A keyboard key or key combination that invokes a particular command (also referred to as an accelerator key)
An accent mark appears above or below a printed letter to help determine pronunciation.
A toolbar that docks to the desktop, similar to the taskbar (also referred to as an access bar). See also taskbar
The key that corresponds to an underlined letter on a menu or control (also referred to as a mnemonic or mnemonic access key)
The principle of designing software to be usable and accessible to the widest range of users, including users with disabilities
An abbreviated version of a group of words to make them look like one word. Example: NATO is an acronym for North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Acronyms should normally be translated into grade 1 braille.
To make an object's state available
The state of an object that is the focus of user input, with its operations available
The ending point for a selected range of objects. It is usually established at the object logically nearest the hot spot of the pointer when a user releases the primary mouse button. Compare anchor point
The window in which a user is currently working or directing input. An active window is typically at the top of the Z order and is distinguished by the color of its title bar. Compare inactive window
An upward sloping accent mark, as in é.
A control or status area that is attached to the edge of a pane or window, such as a toolbar or ruler
A key normally found just next to the space bar on either side, the ALT key can be used simultaneously with other keys to perform a function. Example: Alt + f to pull down the "File" menu.
The starting point for a selected range of objects. An anchor point is usually established at the object logically nearest the hot spot of the pointer when a user presses a mouse button. Compare active end
A graphic design technique that involves adding colored pixels to smooth the jagged edges of a graphic
To commit a set of changes or pending transactions made in a secondary window, typically without closing that window
A text box in which the input focus automatically moves to the next control as soon as a user types the last character
The movement of text to fill a gap that remains after a user deletes other text
A technique whereby a display area automatically scrolls without direct interaction with a scroll bar
An event or interaction that is automatically repeated. Auto-repeat events usually occur when a user holds down a keyboard key or clicks and holds a special control (for example, scroll bar buttons)
A ToolTip style design to provide message information about a control or object
The speed at which data is transferred. It is extremely important for serial embossers or printers that the computer sends data at the same speed the device expects to receive it. 9600 is the most common speed.
An item on a tool bar or dialog box which can be "clicked on" with a mouse cursor or by performing the equivalent action with the keyboard.
To halt an operation or process and return to the prior state. Compare stop
The location where text or graphics will be inserted (also referred to as the caret). Also used for text box controls to indicate input focus
A menu that is a submenu of a menu item (also referred to as a hierarchical menu, child menu, or submenu)
A standard Windows control that displays a setting or a set of non-mutually exclusive settings, either selected (set) or cleared (not set). Compare option button
A menu that is a submenu of a menu item (also referred to as a hierarchical menu, child menu, or submenu)
A document window used within an MDI window. See also multiple document interface
To press more than one mouse or keyboard button at the same time
A technique of entering braille whereby six-keys (S-D-F-J-K-L) are used. Each key represents a dot within a cell. If all six keys are chorded simultaneously, a full-cell (dots 1-2-3-4-5-6) appears.
A hat-like accent mark above a letter, as in Ô.
While pointing the mouse cursor to a point on the screen, pressing once on the left mouse button, or performing an equivalent action with the keyboard.
To position the pointer over an object and then press and release a mouse button. (n.) The act of clicking. See also press
The area of storage for objects, data, or their references after a user carries out a Cut or Copy command
A collection of characters that make up a character set
A set of objects that share some common aspect
A standard Windows control that can be used to provide interactive column titles for a list
A standard Windows control that combines a text box and interdependent list box. Compare drop-down combo box
A standard Windows control that initiates a command or sets an option (also referred to as a push button)
An aggregated set or group of objects that is recognized as an object itself (for example, characters in a paragraph, a named range of cells in a spreadsheet, or a grouped set of drawing objects)
Computerese is any text representing information on a computer screen in which the syntax is important. CBC is the braille code used for computerese. A blind computer programmer will use CBC extensively.
