glossary of excel and computer tom urtis

Glossary of Excel and Computer Terminology

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Number

#DIV/0!An error returned by a formula indicating that a number was attempted to be divided by zero.

#N/AAn error returned by a formula indicating that a value is not available, or a function argument is missing.

#NAMEAn error returned by a formula indicating unrecognized text used in a formula, such as a name that has notbeen defined.

#NUMAn error returned by a formula indicating that numbers are incorrect, such as a function that has a textargument instead of a number.

#REFAn error returned by a formula indicating that a cell reference is incorrect, such as when a cell is deletedthat the formula refers to.

#VALUEAn error returned by a formula indicating that an operand, value, or argument in a formula is incorrect orillogical, such as if =5/A1 is attempted but cell A1 contains text.

10BASE-TA type of network interface card to connect computers on an ethernet LAN, typically plugged into an RJ-45slot on a network adapter card and Ethernet hub, transferring data at 10 megabits per second.

100BASE-TSame as 10BASE-T, but transferring data 10 times faster, at 100 megabits per second.

16-bitThe chip architecture designed to run with DOS and earlier Windows 3.x programs. Windows XP and lateroperating systems can run both 16-bit and 32-bit applications.

32-bitThe more advanced chip architecture used in Windows 98, Me, NT, 2000, XP, and later operating systems.

3-D referenceIn a worksheet function, a reference to a range in more than one worksheet that creates a dimension ofdepth, example, =SUM(Sheet1:Sheet4!A1).

8-bit colorAn older screen color setting that provided 256 different colors, replaced by more recent 16-bit and 24-bitcolors.

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A

Absolute referenceIn an Excel formula, a cell reference that does not change when the formula is copied to a new locationbecause the row and column components are preceded by a dollar sign $.

AccessThe database program that is part of Microsoft Office.

ACL (Access Control List)A feature of NTFS files and folders that stores information about who can, and cannot, access the item.

ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface)A standard for saving power by automatically turning off computer hardware when not in use.

Active cellAlso called the Selected cell or Current cell, it is the cell with the dark selection border to indicate that itwould be the cell acted upon, such as with the entry of a formula, text, or value.

Active windowThe window currently capable of accepting keyboard input, which would appear “on top” of otherunderlapping windows. Clicking anywhere on a window, or clicking its taskbar button, makes that windowactive.

ActiveX controlAn OLE Object with programmable flexibility for functionality in several interfaces such as spreadsheets anduserforms.

AdapterA network interface card and the driver needed to make that card work, installed inside a computer.

Add-insSupplemental programs that extend a program’s capabilities.

AddressThe location of a specific cell or range expressed by the coordinates of column and row; for example, A1.Also information for location such as email address or web site (URL) address.

Address BookA collection of names, e-mail addresses, and distribution lists used to manage contact information such asin Microsoft Outlook.

Adjustment handleA small yellow diamond you can use to alter the appearance of the shape without changing its size.

AdministratorThe person who controls a workgroup, LAN, or email service such as Microsoft Outlook or Exchange Server.

Administrator accountType of user account that enables the user to create, edit, and delete all user accounts; install software;and use the management tools. Administrator accounts are in the Administrators group.

Advanced filterA database feature that enables you to specify complex criteria and to copy filtered records to anotherlocation.

AGP (Advanced Graphics Port)An advanced version of PCI for video cards, enabling faster screen updates.

AliasAn alternate name used for identification, such as email addresses that gets forwarded to a primaryrecipient.

AlignmentThe manner in which a cell’s contents are arranged within that cell, such as vertical or horizontal placementthat is centered, indented, or flush right or left.

AND search criteriaTwo or more search criteria of which all conditions must be met to select a record.

Anonymous FTPA type of File Transfer Protocol used on the Internet that enables anyone to log on anonymously anddownload files.

ANSIAmerican National Standards Institute

Antivirus softwareProgram that detects viruses and worms and may also delete them from your system.

API (Applications Programming Interface)Programming language used by programs running under Windows.

APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing)Feature of Windows that automatically assigns IP addresses in the format 169.254.xxx.xxx to computers ona TCP/IP-based LAN.

APM (Advanced Power Management)A standard for saving power by automatically turning off computer hardware when it is not in use.

AppendTo add records from one table to the bottom of another table.

Append queryA query that adds a group of records from one or more tables to the end of one or more tables.

AppletA small application program, frequently downloaded as part of a Web page.

ApplicationA program designed for a specific job, using software such as word processing, database, and spreadsheetprograms.

ArchiveA file containing Outlook items that are older than a specific age. When Outlook archives items, it movesthose items from current folders to an archive folder.

ArchivingMoving old or expired items out of your Inbox and other message folders to an alternate location forstorage.

Area ChartA line chart in which each area is given a solid color or pattern for volume, to emphasize the relationshipbetween the pieces of charted information.

Argument

In a worksheet function, a piece of information (value, cell range, etc) that is required to complete thecalculation. In VBA, it is a piece of information that is passed to a procedure or function.

Argument ScreenTipThe yellow ScreenTip that appears to prompt you for each argument as you enter a function. Clicking thefunction name in the ScreenTip opens a Help window describing the function.

ArrayA variable that can contain a number of values that have the same data type. VBA supports fixed-sizedarrays and dynamic arrays.

Array formulaA special kind of formula in Excel where a group of cells or values are treated as a single unit, which isnecessary to evaluate in that regard in order to perform some kinds of complex calculations. Array formulasare committed to a cell by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Enter.

Array subscriptIn VBA, the number declaring the number of items in an array or the number that identifies a particularitem in the array, sometimes just referred to as subscript.

Artificial intelligenceThe simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. These processesinclude learning (the acquisition of information and rules for using the information), reasoning (using therules to reach approximate or definite conclusions), and self-correction. Particular applications includeexpert systems, speech recognition, and machine vision.

Ascending orderA sort in which items are arranged from smallest to largest (1, 2, 3) or from first to last (A to Z).

ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)A code that represents letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and certain other characters by numericvalues. Standard ASCII code provides for 128 characters; extended ASCII code provides for 256 characters.

ASCII fileA text file that contains data but no formatting or graphics, often delimited by tabs or commas, withextension .asc.

ASF or ASX (Advanced Streaming Format)A file extension for Advanced Streaming Format files, a streaming audio or video file format used byWindows Media Player.

ASP (Active Server Page)A page stored on a server that generates different views of the data in response to choices users make ona Web page.

Aspect ratioThe relationship between a graphic’s height and width.

ASR (Automated System Recovery)A feature of Windows XP Professional (not Home Edition) that backs up key system information onto a diskthat you can use to restart your computer.

Assignment operatorIn VBA, the equal sign (=), used to assign a value to a property or a variable.

ATA-2See IDE.

ATAPI (AT Attachment Protocol Interface)An interface between your computer and attached CD-ROM drives and backup drives. Most of today’s PCcomputers use the standard Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) interface to address hard disk drives. ATAPIprovides the additional commands needed for controlling a CD-ROM player or backup so that yourcomputer can use the IDE interface and controllers to control these relatively newer device types. ATAPI ispart of the Enhanced IDE (EIDE) interface, also known as ATA-2.

AttachmentA file, Outlook item, or object that is linked to, or contained in, an Outlook item. Files, items and objectscan be attached to messages, contacts, appointments, tasks, and so on.

AuditingThe process of examining a worksheet for errors.

AuthenticationThe process by which a system identifies a user’s logon information by comparing the user’s entry against alist of authorized users.

AutoAddressOutlook’s capability to separate an address into street, city, state, postal code, and country fields.

AutoArchiveAn Outlook feature that archives messages automatically at scheduled intervals, clearing out old andexpired items from folders. AutoArchive is active by default.

AutoCompleteA feature that compares text you are typing into a cell with text already entered in the same column andautomatically completes the word or phrase if a match is found. You can accept the suggested entry orcontinue typing.

AutoCorrectA customizable feature that corrects common spelling errors as you type.

AutoFillA feature that enables you to automatically fill in a series of numbers, dates, or other items in a specifiedrange.

AutoFilterA command that displays an arrow next to a field name in a list, allowing you to display a subset of listdata based on simple criteria.

AutoFitThe Excel feature that lets you double-click a column heading to automatically resize the column to thewidth of its longest entry.

AutoFormatPredesigned combinations of shading, borders, fonts, fills and alignment that you can apply to a worksheetor a range.

Auto-hideA Windows feature that provides the option for hiding the taskbar when you’re not using it.

AutoName CheckOutlook’s capability to verify that names entered into To, Cc, and Bcc fields exist in an address book.

AutoNumber fieldIn Access, a field in a table that automatically numbers each new record entered into a table. AutoNumberfields can be incremental or random.

AutorunFeature on a CD-ROM that tells Windows to run a program on the CD-ROM whenever the CD-ROM isinserted into the drive.

AutoSaveCapability to automatically save data at predetermined intervals.

AutoSumA button on the Standard toolbar that automatically inserts the SUM function in a cell; also lets you drag toselect cells containing the data you want the function to calculate.

AVERAGE functionA worksheet function that calculates the average of specified values or numbers in a specified range.

AVI fileVideo file with extension .avi

AxisA common element in a chart. The x-axis (usually horizontal) plots the categories, and the y-axis (usuallyvertical) plots the values.

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B

Back solvingA problem-solving method in which you specify a solution and then find the input value that produces theanswer you want; sometimes described as a what-if analysis in reverse.

BackgroundThe underlying colors, shading, texture, and style of the color scheme.

Background QueryA query that Excel executes behind the scenes so that you can continue to perform other work in Excel.

BackupDuplicate copy of information, stored separately in case something happens to the original copy.

Backward compatibilityThe capability to use documents, settings, and so forth from earlier products.

BandwidthThe amount of information that can be transferred along a wire or other medium, such as a satellite, at anygiven time. A higher bandwidth means more information coming through the wire at a time and, therefore,faster interaction with whatever is on the other side of that connection.

Bar chartA chart that shows information as a series of horizontal bars.

BASIC (Beginners All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code)A high-level programming language initially developed as a means to teach programming. It hassubsequently been developed into such programming languages as Visual Basic (VB), Visual Basic forApplications (VBA), and Visual Basic Script (VBS).

Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)A set of routines, usually in ROM, that support the transfer of information between such computer hardwarecomponents as the processor, keyboard, disks, memory and monitor.

Batch fileA list of DOS commands to execute, stored in a text file with the extension .bat.

BaudThe speed at which information is sent through a modem, equivalent to bits per second (bps). A higherbaud rate means faster communications.

BBS (Bulletin Board System)A text-based account that runs on a small computer such as a PC, sometimes connected to the Internetthough most have been superseded by Internet sites.

BCC (Blind Carbon Copy)Email address to which a copy of an e-mail message is sent without the other recipients seeing the address.

BetaA version of a software product released to selected corporations and individuals for testing purposes priorto being released to the general public.

Binary fileA file coded so that its data can be ready by a computer, whose content must be interpreted by a programor a hardware processor that understands in advance exactly how it is formatted. The file is not in anyexternally identifiable format so that any program that wanted to could look for certain data at a certainplace within the file. A program or hardware processor has to know exactly how the data inside the file islaid out to make use of the file.

Binary search / comparisonA digital scheme for locating a specific object in a large set, where each object in the set is given a key, thenumber of keys always being to a power of 2, listed in tabular form for comparison of a desired object’sposition.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)A system that enables interaction between the computer and its input (mouse/keyboard) and output(screen/printer) devices.

BIOS settingsA program that enables you to change BIOS settings on your computer, as the program a personalcomputer’s microprocessor uses to get the computer system started after you turn it on.

BitShort for binary digit, it represents a single switch that can be either on or off (1 or 0). A byte is acollection of eight bits.

BitmapA bit map (often spelled “bitmap”) that defines a display space and the color for each pixel or “bit” in thedisplay space of a picture that is stored as a grid of dots.

BMP fileGraphics file in bitmap format (a Windows standard format for graphics files) with the extension .bmp.

BodyText of an e-mail message, not including the header lines at the top of the message.

BooleanA data type that can hold either of two mutually exclusive values, often expressed as yes/no, 1/0, on/off, or

true/false.

Boolean queryA True or False query that utilizes logical operators including AND OR, IF THEN, EXCEPT, and NOT.

Boolean searchA database search that uses Boolean operators (usually AND and OR) to combine words or phrases tosearch for. Searching for “cat AND dog” finds items that contain both “cat” and “dog”; searching for “catOR dog” finds items that contain either “cat” or “dog”, or both words.

BootStart up or turn on your computer.

Boot loggingA text file listing the events that occurred during computer and Windows startup.

Boot partitionDisk drive from which Windows loads on startup. Also see system partition.

BorderA formatting feature that is a solid or dashed line applied to one or more sides of a cell, or to a range ofcells.

BoundLinked, as when a form used to view table information is linked to the table on different computers indifferent locations. Also see unbound.

BPS (bits per second)A measure of a modem’s speed, also expressed as baud.

BranchThe Windows registry has a tree-like structure. Sections of the structure are referred to as branches.

BRBOften used in online chats as an abbreviation for Be Right Back (yes, Atlas on this site has a chatroom, freeand always open!)

Break ModeWhen code is running but execution is temporarily suspended, usually used to debug your code. Breakmode lets you step through your code one command or one procedure at a time, rather than running allthe commands at once.

BroadbandA generic term for high-speed Internet access such as cable and DSL.

BrowserA program that communicates with Web servers on the internet and displays Web pages.

BrowsingMoving from Web page to Web page, using a Web browser program like Internet Explorer.

BufferA data area shared by hardware devices or program processes that operate at different speeds or withdifferent sets of priorities. The buffer allows each device or process to operate without being held up by theother.

BugAn error in hardware or software that causes a program to execute incorrectly.

BulletA small graphic, such as a dot, that introduces a line or paragraph in a list.

Bullet pointsA list of items in which each item is preceded by a symbol.

Bus technologyNetwork topology in which each computer connects to a main cable (the bus).

Business intelligenceA broad category of applications and technologies for gathering, storing, analyzing, and providing access todata to help enterprise users make better business decisions, including the activities of decision supportsystems, query and reporting, online analytical processing (OLAP), statistical analysis, forecasting, and datamining.

ButtonA graphical image or embedded object that, usually when clicked, executes a command such as a macro.

By referenceOne way of passing an argument (the other is by value). When a procedure passes an argument to anotherprocedure by reference, the recipient procedure gets access to the memory location where the originalvariable is stored and can change the original variable.

By valueOne way of passing an argument (the other is by reference). When a procedure passes an argument toanother procedure by value, the recipient procedure gets only a copy of the information in the variable andcan’t change the information in the original variable.

ByteA unit of data that is eight binary digits long, also the amount of space required to store one character,example, the word cat requires three bytes of storage and the word hello uses five bytes.

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C

CAB or cabinet fileFile containing a group of files for installation with the file extension .cab. The Windows XP CD-ROMcontains many cabinet files.

Cable modemDevice that connects your computer (through its network interface card) to a cable Internet account.

CachePronounced “cash”, an area on disk (usually a folder) for the temporary storage of information, such asbrowsers that store recently viewed Web pages.

Cached Exchange ModeA feature of Outlook that creates local copies of your mailbox and address book on your computer andkeeps them synchronized. Cached Exchange Mode monitors your connection status and speed andoptimizes data transfer accordingly.

