desktop

the visual backdrop of a graphic user interface (GUI) that makes interacting with the computer easier

graphic user interface (GUI)

using a pointing device, usually a mouse, so that you have the ability to click on commands instead of typing them

downloading

the process of copying data from a main source and transferring it to another computer

e-mail software

software that lets you create and receive electronic messages (e-mail)

file

an electronic copy of your work that you can save, print, and come back to later.

file name

a name given to a computer file

File menu

drop-down list of actions the computer can perform on a file (open, close, save, print)

folder

a way to organizing information, can hold files and other folders

hardware

collection of the physical components that make up the computer. (you can touch them)

software

the instructions for the computer, programs that the computer uses (you can not touch)