What is the difference between disc and disk?

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How annoying is it when you have two words that sound the same, have slightly different spellings, but can also sometimes mean the same thing. I came across this problem when I started writing articles about computers and was often confused when deciding which word to use, disc or disk? The problem is that everyone is not clear about the difference between the words disc and disk, and therefore their original meanings have been altered and blurred. 

What does Disk mean?

To my knowledge in computer terms, the word disk originated with the introduction of a hard drive disk and a floppy drive disk. These are both magnetic storage devices. As I remember disk was the original spelling for this type of device.

What does Disc stand for?

The word disc was introduced when the compact disc was produced. Much like the word discus, which refers to a small round disc that you throw, a compact disc is also small and round. This is an optical media which can store data, movies, or music. Now days they not only have the compact discs but also have re-writeable Cd’s and Dvd discs. See this article disc formats What is a CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, or a DVD-RW.

Read this Quote from Kenneth G. Wilson (1923–).  The Columbia Guide to Standard American English.  1993.

“These were once variant spellings, but American English seems now to have made disk the generic word (the British prefer disc for this purpose), meaning “a flat round object, whether literally a disk, such as a coin, or something that appears disk-shaped, such as the image of the sun.” The bits of cartilage between the vertebrae in the human spine are also disks. Disc then has specialized in American use, meaning particularly “a phonograph record or a compact disc,” but it seems now to be being replaced by disk in most computer-related senses and to be in fading but divided usage as the name of the farmer’s disk [disc] harrow.”
  

In most computer terminology contexts the word disk refers to the hard disk drive or floppy disk drive of your computer, and the word disc, refers to a compact disc.

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How to cut, copy and paste text or pictures

Knowing how to cut, copy and paste text or pictures can be extremely useful for everyday computer use. I use these easy tools at least a hundred times a day. You can cut, copy and paste text, pictures, html, emails, and more.. However before we can cut, copy, and paste, we will need to know how to select an object.

How to select text to cut, copy and paste?

1. Place your cursor in front of the text you want to copy.
2. Hold your left mouse button down and run it along the text you want.
3. Release the button when you have finished.
4. The text you have selected will be blue now as in the screenshot below.
5. Now be careful not to click anywhere else until you do the next step. If you do accidentally click something else the selection will go away and you will have to do it again.
6. Right click anywhere on the selected text which should be the blue part. This will show a menu as in the picture below.
7. Choose copy. This will take that particular text to a clipboard until you paste it.
 
NOTE: If you copy something else before pasting the last thing you copied, it will be lost. Windows will only keep the most recent thing you copied available for you to paste somewhere. Programs like Microsoft Office keep a memory of your clipboard and you can choose to paste previous items.

How to select a picture to cut, copy or paste?

There are different ways (and more) to select a picture so that you can cut, copy and paste it. I will give you three examples.

How to select a picture in a Microsoft word document.

In a Microsoft word document simply left click once on the picture, then a box appears around it. Now you can right click on that selection to see your choices on the menu that appears. If you want to select a picture from a pdf file it is not always possible.

How to select a picture file from a folder to cut, copy or paste?

If you go into the pictures folder on your computer and see pictures files you can left click on them once to select them. Then right click to see the menu that lets you cut and copy.

How to select a picture from the internet to cut, copy or paste?

You cannot cut or copy a picture on the internet as it is not your page to edit, however you can save a picture from the internet. Simply just right click on the picture and a menu will come up. Choose save picture as.. to save to your computer.

How to cut pictures or text

Now you can copy just about anything, however if you want to cut (remove it to move) the text has to be able to be edited by you.. For Example, you cannot cut text from someone’s webpage on the internet, but you can from a document you are writing.
To cut text from a document, simply follow the steps for copying but choose to cut on the drop down menu.

How to Paste pictures or text

To paste something you have copied or cut simply choose where you want it to go.
Left click your mouse to make the cursor appear, then right click for the menu to appear.
Choose paste from the menu. The text you had copied will appear here.
 

In the picture below I have chosen a position to paste my text, then right clicked for this menu to appear.

Other ways to cut, copy and paste

At the top of most programs there is an Edit menu. You can use this menu after you have selected your item you want to copy. (Made it blue) Sometimes there can also be a picture of a pair of scissors on the top menu.

There are also the shortcut keys like CTRL + C to copy, CTRL + V to paste, and CTRL + X to cut.

You can choose to paste in various different programs. For example, you can copy text from the internet and paste it in a Microsoft word document or an email.