Calculated controlIn Access, a control on a form or report that gets its value by performing some calculation on data in the

underlying table.

Calculated FieldIn an Excel pivottable, a new item in a row or column field in which the values are the result of a customcalculation. In Access, a field in a query that automatically computes a value based on data in the table.

CalendarThe scheduling component of Outlook that is fully integrated with e-mail, contacts, and other Outlookfeatures.

CallTo invoke a function or procedure.

Cancel buttonThe X button in the Formula bar that you click to cancel an unwanted cell entry and redisplay its originalvalue.

CaptionThe expository text associated with a graphic or other type of figure.

Case-sensitiveWhereby text must match uppercase and lowercase letters exactly in searches or password entries. A non-case-sensitive search, by contrast, matches any combination of uppercase and lowercase text.

CategoryA keyword or phrase that you assign to Outlook items so that you can easily find, sort, filter, or groupthem.

Category AreaThe PivotChart drop area in which the Category Field appears.

Category axisThe X-axis in an Excel chart, usually representing the categories into which data is divided, such as years orregions.

Category FieldA source data field added to the PivotChart’s category area; the field’s items form the chart’s X-axis values.

Category-5 or Cat-5 cableUnshielded twisted-pair cable used for star topology LANs

CC (Carbon Copy)The name or address of a person to whom an e-mail message is copied.

CD burningSaving files on a writable or rewritable CD-ROM.

CDO (Collaboration Data Object)A set of technologies which implement messaging and collaboration functionality in an application. CDO waspreviously known as Active Messaging and OLE Messaging.

CD-RA writable CD-ROM on which data can be recorded once.

CD-RWA rewritable CD-ROM, on which data recorded, erased, and re-recorded.

Cell

In a worksheet, the intersection of a column and a row, where you enter text or numbers.

Cell addressThe unique column letter and row number that describe the exact location of any worksheet cell, such asC5.

Cell pointerA highlighted rectangle around a cell that indicates the active cell.

Change historyA worksheet you can have Excel create that lists all changes made for a shared workbook, noting the userswho made them.

CharacterAny single letter, numeric digit, punctuation mark, or space.

ChartA graphical representation of data that uses lines, bars, columns, pie slices, or other markers to make iteasy to see trends and make comparisons.

Chart areaThe entire area within the frame displayed when you click a chart.

Chart sheetA separate, dedicated sheet that contains a chart linked to worksheet data.

Chart titleThe heading displayed in the chart area that identifies the name or essence of the chart.

Chart WizardA series of dialog boxes that lets you create a chart and customize it as you create it.

ChatA program or Internet service that enables users to communicate with one another by typing messagesback and forth in real time. There is an Excel chatroom on this site, the CHATLAS Room !

Check boxBox onscreen that can either be blank or contain a check mark (or X), usually appearing in a dialog box.

CheckpointSee Restore Point.

Class moduleA custom module that contains the definition of an object class that you define in order to trap customevents.

ClearAn edit command that deletes contents or formatting; or a term that describes deselecting a checkbox orsome other option.

ClearTypeA feature of Windows XP that triples horizontal resolution for better display on LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)screens.

ClickTo rest the mouse pointer on some item onscreen and then press and release the primary mouse button.

Client

A computer, or software running on that computer, that accesses data or services on another computer ornetwork.

Client / ServerA LAN configuration in which one or more computers (servers) provide services to users’ computers(clients).

Client-server networkNetwork on which server computers provide resources for the rest of the network, and client computers useonly those resources.

Clip ArtPresupplied, ready-made art organized by topic that can be incorporated into applications.

ClipboardA general storage area used by all Windows programs, mainly for copying and moving things from oneplace to another. Also see Office Clipboard

Clipboard fileA file saved by Clipboard Viewer, with the extension .clp.

CloseA command that closes the file so you can no longer work with it, but keeps Excel open so that you cancontinue to work on other workbooks.

Coaxial cable or CoaxType of copper cable used to connect computers in a bus topology LAN. Coaxial cable is called “coaxial”because it includes one physical channel that carries the signal surrounded (after a layer of insulation) byanother concentric physical channel, both running along the same axis. The outer channel serves as aground. Many of these cables or pairs of coaxial tubes can be placed in a single outer sheathing and, withrepeaters, can carry information for a great distance.

CodeText and programming commands written in a programming language, such as Visual Basic forApplications.

Code moduleA storage module that may contain subprocedures or functions.

Code windowIn the Visual Basic Editor, the window that displays the selected module’s programming procedures.

CodecA system for audio and video compression or decompression to minimize the amount of disk space requiredfor storage.

CollectionIn VBA, a group of objects, such as for workbooks, worksheets, or charts.

ColumnOne of the vertical sections or stacks of information in a table or spreadsheet.

Column AreaThe PivotTable drop area in which the column field appears.

Column chartA type of chart that portrays data in a series of vertical columns.

Column headingsThe letters such as A, B, C etc (or numbers if you have set your display that way) in the gray boxes at thetop of columns that uniquely identifies each column. Also see Column letter.

Column labelsText or numbers you enter in cells above column data to identify the category or purpose of the data,examples “Last Name”, “First Name”, “Country”, etc.

Column letterThe letters such as A, B, C etc in the gray boxes at the top of columns that uniquely identifies each column.Also see Column headings.

Column selector buttonThe gray box containing the letter (or number) above the column.

COM (Component Object Model)Microsoft’s standard for defining the programming interfaces that objects expose so that other objects cancommunicate with them.

COM fileAn executable file, with the file extension .com.

Combination chartIncludes two or more chart types, such as showing one data series as a column and another as a line,created if the values in the data series vary widely and you want to emphasize differences in the data.

Combo boxA control that combines a list box and a text box, allowing the user to select an existing entry from a list ortype a new entry.

Comma-delimited text fileA data file consisting of fields and records, stored as text, in which the fields are separated from each otherby commas.

Command BarAnother name for a toolbar, which can include toolbar buttons, menus, and shortcut menus.

Command buttonA control shaped like a button to which you can attach code that runs when the button is clicked.

Command lineCommand that you type at the DOS prompt, optionally followed by additional information.

CommentIn VBA, explanatory text preceded by an apostrophe character, explaining the code is doing (or trying todo). In worksheet cells, an annotation attached to a cell that displays within a box whenever the mousepointer rests over the cell.

Comment indicatorThe small red triangle that appears in the upper right corner of a cell containing a comment.

Comment outIn VBA, applying an apostrophe in front of codeline(s) to stop that code from executing.

Comparison operatorAn operator that compares values, such as < (less than), > (greater than), and = (equal to).

Compatibility mode

Emulation of a previous version of your program, so that an older program can run correctly on a newerversion.

Compile errorAn error that occurs when VBA cannot correctly process a programming statement.

CompressTo reduce the size of a file, such as with WinZip.

Compressed fileA file that contains one or more files shrunk down to their most efficient size to minimize storagerequirements and transfer them across a network, such as with .zip extension compressed by WinZip.

Computer nameThe name assigned to a computer in a network, visible on the Computer Name tab of the System Propertiesdialog accessed through the Control Panel.

ConcatenateTo join or chain together individual strings to make one string, often with the ampersand character.

Conditional FormattingThe format you define for a cell, based on its value or the outcome of a formula.

ConsolidateData that is combined from two or more ranges but have a similar structure.

Consolidate by categoryTo combine data from multiple worksheets with different layouts and categories.

Consolidate by positionTo combine data from multiple worksheets with the same layout.

ConstantIn worksheet cells, a text value, numeric, or date value that is fixed as entered. In VBA, a fixed value ornamed item that keeps an unchanging (constant) value while a program is executing.

ConstraintA limit or maximum value (also see Solver).

ContactList of names and addresses in the Outlook Address Book.

Context MenuA menu that displays items relevant to the current context. To display a context menu, you right-click anobject with the mouse (click with the non-primary button).

ControlAn object such as a label, text box, option button, or check box in a form or embedded onto a worksheetthat allows you to view or manipulate information.

Control propertyA setting that determines the appearance of a control, what data it displays, and how that data looks. Acontrol’s properties can be viewed and changed in its Properties dialog box.

Control sourceThe source of a control’s data – the field, table or query whose data will be displayed in the control.

Control Toolbox

The menu bar that contains ActiveX controls for userforms or worksheets.

Control variableA variable that defines the number of times a loop executes, example, For iCounter = 1 to 10, iCounter isthe control variable, in that it controls a maximum count of 10 iterations.

CookieA small file placed on your hard disk by a Web site, usually to record information about your account sothat you don’t need to log on every time you visit.

CopyAn edit function whereby selected information is copied from its current location and temporarily stored onthe Clipboard.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)An older term for processor and microprocessor, the central unit in a computer containing the logic circuitrythat performs the instructions of a computer’s programs.

CrashFailure in which a program stops running, sometimes resulting in requiring the computer to reboot (shutdown and restart).

CriteriaOne or more expressions that filter a query by specifying the conditions that each record must meet to beincluded in the results.

Criteria rangeA cell range containing one row of labels (usually a copy of column labels) and at least one additional rowunderneath it that contains the criteria you want to match.

CropCutting off the top, bottom, or sides of a graphic to trim it to a smaller size.

Crossover cableCategory-5 cable that connects two computers’ network interface cards, creating a two-computer LANwithout a hub.

Crosstab queryA query that calculates and restructures data for easier analysis.

CS (Cable Select)Method of determining which IDE or EIDE device is primary and which is secondary based on the positionon the cable.

CSV (Comma Separated Values)A type of text file in which the items on each line are separated by commas.

CursorA screen element such as a blinking vertical bar, that indicates where the text you type will be inserted. Notthe same as mouse pointer, which indicates the location of the mouse.

Custom CalculationA formula that you define to produce PivotTable values that otherwise do not appear in the report if youuse only the source data field and Excel’s built-in summary calculations.

Custom number formatsSpecial formats you can create and apply to numeric date or dates.

CutA command that removes the cell contents from the selected area of a worksheet and places them on theClipboard, so you can place them in a different range without having made a copy.

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DAO (Data Access Objects)A library of objects and their associated methods and properties that can be used to represent objects indatabases, enabling Excel to interact directly with databases through VBA.

DataUnprocessed or calculated values, raw facts, or assumptions that are stored in a document such as aworksheet or database.

Data access pageA dynamic Web page that allows users to directly manipulate data in a database via the Internet.

Data AnalysisThe application of tools and techniques to organize, study, reach conclusions about, and sometimes alsomake predictions about, a specific collection of information.

Data AreaThe PivotTable drop area in which the data field appears.

Data Connection FieldA data source that connects to a wide variety of data, including ODBC, SQL Server OLAP Services, Oracle,and Web-based data retrieval services.

Data FieldA source data field added to a PivotTable’s data area; Excel uses the field’s numeric data to perform thereport’s summary calculations.

Data formIn an Excel list, a dialog box that displays one record at a time, from which you can add, delete, or editrecords.

Data mapAn Excel chart that shows information plotted on a map with symbols representing data points.

Data markerIn an Excel chart, a plotted graphical representation of a single data point in a worksheet cell. Also see Datapoint.

Data pointIn an Excel chart, a plotted graphical representation of a single data point in a worksheet cell. Also see Datamarker.

Data seriesThe selected range in a worksheet that Excel converts into a graphic and displays as a chart.

Data typeIn VBA, the kind of data assigned to a variable, such as String, Integer, or Object. In worksheet cells ortables, the kind of information that will be stored in a field, such as Text, Number, or Date/Time.

Data validationAn Excel feature that lets you limit cell entries to acceptable values or within reasonable ranges you specify.

Data WarehouseA data structure with a central fact table that contains the data you want to summarize, and pointers tosurrounding related tables.

DatabaseAn organized collection of related information. In Excel, a database is often called a list.

Database applicationA database that is refined and made simpler for the user by the sophisticated use of queries, forms,reports, a switchboard, and various other tools.

Database Executable (MDE)A compiled version of a database. Saving a database as an MDE file compiles all modules, removes alleditable source code, and compacts the destination database.

Datasheet viewIn Access, the view that lets you see several records in a table or query result at a time, as opposed toform view, which generally shows only one record.

Date serial numberIn Excel, each day is assigned a different serial number, with the default of serial number 1 for January 1,1900; the serial number 2 for January 2, 1900 and so on. Optionally, you can use the 1904 date system,under which serial number 1 is assigned to January 2, 1904.

DBMSAn abbreviation for database management system. Popular examples of database management systemsinclude dBASE, Paradox, and Microsoft Access.

DCC (Direct Cable Connection)A means of connecting two computers with a cable, as opposed to Ethernet cards, hubs, or modems.

DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange)A way for Windows programs to exchange information such when you change a form in your databaseprogram or a data item in a spreadsheet program, they can be set up to also change these forms or itemsanywhere they occur in other programs you may use.

DebugIn programming, to correct an error in code, or to test a procedure for possible existence of bugs thatwould need to be fixed if found.

DeclareIn VBA, to establish and define a variable.

DefaultThe information or mode that a program uses unless you specify otherwise.

DefragmentingThe process of locating the noncontiguous fragments of data into which a computer file may be divided asit is stored on a hard disk, and rearranging the fragments and restoring them into fewer fragments or intothe whole file, reducing data access time and improving storage efficiency.

DeleteA command that often is thought of a removing cell contents from a worksheet, but literally means toremove from existence, such as a graphical object or workbook. Deleting a row, column, or cell actually

replaces the existing object with a new fresh such object.

Delimited Text FileA type of text file format in which each record and each field is separated from the next by a knowncharacter called a delimiter.

DelimiterIn a text file, a character that separates columns of data, such as a tab, comma, space, semicolon, or acharacter of your choice.

Dependent cellA cell, usually containing a formula, whose value changes depending on the values in another cell or cells.

Descending orderThe order that is opposite of ascending order. Descending order is 3, 2, 1; or Z to A.

Design modeDuring the time you are either working in the Visual Basic Editor (except when you are running code) oryou are setting properties on activex embedded controls on your worksheet.

Design viewIn Access, the view that lets you create an object or change its appearance. Clicking on an object name inthe database window and then clicking on the Design button takes you to the design view of that object.

DesktopThe screen that first appears when you log on to Windows, usually containing shortcut icons.

Desktop publishingA process that combines text and graphics in an appealing and easy to read format, such as a report,newsletter, or book.

Desktop themeA combination of sounds, wallpaper, screen saver, and icons that give your entire desktop a particularappearance.

Developer (application developer)A person who creates specialized, user-friendly applications for other computer users to work with.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)A program that automatically assigns IP addresses to computers on a network so that they don’t need tobe addressed manually.

DHCP serverA computer running DHCP software that assigns IP addresses to other computers on a network. InternetConnection Sharing includes a DHCP server.

DHTML (Dynamic Hypertext Markup Language)A later version of the standard authoring language HTML that includes codes for dynamic Web pageelements.

Dialog BoxA type of window that allows you to change optional settings or give commands in a program, with mostincluding an OK and Cancel button.

Digital certificateEncrypted digital information that uniquely identifies its holder, used to create a digital signature for aproject.

Digital IDFile containing encryption and digital identification information that you can use to digitally sign or encrypte-mail and newsgroup messages.

Digital SignatureE-mail message that has been encrypted with a digital ID to prove who sent it.

Dim statementThe typical method of declaring a VBA variable. You can use the Dim statement to name the variable, todeclare it as a specific type such as String or Integer, to declare it as an array of values, and (if an array)to specify the bounds of its dimensions.

