Compaq Presario 1200 series User Manual page 149

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
of the arrows to scroll the information into
view.
scroll mouse A mouse with a scroll
wheel (between the two mouse buttons) for
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LOSSARY
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automatic scrolling through long
documents or Web pages.
search engine A programme, 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 social
security number over the Internet.
Criminals can steal your identity with your
social security 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 bi-
directional communication (sending and
receiving information simultaneously).
See digital. See also parallel port.
shareware Software you can try before
you buy. After a trial period, usually
30 days, the programme un-installs unless
you pay for it You can download shareware
from the Internet. See software.
shortcut An icon on the Windows
desktop that you double-click to launch
a programme.
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