Alias
A file that stands for and points to a file, application, folder, or disk that you use as if it were the original. When you open an alias it opens the original file, application, folder or disk that it points to.
Apple Backup
An application for the Macintosh Performa computers that lets you copy files on your hard disk onto a series of high-density floppy disks. If the original files on your hard disk are lost or damaged, you can use these backup disks to restore your files.
Apple Desktop Bus (ADB)
Input circuitry built into many Apple computers. You use the ADB port to attach the keyboard, the mouse, and other input devices, such as graphics tablets and bar code readers. Universal Serial Bus (USB) has replaced ADB.
Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)
An interface specification that enables 3-D graphics to display quickly on ordinary personal computers.
Apple Menu
The menu at the left end of the menu bar, indicated by the Apple logo. You choose items from this menu to open items that you have placed in the Apple Menu Items folder, and to get information about programs that are currently running ("About╔").
Apple Restore
An application program that lets you restore information on your hard disk from a backup disks made with Apple Backup.
AppleTalk Network
A comprehensive network system that runs on a variety of cable systems and protocols. It facilitates communication between network devices, such as your computers, file servers, and printers, which may be a mixture of Apple and non-Apple products. Several elements make up an AppleTalk network system: AppleTalk software and AppleTalk hardware; the latter includes computing components and connectivity components.
AppleTalk Connectivity
AppleTalk's design lets you include a variety of data-link and cabling methods in a network system. Data-link and cabling methods widely used include LocalTalk; EtherTalk, using standard Ethernet media; and TokenTalk, using token ring media.
At Ease
Software that lets you use a Macintosh without using the Finder interface. At Ease provides easy ways to open files and prevents you from deleting files or changing system software. It is particularly suited to homes and classrooms.
Chooser
A program that lets you designate devices such as printers and shared disks on a network for your Macintosh to use.
Clipboard
An area in the computer's memory that functions as a holding place for what you last cut or copied. Information on the clipboard can be pasted into documents.
Control Panels
Programs that let you change various Macintosh features, such as sound, mouse movement, and keyboard options. Control panels are located inside the System folder.
Desk Accessories
Small application programs that you can add to your system. Desk accessories are installed in the Apple menu. Some of those provided with the Macintosh include the Calculator, the Chooser, Control Panels, Key Caps, and the Scrapbook.
Desktop
Your working environment when you are using the Finder interface on the computer (the menu bar and the background area on the screen), on which you work with icons and windows.
Documents Folder
A folder on the desktop that can be set up as the default folder when you save a document.
Finder
The application program that maintains the Macintosh desktop and starts up other programs at your request. You use it to manage documents and programs, and to get information to and from disks. The Finder is what you see when you start up your computer.
Folder
A container for documents, programs, as well as other folders on the desktop or in directory windows.
Icon
A small pictorial representation of a file, disk, menu, option, or other object or feature.
Launcher
A system extension containing aliases of programs and other items. The Launcher window can be set up to open automatically when you start your computer. You can add to or change the contents of the Launcher to suit your own needs.
NuBus
A bus architecture that lets you add a variety of components to your Macintosh by installing cards into expansion slots (such as video capture cards and networking).
Operating System
Software that coordinates the internal activities of the computer and its peripheral devices. An operating system performs basic tasks such as moving data to and from devices and managing information in memory.
Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)
An interconnection system between a microprocessor and attached devices in which expansion slots are spaced closely for high speed operation.
ProDOS
The operating system for Apple II computers.
QuickTime
A system software extension that lets you play synchronized video and sound clips on your Macintosh.
Scrapbook
A desk accessory in which you can save frequently-used graphics, text, and sounds. The scrapbook can store multiple images. You can cut or copy images from the Scrapbook and paste them into documents.
SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface)
A specification of mechanical and electrical standards for connecting certain peripheral devices (such as CD-ROM drives, external storage drives, and scanners) to a computer.
System File
A software file required for starting up the computer. You can customize it with fonts and desk accessories.
Universal Serial Bus (USB)
A plug and play interface between a computer and add-on devices (such as printers, scanners, digital cameras, keyboards, mice, etc.)