A relationship between a set of objects, where making a change to one object affects another object in the set
An object that holds other objects
A menu that is displayed for a selected object (also referred to as a context menu or pop-up menu). The menu contains commands that are contextually relevant to the selection
Information about an object and its current condition that is requested by the user. It answers the questions "What is this" and "Why would I want to use it?" Compare procedural Help and reference Help
Specific to the conditions in which something exists or occurs
A selection that consists of a set of objects that are logically sequential or adjacent to each other (also referred to as range selection). Compare disjoint selection
An object that enables user interaction or input, often to initiate an action, display information, or set values
The menu, also referred to as the System menu, displayed on the left end of a title bar in Microsoft Windows version 3.1. The context menu of a window replaces the Control menu
The control panel can be found in the Main Start group. The control panel is used to add/update printers, add/remove fonts, etc.
In HTML Help, a cross-reference is a keyword that is linked to another keyword in the index. When users select the cross-reference in the index, it "jumps" to the related keyword. In WinHelp, a See Also cross-reference is a link to a set of topics that use the same A-keyword.
The Ctrl key is the lower-leftmost key on most IBM PC keyboards. It can be used in combination with other keys to perform actions. Example, Ctrl-O to Open a file.
A generic term for the visible indication of where a user's interaction will occur. See also input focus, insertion point, and pointer
A link that propagates a value between two objects or locations
A design in which users interact with their data directly without having to first start an appropriate editor or application
A commonly used term for the Duxbury Braille Translator.
An operation or value that the system or application provides, unless a user makes an explicit choice
The command button that is invoked when a user presses the ENTER key. A default button typically appears in a secondary window
To remove an object or value
The visual work area that fills the screen. The desktop is also a container and can be used as a convenient location to place objects stored in the file system
A toolbar that docks to the desktop, similar to the taskbar (also referred to as an access bar). See also taskbar
A device is essentially anything you attach to your computer in order to enhance your productivity. Some common devices include a speech synthesizer, scanner, printer and embosser. Devices need to communicate correctly with your computer and to do so, many devices use special drivers which load up when you turn on your computer. Device drivers reduce the amount of memory available to DBT and sometimes cause conflicts. If you ever call for support, it may be helpful if you know what device drivers are loaded.
A secondary window that gathers additional information from a user. Compare message box, palette window, and property sheet
A device-independent measure to use for layout. One horizontal unit is equal to one-fourth of the average character width for the current system font. One vertical unit is equal to one-eighth of an average character height for the current system font
A small window which pops up from time to time to display or request information. In Windows, menu options which end with three periods, or full stops, always open a Dialogue Box
Dieresis, a.k.a. umlaut, is an accent mark consisting of two-dots above a letter, as in ü.
The state of a control in which normal functionality is not presently available to a user (also referred to as grayed, dimmed, and disabled)
The state of a control in which normal functionality is not presently available to a user (also referred to as grayed, dimmed, and disabled)
A selection that consists of a set of objects that are not logically sequential or physically adjacent to each other. Compare contiguous selection. See also extended selection
To manipulate an interface element, such as a toolbar, in order to align it with the edge of another interface element, typically a window or pane
A common unit of data (typically a file) used in user tasks and exchanged between users
A window that provides a primary view of a document (typically its content)
While pointing the mouse cursor to a point on the screen, pressing the left mouse button twice in quick succession, or performing an equivalent action with the keyboard.
(v.) To press and release a mouse button twice in rapid succession. (n.) The act of double-clicking to select an object or to perform an operation
To press and hold a mouse button while moving the mouse
A technique for moving, copying, or linking an object by dragging. The destination determines the interpretation of the operation. Compare nondefault drag-and-drop operation
A standard Windows control that combines the characteristics of a text box with a drop-down list box. Compare combo box
A standard Windows control that displays a current setting, but can be opened to display a list of choices
A menu that is displayed from a menu bar. See also menu and shortcut menu
The company officially known as "Duxbury Systems, Inc."