Drag and drop

When you have selected your text you can also drag it to a new position. When the text is blue, put the mouse on the text and hold down the left button. Move the mouse to where you want to drop the text and release your mouse button.. The text will be moved there.

I recommend you open a Microsoft word document, type a few things or copy and paste some text.. Then try to move your text to different positions on the page. You will be an expert in no time.

Where can you cut or copy text from?

• You can copy any text from a text document on your computer, off the internet, out of an email, or most instances where you see text.
• You cannot copy text from a webpage that has had that feature disabled. And you cannot copy text from some documents such as a scanned document or certain pdf files.
• You can cut text from notepad, WordPad, word, or programs like that. You can also cut text from forms on your computer or on the internet. This must be text which you are entering.
• You cannot cut text from a webpage or a locked document.

Where can you paste text to?

• You can paste text to another text file, the same text file, a notepad, word, office program etc.

Where can you cut or copy a picture from?

• You can cut and copy a picture from a program like Microsoft word and then paste it to anther word document or another compatible program.
• You can also cut, copy and paste a picture file.
• You cannot cut or copy a picture from the internet, but you can save it to your computer.

Where can you paste a picture to?

• If you have copied a picture from a program you can only paste it in a compatible program.
• If you have copied a picture file you can paste it to a new folder, a different hard drive, even a flash drive. You can also burn it to cd.
• Watch this video tutorial How to cut, copy and paste text or pictures

Notes:

• Text can sometimes be a image or graphic and cannot be selected. For example for a webpage

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Beginners guide to using a computer mouse? Tips and tricks

A computer mouse is one of the most important parts of a computer now days as most people would find it quite difficult to control a computer with just a simple keyboard. Of course there is a keyboard shortcut to perform all the necessary tasks on a computer, however using a mouse is so much easier. It just a matter of clicking and what you want.

Learn how to hold the computer mouse:

If you lay your entire hand over your mouse it usually ends up in the right spot. Try and have your thumb resting on the desk, and on the other side, have your  pinky on the desk too. See the picture below. Now you can see that your index finger sits on the left mouse button and your middle finger rests on the right mouse button. You can use either your index finger or your middle finger to move the centre scroll wheel.

Learn how to move the computer mouse: 
If your mouse is connected to the computer, when you move the mouse with your hand, the arrow will move on the computer screen. It is better to have a clear space for the mouse to move in. If you accidentally bump into objects it may cause you to click on things you did not intend to

What happens when you  left click and right click on your mouse?

• When you left click on the mouse it usually means you are selecting an item.
• If you double click on a file or folder it will open the item.
• You only need to click once to open a link on the internet.

What can you right click on?

• The most common thing you can right click on is your blank desktop background. This will bring up a menu of choices to change settings on your computer. In the screenshot below it shows what happens when I have right clicked on the desktop. The first menu appears, then if I hover over something with an arrow next to it, another menu comes up.

• You can right click on an image on the internet and choose to save the picture.
• You can right click on any file and choose to see the properties of that file.
• You can right click on any file to copy it. Then right click in another folder in the blank space and choose paste.

What is a scroll wheel on a mouse?

A scroll wheel is a small wheel located between the left and right mouse buttons. This allows you to smoothly scroll up and down a page instead of clicking at least 100 times.

What does clicking and moving the mouse do?:
The best way to click on something is to hold the mouse arrow on top of the item and then click. Be careful not to move as you could move the file or even delete it instead of opening it. It is all about practice makes perfect, and that’s what you have to do, practice.

Clicking sends a command to the computer. To click, gently press and release the left computer mouse button. Be careful not to move the mouse while you are clicking, if you accidentally do simply slide the mouse back to where you want to click and try again. Try to keep you hand relaxed on the mouse as you press and release without lifting your finger completely off the button.

Tips and tricks for using your mouse.

• In Internet Explorer or Firefox you can hold the CTRL key down on your keyboard and move your scroll wheel to adjust the text size you want to view.
• Hold the CTRL key down when clicking your mouse on a link and it will open in a new tab in Internet Explorer 7.
• Also hold the SHIFT key in and use the scroll wheel to move back and forward through the webpage’s you have just visited.
• If you are left handed and want to change a mouse to suit you, then you can change the left click button to right click, and so on… To change what your mouse buttons do go to the control panel, open the mouse icon, and here you can change all the settings for the mouse.

What type of mouse do I have?

If you turn your computer mouse over you will be able to tell what type of mouse you have.

