EEK! A Mouse on My Desk? A Wizard in My Window! What is this STUFF? By: Janet L. HallI sometimes forget, as many of you might, that not everyone I talk or write to is as knowledge as I am using a computer or
Internet. Now I’m not claiming to be an expert, but I do have a lot of experience.
My computer experience started long before PC’s were on every desk or Internet. At first I was a key card operator. I typed information onto a long card, a Holerith. Some of you might remember these cards in your phone or utility bill. DO NOT BEND, FOLD, STAPLE, or PUNCH!
I went from punching cards to teaching a software program, ALL-IN-1. Then for almost eight years I didn’t go near a computer. A mouse, what’s that? Windows, Instant Messaging, Internet, Browser – I didn’t have a clue!! However because of limited knowledge I had acquired, I soon found myself able to figure out and maneuver my way around a computer and Internet.
You are probably wondering why I’m telling you all this.
Well, last year when I was at a conference, I heard many of attendees asking, “Do I really need a web site or email for my business? I don’t even know what a browser is, let alone HTML code!”
Not everyone has experience that you or I might. Everyday thousands of people are turning on a computer for first time or getting on Internet for first time. Or worse, fed up and frustrated because they don’t have any help. So here in Computer Corner I’d like to start a new series starting with definitions and then taking you step-by-step through world of owning and creating a web site.
Ready?
Address-Location of a file or Web Page. On Internet, also know as URL. Backup-Save your computer information on your hard drive that you save to another form of media. Boot-To start up your computer Browser-Sometimes called a Web Browser. This is software program you use to move around Internet, such as Internet Explorer, Netscape. Cache-Temporary storage area for Windows and Internet places recently used files, or pages visited. Case Sensitive-The difference between upper case letters and lower case letters, such as JANET or janet. CD-ROM-Computer Disc Read-Only Memory. High capacity storage. Also known as a CD. CD-ROM Drive-Hardware device needed to use a CD. Can be internal or external. Click-Press and release left or right side of your mouse. Clipboard-Temporary stored information that you’ve Cut or Copied from a program, file, or document that you might want to paste into another program, file, or document. Command Prompt-symbol that looks like C: or A:. A place where you might need to type instructions – commands. CPU-Central Processing Unit, Chip in your computer that’s responsible for executing program instructions. Cursor-Little blinking line on your computer screen that shows you where you are or where your next letter will appear when you type. Default-predicted setting, such as whenever you create a document, font and font size are always same setting unless you change it. Defragmentation-Process of rewriting files to adjacent sections of a hard disk. Parts of files can become fragmented – spread over different areas of your hard disk (drive) which causes slower disk speed. Dial-Up Network-A way to connect to Internet through a modem and telephone lines. Directory- Disk Drive-Hardware where your files are stored, typically labeled C: or (C:). Download-Copy files from one computer to another, such as download a file or program from Internet to your computer. Driver-Software to control hardware, such as a print driver. DSL- DVD-High-capacity compact disc that can store data. Must have a DVD disc drive or player.