DimensionIn cubes, a category of data in a data warehouse, analogous to a row, column, or page field in an ordinarydata source.

Direct network connectionConnecting two computers with a serial cable to allow file or printing sharing. Called Direct CableConnection (DCC) in previous versions of Windows.

DirectoryA place on a disk where a group of files is stored. Also called a folder.

Directory serverA place on the Internet where people who want to communicate gather. Used in conjunction with ateleconferencing program such as Microsoft NetMeeting.

Disk driveA physical device in the computer capable of storing information, even while the computer is turned off.Typically, the main hard disk is named C, and CD-ROM drives might be D, E, or some higher letter.

Distribution ListIn Outlook, a list of people to whom a message is to be sent. Outlook stores distribution lists in theContacts folder.

DLL (dynamic link library)A collection of small programs, any of which can be called when needed by a larger program that is runningin the computer.

DLL fileIn a DLL, the small program that lets the larger program communicate with a specific device such as aprinter or scanner is often packaged as a DLL program (usually referred to as a DLL file). DLL files thatsupport specific device operation are known as device drivers, executable files with the file extension .dllinvoked from a running program.

DMA (Direct Memory Access)A system board facility used by a few medium-speed devices to communicate with the CPU.

DNS (Domain Name Server or System)A database used by Internet TCP/IP hosts to resolve host names and IP addresses such that internetdomain names are located and translated into Internet Protocol addresses. This enables users of remotecomputers to access one another by host names such as www.whatever.com rather than numeric IPaddresses.

DOCUsually a Word file with the extension .doc to mean Document.

Docked toolbar

A toolbar that is attached to the edge of a window or some location you specify.

Docking stationHardware device into which you plug a laptop to provide connection to a monitor, keyboard, mouse, localarea network, and/or additional PC Card slots.

Document Recovery task paneThe window that opens on the left side of your screen in case your Excel session is interrupted by anunplanned computer shutdown, such as a power interruption; presents workbook version(s) the program“rescued” and prompts you to choose a version to save.

Document windowThe part of a Word program where you enter and edit text.

Document workspaceA Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services site that contains your Microsoft Office Word, Microsoft OfficeExcel, Microsoft Office PowerPoint, or Microsoft Visio files, making them available to the people working onthe document, called members, you specify.

DomainOn a LAN, a group of computers administered by one server. On the Internet, a domain consists of a set ofnetwork addresses. This domain is organized in levels. The top level identifies geographic or purposecommonality (for example, the nation that the domain covers or a category such as “commercial”). Thesecond level identifies a unique place within the top level domain and is, in fact, equivalent to a uniqueaddress on the Internet, example, atlaspm.

Domain Name Server (DNS)Computer on the Internet that translates between Internet domain names and numeric IP addresses. Youcan specify two DNSs for an Internet connection: a primary server and a secondary server.

Domain Name Service (DNS)A service provided by a DNS server that translates host-names into their corresponding IP addresses.

DOS (Disk Operating System)The first operating system for PCs, a non-graphical line-oriented command- or menu-driven operatingsystem, with a relatively simple interface but not overly “friendly” user interface. Its prompt to enter acommand looks like this: C:>

DOS nameFilename used by DOS programs and early Windows programs, limited to an eight-character name and athree-character extension.

DOS promptPrompt that DOS displays when it is waiting for you to type a command.

DOS Virtual Machine (VM)Emulation program that allows DOS programs to run under Windows XP.

Double PrecisionA double-precision floating point number that occupies 64 bits of memory, and is therefore more precisethan a Single Precision variable, which occupies only 32 bits of memory.

Double-clickTo point to an item and then click the primary mouse button twice in rapid succession.

DownloadTo copy a file from some remote computer on the Internet (or elsewhere) onto your own local PC.

DraftIn Outlook, a message that has not yet been sent.

DragTo hold down the primary mouse button while moving the mouse.

Drag and DropTo move or copy an item by holding down the mouse button as you move the item to some new location.To drop the item, release the mouse button.

Drawing objectAn image created within Excel or Word – - an AutoShape, a diagram a line, or a WordArt object.

Drill DownView the details that underlie a specific data value in a PivotTable, usually by double-clicking an element inthe Data area.

DriveShort for disk drive.

Drive letterThe single-letter name assigned to a disk drive or network drive. For example, your local hard disk isprobably named Drive C.

DriverShort for device driver, a program used to control or communicate with some device connected to yourcomputer, such as a mouse.

DropTo place an item elsewhere that is being dragged, by releasing the mouse button after dragging.

Drop AreaIn a PivotTable report, special areas representing rows, columns, data, and pages to which you can dragfields from the field list to produce summary information.

Drop-down menuMenu that appears when you click a command on a menu bar.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)A way of connecting to the Internet that allows high speed access through traditional telephone lines.

DSL modemDevice that connects a computer (usually via a network interface card) to a DSL phone line.

DSP (Digital Signal Processor)A specialized computer chip for compressing video signals. DSP refers to various techniques for improvingthe accuracy and reliability of digital communications. DSP is quite complex, but basically it works byclarifying, or standardizing, the levels or states of a digital signal. A DSP circuit is able to differentiatebetween human-made signals, which are orderly, and noise, which is inherently chaotic.

Dual-boot installationComputer that can be started in either of two operating systems; for example, Windows XP and Windows98, or Windows XP and Linux.

Duplicate keyIn Access, a value that already exists in a table’s primary key field or in an index field that does not allowduplicates.

Duplicate queryA form of select query that locates records that have the same information in one or more fields that youspecify.

DVD (Digital Video or Versatile Disk)A digital disk that can contain video material such as a full length movie or home video.

Dynamic IP addressingSystem that assigns an address to a computer when the computer connects to the network, whereby eachtime the computer connects, it may get a different address.

DynasetThe result of running a query or filter, which shows only the set of records requested.

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E

Early BindingIn VBA, code where a reference is established to the type of library for the object (example, a Wordapplication of a certain version) being created in order to access the type library for that object, as opposedto Late Binding, whereby an object is created that refers to the application but not to a specific version,hence not accessing the version’s library type directly but not relying on a particular version to be presenton the host system.

ECMAScriptSee JavaScript.

EditA change made to the contents of a cell or worksheet, or to a document.

Edit boxThe Forms control object that is now known as a TextBox in the ActiveX control toolbox.

E-mailElectronic mail sent over the Internet or some other online service such as Microsoft Outlook.

E-mail AddressThe information that uniquely identifies the e-mail account of a message recipient, including the user nameand domain name separated by the @ sign, example, [email protected].

E-mail serverA computer on a network that routes and stores e-mail messages.

Embedded cascading style sheetA document embedded within a Web page that defines formats and styles for different page elements.

Embedded chartA graphical representation of data created within the worksheet rather than as a separate worksheet.

Embedded ObjectAn object in a destination file that does not update when the data in the source file changes.

EmbeddingTo place a copy of a source object such as a graphic or Word document, into another file such as an Excel

worksheet, whereby changes to the source file are not reflected in the destination document because thereis no connection between the two.

EMFThe file extension on an Enhanced Metafile graphic filename.

EMLThe file extension used for e-mail messages by Outlook Express to reply to messages automatically.

EMS (Expanded Memory System)Memory management system that allowed DOS programs to use more than 640KB of memory.

EnabledSet as available for use.

EncryptedA means of encoding the contents of a file into an unreadable format to prevent unauthorized access to itscontents.

EnterTo accept or confirm a cell value, usually accomplished by pressing the Enter key, Tab key, one of thearrow keys, or clicking the Enter button on the Formula Bar.

Enter buttonThe green check mark in the formula bar used to confirm an entry.

Error handlerA section of code designed to trap errors, analyze them, and take action if they match given error codes.

EthernetType of local area network communication, including standards for cabling and network cards.

Ethernet cableThe cable used to attach a PC’s network adapter card to an Ethernet concentrator.

EventIn the Excel object model, something that happens to an object, and is recognized by the computer so anappropriate action can be taken.

Event procedureCode that runs directly in response to an event.

ExcelThe spreadsheet program that is part of Microsoft Office.

Executable or EXE fileA program file, with the file extension .exe.

ExitTo close a program such as Excel; you can use either the Exit command on the file menu, or the Closebutton on the Excel title bar, which closes both the program as well as any open documents, prompting youto save any changes you have made to them since you last saved them.

Expansion slotA slot on the computer’s motherboard into which you can plug expansion cards, such as Ethernet cards,graphics display cards, and other internal devices.

Explode

To move a pie slice away from a pie chart to call attention to that slice.

Exponential trendlineIn an Excel chart, a line chart that projects future values assuming that the series will increase or decreaseat an increasingly rapid rate over time.

ExportThe process of converting and saving a file format to be used in another program.

ExpressionA combination of functions, field values, constants, and operators that yield a result. Expressions can besimple, such as >100, or more complex, such as ((ProductPrice*Quantity)*.90)+(Shipping+Handling).

Expression BuilderA feature used to create formulas (expressions) used in query criteria, form and report properties, and tablevalidation rules.

ExtensionLast part of a filename, attached to the rest of the filename by a period (sometimes called a dot) followedby three letters (4 letters in Office 2007) to indicate the file type, examples, .xls, .xlsx, .txt.

External reference indicatorThe exclamation point (!) used in a formula to indicate that a referenced cell is outside the active sheet.

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F

FAQFrequently Asked Questions (and their answers).

FieldIn a list such as in an Excel worksheet or Access database, a column that describes a characteristic aboutrecords, such as first name or city.

Field nameThe label above each column of field information in a list.

Field TypeThe type of data a field can or is meant to contain, such as currency, date/time, integer, and yes/no.

FileThe basic unit of storage on a disk, having its own unique file name in a given folder.

File extensionLast part of a filename, attached to the rest of the filename by a period (sometimes called a dot) followedby three letters (4 letters in Office 2007) to indicate the file type, examples, .xls, .xlsx, .txt.

File formatThe way that a program stores a file so that the program can open the file later by a program designed toread that format.

File IconAn icon that represents a file.

File nameThe name of a file, unique within the folder it resides, example test.xls.

File propertyDescribes a characteristic of a file such as file type, file size, storage location, author’s name and date lastrevised.

File sharingAllowing multiple PCs on a local area network access to the same set of files on one PC.

File structureA description of a file or group of files that are to be treated together for some purpose. Such a descriptionincludes file layout and location for each file under consideration.

File systemInformation that keeps track of which files are stored, where in a partition on a disk. Windows XP supportsFAT, FAT32, and NTFS partitions.

Fill colorCell background color.

Fill handleA small black square in the lower-right corner of the current cell or a selected range, which when draggedcopies the contents of the current cell or selected range, or fills a series, to adjacent cells.

FilterA feature that enables you to hide all the rows in a list except those that meet specified criteria.

FindA command used to locate information the user specifies.

Find and ReplaceAn Excel feature that lets you find data you specify and replace it with other data you specify.

FirewallAn application that protects a LAN or an individual computer from unauthorized outside access.

FireWireApple Computer’s version of a standard, IEEE 1394, High Performance Serial Bus, for connecting devices toyour personal computer. FireWire provides a single plug-and-socket connection on which up to 63 devicescan be attached with data transfer speeds up to 400 Mbps (megabits per second).

Fixed spacingTypeface design in which all letters in the typeface are the same width, example, Courier

Fixed-iteration loopA loop that repeats a set number of times.

Fixed-size arrayAn array with a fixed number of subscripts.

Fixed-Width Text FileA text file containing data where the items on each line use up a set amount of space.

FlameTo rant, rave, or taunt by email or on an Internet message board or blog, by posting obnoxious messages.

Floating toolbar

A toolbar within its own window that is not anchored anywhere specifically on the worksheet.

Floppy diskAlso called a diskette, a removable disk that stores 2 or so MB, mostly outdated in favor of flash drives andCDs whose storage capacity is much larger.

FocusA general term for the insertion point, cursor, highlight, or whatever is indicating where your next actionwill take place.

FolderA named storage location on a disk that lets you group and organize files.

Folder treeDiagram showing which folders are contained in which other folders, akin to a tree with primary branches(folders) off the trunk (drive), and subfolders that branch off their parent folders.

FontThe formatted typeface or design of a set of characters that displays those characters as a given size, color,name type, etc.

Font sizeThe height of a font, measured in points; one point equals 1/72 of an inch.

FooterInformation that prints at the bottom of each printed page or is visible in Print Preview, such as date, pagenumber, etc.

Foreign keyIn Access, when a one-to-many relationship exists between tables, the field that uniquely identifies eachrecord on the “one side” of the relationship is called the primary key. The corresponding field in the table onthe “many side” of the relationship is called the foreign key.

FormAnother term for userform but in a less sophisticated design is also referred to in terms of an organizedrange in a worksheet with cells meant to accept data input akin to a userform.

Form propertiesProperties assigned to an entire userform, as opposed to a section or control on a form.

Form viewIn Access, a way of viewing data in a table one record at a time, similar to a printed fill-in-the-blank form.

FormatThe appearance, or act of changing the appearance, of cell entries or cells to enhance their readability,almost never changing the actual underlying cell values but only changing how they look.

Format PainterA feature used to copy the formatting applied to one set of text or in one cell to another.

FormattingWriting the file system on a disk or partition of a disk.

FormulaA set of symbols and values that perform some kind of calculation and produce a result. All Excel formulashave the same general structure: an equals sign (=) followed by one or more operands separated by oneor more operators.

Formula barThe area above the Excel workspace where you can enter and edit data in a worksheet cell, or view thecontents or formula of a selected cell.

FragmentationStorage of files in discontinuous groups of sectors on your disk that can result in reduced disk performance,cured by defragmenting the disk.

FrameIn a userform, a control that groups other controls by containment. On a website, a section of the screenthat displays its own unique page.

FreewarePrograms that are entirely free to use and frequently downloadable from the Internet.

Freeze panesTo keep rows and columns in place while you scroll rows and columns in other parts of a worksheet.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)A common method of sending files from one computer to another by way of the Internet.

FTP clientA program that lets you upload files to, or download files from, an FTP server.

FTP serverAn Internet host computer that acts as a file archive, allowing other computers to upload or download filesby using FTP.

FunctionIn a worksheet, a special, predefined formula built into Excel that provides a shortcut for a commonly usedcalculations such as SUM and AVERAGE. In VBA and API, a unit of code that begins with the declarationFunction, ends with the keywords End Function, and returns a result.

Function WizardA series of dialog boxes that lets you search for a function and then prompts you for each functionargument.

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G

G, GB, GigAbbreviation for gigabyte, roughly one billion bytes.

GatewayDevice or program that connects your LAN to the Internet (or one network to another network), passingmessages between the computers on the LAN and computers on the Internet.

GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)A popular compacted format for graphics files that is widely used in Web pages.

GigabyteRoughly one billion bytes.

Goal cell

In back solving, a cell containing a formula in which you can substitute values to find a specific value orgoal.

Goal seekA Microsoft Excel tool that enables you to determine a value of a formula variable that would be required toyield a given result.

GraphicA picture, photograph, or drawn object, often in the format jpeg, gif, and bmp.

GridlinesOn a worksheet, the visible and optionally printable outlines of cells. In a chart, horizontal or vertical linesthat make the chart easier to read.

Group boxA frame-like control from the Forms toolbar.