• If your mouse has a ball under it then it is an older type mechanical mouse. When the ball is moved it also moves the mouse on your computer screen. This type of mouse is outdated but can still be used. Using a mouse pad is recommended for this type of mouse as it helps it roll along smoothly and also reduces the amount of dust the ball may suck up.
• If your mouse has a laser light under it then it is an optical mouse. This is the newer type mouse and of course it is faster, cleaner, and works on most surfaces without needing a mouse pad.
• There is also a optical-mechanical mouse which is simple a combination of the two technologies.
• The newest technology is the wireless mouse which relies infrared, radio signals or Bluetooth to communicate with the computer.

You computer mouse can also have different plugs on the end of the cord that connects it to your computer, or it may not have any cords at all. The most common connections for a mouse with a cord is the PS 2 port and the USB interface. The RS-232C serial port is an ever older type of connection again. Of course most people prefer the wireless mouse now days as it has no messy cords to plug in.

You do not need a mouse if you have a laptop with a Touchpad.

See in the screen shot below, this laptop has a Touchpad that you run your finger over to move the cursor just like the mouse does. It also has left click and right click button next to it.

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Computer Basics Tips – What Is Software?

Software is a combination of computer programs, commands and information that enables the computer to execute different tasks. In 1958, the term ’software’ was first used by John Turkey. Basically computer software consists of digital languages that involve binary values and direct specific instructions to the computer processor. In simple terms software is what makes the computer usable.

Types of software

Programming software

It is the most common type of computer software worldwide. These are compiled tools and instructions to execute different tasks on computer. A program is a set of commands that enable a computer to undertake certain tasks.

System Software

It is a collection of operating system like device drivers, servers, utilities and windows platform. These systems play a major role in the operating of hardware. There are many brands when it comes to operating systems; Windows and Linux are common examples of it.

Application Software

It is a type of software that allows the computer user to attain specific tasks. Examples of application software are: business software, education software and database software. Apart from these software,  there are other types  including  data backup and recovery software, utility software, accounting software and inventory management just mentioned a few. This software helps a lot in the operation of computers and some of the mentioned examples are discussed below.

Data Backup and Recovery Software

The software do not only offer basic data file copying, but also provides the service of data backup and recovery according to the customization demands by the computer user. This software provides storage and organizes data allowing easy recovery. If you accidently or by mistake lose important data, then the recovery software will come in handy. The software will save your time as you can get relevant results quickly.

Inventory Management Software

For a company that deals with tangible goods, the inventory management software will assist in a great deal. This software is designed to keep track of the stock, be it quantity or quality. It is mostly used in companies’ warehouses. It reduces the expenses of hiring human work force to keep the records for you in bulky paper work.

Utility software

This software is responsible of handling small computer tasks and also known as the service routine. Some of the tasks it performs are; virus scanning and disk defragmenters among others.

A world of computers is impossible to imagine without software. Different tasks cannot be carried out without the presence of computer software. Computers use coded information and are to be served as an effective communication device between the computers and people.

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Computer Terms and their Meanings

Here is a quick list of computer terms, most being requests from Tips4pc members. To see more computer definitions please see the Computer Terms page. You can also get a free 59 page PDF Computer Terms Dictionary when you sign up for theTips4pc newsletter.

Basic Computer Terminology:

1. Bit: A binary unit of data storage with only 2 digits 0 and 1.

2. BIOS: Acronym for basic input/output system, the built-in software that determines what a computer can do without accessing programs from a disk.

3. Boot: Another Computer term for “Starting a Computer”. Similarly reboot means restart.

4. Byte: 8 bits of data which has a possible value from 0 to 255.

5. Program: A series of instructions to the computer from a user to process different types of tasks according to our need and necessity.

6. Operating System (OS): An operating system works an interface between User and the hardware. It is basically the platform on which users work. Various OS include Windows, MAC OSX, and Linux etc.

7. Application: Application is program that runs on an Operating System. For ex. music player, browser, messengers etc.

8. Internet: It is a worldwide system of computer networks – a network of networks in which users at any one computer can get information from any other computer.

9. Browser: It is a program that displays the files and data on internet through World Wide Web. Examples Include Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome etc.

10.  Driver: A specially written program which understands the operation of the device it interfaces to, such as a printer, video card, sound card or CD ROM drive. It provides an interface for the operating system to use the device.

11.  File: A collection of data into a permanent storage structure stored on the hard drive.

12.  Floppy disk: A very low capacity storage media which can be written to as easily as it is read. It is highly out of date.