A standard Windows control in which a user can enter and edit text (also referred to as the edit field)
A common drop-down menu that includes general purpose commands for editing objects displayed within a window, such as Cut, Copy, and Paste
The "..." suffix added to a menu item or button label to indicate that the command requires additional information from the user in order to be performed. When a user chooses the command, a dialog box is usually displayed for user input of this additional information
A data object that retains the original editing and operating functionality of the application that created it, while physically residing in another document
The process of creating the raised dots on paper.
An action or occurrence to which an application can respond. Examples of events are clicks, key presses, and mouse movements
A selection that a user intentionally makes with an input device. Compare implicit selection
A selection technique that is optimized for the selection of a single object or single range using contiguous selection techniques (that is, canceling any existing selection when a new selection is made). However, it also supports modifying an existing selection using disjoint selection techniques. See also disjoint selection
A list box that supports multiple selection, but is optimized for a selection of a single object or single range. See also extended selection and list box. Compare multiple-selection list box
A common drop-down menu that includes commands for file operations, such as Open, Save, and Print
The recommended visual display of a control when it is nested inside another control or scrollable region
A type of container for objects; typically for files
A set of attributes for text characters
The size of a font, typically represented in points
The stylistic attributes of a font - such as bold, italic, and underline
A generic term used to refer to any graphic or pictorial image that can be used on a button or in a message box. Compare icon
The state of a control in which normal functionality is not presently available to a user (also referred to as grayed, dimmed, and disabled)
A standard Windows control that groups a set of controls
An interface element added to an object that provides a control point for moving, sizing, reshaping, or other operations pertaining to that object
A common drop-down menu that includes commands that provide access to online Help or other forms of user assistance. See also context-sensitive Help, procedural Help, reference Help, and task-oriented Help
A selection that includes objects of different types or with different properties. Compare homogeneous selection
A number system, unlike the one we are used to using, that is based on 16. Letters are used to signify the numbers 10-15, so that counting goes thusly: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F. Then 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 20, etc. Conventionally "0x" is placed in front of a hexadecimal number: 0x1F, 0xAD, etc. .
A menu that is a submenu of a menu item (also referred to as a hierarchical menu, child menu, or submenu)
To continue to press a keyboard key or mouse button
A selection that includes objects of the same type or with the same properties. Compare heterogeneous selection
The specific portion of the pointer (or pointing device) that defines the exact location, or object, to which a user is pointing
The interaction area of a particular object or location with which a pointer or pointing device's hot spot must come in contact
A selection technique designed to optimize selection and activation of an object. Selection is initiated when the user moves the pointer over the object for a length of time that is longer than a time-out
A special form of link used to navigate to another location
A pictorial representation of an object. Compare glyph
A selection that is the result of inference or the context of some other operation. See also explicit selection
The state of an object when it is not the focus of a user's input
A window in which a user's input is not currently being directed. An inactive window is typically distinguished by the color of its title bar. Compare active window
The visual display for a control which reflects a mixed set of values
A ToolTip used to provide a description for desktop, window, and Start menu items, in Web views, and in the Windows Explorer Comment column when Details view is used. Do not use the term to refer to ToolTips for toolbar buttons
The location where the user is currently directing input
The visual display of a control or other object that indicates it has the input focus
The location where text or graphics will be inserted (also referred to as the caret). Also used for text box controls to indicate input focus
A technique that allows a user to directly interact with the content of an embedded object without executing an explicit activation command. Compare outside-in activation
A special form of link used to navigate to another location
Pressing specific keys on the keyboard to activate a menu or feature in a program. For example pressing CTRL and the letter S in Duxbury, will save the file you are working on.
