Compaq Presario Internet PC - Manual (Page 127)

M Y P RESARIO —G ETTING S TARTED AND B EYOND G LOSSARY 13
that create data files. See hardware and
software.
R
RAM (random access memory) The
main memory of the computer. It holds a
copy of the operating system (OS), any
programs that are running on the computer,
and any data that is being processed. RAM
is temporary memory; turning off the
computer clears RAM. The more RAM
your computer has, the faster the programs
respond. See main memory, OS, program.
See also ROM.
right-click To press and quickly release
the right mouse button to display a menu
of options. 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. See also RAM.
S
scanner A device that creates digital
images of printed documents and
photographs. Optical character recognition
(OCR) and photo manipulation programs
allow you to save and edit the images on
your computer.
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 move information gradually
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 one of
the arrows to scroll the information into
view. See click.
scroll mouse A mouse with a scroll wheel
(between the two mouse buttons) for
automatic scrolling through long
documents or Web pages. See scroll and
mouse.
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 unauthorized 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. (Never
send your social security number over the
Internet. Criminals can steal your identity
with your social security number.) See
encrypt.