GroupingTwo or more objects that can be manipulated as a single object, or an action that allows a set of elementsto be moved, sized, or otherwise changed as a single unit.

GUI (graphical user interface)Pronounced gooey, the icon-oriented interface offered by Windows XP and other modern operatingsystems.

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H

Handout MasterIn PowerPoint, the part of a template that controls the characteristics (the background color, text color,font, and font size) of the handouts in a presentation.

Hard diskDisk that is sealed into its disk drive, usually referred to as the computer’s primary internal drive.

Hard-codingWriting fixed code as opposed to variable code.

HardwareThe physical components of a computer or its peripherals that you can see and touch, such as thecomputer itself, or a printer, or scanner, or monitor.

HeaderInformation that prints at the top of each printed page or is visible in Print Preview, such as date, pagenumber, etc.

Header columnThe column in a table that contains the title of each row.

Header rowThe row in a table that contains the title of each column.

HibernateA means of saving the system state to disk prior to shutting down the computer, and then reinstating that

state automatically when the computer restarts.

HideTo make rows, columns, formulas, sheets, or objects invisible to workbook users.

HistoryList of recently opened workbooks or displayed Web pages.

Hit counterA feature on a Web site, usually on the home page, that counts the number of visits to the site.

HiveSimilar to a folder, a group of Registry entries.

HLOOKUP functionAn Excel function that searches horizontally across rows to locate a specific piece of information.

Home pageThe starting page for a set of Web pages in a Web site, usually the first page you come to when you visit aWeb site on the Internet.

HostAny computer you can access via the Internet or phone lines. In direct cable connection, the PC with theshared resources you want to access.

Host addressOn the Internet, address of a host computer.

Host computerA computer that has the resources to be shared over a LAN, direct network connection, or the Internet.

HostingThe process or service of storing a Web site on a configured Web server and serving it to the intendedaudience.

Hot dockingThe capability to connect a portable computer to its docking station without turning off the computer.

Hot swappingInstalling or uninstalling a piece of hardware while the computer is turned on.

HoveringPausing the mouse pointer over an object to display more information, such as a comment of hyperlinkscreen tip.

HT fileHyperTerminal connection file, with the extension .ht.

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)The tagging system of formatting pages of documents that a Web browser such as Internet Explorer canread.

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)The protocol used for sending hypertext documents on the Internet and providing documents on the WorldWide Web to call one another.

HTTPSSecure version of HTTP, the protocol with which Web browsers communicate with Web servers.

HubDevice to which you can connect multiple cables so other computers can connect in a topology LAN.

HyperlinkText, graphic, or path associated with a hyperlink address which, when clicked, jumps to information in thesame database, another database, another location on your computer or network, or on the Internet.

HypertextText that contains links to other information in the same document or to information in other documents.

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I

I.LinkSee Firewire.

IconLittle picture on your screen that responds with an action when you click it with the mouse.

ICS (Internet Connection Sharing)A feature of Windows XP that allows multiple computers in a network to share a single Internet connectionand account.

ICS clientComputer on a LAN that uses an ICS server to share a connection to the Internet.

ICS serverComputer running the Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) proxy server software and serving as a gatewayfrom a LAN to the Internet.

IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics)A standard type of disk connection, used for hard disks and CD-ROM drives. EIDE (or ATA-2) is anenhanced version of IDE.

IEEE 1394A standard for high-speed transfer of a data through a cable. Also see FireWire.

IF functionUsed to perform one of two operations in a single cell, based on the evaluation of some condition beingtrue or false.

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)A protocol that organizes messages on the server and you choose messages to download by viewing theirheaders.

ImportTo bring data created in another program into Excel.

InboxIn Outlook, the folder that receives incoming email messages.

IndexIn an Excel workbook, the numerical position of worksheets in their order from left to right. In Access, a

feature that speeds up sorting and searching for data in a table by automatically storing the order of keyfields.

INI or Initialization fileFile that contains configuration information used when a program loads, with the extension .ini.

Inner FieldIn a pivot table, the field that is closest to the data area in the row or column area.

Inner joinIn Access, a join that combines records from two tables that have matching values in a common field.Example, suppose two tables – Customers and Orders – each have a CustomerID field. An inner join ofthese tables would match customers and the orders they placed. No information would appear aboutcustomers who haven’t placed orders.

Insert Function buttonOn the Excel Formula Bar, the button that starts the Function Wizard, enabling you to search for, select,and enter any function.

Insertion pointThe blinking vertical bar on the screen, such as in a cell or Formula Bar, that indicates where anycharacters you type will appear.

Instant messagingA method of communication in which you send electronic messages that appear on the recipient’s screenimmediately, for real time communication.

Integer variableA type of variable used for storing whole numbers ranging in value from -32,768 to 32,767.

Interactive workbookAn Excel workbook saved in HTML format that users can manipulate using their Web browsers.

InternetThe world-wide network of computers and smaller networks.

Internet ExplorerThe Web browser developed by Microsoft Corporation that lets users explore the World Wide Web.

Internet mailA type of e-mail account that requires that you connect to the e-mail server over the Internet, POP3, IMAP,and HTTP (for example, Hotmail) are examples of Internet mail accounts.

IntranetInternet-like computer networks within organizations used by, and accessible only to, a group of people,often employees of one company.

IP (Internet Protocol)The Internet Protocol (IP) is the method or protocol by which data is sent from one computer to another onthe Internet. Each computer (known as a host) on the Internet has at least one IP address that uniquelyidentifies it from all other computers on the Internet.

IP (Internet Protocol) AddressA number that uniquely identifies a computer on a network. The format is usually xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx wherexxx is any number from 0 to 255. On a local area network, each computer typically has an IP address thatstarts with 192.168.

IPX (Internetwork Packet Exchange)

A networking protocol from Novell that interconnects networks that use Novell’s NetWare clients andservers.

IRQ (Interrupt Request Line)The line a hardware device uses to get the attention of the processor, an assigned location where thecomputer can expect a particular device to interrupt it when the device sends the computer signals aboutits operation, such as when a printer has finished printing.

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)A high-performance telephone line that is mainly used to get faster access to, and transmission of dataacross, the Internet.

ISP (Internet Service Provider)An organization that provides access to the Internet.

IterationOne cycle through a loop.

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J

JavaLanguage for writing applets that can be sent over the Web so that they can be executed by yourcomputer.

JavaScriptLanguage often used for extending HTML by embedding scripts in Web pages, stored in files with theextension .js.

JoinIn Access, a query operation that combines some or all records from multiple tables. Access supports threetypes of joins: inner join, outer join, and self-join.

JPG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)A compact format for storing photo-quality graphic images with more than 256 colors, well-suited for useon the World Wide Web.

Junction pointSee mount point.

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K

K or KBAbbreviation for Kilobyte or 1,024 bytes.

KernelThe essential center of a computer operating system, the core that provides basic services for all otherparts of the operating system, synonymous to nucleus, not to be confused with BIOS.

Key fieldIn a database, the field in a table that uniquely identifies each record in that table, such as a social securitynumber.

KeywordIn searches, a word you type that is a primary theme or likely inclusion of the wanted text. In VBA, a worddefined as part of the VBA language, such as the name of a statement or of a function.

Kilobyte1,024 bytes.

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L

LabelA control on a form or report that displays descriptive text, such as a title, caption, or instructions. Alsorefers to descriptive text or other information in a cell that identifies the rows and columns of a worksheet.

Label controlA control on a form or report that displays descriptive text, such as a title, caption, or instructions.

LabelsThe non data area elements of a PivotTable. The labels include the field buttons, field items, and page areadrop-down lists. Also row and column headers

LAN (Local Area Network)A computer network limited to a small area, such as one building or group of buildings.

LandscapeA print orientation in which the page is wider than it is tall.

Late BindingIn VBA, code whereby an object is created that refers to the application but not to a specific version, hencenot accessing the version’s library type directly but not relying on a particular version to be present on thehost system, as opposed to Early Binding, where a reference is established to the type of library for theobject (example, a Word application of a certain version) being created in order to access the type libraryfor that object.

LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol)A software protocol for enabling anyone to locate organizations, individuals, and other resources such asfiles and devices in a network, whether on the public Internet or on a corporate intranet. LDAP is a“lightweight” (smaller amount of code) version of Directory Access Protocol (DAP), which is part of X.500, astandard for directory services in a network.

LegendA chart element that identifies patterns or colors assigned to data; a list that identifies each data series in adatasheet.

Line breakA manual break that forces the text that follows it to the next line. Also called a text wrapping break.

Line chartA graph of data that is mapped by a series of lines to show changes in data over time and help identifytrends.

Linear searchA simple form of search, starting at the beginning of the array and continuing until the target item is eitherfound or the end of the array is reached.

Linear trendlineIn an Excel chart, a line chart that projects future values assuming that the trend will continue at a steadyrate.

LinkTo connect a source object (such as text, a graphic, or a worksheet) to a destination file (such as aworksheet, database, or word processing file) so that any changes to the source will automatically updatein the destination file. Can also mean hyperlink.

Linked objectAn object in a destination file that updates whenever the data in the source file changes.

ListA worksheet collection of related information with an organizational structure that makes it easy to add,edit, and sort data, akin to a database table.

List boxA control that displays a list of values to choose from.

Live attachmentsAttachments saved on a SharePoint Document Workspace Web site, where a group can collaborate to workon files and discuss a project. Also called shared attachments.

LocalEverything stored in or directly connected to the computer at which you’re sitting, rather than being storedon or attached to a computer connected to your computer by a network.

Local computerYour own computer, rather than a remote computer connected to your computer over a network.

Local diskDisk drive connected to your own computer (as opposed to a network disk).

Local printerPrinter attached to your own computer.

Local scopeAnother name for procedure scope, which makes a variable available only to the procedure that declares it.

LockTo format a row, column, or sheet so that data or objects cannot be changed after you protect the sheet.

Logical operatorOne of the Boolean operators: AND, OR and NOT.

Logical testThe first segment in the IF function syntax, which states “IF a particular condition is true”.

LoopA programming structure that repeats one or more actions, bounded by however many iterations youspecify in the code.

Lowercase

Small letters, as opposed to capital, or uppercase, letters.

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M

M, MB, MegAbbreviation for megabyte, roughly one million bytes.

MAC (Media Access Control) addressA unique number assigned to every network adapter at the time it is manufactured, as a unique hardwarenumber.

MacroA set of instructions, or code, that performs an automated task you specify also called a sub procedure.

Mail ClientA computer, or the software running on a computer such as Outlook, that can receive e-mail from, andsend e-mail to, a mail server.

Mail ServerComputer that handles incoming or outgoing e-mail as service to its mail clients.

MailboxLocation on your mail server where your e-mail is stored until your retrieve it using your mail client.

MainframeA high-performance computer used for large-scale computing purposes that require greater availability andsecurity than a smaller-scale machine can offer. Historically, mainframes have been associated withcentralized rather than distributed computing, although that distinction is blurring as smaller computersbecome more powerful and mainframes become more multi-purpose.

Make Table queryA query that creates a new table from all or part of the data in one or more tables, helpful when you needto export data to a non-relational program, such as a spreadsheet.

Manual checkpointA snapshot of your Windows and program files created by the System Restore program.

Many-to-Many relationshipA relationship formed between two tables that each have a one-to-many relationship with a third table. Seealso one-to-many relationship, one-to-one relationship.

MAPI (Messaging Application Programming Interface)A set of API functions and an OLE interface that Outlook and other messaging clients use to interface withmessage service providers.

Mapped network driveA drive to which you have assigned a drive letter, used for quickly accessing files stored in locations thatare not likely to change.

MarqueeThe moving border that surrounds a cell when you are copying or cutting it before pasting it to itsdestination.

MaskEspecially in database tables, a field property that determines what data can be entered in a field, how thedata looks, and the format in which it is stored.

Master File TableTable that stores information about each sector in an NTFS partition.

Maximized windowA window that takes up the entire screen or is running at its maximum window size.

MeasureA column of numeric values within a data warehouse fact table. A measure represents the data that youwant to summarize.

MediaGraphics, videos, sound effects, or other material that can be inserted into a Web page.

MegabyteRoughly one million bytes.

MemberThe items that appear within each level in a data warehouse dimension.

Memo fieldIn database tables, a field that can store a large amount of text.

MemoryUsually refers to the random access memory (RAM) component of a PC, which is the temporary storageyour computer uses for the programs you are running and the files you currently have open.

MenuA list of commands or options a user can select to perform a desired action.

Menu BarThe gray bar below the title bar containing names of menus, which you click to view and select programcommands to manipulate and analyze data. In Office 2007, the menu bar has been supplanted by theRibbon.

Merged cellsA single cell that is created by combining two or more selected cells whose reference is the upper left cell inthe original selected range.

Message boxAny box that appears onscreen to display a message. In VBA, a Message Box may ask a question thatrequires a Yes/No answer, sometimes with an option to Cancel an action.

MethodIn VBA, an action that can be performed on or applied to an object, example, Select, Copy, Clear.

MHTML (Multilingual Hypertext Markup Language)An embedded browser and gateway service that permits browsing in Web documents containing non-English characters, such as those used in the Chinese, Greek, Japanese, and Russian languages.

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)A standard for storing and playing musical notes, which are then played by the sound card or a MIDIdevice.

MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension)

A widely used method of including non-text information, such as attached files, in e-mail messages.

Minimized windowWindow that is not displayed, so that only the window’s button on the taskbar appears on the screen.

Mirrored volumeVolume in which the data is stored redundantly on two or more disks, so that if one disk failed, theinformation is available on another.

Mixed referenceIn an Excel formula, a combination of an absolute and a relative reference. It has a dollar sign before eitherits row component or its column component but not both, examples. $A1 or A$1.

ModalDescribes a form such as a userform that keeps the focus until you explicitly close the form, preventing theuser from working in the application while the form remains on the screen. Most dialog boxes are reallymodal forms.

Mode indicatorText on the left side of the status bar in the Excel window that tells which mode, state, or status the Excelprogram is in, such as “Ready” or “Edit”.

ModelessSaid of a userform that is not modal, meaning it allows the user to continue to work in the application whilethe user form remains on screen.

Modem (modulator/demodulator)Device that connects your computer to a phone line or cable line by modulating outgoing digital signalsfrom a computer or other digital device to analog signals for a conventional copper twisted pair telephoneline, and demodulating the incoming analog signal, converting it to a digital signal for the digital device.

Modifier keysKeys that you hold down while pressing another key, such as SHIFT, CTRL, and ALT.

ModuleA storage container for code.

MonitorThe big TV-like component of a computer.

MotherboardA motherboard is the physical arrangement in a computer that contains the computer’s basic circuitry andcomponents.

Mount pointPathname to which a partition or disk drive has been assigned (mounted).

MountingAssigning a pathname to a partition or disk drive.

Mouse pointerIndicator on the screen that shows where the mouse is pointing or what it is hovering over.

MP3A format used for storing CD-quality music on computer disks.

MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) or MPGA format used for storing video for presentation on a computer screen.

MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System)Another name for DOS, one of the earliest operating systems used in personal computers.

MSN (The Microsoft Network)An online service provided by Microsoft.

MultibootOr dual-boot. Computer with two or more operating systems installed. You choose which operating systemto boot (run).

Multidimensional DataOLAP data in which the fact table contains keys to multiple dimension tables.