The text (or graphic) that identifies a control (also referred to as a caption)
An orientation where the long dimension of a rectangular area (for example, screen or paper) is horizontal
(v.) To form a connection between two objects. (n.) A reference to an object that is linked to another object. See also linked object
The descriptive form, or explicit connecting points, of referring to the location of a link source (also referred to as a moniker)
An object that represents or provides access to another object that resides in another location in the same container or in a different container. See also link
A standard Windows control that displays a list of choices. See also extended selection list box
A standard Windows list box control that displays a set of objects. The control also supports different views and drag-and-drop operations
A collection of language-related user preferences for formatting information, such as time, currency, or dates
The process of adapting software for different countries, languages, cultures, or markets
A selection technique that involves dragging out a bounding outline (also referred to as a marquee) to define the selected objects
To display a window at its largest size. See also minimize
A technique for managing a set of windows whereby documents are opened into windows (sometimes called child windows) that are constrained to a single primary (parent) window. See also child window and parent window
A list of textual or graphical choices from which a user can choose. See also drop-down menu and shortcut menu
A horizontal bar at the top of a window, below the title bar, that contains menus. See also drop-down menu
A command button that displays a menu
A text or graphic label that describes a particular menu. For drop-down menus, the title is the entry in the menu bar; for cascading menus, the menu title is the name of its parent menu item
A secondary window that is displayed to inform a user about a particular condition. Compare dialog box, palette window, and property sheet
To minimize the size or appearance of a window; in some cases this means to hide the window. See also maximize
The visual display for a control which reflects a mixed set of values
The key that corresponds to an underlined letter on a menu or control (also referred to as a mnemonic or mnemonic access key)
Restrictive or limited interaction due to operating in a mode. Modal often describes a secondary window that restricts a user's interaction with other windows. A secondary window can be modal with respect to its primary window or to the entire system. Compare modeless
A particular state of interaction, often exclusive in some way to other forms of interaction
Non-restrictive or non-limited interaction. Modeless often describes a secondary window that does not restrict a user's interaction with other windows. Compare modal
A keyboard key that, when pressed (and held), changes the actions of ordinary input
The descriptive form, or explicit connecting points, of referring to the location of a link source (also referred to as a moniker)
A commonly used input device that has one or more buttons for the user to interact with a computer. Also used as a generic term to include other pointing devices that operate similarly (for example, trackballs and headpointers)
A technique for managing a set of windows whereby documents are opened into windows (sometimes called child windows) that are constrained to a single primary (parent) window. See also child window and parent window
A list box that is optimized for making multiple, independent selections. Compare extended selection list box and single selection list box
A standard Windows icon that represents a user's private, usually local, storage
A standard Windows icon that represents access to objects that are stored on the network file system
A drag (transfer) operation whose interpretation is determined by a user's choice of command. These commands are included in a shortcut menu displayed at the destination where the object is dropped. Compare drag-and-drop operation
An entity or component identifiable by a user that can be distinguished by its properties, operations, and relationships
The basic interaction model for the user interface in which the object to be acted upon is specified first, followed by the command to be executed
Also known as Object Linking and Embedding, OLE describes the technology and interface for implementing support for object interaction
The visual display of an object when the user opens the object into its own window
A generic term that refers to the actions that can be done to or with an object
A standard Windows control that allows a user to select from a fixed set of mutually exclusive choices (also referred to as a radio button). Compare check box
The visual display for a control when its value is set
A technique that requires a user to perform an explicit activation command to interact with the content of an embedded object. Compare inside-out activation
An encapsulation of a file so that it can be embedded into a container
A modeless secondary window that displays a toolbar or other choices, such as colors or patterns. Compare dialog box and message box. See also property sheet
A separate area in a split window
A primary window that provides window management for a set of child windows. See also child window and multiple document interface
The principle that the state or properties of an object is automatically preserved
(v.) To position the pointer over a particular object and location. (n.) A unit of measurement for type (1 point equals approximately 1/72 inch)
This is the measurement that typographers use to describe the size of printed text. One "Point" is approximately one seventysecond of an inch.
