Compaq 1400 - Manual (Page 151)

P RESARIO N OTEBOOK B EYOND S ETUP G UIDE G LOSSARY -11
1400 S ERIES
product key A unique series of letters
and numbers that are assigned to each
software package you buy. You are asked
to enter the product key when you install
the software. When you register the
software, you transmit the product key to
the manufacturer to enter in a customer
database. Later, when you call for
technical support, you are asked for the
product key. The technician matches it
against the database to determine whether
you qualify for support. You should keep a
record of all product keys to protect your
investment. They are comparable to the
serial numbers on hardware. See software.
program Software that you install on a
computer for word processing, drawing,
manipulating photos, reconciling your
bank statement, calculating your taxes,
composing music, or playing games. It is
occasionally referred to as an application.
See software.
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RAM (random access memory) The
main memory of the computer. It holds a
copy of the operating system, 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 also main memory. See also
ROM.
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
also 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 also microprocessor.
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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
also 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