Indicated by the white flag on the Windows desktop taskbar. This feature aggregates system messages and troubleshooting help.
A user account level at which a user can make changes to an operating system or programs.
A software application, especially those accessed via tiles on the Start screen.
A software program such as Microsoft Word or Microsoft Internet Explorer.
Copies of programs or files kept separate from your computer in case the original file becomes corrupt or is deleted.
A technology that uses radio transmissions to allow interaction between a device, such as printer, mouse, or headset, and your computer or tablet.
A list of saved sites to make retrieval of those sites easier.
See Also FAVORITES
To start a computer when the power is turned off.
High-speed Internet connections such as Cable or ADSL.
Program used to browse the World Wide Web. For example, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, and Chrome.
A graphical representation of a computer command. When you click or tap a button, the command is executed.
A hardware interface required to receive a broadband Internet connection from a cable communications company.
A button that provides access to Windows features, such as Start, Search, Sharing, Devices, and Settings.
Disks provided by software manufacturers to install software on your computer from a CD/DVD drive or used by you to store copies of your files and data.
A way to provide on/off input for a feature or setting by selecting or clearing a small box.
A set of ready-made illustrations and photos you can insert in documents.
The practice of hosting programs or services on Internet servers. End users can access these programs or services from their computers without having to install any app locally on their device.
A special mode in Windows in which programs run in an emulated environment that mimics an earlier version of Windows.
A set of tools and settings with which you can configure the basic functions of your tablet.
Marked Ctrl on the keyboard. Like Alt and Function keys, this key is used in combination with other keys. Its use can vary from program to program.
Common tools/menu commands for editing text. With most Windows programs, you can cut or copy a selected item (text or object) and paste it into another place within a document or into another document. Use Ctrl in combination with X, C, and V as shortcuts for cutting, copying, and pasting, respectively.
Reducing the fragmentation (scattering) of files across a hard disk to improve computer performance in retrieving files.
An alternate interface to the Start screen in which users can control settings and programs in an environment similar to previous versions of Windows.
A software program that enables communication between the operating system and a hardware device.
A window that contains sets of commands such as a Font dialog box for formatting text.
The process of transferring files from the web to your computing device. You can download pictures, videos, PDF files, text, and programs.
The facility in most programs to select text or a file and move it to another position or location by using a mouse or finger (on a touchscreen).
An alphabetical letter from A to Z that Windows assigns to a fixed or removable hard disk.
Digital Versatile–Disk Read Only Memory. An optical disk capable of containing much more data than a CD. Used for music, videos, and programs.
A rewriteable DVD.
A disk player for DVD discs. Capable of playing CDs, as well.
A Windows feature with which you can control children’s access to certain features and online content.
A feature of a web browser by which you add frequently used sites to a list for easy retrieval.
See Also BOOKMARK
Used to view files, folders, libraries, and networks on the desktop.
A program that protects your computer from unauthorized access via the Internet.
A removable storage device that connects to your computer through a USB port.
A collection of text characters of a predefined style, such as Times New Roman or Arial, that can be applied to selected text.
Programmable keys F1 to F12 on a keyboard. Function keys vary in their use, depending on the operating system and keyboard.
Printed material.
A disk or set of disks in a computer that is used to record data such as programs and user files.
Any piece of computing equipment, such as the tablet itself or a printer.
A networking feature through which Windows 8–based computers and devices can share files and printers within a single network.
The first page of a website, usually Index.htm. This is the webpage that loads first when you visit a website.
A web-based email service run by Microsoft.
A Wi-Fi connection in a location such as a café, airport, or hotel over which Wi-Fi enabled laptops, smartphones, or tablets can access the connection.
See SURFING
A segment of text or a graphic on a webpage on which you can click or tap that takes you to another webpage. Text links are often colored and underlined; images and maps can also act as links. When using a mouse, the pointer changes shape to that of a hand when hovering over a link.
An app such as Windows Messaging with which you can send text-based messages to people online in real time.
A feature of Windows with which you can search apps, files, settings, and a variety of web content from the Start screen.
The worldwide network of computer servers that host the data, including the World Wide Web.
The most common web browser, offered for free download or as part of Windows. Other browsers include Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome.
A company that provides you with access to the Internet.
Malicious software, such as viruses.
Storage capacity in a computer or tablet that Windows uses to store files and run programs.
