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right-click To push down and quickly
release the right mouse button to display a
shortcut menu of the most commonly used
commands for the item you clicked. See
pop-up menu.
ROM (read-only memory) Memory
that contains the basic instructions for the
microprocessor. ROM is permanent
memory; turning off the computer does not
erase it. Since you cannot change or write
to ROM, it is referred to as read only.
See microprocessor.
scanner A device that creates digital
images of printed documents and
photographs. Software allows you to save
and edit the images on the computer. See
digital. See also software.
screen saver A moving picture or
pattern that appears on the screen when
you stop using your computer for a
specified period of time. Originally
designed to protect the monitor, screen
savers are now used for amusement.
scroll To gradually move information
across the screen when a document or Web
page is too long or too wide to view all at
once. Scroll bars are located along the right
side and across the bottom of a window.
When scroll arrows are present at the ends
of the bars, you know that some
information is off the screen. Click on one
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LOSSARY
6 6 6 6
of the arrows to scroll the information into
view.
scroll mouse A mouse with a scroll
wheel (between the two mouse buttons) for
automatic scrolling through long
documents or Web pages.
search engine A program, accessed on
the Internet, that allows you to search large
databases for information, using keywords
or phrases. See database.
secure Web site A Web site that
encrypts data to protect it from
unauthorised use. When you purchase
items over the Internet, you are asked to
type your name, mailing address, e-mail
address, and credit card information on an
electronic form. Sending information to a
secure Web site is comparable to giving it
over the telephone when you order from a
catalogue. (But never send your national
insurance number over the Internet.
Criminals can steal your identity with your
national insurance number.) See encrypt.
serial port A small connector on the back
of the computer (or keyboard) for plugging
in a thin cable attached to a serial device,
such as a mouse. Serial devices transfer
data, one bit at a time, through a data wire.
The serial cable has two wires for
bidirectional communication (sending and
receiving information simultaneously). See
digital. See also parallel port.
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