Computer words
Each page explains one everyday computer word in plain words, with a picture of what it looks like. Many pages also link to the lessons that use the word.
- Address bar
- The long box across the top of a web browser that shows the address of the page you are on. You can type a website's address in it.
- Double-click
- To press the mouse button twice quickly without moving the pointer, usually to open a file, folder or app.
- Download
- To copy a file from a website onto your own computer, so you can open it later.
- Downloads folder
- A folder that comes with your computer. Web browsers usually save the files you download into it.
- Drag
- To hold down the mouse button while you move the pointer, then let go, to move something or highlight words.
- File name ending
- The dot and letters at the end of a file name, such as .pdf in report.pdf. It tells the computer what kind of file it is.
- Folder
- A place on a computer that holds files, and other folders, the way a paper folder holds letters.
- A kind of document file that looks the same on any computer, phone or printer. Its name ends in .pdf.
- PIN
- A short secret number you type to prove it is you, such as when you sign in to a computer or unlock a phone.
- Pointer
- The small arrow on the screen that moves when you move the mouse or slide a finger on the touchpad or trackpad.
- Right-click
- To press the right mouse button once, which opens a small menu of choices for the thing under the pointer.
- Screenshot
- A picture of what is on your computer screen, saved as a picture file.
- Tab
- One web page inside a browser window. Tabs sit in a row near the top, so you can keep several pages open and switch between them.
- Text cursor
- The thin blinking line inside a box or document that shows where the words you type will appear.
- Three dots button
- A button drawn as three dots that opens a menu of more choices, such as Print or Settings.
- Web browser
- The app you use to visit websites, such as Microsoft Edge, Safari or Google Chrome.