Term | Definition |
32-bit Operating System | Type of operating system that processes 32 bits at a time |
64-bit Operating System | Type of operating system that processes 64 bits at a time |
Action Center | A tool in Windows 8/7 that lists errors and issues that need attention |
Active Directory | A windows Server Directory database and service that is used in managing a domain to allow for a single point of administration for all shared resources on a network, including files,peripheral devices, databases, websites, users, and services |
Administrative Tools | A group of tools accessed through Control Panel that you can use to manage the local computer or other computers on the network |
Administrator Account | In Windows, a user account that grants to the administrator(s) rights and privileges to all hardware and software resources, such as the rights to add, delete, and change accounts and to change hardware configurations. Compared with standard account. |
Aero User Interface | The Windows 7/Vista 3D user interface that gives a glassy appearance. Also called Aero Glass. |
BitLocker Drive Encryption | A Utility in Windows 8/7/Vista that is used to lock down a hard drive by encrypting the entire Windows volume and any other volume on the drive |
Category View | Default view in Windows Control Panel that presents utilities grouped by category. Compared with Classic View |
Charm | A shortcut that appears in the Windows 8 charms bar |
Charms Bar | A menu that appears on the right side of any Windows 8 screen when you move your pointer to a right corner |
Child Directory | A directory or folder contained in another directory or folder. Also known as Subdirectory |
Classic View | View in Windows Control Panel that presents utilities in small or large icons and are not grouped. Compared with Category View |
Client/Server | Two computers communicating using a local network or the Internet. One computer (the client) makes requests to the other computer (the server), which answers the request. |
Compressed (zipped) folder | A folder with a .zip extension that contains compression files. When files are put in the folder, they are compressed. When files are moved to a regular folder, the files are decompressed. |
Console | A Window that consolidates several Windows administrative tools |
Control Panel | A Windows containing several small Windows utility programs called applets that are used to manage hardware, software, users, and the system. |
Date and Time Applet | Accessed through Control Panel, used to set the date and time |
Device Driver | A small program stored on the hard drive and installed in Windows that tells Windows how to communicate with a specific hardware device such as a printer, network, port on the motherboard, or scanner |
Domain | In Windows, a logical group of networked computers, such as those on a college campus, that share a centralized directory database of user account information and security for the entire domain. |
Domain Account | An account that is used at the domain level, created by an administrator, and stored in the SAM (security accounts manager) database pm a Windows domain controller. Also called global account or network ID. Compare with local account. |
File Explorer | The Windows 8 utility used to view and manage files and folders |
File Extension | A portion of the name of a file that indicates how the files is organized or formatted, the type of content in the file, and what program uses the file. In command lines, the file extension follows the file name and is separated from it by a period. |
File Name | The first part of the name assigned to a file, which doesn't include the file extension. In Windows, a file name can be up to 255 characters. |
Folder | A directory or folder contained in another directory or folder |
Folder Options Applet | Accessed through Control Panel, manages how files and folders are displayed in File Explorer or Windows Explorer. |
Gadget | A mini-app that appears on the Windows 7 desktop or Vista sidebar |
Global Account | An account that is used at the domain level, created by an administrator, and stored in the SAM (security accounts manager) database pm a Windows domain controller. Also called domain account or network ID. Compare with local account. |
Graphical User Interface (GUI) | An interface that uses graphics as compared with a command-driven interfaces. |
Hibernation | A power-saving state that saves all work to the hard drive and powers down the system. |
Homegroup | In Windows, a type of peer-to-peer network where each computer shares files, folders, libraries, and printers with other computers in the homegroup. Access to the homegroup is secured using a homegroup password |
Library | In Windows 8/7, a collection of one or many folders that can be stored on different local drives or on the network |
Live Sign in | Sign in to Windows 8 using a Microsoft account. |
Live Tiles | On the Windows 8 Start screen, some apps use live tiles, which offer continuous real-time updates. |
Local Account | A Windows user account that applies only to the local computer and cannot be used to access resource from other computers on the network. Compares with global accounts |
Logical Topology | The logical way computers connect on a network |
Metro User Interface (Metro UI) | An interface that presents the Start screen to the user, also called windows 8 interface. |
Microsoft Account | For Windows 8 and above, an email address and password that allows access to several types of online accounts, including Microsoft OneDrive, Facebook,LinkedIn,Twitter, Skype, Outlook, and others. |
Modern Interface | An interface that presents the Start screen to the user, also called windows 8 interface. Formerly called Metro User Interface or Metro UI |
