Word Processor Definition
A word processor, or word processing program, does exactly what the name implies. It processes words. It also processes paragraphs, pages, and entire papers. Some examples of word processing programs include Microsoft Word, WordPerfect (Windows only), AppleWorks (Mac only), and OpenOffice.org.
The first word processors were basically computerized typewriters, which did little more than place characters on a screen, which could then be printed by a printer. Moder...
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Software
Utility Definition
Utility Definition
Utility programs, commonly referred to as just "utilities," are software programs that add functionality to your computer or help your computer perform better. These include antivirus, backup, disk repair, file management, security, and networking programs. Utilities can also be applications such as screensavers, font and icon tools, and desktop enhancements. Some utility programs help keep your computer free from unwanted software such as viruses or spyware, while others add...
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File Format Definition
File Format Definition
A file format defines the structure and type of data stored in a file. The structure of a typical file may include a header, metadata, saved content, and an end-of-file (EOF) marker. The data stored in the file depends on the purpose of the file format. Some files, such as XML files, are used to store lists of items, while others, such as JPEG image files simply contain a block of data.
A file format also defines whether the data is stored in a plain text or binary...
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Win32 Definition
Win32 Definition
This is the Windows application programming interface (API) for developing 32-bit applications. It has been used for Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, and newer Windows operating systems. This means that if you use Windows 95 or later, you can run 32-bit applications on your computer. Win32 is a term that is important to programmers, but is not crucial for the average user to know. Just know that if you have Windows 95 or later, you can run Win32 applications. If you want...
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Windows Definition
Windows Definition
Windows is a series of operating systems developed by Microsoft. Each version of Windows includes a graphical user interface, with a desktop that allows users to view files and folders in windows. For the past two decades, Windows has been the most widely used operating system for personal computers PCs.
Microsoft Windows is designed for both home computing and professional purposes. Past versions of Windows home editions include Windows 3.0 (1990), Windows 3.1 (1992), Win...
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FAT32 Definition
FAT32 Definition
This strange term refers to the way Windows stores data on your hard drive. "FAT" stands for "File Allocation Table," which keeps track of all your files and helps the computer locate them on the disk. Even if a file gets fragmented (split up into various areas on the disk), the file allocation table still can keep track of it. FAT32 is an improvement to the original FAT system, since it uses more bits to identify each cluster on the disk. This helps the computer locate fil...
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Import Definition
Import Definition
Import is a command typically located within a program's File menu (File → Import...). Like the standard File → Open... command, Import is used for opening files, but it serves a more specific purpose. Instead of opening standard file types, Import is often used for importing parts of files, program settings, plug-ins, or other unconventional file formats.
Not all applications include an Import option, since the "Open..." command is often sufficient. Instead, the Import...
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Export Definition
Export Definition
Export is a command usually found within a program's File menu (File → Export...). It is similar to the File → Save As... command, but is typically used for more specific purposes. For example, instead of simply saving a file with a different name or different format, "Export" might be used to save parts of a file, create a backup copy of a file, or save a file with customized settings.
Since the Export command is only used for specific purposes, it is not available in ...
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Directory Definition
Directory Definition
A directory is another name for a folder. File systems use directories to organize files within a storage device, such as an HDD or SSD. For example, system files may be located in one directory, while user files may be stored in another.
While directories often contain files, they may also contain other directories, or subdirectories. The user folder, for instance, may include directories such as Documents, Pictures, and Videos. Each of these directories may contain...
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Program Definition
Program Definition
Program is a common computer term that can be used as both a noun and a verb. A program (noun) is executable software that runs on a computer. It is similar to a script, but is often much larger in size and does not require a scripting engine to run. Instead, a program consists of compiled code that can run directly from the computer's operating system.
Examples of programs include Web browsers, word processors, e-mail clients, video games, and system utilities. These prog...
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