The computer screen. Also called display.
The main circuit board of a computer, to which components such as computer chips and graphics cards are attached.
Microsoft Network.
Almost always a 25-pin female socket on the back of a computer which is used for printing but also to attach devices such as scanners and other external equipment.
See Also USB PORT (Universal Serial Bus)
The location of a file or program on a disk, such as C:\Users\Public, to indicate the Public subfolder in the Users folder located on the C drive.
Common computer or tablet settings that you can access from the Settings charm.
To place a tile for an app on the Start screen.
An architecture by which modern computers and hardware (printers, sound cards, DVD players, and so on) are able to recognize when they are connected together, thus enabling easy installation or use.
Either a physical socket on your computer, such USB, parallel (printer) or Serial communications), or part of the operating system through which communication with your computer takes place (the latter are numbered, for example, Port 110).
A physical silicon chip on a motherboard that is the “brain” of a computer or tablet.
(Random Access Memory). The temporary storage on a computer. When a computer is shut down, anything stored in RAM is lost.
A way to return a faulty copy of Windows 8 to a properly working copy without losing any files or data.
A file (one per user on a computer) that contains a database of settings for Windows, user preferences, and installed software and hardware.
A feature by which another individual (for example, a Help desk technician) can remotely control a computer over a network or the Internet.
A feature by which you can assume remote control of another computer on a network.
A way to reset a computer or tablet that is experiencing problems to its original factory settings. All data is lost with this procedure.
A startup mode that boots Windows in its most basic form, with no background programs in operation. In Safe Mode, the screen displays a very basic (large) layout.Safe Mode is used to troubleshoot and repair various problems in the operating system, including virus removal and defragmentation. To enter Safe Mode, press Shift+F8 upon startup.
A program, usually accessed on the Internet, that you use to search for information by entering a few words.
Computer programs or software that are free to use, but you are invited to make a contribution toward its development and maintenance costs, typically around $15.
An area on the Internet that has its own unique web address (URL). A typical website has a Home page followed by other pages that are linked to the Home page via hyperlinks.
Microsoft’s online cloud storage solution, found at http://www.skydrive.com.
A feature that allows you to drag (with a finger or mouse) an open window to the side of the screen to anchor it there.
Programs of all kinds which make the computer or tablet act in a particular way to perform certain functions, such as word processing, desktop publishing, and financial calculations.
Unsolicited advertising that usually arrives in emails.
Software that installs itself on your computer without your knowledge which monitors and reports back your activities to its originator.
The central interface of Windows 8, from which you can access apps and settings.
Receiving sound, video, or pictures over the Internet without having to download the content.
Using the hypertext links embedded in a webpage to jump from one website or page to another.
A Windows feature that makes copies of critical system settings and files to be used to restore your system later if required.
Located on the left of the keyboard, you can use this key to jump certain fixed distances across the page when using a word processor, or to jump from one text box to the next when filling out forms, or to move from one table cell to the next when working in a table editor.
The bar across the bottom of the desktop that contains program and setting icons for quick access.
Your Internet browser, some installation programs, and even your own programs can store some files in a part of your hard disk memory. These files are deleted when no longer in use.
A standard letter or spreadsheet that forms the basis, or framework, for new documents. Templates can be modified to suit the needs of the current document.
An array of icons often found at the top of a program such as a word processor that represent tools and functions you use to carry out tasks.
A computer monitor that responds to physical contact by which you provide input to the computer or tablet by touching the screen with a stylus or your finger.
A schema to display the user controls for a computer on a monitor. Modern user interfaces are designed to be friendly, intuitive, and usually graphical manner.
To remove a tile from the Windows Start screen.
A folder containing a user’s files and folders.
A web address. Web addresses can begin with http:// or www, or both.
A communication port used to transfer data between your computer and USB devices.
See browser.
A wireless interface that uses radio waves to link computers and other devices.
Part of the Windows interface that allows you to view a program, content, or group of settings in a box that you can shrink, enlarge, or display side by side with other windows.
The very latest edition of the Windows operating system on which this book is based.
An online store containing apps that work with the Windows operating system.
A feature in Windows for automatically updating the operating system with the latest updates and patches.
A program that helps you through a process such as installing new software or hardware.
An encryption method for wireless networks.
Documents stored on the Internet.