A graphical image displayed on the screen that indicates the location of a pointing device (also referred to as a cursor)
A menu that is displayed for a selected object (also referred to as a context menu or pop-up menu). The menu contains commands that are contextually relevant to the selection
A secondary window with no title bar that is displayed next to an object; it provides contextual information about that object
An orientation where the long dimension of a rectangular area (for example, screen or paper) is vertical
To press and release a keyboard key. See also click
The visual display for an object, such as a control, when it is being "pressed."
The window in which the main interaction with an object takes place. See also secondary window and window
The ink letters which are "read by" sighted people.
Information about the steps involved in carrying out a particular task. Compare context-sensitive Help, reference Help, and task-oriented Help
A group of related applications residing in the Windows "Start Menu."
Any form of feedback that provides the user with information about the state of a process
A standard Windows control that displays the percentage of completion of a particular process as a graphical bar
A technique for hiding the complexity of an interface by presenting the user with the primary or common options or choices at the topmost level, and then revealing more advanced or complex options through another means, such as explicit user action or navigation
A window or task management technique that consists of a container holding a set of objects, such that when the container is opened, the windows of the contained objects are restored to their former positions
Attributes or characteristics of an object that define its state, appearance, or value
A dynamic properties viewer that displays the properties of the current selection, usually of a particular type of object. Compare property sheet
A grouping of properties on a tabbed page of a property sheet. See also property sheet
A secondary window that displays the properties of an object when a user chooses its Properties command. Compare dialog box and property inspector. See also property page
A standard Windows control used to create property sheet interfaces
A standard Windows control that initiates a command or sets an option (also referred to as a push button)
A standard Windows control that allows a user to select from a fixed set of mutually exclusive choices (also referred to as a radio button). Compare check box
A selection that consists of a set of objects that are logically sequential or adjacent to each other (also referred to as range selection). Compare disjoint selection
The interpretation of strokes or gestures as characters or operations
The standard Windows icon that represents the container for DELeted files
A form of online Help that contains conceptual and explanatory information. Compare context-sensitive Help, procedural Help, and task-oriented Help
A selection technique that involves dragging out a bounding outline (also referred to as a marquee) to define the selected objects
The context or way an object relates to its environment
A standard Windows control that is similar to a standard text box, except that it also supports individual character and paragraph properties
Refers to clicking the right mouse button. May refer to the left mouse button if your particular Windows settings are configured so that you to use your mouse with your left hand.
The ability for a user to move between different computers and have the same user experience on both computers
The definition of the extent to which a selection is logically independent from other selections. For example, selections made in separate windows are typically considered to be independent of each other
An icon created when the user transfers a data selection from within a file to a shell container
To move the viewable area of an object or information in order to make a different portion visible
A component of a scroll bar that allows the information to be scrolled by defined increments when the user clicks it. The direction of the arrow indicates the direction in which the information scrolls
A standard Windows control that supports scrolling
The component of a scroll bar that provides the visual context for the scroll box. Clicking in the scroll bar shaft scrolls the information by a screenful. See also scroll box
A component of a scroll bar that indicates the relative position (and optionally the proportion) of the visible information relative to the entire amount of information. The user can drag the scroll box to view areas of information not currently visible. See also scroll bar shaft
A window that provides information or supplemental interaction related to objects in a primary window. See also primary window and window
To identify one or more objects upon which an operation can be performed
An object or set of objects that have been selected
The visual display of an object when it has been selected
A graphical control point of an object that provides direct manipulation support for operations of that object, such as moving, sizing, or scaling
An entry in a menu used to both group and separate menu items
A generic term that refers to the interface that gives the user control over the system
A generic term that refers to an action or technique that invokes a particular command or performs an operation with less interaction than the usual method
A link presented as an icon that provides a user with access to another object
A keyboard key or key combination that invokes a particular command (also referred to as an accelerator key)
Combinations of keys which may be used instead of mouse clicks. For instance, instead of selecting the File menu, then clicking on "Open," one may type the shortcut keys: Ctrl + o
Function Keys - often it is possible to use the Function Keys as shortcut keys. When you are instructed to type f1 or f2, etc., type the key that corresponds - not the letter f and the number.