Navigation Pane | In File Explorer, Windows Explorer, or the Computer window, the pane on the left side of the window where devices, drives, and folders are listed. Double-clicking an item to drill down into the item |
Networking and Sharing Center | The primary Windows utility used to manage network connections. |
Network ID | An account that is used at the domain level, created by an administrator, and stored in the SAM (security accounts manager) database pm a Windows domain controller. |
Notepad | A Windows text editing program |
Notification Area | An area to the right of the Windows taskbar that holds the icons for running services; there services include the volume control and network connectivity. |
OneDrive | Microsoft cloud service that allows users with a Microsoft account to store, sync, and share files with other people and devices |
Operating Systems (OS) | Software that controls a computer. An OS controls how system resources are used and provides a user interface, a way of managing hardware and software, and ways to work with files. |
Patch | A minor update to software that corrects an error, adds a feature, or addresses security issues |
Path | A drive and list of directories pointing to a file. |
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) | As applied to networking, a network of computers that are all equals, or peers. Each computer has the same amount of authority, and each can act as a server to the other computers. |
Physical Topology | The physical arrangement of connections between computers. |
Pinning | To make a frequently used application more accessible, add its icon to the taskbar on the desktop. |
Power Options Applet | Accessed through Control Panel, manages power settings to converse power. |
Quick Launch Menu | The menu that appears when the Windows Stat button is right-clicked or the user presses Win+X. |
Recycle Bin | In Windows, location on the hard drive where deleted files are stored. |
Root Directory | The main directory, at the top of the top-down hierarchical structure of sub-directories, created when a hard drive or disk is first formatted. |
Security Center | A Vista utility where you can confirm Windows Firewall, Windows Update, anti-malware settings, including that of Windows Defender, and other security settings. |
Service | A program that runs int he background to support or serve Windows or an application. |
Service Pack | A collection of several patches or updates that is installed as a single update to an OS or application. |
Sidebar | Located on the right side of the Vista desktop and displays Vista gadgets. |
Side-by-Side Apps | In Windows 8, an application or page that can be snapped to the left or right side of the screen so a second page can share the screen. |
Single sign-on (SSO) | An account that accesses multiple, independent resources, systems, or applications after signing in one time to one account. |
Sleep Mode | A power saving state for a computer used to save power when not using computer. |
Sleep Timer | The number of minutes of inactivity before a computer goes into sleep mood. |
Sound Applet | Accessed through Control Panel, used to select a default speaker and microphone and adjust how Windows handles sound. |
Standard Account | The Windows user account type that can use software and make some system changes, but cannot make changes that affects the security of the system or other users. |
Start Screen | Introduced in Windows 8, the Start screen contains tiles that represent lean apps, which few system resources and are designed for social media, social networking, and the novice end user. |
Subdirectory | A directory or folder contained in another directory or folder. Also known as Child Directory |
Suspend Mode | A power saving state for a computer used to save power when not using computer. |
System Information | A Windows tool that provides detailed information about a system, including stalled hardware and software, the current system configuration, and currently running programs. |
System Tray | An area to the right of the Windows taskbar that holds the icons for running services; there services include the volume control and network connectivity. |
System Window | A windows that displays brief and important information about installed hardware and software and gives access to important Windows tools needed to support the system. |
Systray | An area to the right of the Windows taskbar that holds the icons for running services; there services include the volume control and network connectivity. |
Taskbar | A bar normally located at the bottom of the Windows desktop, displaying information about open programs and providing quick access to others. |
User Account Control (UAC) Dialog Box | A windows security feature that displays a dialog box when an event requiring administrative privileges is about to happen. |
Volume | A primary partition that has been assigned a driver letter and can be formatted with a file system. |
Windows 8.1 | A free updated or release of the Windows 8 operating system. |
Windows Defender | Anti-malware software embedded in Windows 8 that can detect, prevent, and clean up a system inflected with viruses and other malware. |
Windows Explorer | The Windows 7/Vista utility used to view and manage files and folders. |
Windows Firewall | A personal firewall that protects a computer from intrusion and is automatically configured when you set up your network location in the Network and Sharing Center |
Windows Store | Access to purchase and download apps that use the Windows 8 interface. |
Workgroup | A logical group of computers and users in which administration, resources, and security are distributed throughout the network, without centralized management or security. |