MultitaskingMultitasking, in an operating system, is allowing a user to perform more than one computer task (such asthe operation of an application program) at a time. The operating system is able to keep track of where youare in these tasks and go from one to the other without losing information.

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Name boxDisplays the cell address of the current cell, or the name of a cell or range of cells, or the name of aselected embedded object.

Named rangeA range of cells given a meaningful name; it retains its name when moved and can be referenced in aformula.

NAT (Network Address Translation)Te translation of an Internet Protocol address used within one network to a different IP address knownwithin another network.

NavigatingDisplaying the contents of one folder after another, usually when looking for a folder or file. In yourbrowser, moving from one Web page to another.

Navigation buttonOne of the buttons found on a form or navigation bar that helps users display specific records.

Navigation frameA graphical panel used for navigating from slide to slide in a PowerPoint presentation on the Web.

Navigation structureA hierarchical map of how Web pages are connected within a Web site and what routes the user can taketo get from one page to another.

NDIS (Network Driver Interface Specification)The interface for network drivers, a Windows specification for how communication protocol programs suchas TCP/IP and network device drivers should communicate with each other.

NestingEmbedding one element inside another, often said of formulas that embed a function within a function.

NetBEUI (NetBIOS Extended User Interface)Pronounced Net-BOO-Ee, an older networking protocol used in early versions of Microsoft networkingproducts.

NetBIOS Extended User InterfaceProvides data transport services for communication between computers.

NetiquetteNetwork etiquette, polite and proper conduct on the Internet.

NetMeetingA program that enables Internet teleconferencing, supporting communications sessions between two ormore Internet users.

NetworkTwo or more computers connected to one. The Internet is the world’s largest network.

Network administratorThe person in charge of managing a local area network, including accounts, passwords, e-mail and so on.

Network connectionA feature of windows that enables you to create and manage connections to the Internet, a network, andother computers via a dial-up phone line, DSL line, cable, infrared, or other device. Network connectionsare used mainly for LANs and Internet accounts.

Network disk or network driveA shared disk drive or folder on a LAN, connected to a computer that your computer can access over anetwork.

Network printerPrinter that is attached to a computer on a LAN and can be used by other computers on the network.

Network serverA central computer that stores files and programs and manages system functions for a network.

NewbieSomeone just learning to us a PC, the Internet, or some program.

News ServerA computer in your organization or at your ISP that is set up specifically to host newsgroups.

NewsgroupA collection of messages related to a particular topic posted to a news server, akin to an electronic bulletinboard.

Newsreader or newsreading programProgram for reading and posting to newsgroups. Windows comes with Outlook Express, which is both amail client and a newsreader.

NIC (Network Interface Card)A circuit board or other assembly that connects a computer to a network. Each computer must have anetwork interface card to be part of a network.

NNTP (Network News Transport Protocol)A protocol used to post, distribute, and retrieve messages on the Internet or corporate intranets, such asUsenet newsgroups.

NodeIn a network, a node is a connection point, either a redistribution point or an end point for datatransmissions. In general, a node has programmed or engineered capability to recognize and process orforward transmissions to other nodes.

Normal StyleThe default number format, alignment, and font for text and numbers in Excel, or Word’s defaultpredefined paragraph style.

Notification areaThe right end of the taskbar (what used to be called the system tray), with a digital clock and special iconsfor running programs.

NTThe first “corporate” version of Windows, which eventually evolved into Windows 2000 and then intoWindows XP. “NT” may originally have stood for “New Technology,” although Microsoft never confirmedthat.

NTFS compressed folderThe Windows NT/2000 file system, used for storing and retrieving larger files on a hard disk and improvedsecurity than its predecessor (FAT system) used in DOS and early versions of Windows.

NullAn object that has no value. An empty field.

Null propagationEspecially in a database, the tendency for a blank (as opposed to zero) numeric value to cause anycalculations that rely on the calculation to be null (blank) as well.

Number formatA format applied to values to express numeric concepts, such as currency, date, and percentage.

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ObjectA distinct item that can be manipulated via VBA code, such as a cell, a worksheet, an embedded graphic, achart, or a pivot table. Anything that has properties and can be referenced and used by another program.An object may be as small as a character or as large as an Excel workbook.

Object libraryA reference file containing information on a collection of objects available to programs.

Object ModelA complete summary of the objects associated with a particular program or feature, the hierarchy used bythose objects, and the properties and methods supported by each object.

Object variableA type of variable used for storing references to objects.

Object-oriented programmingObject-oriented programming (OOP) is a programming language model organized around “objects” ratherthan “actions” and data rather than logic.

ODBC (Open Database Connectivity)A database standard that enables a program to connect to and manipulate a data source, allowing a singleuser to access many different databases.

OfficeThe Microsoft suite of applications for personal and professional use, with versions such as 5, 97, 2000,2003, 2007, and 2010.

Office AssistantAn animated character that appears to offer tips, answer questions, and provide access to the program’sHelp system.

Office ClipboardA general storage area used by all Windows programs, mainly for copying and moving things from oneplace to another. Also see Clipboard.

OfflineDisconnected, or not currently connected, to any network or computer.

OLAP (OnLine Analytical Processing) CubeA database technology that enables you to quickly retrieve and summarize immense and complex datasources by taking the information in a data warehouse and summarizing each measure by every dimension,level, and member.

OLE Linking and EmbeddingA technique that allows multiple Windows programs (example, Access, Excel, and Word) to share objectssuch as pictures, sounds, or charts, either with (linking) or without (embedding) a connection between thesource and the destination.

One-to-many relationshipDescribes a natural relationship between two types of information where for every single item on one sideof the relationship, there may be many items on the other side, such as any one customer having placedmany orders with a particular business.

One-to-one relationshipDescribes a relationship between two tables to which each record in the first table can be associated withexactly one record in the second table.

OnlineConnected to a network, such as the Internet.

Online helpHelpful information stored on your computer that you can look at by using the Help window, often accessedby the F1 key.

OpenA file menu command that reads the contents of a selected workbook into your computer’s temporarymemory, displaying it on the screen.

OperandIn a worksheet formula, a literal value, cell reference, range, range name, or worksheet function. In acustom calculation formula, a literal value, worksheet function, PivotTable field, or PivotTable item.

OperatorA character symbol that performs an arithmetic operation, examples + (addition), – (subtraction), *(multiplication), or / (division).

Option button

A button that forms part of a group of options, whereby only one option button in the group can beselected at any one time.

Option ExplicitAn option that can be set at the beginning of a VBA module to force a variable to be declared before youcan use it, usually with a Dim statement. If you omit this option from your VBA module, you can declarevariables implicitly, simply by using their names, but those variables will be Variant type by default whichoccupies excessive memory and risks errors not being identifiable in code due to misspellings of a variable’sname.

Optional ArgumentA function argument that you are free to use or omit, depending on your needs.

OR search criteriaTwo or more search criteria of which only one condition must be met to evaluate to True.

OrientationThe direction – vertical (portrait) or horizontal (landscape) – in which a page is laid out in a printeddocument.

OS (Operating System)Program that manages your entire computer system, including its screen, keyboard, disk drives, memory,and central processor. Windows XP is an operating system.

OutboxThe Outlook Information viewer that displays messages created but not sent. Items displayed in thisinformation viewer are stored in the Outbox folder. See also Information viewer.

Outer FieldFor pivot tables in the row or column area, the field that is farthest from the data area.

Outgoing mail serverInternet host computer running a server program that accepts e-mail messages for distributing to theInternet.

OutlookA desktop information manager that includes comprehensive email messaging, scheduling, and informationmanagement facilities.

Outlook Address ListAn Outlook folder that contains contact information about people and organizations.

Outlook ExpressAn application, provided with Internet Explorer, that provides e-mail facilities and allows access tonewsgroups.

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Page AreaThe PivotTable drop area in which the page field appears.

Page breakEnds a printed page at a specified point and starts a new page. Cell contents below and to the right of a

page break print on a new page.

Page fieldThe area at the top of the PivotTable report where you can place any field to filter the PivotTable data bythat field; for example, placing the month field there would allow you to display data for one or moremonths.

PaneA section into which you can divide your worksheet using the split boxes at the top of the vertical and tothe left of the horizontal scroll bars, for when you want to work on separate parts of the worksheet at thesame time. One pane freezes, or remains in place, while you scroll in another pane until you see thedesired information.

ParameterA placeholder in a function that specifies the type of argument value.

Parameter queryIn a database, a query that asks for specific information before doing its job.

ParsingIn Access, the process of analyzing a document and identifying anything that looks like structured data.

Passing a variableIn VBA, the process of making a variable that is available to a calling procedure (a Sub or a Function)accessible to a called procedure. The called procedure might change the value of that variable, andsubsequently pass the changed value back to the calling procedure.

PasswordA unique set of letters and characters, usually case sensitive, used to allow access to files or processes.

PasteA command that moves information on the Clipboard to a new location.

PathThe location of a folder described in terms of its drive, folder, and subfolder, example,C:YourFilePathYourFileName.xls.

PatternA design you can place in a worksheet cell or cell range, using the Patterns tab in the Format Cells dialogbox.

PC CardA credit-card-sized adapter card that fits into the PCMCIA slot of a portable or desktop PC.

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)An interconnection system between a microprocessor and attached devices in which expansion slots arespaced closely for high speed operation. Using PCI, a computer can support both new PCI cards whilecontinuing to support Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) expansion cards, an older standard.

PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association)A standard defining how PC cards must be designed to work in the PCMCIA slot of a portable or desktopPC.

PDF (Portable Document Format)A file format that captures all the elements of a printed document as an electronic image that you can view,navigate, print, or forward to someone else using the Acrobat Reader. PDF files are especially useful fordocuments such as magazine articles, product brochures, or flyers in which you want to preserve theoriginal graphic appearance online.

Peer-to-Peer NetworkA way to connect several PCs into a local area network where any PC can act as either client or server.

PeripheralHardware device that is attached to your computer, such as a printer or modem.

PermissionSecurity setting that controls what a user or group of LAN users can do with a file, folder, printer, sharedfolder, or registry key.

Personal Address BookAn address book that contains an Outlook user’s personal list of people’s names and information aboutthose people. A Personal Address Book can be used to create distribution lists and store email addresses ina file with a .pab extension.

Personal certificateCryptographic information that identifies you when viewing Web sites, or sending e-mail, stored in files withthe extension .pfx.

Personal Folders fileA data file in which Microsoft Outlook saves messages, appointments, tasks, and journal entries on yourcomputer.

Personal Macro WorkbookA Microsoft Excel file designed to contain macros which are available to all workbooks on that computer.

Phantom Field ItemA PivotTable field item that no longer exists in the source data.

Pie chartA circular chart in which each piece (wedge) shows a data segment and its relationship to the whole.

PingTest message sent to find out whether another system will respond, or the name of a program that sendspings on the Internet.

PivotMove a field from one drop area of a PivotTable to another.

Pivot CacheSource data that Excel keeps in memory to improve PivotTable performance.

PivotChart reportAn excel feature that lets you summarize worksheet data in the form of a chart in which you can rearrange,or “pivot”, parts of the chart structure to explore new data relationships.

PivotTable (report)An excel feature that allows you to summarize worksheet data in the form of a table in which you canrearrange, or “pivot,” parts of the table structure to explore new data relationships; also called a PivotTable.

PixelShort for picture element. One pixel is a measurement representing the smallest amount of informationdisplayed graphically on the screen as a single dot.

Pixelated imageGraphics image in which the rectangular dots are visible.

Plain TextA format for Outlook e-mail messages that does not support any text formatting but is supported by all e-mail programs.

Plot areaThe area inside the chart axes, where a graphic representation of data appears.

PNGThe file extension on a Portable Network Graphics filename.

PointA unit of measure used for fonts and row height. One inch equals 72 points; one point = 1/72 of an inch.

POP or POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3)A client/server protocol in which e-mail is received and held for you by your Internet server.

POP serverComputer that handles incoming or outgoing e-mail as service to its mail clients.

PopulateTo fill a table or other object with data.

Pop-up menuThe menu that appears when you right-click an object. Also called a context menu or a shortcut menu.

PortA slot on the back of your PC into which you plug a cable that connects to some external device. Mice,keyboards, monitors, external modems, external CD-ROM drives, printers, and all other external devicesplug into a port on a PC.

Port replicatorA compact-sized docking station for a portable computer that enables easy connection to a full-sizedkeyboard, mouse, monitor, and other devices.

Portrait orientationA print setting that positions the worksheet on the page so the page is taller than it is wide.

PowerPointA presentation graphics program that lets you create electronic slides to use as part of a presentation on astandalone computer or over the World Wide Web.

PPPA protocol for communication between two computers using a serial interface, typically a personal computerconnected by phone line to a server.

PPPoEA specification for connecting multiple computer users on an Ethernet local area network to a remote sitethrough common customer premises equipment, which is the telephone company’s term for a modem andsimilar devices. PPPoE can be used to have an office or building-full of users share a common DigitalSubscriber Line (DSL), cable modem, or wireless connection to the Internet. PPPoE combines the Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP), commonly used in dialup connections, with the Ethernet protocol, which supportsmultiple users in a local area network.

PrecedentsIn worksheet auditing, any cells referred to and used in a formula.

PreconditionIn programming practice, a condition for an action used to test whether running the action will cause a

runtime error.

Preview PaneThe area within Outlook’s Inbox Information viewer that contains previews of received messages.

Primary keyOne or more fields that determine the uniqueness of each record in a database.

Primary mouse buttonThe mouse button used for most activities, usually the button on the left.

Primary partitionSometimes called a DOS partition, the section of a hard disk that stores the main DOS or Windows filesystem.

Print PreviewA command you can use to view the worksheet as it will look when printed.

Print serverComputer to which a shared printer is attached.

ProcedureVBA code that performs a specific task or set of tasks.

Procedure scopeScope that makes a variable available only to the procedure that declares it.

Project explorerIn the Visual Basic Editor, a window that lists all open projects (or workbooks) and the worksheets andmodules they contain.

Properties windowIn the Visual Basic Editor, the window that displays a list of characteristics, or properties, associated with amodule.

PropertyA programmable characteristic of an item. Typical properties include size, color, font, and visible, amongmany others.

Proportional spacingTypeface design in which letters in the typeface are different widths.

ProtectTo prevent locked cells or objects from being changed.

ProtocolAn agreed-upon set of rules by which two computers can exchange information over a network. A protocolcan contain other protocols.

Proxy serverGateway program that provides caching, logging, and other service when translating between a LAN andthe Internet.

PS/2 portStandard keyboard or mouse connector.

PST (Personal Folders File)The set of folders in which Outlook stores items. Outlook creates a separate folder for each type of item.

Users can add their own hierarchies of folders and subfolders and subsequently move items from one toanother.

Public FolderA folder maintained on a server, such as Exchange Server, that can be accessed by users who have accessto the server.

Public profileInformation about yourself that you are willing to expose to the public on the Internet.

PublishCopying your Web site files to a Web server to display the site to the intended audience.

Pull-down menuBox onscreen with a downward-pointing triangle button at its right end, usually appearing in a dialog boxor menu or Ribbon element.

PWS (Personal Web Server)Microsoft’s version of a Web server program for individual PC users who want to share Web pages andother files from their hard drive. PWS is a scaled-down version of Microsoft’s more robust Web server,Internet Information Server.

