Object

Anything on a PC screen. For example, a folder is an object, as is a section of text, graphics, part of spreadsheet, and even, in some cases, users and printers are objects .

Object linking and embedding (OLE)

System that lets you cut and paste data from one application to another, retaining the formatting and controls. You can select part of a spreadsheet, switch to a word processor and paste it in. to insert other objects, select Edit/Paste Special and you will see a list of the types of object that you can include.

Offline

Not connected to a network. You can save money on pay-for-use networks by preparing your messages off-line using your word-processing software, and uploading them instead of typing them in while you're connected to (or on-line with) the network.

Online

1) A modem that is connected to another modem via a telephone line and is currently transferring information.

2) A printer that is ready and waiting to print .

3) Connected to a network or via a network. Examples: Send me a message on-line. In other words, send me an e-mail message.

Online help

Help screens about a particular function of a program that are displayed within the program.

Open

1) To access a file and read its contents using an application. Most Windows applications will read a file via the File/Open menu option.

2) To look inside a folder to view the list of files or sub-folders stored in it, pen a folder with a double-click.

Operating system

The software that controls the actions of the different parts of your PC. In older PCs, the operating system is called MS-DOS. In modern PCs it is Windows 95 that manages the screen, keyboard, disks and printers.

Operator

A symbol that defines a mathematical action. X is the multiplication operator .

Output

Anything that is produced by your PC .