A menu that is displayed for a selected object (also referred to as a context menu or pop-up menu). The menu contains commands that are contextually relevant to the selection
A list box that supports only selection of a single item in the list
A special control that appears at the junction of a horizontal and vertical scroll bar or the right end of a status bar and provides an area that a user can drag to size the lower right corner of a window
A standard Windows control that displays and sets a value from a continuous range of possible values, such as brightness or volume
A control composed of a text box and incremental and decremental buttons that allows a user to adjust a value from a limited range of possible values
A division between window panes in a split window; the split bar visually separates window panes
A special control added to a window, typically adjacent to the scroll bar, that allows a user to split a window or adjust a window split
A button, usually in the bottom left-hand corner of the Windows desktop, which allows a computer user to access Windows settings and applications. It has a picture of the Windows logo and the word "Start" on it. When pressed, the "Start Menu" pops up. A keyboard user may access the Start Menu by typing the start button on his or her keyboard (on the left side of the keyboard, it is directly between the "ALT" and "CTRL" keys. You can type CTRL-ESC.
An area that displays state information for the content in the window, typically placed at the bottom of a window
A standard Windows control that provides the functionality of a status bar
To halt a process or action, typically without restoring the prior state. Compare cancel
A menu that is a submenu of a menu item (also referred to as a hierarchical menu, child menu, or submenu)
The menu, also referred to as the System menu, displayed on the left end of a title bar in Microsoft Windows version 3.1. The context menu of a window replaces the Control menu
A standard Windows control that looks similar to a notebook or file divider and provides navigation between different pages or sections of information in a window
The gray bar next to the Windows Start Menu button that displays open applications
A special toolbar that docks on an edge of the desktop supplied by the system. The taskbar includes the Start button, a button for each open primary window, and a status area
Information about the steps involved in carrying out a particular task. Compare context-sensitive Help, procedural Help, and reference Help
An object that automates the creation of new objects of a particular type
The non-braille letters on a computer screen
A standard Windows control in which a user can enter and edit text (also referred to as the edit field)
A process that is part of a larger process or program
The horizontal area at the top of a window that identifies the window. The title bar also acts as a handle for dragging the window
A keyboard key that alternates between turning a particular operation, function, or mode on or off
A frame or special area that contains a set of other controls
A command button used in a toolbar (or status bar)
A standard Windows control designed with the same characteristics as the toolbar
A standard Windows control that provides a small pop-up window with descriptive text, such as a label, for a control or graphic object
A unit of change to an object
The visual feedback displayed during a transfer operation
A standard Windows control that allows a set of hierarchically-related objects to be displayed as an expandable outline
(v.) To enter a character from the keyboard. (n.) A classification of an object based on its characteristics, behavior, and attributes
The state of a control in which normal functionality is not presently available to a user (also referred to as grayed, dimmed, and disabled)
The visual display for a control when it is unavailable
A command button used to expand a secondary window to a larger size to reveal additional controls or information
The Unicode Standard is a character coding system designed to support the worldwide interchange, processing, and display of the written texts of the diverse languages of the modern world. In addition, it supports classical and historical texts of many written languages.
The ability to edit an embedded object in place, without opening it in its own window
The background area of a window. (The color need not literally be white.)
A standard Windows object that displays information. A window is a separately controllable area of the screen that typically has a rectangular border. See also primary window and secondary window
A form of user assistance that automates a task through a dialog with the user. A wizard is typically composed of property sheets
The convention where, as a user enters text, existing text is automatically moved from the end of a line to the next line
A window or task management technique that consists of a set of views that are organized like a tabbed notebook
A window or task management technique that consists of a container holding a set of objects, where the windows of the contained objects are constrained to a parent window. Similar to the multiple document interface, except that the windows displayed within the parent window corresponding to objects that are also contained in the workspace
The layered relationship of a set of objects, such as windows, on the display screen