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QBE (Query by example)The query technique used by Access and many other modern database management systems with QBE,where you create an example of the fields to show, calculations to perform, and sort order to use.

QueryA series of statements written in Structured Query Language to specify the tables and fields you want towork with that add, modify, remove, or return data from a database.

Query Page-By-PageIn PivotTables, queries to the server for new data each time you change the page field item; used with aserver page field.

QueueList of tasks waiting to be done, often said of a print queue whereby a list of print jobs is waiting to beprinted.

Quick Launch ToolbarA set of icons, usually just to the right of the Start button, they provide quick access to frequently usedprograms. Can be hidden, displayed, moved and sized.

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RAFile extension (.ra) used for RealAudio, a steaming audio file format.

Radio buttonAnother term for option button, a button that forms part of a group of options, whereby only one optionbutton in the group can be selected at any one time.

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)A way of storing the same data in different places (thus, redundantly) on multiple hard disks, meaninginput/output operations can overlap in a balanced way, improving performance.

RAM (Random Access Memory)The memory within a computer in which currently executing programs and information being processed isstored.

RangeA group of cells on a worksheet, such as A1:D4. Technically, a single cell is itself a range, but in normalusage the term Range means more than one contiguous cell.

Range nameA name you can assign to a cell range, such as Expenses or Revenue; you can then use the range namesinstead of cell references in formulas.

Reading Layout viewIn Word, a view that shows a document as it will appear on a handheld reading device.

Read-onlyThe designation of a file that can be opened and viewed but not modified.

RebootTo restart the computer without shutting down. Click the Start button and choose Turn Off Computer ØRestart.

RecallThe capability to retrieve a message that has been sent. Under some circumstances, Outlook can recallmessages that recipients have not yet read.

RecordAn individual set of field data in a database table or list that comprises a single row in the table.

Recycle BinSpecial folder in which Windows stores files and folders you have recently deleted.

Redimension (Redim)To resize a dynamic array that has already been formally declared.

Reference operatorA character used to combine cell references in calculations, most commonly the colon ( : ), which connectsthe first and last cells of the range such as A1:D5.

Referential integrityThe system of rules used by databases to ensure that relationships between tables are valid and that datacannot be changed in one table without also being changed in all related tables.

RefreshRedisplay a window using updated information; rebuild a PivotTable report using the most current versionof the source data; or generally to update data that has been imported from an external source, such as adatabase, when the source data changes.

Regional settings

Windows settings that control how numbers, dates, times, and currency amounts appear and whatlanguages are installed.

Registered file typeA type of document file associated with a specific program, based on its file name extension. For example,all DOC files are registered to (associated with) the Microsoft Word for Windows program.

Registration fileFile with the extension .reg, created by exporting part or all of the Registry.

RegistryA single place for keeping such information as what hardware is attached, what system options have beenselected, how computer memory is set up, and what application programs are to be present when theoperating system is started.

Regression analysisIn statistics, a method of analyzing data trends that attempts to project future data based on past trends.

Relational databaseA collection of data items organized as a set of formally-described tables from which data can be accessedor reassembled in many different ways without having to reorganize the database tables.

Relative cell referenceIn an Excel formula, a cell reference that changes when the formula is copied to a new location becausethe row and column components are not preceded by a dollar sign $.

Remote access serverA computer to which you connect remotely, by dialing in from another computer or by connecting over theInternet, which allows the remote computer to use its resources.

ReplaceA command used to find one set of criteria and replace it with new information.

ReportA formatted display of Access data that you can print or preview on the screen.

Report managerUsed to combine and save multiple custom views into a single report to facilitate printing complexworksheets.

Required ArgumentA function argument that must appear between the function’s parentheses in the specified position.

ResolutionThe number of pixels (individual points of color) contained on a display monitor, expressed in terms of thenumber of pixels on the horizontal axis and the number on the vertical axis. The sharpness of the image ona display depends on the resolution and the size of the monitor. The same pixel resolution will be sharperon a smaller monitor and gradually lose sharpness on larger monitors because the same number of pixelsare being spread out over a larger number of inches.

ResolveThe process by which Outlook checks the message recipient names entered into a Message form bycomparing them with names in address books and automatically uses the appropriate e-mail address.

Restore point“Snapshot” of your Windows and program files, stored by the System Restore program.

Restored window

Window that appears within window borders – not maximized or minimized.

ReturnOf a formula, the displayed value resulting from calculation. Of a property’s value, to get the current valueof a property.

Return receipt requestTag attached to an e-mail message that requests a receipt so that the sender knows that the recipient hasopened the message.

RGBNumerical way of describing a color by its Red, Green, and Blue components which can be combined invarious proportions to obtain any color in the visible spectrum. Levels of R, G, and B can each range from 0to 100 percent of full intensity. Each level is represented by the range of decimal numbers from 0 to 255(256 levels for each color), equivalent to the range of binary numbers from 00000000 to 11111111, orhexadecimal 00 to FF. The total number of available colors is 256 x 256 x 256, or 16,777,216 possiblecolors.

Rich textText that contains special formatting like boldface and italics.

Rich Text FormatA method of formatting text so that documents can be transferred between, and read by, variousapplications running on different platforms. See RTF.

Right-clickClicking with the right mouse button (unless you have configured your mouse to swap the functions of thebuttons).

RJ-11 jackThe most common telephone jack is the RJ-11 jack, which can have six conductors but usually isimplemented with four. The RJ-11 jack is likely to be the jack that your household or office phones areplugged into from the ordinary “untwisted” wire (sometimes called “gray satin” or “flat wire”) people aremost familiar with.

RJ-45 connectorConnector used to connect network interface cards to Category-5 cables in a star topology LAN. The RJ-45is a single-line jack for digital transmission over ordinary phone wire, either untwisted or twisted. Theinterface has eight pins or positions.

Root, root folder, or root directoryIn a computer file system that is organized as a hierarchy or tree, the root directory is the directory thatincludes all other directories. Example, for the path C:YourFilePath the root directory is C:.

RouterA device or, in some cases, software in a computer, that determines the next network point to which apacket should be forwarded toward its destination. The router is connected to at least two networks anddecides which way to send each information packet based on its current understanding of the state of thenetworks it is connected to. Routers are common in a LAN environment, where several computers tie to therouter which itself ties to the Internet service.

RowThe visual presentation of a horizontal record in a spreadsheet, datasheet, query, or filter window.

Row AreaThe PivotTable drop area in which the row field appears.

Row FieldA source data field added to a PivotTable’s row area; the field’s items form the report’s rows.

Row headingsThe boxed numbers to the left of each row that uniquely identify each one, also called Row SelectorButtons.

Row heightThe vertical dimension of a cell.

Row labelsText or numbers you enter to the left or row data to identify the data in each row, such as “Expenses” or“Third Quarter”.

Row numberIdentifies a row in a worksheet. Rows are numbered 1 through 65,536 in versions of or before 2003, and1,048,576 in version 2007 and after.

Row selector buttonThe gray box containing the number to the left of the row. Also called Row Headings.

RTF (Rich Text Format)A method of formatting text so that documents can be transferred between, and read by, variousapplications running on different platforms. See Rich Text Format.

RunTo have Excel perform the steps of a macro, sometimes called Runtime.

Run modeWhen code is running.

Running TotalA type of summary calculation that returns the cumulative sum of the values that appear in a given set ofdata.

RuntimeAnother term for Run mode.

RVFile extension (.rv) for RealVideo, a streaming video file.

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S/MIME (Secure Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions)A secure method of sending e-mail that uses the Rivest-Shamir-Adleman encryption system, popularly usedby many email programs to send e-mail securely.

S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface)A standard audio transfer file format. It is usually found on digital audio equipment such as a DAT (DigitalAudio Tape) machine or audio processing device. It allows the transfer of audio from one file to anotherwithout the conversion to and from an analog format, which could degrade the signal quality.

Safe mode

A means of starting the computer with the minimum settings and drivers to help a user solve problems thatare preventing normal startup. The only startup programs loaded are the operating system and drivers forthe mouse, keyboard, and display modes display. It is often possible to get a system to start in safe modewhen it won’t start normally. To start in safe mode, press the F8 key while the system is booting and select“safe mode” (or the safe mode option you want) from the menu that appears.

SaveA command used to permanently store your workbook and any changes you make to a file on a disk. Thefirst time you save a workbook you must give it a filename.

Save AsThe command to save a new or existing document under a different name, or in a different format, and/orin a different location.

ScalableThe ability of a computer application or product (hardware or software) to continue to function well when itis changed in size or volume, especially not only to function well in the rescaled situation, but to actuallytake full advantage of it, such as using a program in a new version that was created in a previous version.

ScannerDevice that digitizes pictures (or anything on paper) for use by your computer.

ScenarioAn Excel procedure for saving multiple sets of input values so you can apply them to your worksheet andview their effect on formula results.

Scenario SummaryAn Excel table that compiles data from various scenarios so that you can view the scenario results next toeach other for easy comparison.

ScopeThe area in VBA within which a variable or procedure can operate.

Screen saverProgram that displays an image, frequently one that moves, on your desktop when you are not using thecomputer. This was necessary for older monitors whose static image would burn into the screen, butmodern monitors do not bring that concern, so screen savers are now just cosmetic enhancements.

Screen shotPicture of what is on the screen.

ScreenTipA short description that appears beneath a toolbar, toolbox button, chart, or embedded control if you restthe mouse pointer on the button for a couple of seconds without clicking.

ScrollbarsVertical or horizontal bar running along the right side or bottom of a window allowing you to scroll theinformation displayed in the window.

SCSI (Small Computer System Interface)Pronounced “scuzzy”, a set of ANSI standard electronic interfaces that enables multiple disk drives, CD-ROMdrives, and other devices to be connected to one another and then connected to a single port on the PC.

Search criterionThe specification for data that you want to find in an Excel list, such as “California” or “is greater than1000.”

Search Engine

A coordinated set of programs that includes a spider (also called a “crawler” or a “bot”) that goes to everypage or representative pages on every Web site that wants to be searchable and reads it, using hypertextlinks on each page to discover and read a site’s other pages; a program that creates a huge index(sometimes called a “catalog”) from the pages that have been read; and a program that receives yoursearch request; then compares it to the entries in the index, and returns results to you. Popular examplesare Google and Yahoo.

SectorPhysical block of storage on a disk.

Secure e-mailE-mail that has been encoded so that only the intended recipient can read it.

Secure serverWeb server that supports SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) to encrypt data sent between the server and yourcomputer. Pages loaded from a secure server have URLs beginning with https://.

Security levelA setting that determines whether presentations that contain macros can be opened on your computer, andif so, if you should be prompted for confirmation of approval.

SelectTo highlight a single cell or range of cells, or click an item that in some way activates it.

Select queryA query that retrieves data matching specified criteria from one or more tables and displays the results in adatasheet.

Selected cellAlso called the Active cell or Current cell, it is the cell with the dark selection border to indicate that itwould be the cell acted upon, such as with the entry of a formula, text, or value.

SelectionAn object or objects, including for example a range of cells, already selected and, hence, framed orhighlighted in some manner.

Selection handlesSmall boxes appearing along the corners and sides of charts and graphic images that are used for movingand resizing.

Self-CertifyCreate a trust certificate that applies only to your own VBA projects and only to those projects on your owncomputer.

Self-joinA table that’s joined to itself in a query. For example, if a part consists of other parts, you could identify the“parts of a part” using a self-join on a Parts table.

SensitivityA security setting of an e-mail message that indicates whether a message should be treated as normal,personal, private, or confidential.

Sent ItemsA message that has been sent to a mail server. Outlook automatically moves items that have been sentfrom the Outbox subfolder to the Sent Items folder.

Serial portA connector on your computer that is used for serial communication, such as a mouse, external modems, or

printers.

Series AreaThe PivotChart drop area in which the series field appears.

Series FieldA source data field added to the PivotChart’s series area; the field’s items form the chart’s data series.

ServerA computer, or the software running on that computer, that provides services to client computers.

Server-based Web siteA web site that is located on a computer that is configured as a Web server. See also disk-based Web sites.

Server-side applicationsPrograms, run on the Web server rather than on a Web visitor’s own computer, that enable you to post andmodify content on a Web site.

Service ProviderAn organization that provides access to a computer-related service. An Internet service provider (ISP)provides access to the Internet.

Set statementA VBA statement that causes an object, such as a range of cells on a worksheet, to be assigned to a VBAvariable. For example: Set CurrentRange=ActiveSheet.Range(Cells(1,1),Cells(5,5).

SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language)A comprehensive system for coding the structure of text documents and other forms of data so that theycan be used in a variety of environments. SGML is not in itself a document language, but a description ofhow to specify one.

ShapeAny one of may types of objects that are placed on the worksheet, such as drawn free-form, or controlsfrom the Forms toolbar or activex control toolbox.

Shared attachmentsAttachments saved on a SharePoint Document Workspace web site, where a group can collaborate to workon files and discuss a project. Also called live attachments.

Shared driveDrive that is shared with and accessible to other users on a LAN.

Shared folderFolder that has been configured to be usable by other computers on a LAN.

Shared printerPrinter that is shared with other users on a LAN. Also called a network printer.

Shared workbookAn Excel workbook that is enabled for simultaneous access for two or more users to open and modify.

SharePointA portal-based platform for creating, managing and sharing documents and Web services on an intranet.SharePoint can be used to host web sites that access shared workspaces, information stores anddocuments, as well as host defined applications such as wikis and blogs. All users can manipulateproprietary controls called “web parts” or interact with pieces of content such as lists and documentlibraries.

SharePoint team Web sitesA collaboration site for team use that consists of a Home page, a Document Libraries page, a DiscussionBoards page, a Lists page, a Create Page, and a Site Settings page.

SharewareSoftware given to you free for a trial period so that you can try it before you buy.

SheetA term often used for a worksheet, though Excel provides for Chart sheets, Dialog sheets, and Macrosheets.

Sheet tabThe small tab at the bottom of each worksheet that displays that worksheet’s name. Also called worksheettab.

Shell accountShell is a Unix term for the interactive user interface with an operating system. The shell is the layer ofprogramming that understands and executes the commands a user enters. In some systems, the shell iscalled a command interpreter. Also see Unix Shell Account.

ShortcutIn general, a shortcut is a path that is shorter than the usual or formal path to something or a method ofoperation that saves time over the regular operation. A shortcut is also a computer desktop icon thatenables a user to easily see and select a particular program or data object. A keyboard shortcut refers tosome key(s) you can press as an alternative to going through menus or clicking a desktop icon.

Shortcut iconIcon that represents a shortcut, usually on the desktop or in Windows Explorer. Shortcut icons alwaysinclude a little white curving arrow in the lower-left corner.

Shortcut keyCombination of the CTRL key, the ALT key, and one other key; pressing these keys at the same time runs aspecified shortcut.

Shortcut menuA menu activated by placing the pointer over an object or in text, and then clicking the right mouse button.

SignatureText or pictures that are automatically added to the end of an outgoing e-mail message, most often usedto sign messages.

Signed driverA device driver that’s been “digitally signed” by Microsoft or other manufacturer, to verify itscompatibleness with Windows XP.

Signed fileAudio or video file for which you have a digital license, usually a file you copied from an audio CD whichyou presumably own.

Signed mailE-mail that has been encoded using your private key to prove that you sent it.

