time a track (data or audio) is completed, the recording laser is stopped, even if another track will be written immediately afterwards. Link and run blocks are written when the laser is turned on and off. U UDF (Universal Disk Format) A file system endorsed by OSTA (Optical Storage Technology Association) for use with packet writing and other recordable optical disc technologies. Also known as EAN.
Understanding Computer Terms utility A small program that helps your computer to manage system resources for optimum performance. For example, anti-virus, diagnostic, file backup, file compression, and font management utilities. V V.90 standard A standard adopted in 1998 to resolve competition between two technologies for 56KBps modems. (If your modem does not conform to the V.90 standard, you can visit the manufacturer’s Web site and download a software update.
Understanding Computer Terms W WAV A file format used to store sounds. WAV sound files can be identified by the file extension .wav. Microsoft and IBM developed the format for Windows-based programs that support sound. See file extension. Web See World Wide Web. Web browser See browser. window A framed area that is displayed on the Windows desktop after you select an item or open a program. Windows See Microsoft Windows. Windows desktop The main screen you see when your computer completes startup.
Understanding Computer Terms Windows taskbar The gray bar across the bottom of the screen that you see when your computer completes startup. The Start button is on the left end of the taskbar, and the systray (a tray with icons and the computer clock) is on the right. Programs that are running but have been minimized are displayed as buttons in the middle of the taskbar.
Understanding Computer Terms 5–36 Learning More About Your Computer
