BSN Programs

Uninstall

To completely remove a program from your system. When a program is installed, it’s files are copied to the system disk, and changes are made to certain system files and folders to allow the program to work properly. Properly uninstalling a program means deleting all of the files and undoing any changes made to system files fully.

UNIX

UNIX is an operating system that supports multiusers (more than one person can use the computer at the same time) and multitasking (more the one program can be run on the computer at one time). Originally created by programmers to be used by programmers, it is VERY powerful.

Update

To install the latest version of a program, or to record the latest information in a file or other document.

Upgrade

A newer version of a program intended to seamlessly add new features to an existing piece of software without having to purchase and install an entirely new edition. Upgrades typically cost less than buying an all new copy of the software (most are nominal, or even free). Also refers to reconfiguring a computer system to increase its computing power— by installing new hardware components.

Upload

To copy or move a file from one computer or drive to another computer or drive. It also means to transfer a file from your computer by attaching it to an email or moving it to a web based upload area.

URL

Uniform Resource Locator, a string of text used to identify and locate a file on a computer network, like the internet. An URL looks like this ... http://www.kwantlen.ca

User

A person who operates and uses a computer.

User-friendly

Programs that have been thoughtfully designed to be intuitive and self-explanatory to the average user, with a minimal chance of mistakes.

Version

A specific release of a software product. Version numbers are typically assigned in ascending order, thus the higher the number, the newer the software. Sometimes, to add a small feature or fix a small error, rather than release another version of a program, a manufacturer will release a revision of the software, which is represented in the version number as a decimal (e.g. Photoshop CS).

VGA

Video Graphics Array. The standard analog system used for computer monitors.

Virus

A computer virus is a program written and then hidden in another program, "program x". When "program x" is executed (run) the virus program is unleashed and is able to do it’s damage. The damage can range from a "friendly" joke to a complete destruction of other programs and data.

Wallpaper

A graphic used to cover the "desktop" or background of a graphical user interface such as Windows and Firefox. The wallpaper usually serves no purpose other than to improve the appearance of your workspace.

WAN

Wide Area Network. A network of computers at many different and distant locations.

Web 2.0

Software applications and networking processes that shape the world wide web into a platform for social connection, sharing, dialogue, and multimedia enhanced interaction. Examples of relevant software include blogs, wikis, folksonomies, video-sharing, community software, and mobile access.

What’s This?

A feature of Windows help program. In a dialog box, click the small button with a question mark (?) on it. Then, click where you want help. A small description will pop up to explain what the item is and how to use it.

Window

A work area in a graphical user interface. Programs run in a window within the operating system. Similarly, documents are often opened in another window inside a program window. Windowing programs makes it easy to switch between different programs and tasks by working in "layers".

Win.ini

Microsoft Windows’ main configuration file. Win.ini is the file that contains all possible options and sets up Windows to your specifications to default to your selections every time you start your computer. Wallpaper, fonts, printers and other devices are all set up by the Win.ini file.

Wizard

Microsoft's name for a step-by-step set of instructions that guide you through a particular task. For example, there are many wizards included with Windows for installing new hardware, configuring the Start menu, establishing dial-up networking for modem use, and changing other aspects of the computer environment.

Word Processing

A technique for electronically storing, editing, and manipulating text by using an electronic keyboard, computer, and printer. Word processing differs from typing since a user can type, edit, and reformat text before it is printed, as well as save it on magnetic media so that it can easily be modified. Popular examples are Word, WordPerfect, and Open Office.

Word Wrap

In word processing, when text that is entered into a paragraph reaches the end of a line, it automatically breaks and continues on the line immediately below.

World Wide Web

The most popular feature on the Internet that uses HyperText Markup Language to create and link together graphics, documents and files across the Internet. Usually accessed using common web browser software such as Firefox, Opera, Safara, and Internet Explorer.

Works Package

Also called integrated software and similar to an Office Suite, a Works package is typically a single program with database, spreadsheet, and word processing functions offered together. Microsoft Works is an example of a works package.

WYSIWYG (wizzy-wig)

Acronym for "what you see is what you get". Referring to a process of designing a document on a computer screen that is a virtual preview of what the printed page will look like.

ZIP files

Refers to a the most common file compression format. A zip file is made by compacting the information in a file or set of files to generally make the file smaller. Zip files are easier to store and transport since they require less disk space. A special file-compression and/or decompression utility is typically required, such as WinZip, to work with zip files.

NEXT: RESOURCES .....