SingleA variable type that occupies 32 bits of memory, less precise than a Double Precision variable for very largeor very small numbers, though Single occupies more memory than Double. Singles are utilized withfractional numbers or array elements. Singles range for negative numbers between -3.402823E38 to -1.401298E-45, and for positive numbers between 1.401298E-45 to 3.402823E38.

Site mapA graphical depiction of the locations of Web pages in a Web site.

Sizing handleSmall squares or circles (depending on the object) that surround a selected object, enabling you to dragthem to resize the object.

Slide Show viewIn PowerPoint, a view where you can preview slides as an electronic presentation.

Slide Sorter viewIn PowerPoint, a view where you can see all slides in a presentation in miniature.

Slide transitionIn PowerPoint, the visual effect when moving from slide to slide in presentations.

SLIP (Serial Line Internet Protocol)A TCP/IP protocol used for communication between two machines that are previously configured forcommunication with each other. For example, your Internet service provider may provide you with a SLIPconnection so that the provider’s server can respond to your requests, pass them on to the Internet, andforward your requested Internet responses back to you. Point-to-Point (PPP) is preferred over SLIP whenconnecting to the Internet.

Smart TagAn icon that automatically appears adjacent to cells after certain Excel actions, such as pasting, that whenclicked displays an action menu that presents options you can take relating to the action, such as retainingsource formatting.

SMTP (Simple Mail Transport Protocol)A TCP/IP protocol used in sending and receiving e-mail. However, since it is limited in its ability to queuemessages at the receiving end, it is usually used with one of two other protocols, POP3 or IMAP, that letthe user save messages in a server mailbox and download them periodically from the server. In otherwords, users typically use a program that uses SMTP for sending e-mail and either POP3 or IMAP forreceiving e-mail.

Snail mailA slang name for conventional mail delivered by a traditional postal service.

SoftwareA general term for the various kinds of programs and intangible instructions, usually stored on a computerdisk, that tell the computer how to behave.

Solve OrderThe order in which Excel solves the calculated items in a PivotTable.

SolverAn Excel add-in designed to handle complex problem-solving with mathematical models and constraints, asa what-if analysis to find an optimal value for a formula. Solver works with a group of cells that are related,either directly or indirectly, to the formula in the target cell. Solver adjusts the values in the changing cellsyou specify, called the adjustable cells, to produce the result you specify from the target cell formula.

SortTo put data into some meaningful order, such as alphabetical (A-Z) or numeric (smallest to largest).

Sort fieldThe column you want Excel to use in sorting (sometimes called a sort key).

Sort key

The column you want Excel to use in sorting (sometimes called a sort field).

Source listThe list on which a PivotTable or chart is based.

SpamUnsolicited and unwanted junk e-mail.

Special charactersCharacters that do not appear on the standard US 101-key keyboard, such as fractions and accentedletters.

Spell checkChecks the spelling of words in the current worksheet or selected range, and enables you to change orignore any word not found in its dictionary.

SPID (Service Provide Identifier)For an ISDN line, the phone number plus a few extra digits that identify the type and capabilities of theISDN switch.

Splash screenAn introductory screen containing useful, entertaining, or simply advertising information, often used todivert the user’s attention while data is loading or for the program to call attention to itself.

Split paneWhereby two to four areas of a worksheet can be viewed with its rows or columns locked in one area soyou can scroll in each of those areas while rows or columns in the non-scrolled areas remain visible.

SpoolingMultitasking system that allows a program to store information so it can be processed at a more convenienttime, such as print jobs to a printer while other tasks are performed.

SpreadsheetExcel’s term for an electronic work area comprised of rows and columns; also known as a worksheet.

SQL (Structured Query Language)A database sublanguage used in querying, updating, and managing relational databases – the de factostandard for database products.

SQL databaseA database that supports SQL, and that can be accessed simultaneously by several users on a LAN.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)The method that Web browsers use to provide secure encrypted communication, a commonly-used protocolfor managing the security of a message transmission on the Internet. SSL has recently been succeeded byTransport Layer Security (TLS), which is based on SSL. SSL uses a program layer located between theInternet’s Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and Transport Control Protocol (TCP) layers.

Stacked column chartA chart type that displays multiple data series as stacked components of a single column instead of as side-by-side columns, useful if the multiple data series total to a meaningful number.

Standard moduleIn VBA, a module where macros and User Defined Functions are housed.

StandbyA means of reducing the power consumption of a computer to the point where only enough electricity isconsumed to allow the system to be fully operation when it is asked to do so.

Start menuThe menu that appears when you click the Start button in the lower-left corner of the Windows desktop.

Startup menuMenu that appears if you press F8 while Windows is loading.

Startup modeMode in which you can run Windows if you are having trouble starting Windows in the normal manner.

StatementIn a macro, a line of Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) code.

Static IP addressingManually assigned IP that doesn’t often change.

Static variableA variable whose values you want to preserve between calls to the procedure in which it is declared.

StationeryIn Outlook, a preset or automatic format for e-mail messages that specifies fonts, bullets, background color,horizontal lines, images, and other design elements.

Status barThe bar along the bottom of the screen that displays the current status of things and information about theprogram.

Step (into)In VBA, to execute a procedure one command at a time (step into) or in groups of commands (step over,step out).

Step outIn VBA, to execute without stepping the remaining commands in a procedure you’ve started to stepthrough. When you step out of a procedure, VBA then re-enters Break mode for any subsequent procedure.

Step overIn VBA, to run without stepping a procedure called from a procedure you’re stepping through in Breakmode. After running the called procedure, VBA re-enters Break mode for the rest of the calling procedure.

Streaming audio video formatAudio (sound) and video data stored in a format that allows the beginning of the file to be played, evenbefore later parts of the file are read, so the data is sent and experienced as a continuous stream, as withTV.

StringCommonly, a series of one or more text characters, usually characterized by alpha or alphanumericcharacters, though just numbers, or even no characters at all (“null string”) can be regarded as a string. InVBA, a variable type for storing text or a group of characters.

StyleA named collection of cell or number formats that you can apply to other cells for conveniently formattingworksheets, whereby if you change a style definition, all cells with that style applied are also changed.

Sub procedureA series of VBA statements enclosed by Sub and End Sub statements, typically that perform an action butdo not return a value, also called subroutine.

Subfolder

A folder contained within another folder. The containing folder is called the parent folder.

SubjectIn Outlook or for email messages, a brief description as the “headline” of the message being sent.

SubmenuMenu displayed by a command from another menu.

SubroutineA series of VBA statements enclosed by Sub and End Sub statements, typically that perform an action butdo not return a value, also called sub procedure.

SubscriptIn VBA, the number declaring the number of items in an array or the number that identifies a particularitem in the array, sometimes just referred to as array subscript.

SubsetIn an Excel list, a group of records that has been filtered to display only those records produced by thefilter.

SUMProbably the most commonly used function in Excel; adds up a range of cells or numbers.

Summary functionIn a PivotTable, a function that determines the type of calculation applied to the PivotTable data, such asSUM or COUNT.

SVGA (Super Virtual Graphics Array)Type of display adapter with lower resolution (800 x 600) than XGA or SXGA.

SwapTo move data between memory (RAM) and disk. A swap file is a space on a hard disk used as the virtualmemory extension of a computer’s real memory (RAM), allowing your computer’s operating system to haveaccess to more memory than just your physical RAM. The least recently used files in RAM can be “swappedout” to your hard disk until they are needed later so that new files can be “swapped in” to RAM.

SwitchboardA form used to navigate among the objects of a database application so that users don’t have to be familiarwith the actual database.

SXGAType of display with higher resolution than an XGA monitor, 1280 x 1024.

SyntaxIn VBA, the rules of formatting, grammar, structure, and order of elements that must be followed so thatthe programming code runs correctly.

System clockDigital clock that can appear on the notification (usually right-most) area of the taskbar.

System menuA menu you can open by clicking the icon in the upper-left corner of a window or by pressing Alt+Spacebar,enabling you to move and size a window using the keyboard rather than the mouse.

System resourcesMemory used by Windows applications.

System tray or systray

A section of the taskbar, usually the right-most area, hat is used to display the clock and the icons ofcertain programs so that a user is continually reminded that they are there and can easily click one ofthem.

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T1, T3Special lines that provide high-speed, full-time access to the Internet, T1 at 1.544 Mbps and T3 at 44.736Mbps.

TabPage of settings on a dialog box selected by a tab shaped like a manila folder along the top of the dialogbox.

Tab or page tab or sheet tabThe small tab at the bottom of each worksheet that displays that worksheet’s name.

Tab orderThe order in which VBA selects controls in a user form or frame when you move through them by pressingthe Tab key to move forward, or the Shift+Tab key combination to move backwards.

TableA database or spreadsheet object that holds the data you want to manage in a two-dimensional list of rowsand columns, usually of a particular theme such as Customers or Products.

Tablet PCA wireless personal computer that allows a user to take notes using natural handwriting with a stylus ordigital pen on a touch screen.

TagUsually associated with programming languages such as XML and HTML, a command inserted in adocument that specifies how the document, or a portion of the document, should be formatted.

TAP (Telelocator Alpha-Paging Protocol)A protocol used by alphanumeric pagers. Alphanumeric pagers decode information received in the TAPprotocol and display that information on their screens. Don’t confuse the TAP protocol with the ATAPI andTAPI protocols.

TAPI (Telephony Applications Programming Interface)A protocol that controls how Windows applications interact with the telephone system, as a programinterface that lets you and your computer “talk” over telephones or video phones to people or phone-connected resources elsewhere in the world. Don’t confuse the TAPI protocol with the ATAPI and TAPprotocols.

TaskA series of instructions that your computer is executing, ranging from something as simple as opening adocument to actions such as executing complex macros.

Task paneA window that opens on the right side of the Excel screen at selected times, enabling you to quickly accesscommands related to a specific task without having to use menus, toolbars, or the ribbon.

Taskbar

A visual device on the desktop, usually the horizontal bar running along the bottom of the screen, thattypically shows the user which applications (tasks) are currently active and running. Some taskbars, such asthose in Windows operating systems, also include icons for commonly-used utilities such as the systemclock and antivirus software.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)A set of rules (protocol) used along with the Internet Protocol (IP) to send data in the form of messageunits between computers over the Internet. While IP takes care of handling the actual delivery of the data,TCP takes care of keeping track of the individual units of data (called packets) that a message is dividedinto for efficient routing through the Internet.

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)The basic communication language or protocol of the Internet. TCP/IP is a two-layer program. The higherlayer, Transmission Control Protocol, manages the assembling of a message or file into smaller packets thatare transmitted over the Internet and received by a TCP layer that reassembles the packets into the originalmessage. The lower layer, Internet Protocol, handles the address part of each packet so that it gets to theright destination. Each gateway computer on the network checks this address to see where to forward themessage. Even though some packets from the same message are routed differently than others, they’ll bereassembled at the destination.

TelnetA user command and an underlying TCP/IP protocol for accessing remote computers, through which anadministrator or another user can access someone else’s computer remotely.

TemplateA workbook file with an .xlt file extension that you use as a basis for creating a new workbook using thesame design; can contain text, formatting, formulas, macros, charts, or data.

Text boxA control on a userform or worksheet where data and text can be directly entered or edited by the user.

Text fileA file with the extension .txt that contains unformatted data, such as letters, numbers, spaces, andpunctuation, with no programming code.

ThreadRelated messages in a newsgroup.

ThumbnailA small version of a graphic or slide that is hyperlinked to the full-size version. In Word, a small image thatrepresents a page in a document and that you can click to navigate to that page.

Tick marksSmall lines on chart axes that denote measurement intervals.

TIF or TIFF fileA common format for exchanging bitmap images between application programs, including those used forscanner images, having the extension .tiff or .tif.

TilingRepeating a graphic to fill up a space, such as on the desktop.

Title barThe horizontal bar that runs across the top of a window, indicating the program name, workbook name,and the name of the current worksheet, usually with Minimize, Maximize, and Close buttons on the right.Userforms and dialogs, and message boxes also have title bars, usually without the Minimize and Maximizebuttons.

Title slideIn PowerPoint, the first slide in a presentation.

ToggleA control that turns a feature on and off, or generally, the option, or the act of pursuing the option, ofturning a setting on or off.

Token RingType of local area network hardware, largely superseded by Ethernet, whereby all computers in a LAN areconnected in a ring or star topology, and a bit- or token-passing scheme is used in order to prevent thecollision of data between two computers that want to send messages at the same time.

ToolbarA graphical bar containing groupings of commands represented by buttons, icons, controls, or frequentlyused menu commands.

ToolboxA toolbar in the VBE that displays lets you place controls on your userform design. Sometimes, “Toolbox” isa spoken abbreviated name for the Control Toolbox upon which embeddable activex controls are accessed.

ToolTipSmall informational box that appears when you leave the mouse pointer on something for a few seconds,usually used for buttons on toolbars, items on the menu bar or ribbon, or on userform controls.

TopologyPattern of cabling that is used to connect computers together into a LAN. There are four principaltopologies used in LANs: “Bus topology”: All devices are connected to a central cable, called the bus orbackbone; “Ring topology”: All devices are connected to one another in the shape of a closed loop, so thateach device is connected directly to two other devices, one on either side of it; “Star topology”: All devicesare connected to a central hub; “Tree topology: Combination of linear bus and star topologies consisting ofgroups of star-configured workstations connected to a linear bus backbone cable.

Trace DependentsAn auditing tool that shows what other cells use the results of the current cell.

Tracer arrowsIn worksheet auditing, blue arrows that connect a selected cell to its dependents or precedents.

Track ChangesTo identify and keep a record of who makes which changes to a workbook.

TrapTo catch an error with code and avoid a run time error message, so you can deal with the error by using anerror handler, or by using an error bypass method of coding that conditionally exits that portion of code, orthe macro itself, if the error is encountered.

TrendlineA special Excel line chart that projects future values based on past trends.

Trojan horseA destructive program that appears innocent. Unlike a virus, a Trojan horse does not replicate itself acrosscomputers in a network. It is malicious and harmful code contained inside apparently harmlessprogramming or data in such a way that it can get control and do its chosen form of damage.

TrueTypeMethod of storing typefaces as a set of formulas for drawing the characters at almost any size. Created atApple Computer, TrueType was designed to fill the need for an optimized, scalable font format that uses

hinting , a technique that preserves a font’s design, even at a small scale or on a display with lowresolution.

TruncateTo shorten the display of a cell based on the width of a cell, though the underlying value or text item in thecell is still present, even though unreadable, assuming its character length does not exceeding the cell’scapacity.

TTLTime To Live, how many times a packet can be passed from one computer to another while in transit onthe Internet. TTL is a value in an Internet Protocol (IP) packet that tells a network router whether or notthe packet has been in the network too long and should be discarded. For a number of reasons, packetsmay not get delivered to their destination in a reasonable length of time. For example, a combination ofincorrect routing tables could cause a packet to loop endlessly. A solution is to discard the packet after acertain time and send a message to the originator, who can decide whether to resend the packet. Theinitial TTL value is set, usually by a system default, in an 8-binary digit field of the packet header.

TunnelingAlso known as “port forwarding,” the transmission of data intended for use only within a private networkthrough a public network in such a way that the routing nodes in the public network are unaware that thetransmission is part of a private network, as commonly done when connecting to a private network over theInternet using Virtual Private Networking.

TwipA twip (twentieth of a point) is a unit of measure used in laying out space or defining objects on a page orother area that is to be printed or displayed on a computer screen. A twip is 1/1440th of an inch or 1/567thof a centimeter, meaning there are 1440 twips to an inch or 567 twips to a centimeter. The twip is 1/20thof a point, a traditional measure in printing that is approximately 1/72nd of an inch.

Twisted pairThe ordinary copper wire that connects home and many business computers to the telephone company. Toreduce crosstalk or electromagnetic induction between pairs of wires, two insulated copper wires are twistedaround each other.

TXTA text file, with the file extension .txt.

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UCT (Universal Coordinated Time)The standard time common to every place in the world. Formerly and still widely called Greenwich MeanTime (GMT) and also World Time, UTC nominally reflects the mean solar time along the Earth’s primemeridian.

UDF (User Defined Function)A worksheet cell formula you design and create in VBA, with optional arguments you specify, usually toobtain a result that is not possible, or too cumbersome, using native worksheet formulas and functions.

UnboundNot linked, as when a control is used to calculate values from two or more fields and is therefore not boundto any particular field. Also see bound.

Unbound controlA control on a form or report that isn’t tied to the underlying table.

UNC (Uniform or Universal Naming Convention)A way to identify a shared file on a LAN network without having to specify or know the storage device it ison. In Windows operating systems, the UNC can be used instead of the local naming system (exampleC:YourFilePathYourFileName.xls), example servernamesharenameYourFilePathYourFileName.xls.

UnicodeCharacter codes that allow you to use characters from practically every language on Earth. The Unicodestandard contains 34,168 distinct coded characters derived from 24 supported language scripts covering theprincipal written languages of the world.

UnionThe combination of two different worksheet ranges such that they are treated as one.

Universal Plug and PlayConfiguration system that allows Windows to detect new hardware and automatically install the necessarydrivers.

UNIXOperating system widely used on Internet host computers.

UNIX shell accountThe interactive user interface with an operating system. The shell is the layer of programming thatunderstands and executes the commands a user enters. In some systems, the shell is called a commandinterpreter. Also see Shell Account.

UnlockTo remove the default locked setting that prevents changes when worksheet protection is active.

Unmatched queryIn a database, a form of select query that locates records in one table that do not have related records inanother table.

Unshielded twisted pair cableType of cable used to connect computers in a star topology LAN. Also called Category-5 cable.

Update queryIn a database, an action query that lets you change data in all or selected records in a table.

UploadTransfer a file from your local computer to another computer, to the Internet, to another network, or to amainframe.

UppercaseCapital letters, as opposed to lowercase letters.

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)A device that allows your computer to keep running for at least a short time when the primary powersource is lost, also protects from power surges. A UPS contains a battery that “kicks in” when the devicesenses a loss of power from the primary source, so you have time to save your data.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator)The unique address for a location that is accessible on the World Wide Web, example www.atlaspm.com.Sometimes also called a web address.

USB (Universal Serial Bus)

A plug-and-play interface between a computer and add-on devices, such as media players, keyboards,telephones, digital cameras, scanners, flash drives, and printers.

USB hubDevice that lets you connect several USB devices to one USB port on your computer.

UsenetA service on the Internet that enables people to communicate via newsgroups. Windows comes withOutlook Express, which lets you read and post to Usenet newsgroups.

UserA person authorized to access a workbook, database, or some file but who generally is not involved inestablishing its structure.

User AccountWindows settings that are stored for use when you log into the computer, a network, or on a web site thatprovides for its visitors to register their name and information. Sometimes called a user profile.

User profileWindows settings that are stored for use when you log into the computer, a network, or on a web site thatprovides for its visitors to register their name and information. Sometimes called a user account.

UserFormA custom dialog box created in the VBE, with controls and associated VBA code, usually meant for the enduser to be advised of some information or to efficiently enter data, generate reports, or perform someaction.

UtilitySmall program that performs a housekeeping or other useful task. Windows comes with many utilities.

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Validation ruleIn a spreadsheet, a criterion you specify to ensure a certain data type or reasonable entry (such as anumber between 1 and 100) is allowed to be accepted. In a database, a field property that tests entries toensure that only the correct types of information become part of a table.

ValueThe returned contents of a formula, field, or control, or the constant piece of data that was entered into acell, formally referring to numeric data but in common discussion meaning any data occupying a cell.

Value axisA vertical axis on a chart that usually appears at the left edge, usually called the Y axis. Some chart typessupport the creation of a second Y-axis at the right edge of the chart.

VariableIn VBA, a placeholder for numbers, characters, or other data that is stored in memory during the executionof programming code, for the purpose of carrying out instructions or computations. Variable declarations aremade with the Dim statement, example for a String type variable, Dim xyz as String.

Variable typeThe type of a variable defines what sorts of values it may take on. Types include Integer, Long, Single,Double, String, Boolean, and many others. If a variable is declared as, for example, Integer, it cannot take

on a string value.

VariantA type of variable that can store any type of data. Variant is the default type of variable, and is the mostmemory-expensive type.

VB (Visual Basic)A programming environment from Microsoft in which a programmer uses a graphical user interface (GUI) tochoose and modify preselected sections of code written in the BASIC programming language to createWindows applications.

VBA (Visual Basic for Applications)A programming language that is built into Microsoft Office applications, providing for recorded macros orprocedures that can be written directly.

VBE (Visual Basic Editor)In Microsoft Office applications, the programming environment in which VBA and API code is created andedited.

VBS (Visual Basic Scripting)A subset of Visual Basic for Applications, originally developed for working with hypertext documents, thatnow is also used for developing extended capabilities in Outlook forms.

VBScriptLanguage resembling Microsoft’s Visual Basic that can be used to add scripts to Web pages or otherapplications, Microsoft’s answer to Netscape’s popular JavaScript.

vCalendarA format by which meeting request information can be sent and received by way of the Internet. Outlooksupports vCalendar.

vCardAn electronic business (or personal) card and also the name of an industry specification for the kind ofcommunication exchange that is done on business or personal cards, sent over the Internet. Outlooksupports vCard.

VersionA release of a product (especially especially to operating systems, software, and Web services) that isusually among a past or future series of multiple releases of that product, all of which have the samegeneral function but are improved, upgraded or customized with each new release.

VESA (Video Electronic Standards Association)A standard interface between your computer and its expansion slot that provides faster data flow betweenthe devices controlled by the expansion cards and your computer’s microprocessor.

VGA (Virtual Graphics Array)The type of display card and monitor that gives you rich color and graphics, resolution 640 x 480.

ViewA way of looking at an object or a selected group of records such as derived from a query. Also, a set ofdisplay or print settings that you can name and save for access at another time.

Virtual driverA 32-bit device program that can be loaded into upper memory via the Registry in certain Microsoftoperating systems to handle software interrupts from the operating system (rather than hardwareinterrupts) for each of the computer’s main hardware devices, including the hard disk drive controller,keyboard, and serial and parallel ports.

Virtual machineAn environment, usually a program or operating system, which does not physically exist but is createdwithin another environment. In this context, a virtual machine is called a “guest” while the environment itruns within is called a “host.” Virtual machines are often created to execute an instruction set different thanthat of the host environment. One host environment can often run multiple virtual machines at once.Because virtual machines are separated from the physical resources they use, the host environment is oftenable to dynamically assign those resources among them.

Virtual memoryA feature of an operating system that enables a process to use a memory (RAM) address space that isindependent of other processes running in the same system, and use a space that is larger than the actualamount of RAM present, temporarily relegating some contents from RAM to a disk, with little or nooverhead, so individual programs don’t have to do all of their own memory management.

VirusA program or programming code that replicates by being copied or initiating its copying to anotherprogram, computer boot sector or document. Viruses can be transmitted as attachments to an e-mail noteor in a downloaded file, or be present on a diskette or CD, and frequently are destructive to the computersupon which they are unleashed.

VLOOKUP functionAn Excel function that searches vertically through columns to locate a specific item, and returns the valueoccupying the cell on the same row and in a column to the right (which you specify) of that located item.

VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol)A set of facilities used to manage the delivery of voice information over the Internet. VoIP involves sendingvoice information in digital form in discrete packets rather than by using the traditional circuit-committedprotocols of the public switched telephone network, offering the advantage of avoiding the tolls charged byordinary telephone service.

VPN (Virtual Private Networking)Program that allows an authorized computer on the Internet to tunnel through the firewall and connect toa private network.

VPN clientA computer that uses Point-to-Point Tunneling to connect over the Internet to a VPN server.

VPN serverA computer that supports Point-to-Point tunneling to allow computers to connect from the Internet usingVPN.

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W

WallpaperOn a computer that is provided with a desktop kind of user interface, wallpaper is the background patternor picture against which desktop menus, icons, and other elements are displayed and moved around. Awallpaper image can be in a JPEG or a GIF file format.

WAN (Wide Area Network)A geographically dispersed telecommunications network that covers an area larger than a single building orcampus.

Watch window

A window you can have appear at the bottom of your screen displaying a cell’s address, value, and formula.

WatermarkA picture or text that appears faintly in the background of a printed document.

WAV fileAn audio file format created by Microsoft having extension .wav, that has become a standard PC audio fileformat for everything from system and game sounds to CD-quality audio. The .wav file format has beenaccepted as a viable interchange medium for other computer platforms, such as Macintosh, allowingcontent developers to freely move audio files between platforms for processing.

WebShort for World Wide Web, all the resources and users on the Internet that are using the HypertextTransfer Protocol, with a structure of documents, called pages, connected electronically over a largecomputer network called the Internet.

Web addressThe unique address for a location that is accessible on the World Wide Web, example www.atlaspm.com.Sometimes also called a URL.

Web browserA program such as Microsoft Internet Explorer that is used to locate and display pages on the World WideWeb.

Web Layout viewA view that shows a document as it will appear as a Web page.

Web PageThe document or one of multiple documents that make up a Web site.

Web queryAn Excel feature that lets you obtain data from a Web, Internet, or intranet site and place it in an Excelworkbook for analysis.

Web serverA computer that is specifically configured to host Web sites, store Web pages and respond to requests fromWeb browsers.

Web siteCollection of Web pages belonging to a particular person or organization, usually having a designed theme.

Week viewIn Outlook, the Calendar view displaying one full week at a time.

WHERE clauseAn SQL statement that isolates specific records in a table, created automatically when you design a query.

WhistlerMicrosoft’s pre-release code name for Windows XP.

WhiteboardFeature of Windows Messenger that allows callers to draw a shared picture that all can edit and see.

WidowSaid of the last line of a paragraph printed by itself at the top of a page.

WiFiShort for “wireless fidelity”, a term for certain types of wireless local area networks (WLAN) that use

specifications in the 802.11 family.

WildcardA special symbol you use as a placeholder for unknown characters in defining search criteria. The mostcommon types of wildcards are the question mark (?), which stands for any single character, and theasterisk (*) which represents any group of characters.

WindowAn area of a display screen that provides access to an operating system or application and containsinformation relating to that system or application.

WINDOWS keyOn your keyboard, the key with the flying Windows logo, usually found to the left of the spacebar betweenthe CTRL and ALT keys.

WINS (Windows Internet Naming Service)A naming service that resolves Windows network computer names to Internet IP addresses without theuser or an administrator having to be involved in each configuration change.

WinsockA programming interface and the supporting program that handles input/output requests for Internetapplications in a Windows operating system. as a standard way for Windows programs to work withInternet connection software. Most popular Internet programs are Winsock-compatible, including InternetExplorer, Netscape Navigator, and Outlook Express.

Wireless LANStar topology LAN that communicates by radio transmissions in the 2.4 GHz frequency band so mobile usercan connect to a local area network (LAN) through a wireless (radio) connection.

With statement and With blockThe With statement initiates a With block; the End With statement terminates the With block. Inside theblock, you can refer to methods or properties of the object named in the With statement, and yet not haveto qualify the method or property by referring again to the object.

WizardA helpful program that steps you through the sequential process of creating an object or completing a task.

WordA word-processing program by Microsoft that lets you enter, edit, and format text, such as letters, reports,and books; Outlook’s default e-mail editor.

Word wrapThe movement of text to the next line when typing goes beyond the right margin.

WordArtText objects with special formatting applied to add bend, slope, color, or shadow, which you can place on aworksheet or chart.

WordMailA name used to refer to the Word program when it is used as the Outlook e-mail editor.

WorkbookAn Excel file that contains one or more worksheets.

Workbook level namesCompare with worksheet level names. A workbook-level name belongs to the workbook, and can be usedin functions or formulas in any workbook sheet. Costs is an example of a workbook-level name; to be asheet-level name, it would have to be qualified by the name of a specific sheet, as in Sheet1!Costs.

WorkgroupTwo or more computers using Windows whose computers are connected to form a peer-to-peer network.Also, a group of people in an organization who work together and who share documents, oftenelectronically.

WorksheetExcel’s term for an electronic work area comprised of rows and columns; also known as a spreadsheet.

Worksheet level namesA worksheet level name belongs only to the sheet where it is defined, and contains the name of the sheetas a qualifier of the name, example, Sheet1!Expenses is a sheet-level name.

Worksheet tabThe small tab at the bottom of each worksheet that displays that worksheet’s name. Also called sheet tab.

WorkspaceAn Excel file with an .xlw file extension that contains the location, window sizes, and display settings ofworkbooks you specify. Instead of opening each individual file, you open the workspace file, whichautomatically opens the workbooks in the arrangement and settings you specified.

WorkstationA computer used by a person, rather than one used only as a server for people at other computers, withunusually high processing capabilities, often used for computer-aided design and similar calculation-intensive and graphics-intensive jobs.

WormA self-replicating virus that does not alter files but resides in active memory and duplicates itself, and caninfect other computers by e-mail or over a LAN or the Internet, frequently with destructive side-effects.Worms use parts of an operating system that are automatic and usually invisible to the user.

WrappingThe breaking of lines of text to fit the width of the cell or text box.

Write accessA file attribute that specifies a file can be edited and saved under the same name.

WWW (World Wide Web)All the resources and users on the Internet that are using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol, with a structureof documents, called pages, connected electronically over a large computer network called the Internet.

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X

X-AxisThe horizontal axis of a chart that generally appears at the bottom edge, sometimes called the categoryaxis.

X-Axis labelA label describing the x-axis of a chart.

XGAType of display with higher resolution than a Super VGA monitor, 1024 x 768.

XML (Extensible Markup Language)A standard that enables the management and sharing of structured data using simple text files that are“marked up” with tags to describe document structure rather than appearance.

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Y

Y-AxisA vertical axis on a chart that usually appears at the left edge, sometimes called the value axis. Some charttypes support the creation of a second Y-axis at the right edge of the chart.

Y-Axis labelA label describing the y-axis of a chart.

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Z

Zip diskA removable disk that stores either 100MB or 250MB.

Zip DriveA disk drive supplied by Iomega Corporation that accepts a removable disk capable of storing 100MB ormore of information.

ZIP fileFile that contains compressed versions of one or more files to speed transfer over a network, compressedby WinZip, PKZIP, ZipMagic, or a compatible compression program, having the extension .zip.

ZoomA Windows feature that enables you to focus on a visually larger or smaller part of the worksheet.

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glossary of excel and computer tom urtis

Documents

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basic inputoutput

visual basic

dark selection

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secure sockets

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