13.  Floppy Drive: The hardware component that is used to read or write to a floppy disk.

14.  Hardware: Describes the physical parts of your computer which you can physically touch or see such as your monitor, case, disk drives etc.

15.  Memory: Used to provide the temporary storage of information function.

16.  Network: A general term describing to the cables and electronic components that carry data between computers. It is also generally used to refer to the server computers that provide services such as printing, file sharing, e-mail, and other services.

17.  Protocols: A standard method used for communications or other internet and network functions.

18.  Security flaw: A software bug allowing an attacker a method to gain unauthorized access to a system.

19.  Serial: A data transmission method where data is sent on a single line and one bit is sent at a time. This is similar to a line which one item must come one after another.

20.  Software: Describes the programs that run on your system.

21.  SPAM: A term used to describe junk and unsolicited e-mail.

22.  Storage Media: A term used to describe any magnetic device that computer data can be permanently stored on such as a hard drive or floppy drive.

23.  URL: Uniform Resource Locator is the term used to describe a link which points to a location of a file on the internet.

24. Virus: A program that runs on a system against the owner’s or user’s wishes and knowledge and can spread by infecting files or sending itself through e-mail.

25.  Vulnerability: Software errors that allow some kind of unauthorized access when they are used or exploited.

26.  Word: Two bytes or 16 bits of data with a possible unsigned value from 0 to 16535.

27.  Worm: A term used to describe an unwanted program that uses system or application vulnerabilities to infect a computer without the user doing anything but connecting to an infected network.

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How to Set Up the Ultimate Online School Browser

When preparing for another year of school, setting up the ultimate browser for youronline school studies probably isn’t near the top of the To Do List. However, not doing so may well increase study time, reduce study effectiveness, and increase research time and effort.

Browser Basics

The platform from which the ultimateonline school browser extends is, of course, the browser itself. The three most popular today are Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox; each has certain advantages and disadvantages compared to the others.

Internet Explorer is the default browser in most computers, IE’s biggest advantages are that it’s fully compatible with each Windows operating system, and no additional action is required for updates review, download, and installation. Its biggest disadvantage to extensive web surfers is that Microsoft allows cookies by advertisers without the user’s knowledge. Cookie control is supposed to be user-oriented, but with IE, that control is limited. Spyware and adware can easily slip in and track exact browsing habits and patterns.Google Chrome is patterned after IE and its biggest advantage is its containment features. Chrome allows tabbed browsing—multiple windows in the same browser, but Chrome considers each tab its own universe. If malware infests one browser tab “bucket,” it’s not allowed to spread to other tabs in that browser window. Chrome also provides for frequently visited sites to display for quick navigation. Unfortunately, it has the same cookie override that IE has, so cookie control is barely user friendly and not entirely true.

The Ultimate Online School Browser

Mozilla Firefox allows not only multiple tabbed browsing as the others, but it also allows separation of tabs into individual windows; the others require opening a whole new browser. Firefox also has the best cookie control of the three. The user has complete influence in what cookies are allowed and what aren’t; they aren’t determined by advertising dollars. Mozilla Firefox also has a vast array of compatible add-ons and plug-ins specifically designed for focused browsing and student-friendly surfing.

See How to change your default browser.

Online School Browser Additions

When considering browser additions tailored for online school education, the same parameters and considerations as book-only study apply: convenience, focus, and organization. Plug-ins and add-ons should follow those guidelines.

Some applicable and student-oriented tools for online school include:

• LeechBlock: Blocks access to social sites and other time-wasting websites during programmable hours, such as class schedules and study times. Password protected, the lockout can be overridden, but the student must take special effort to do so, giving opportunity to reconsider or delay access.
• Zotero: Simplifies citing references on papers and documents.
• Wired-Marker: Indelibly highlights sections, words, or phrases on web pages for easy reference and focus.
• Trailfire: Firefox-specific, this add-on enables note-taking directly on web pages. Notes are viewable to search engines, shared with others who search for the same keywords, or they can be kept entirely private—for user’s utilization only.
• Read It Later: Save web pages for later review; this add-on works even when saving offline; web pages viewed only when connected, however.
• Foxmarks: Access user browser bookmarks from anywhere across multiple computers. Save a bookmark in a laptop at the library; access from a PC at home.
• ReminderFox: Eliminates need for a separate calendar function; this add-on sends reminders, alerts, and alarms, allowing customized list management.
• FireCal: Enhanced calculator suite.
• DeeperWeb: Helps organize, sort, filter, and group results for finely tuned Google search results.
• FastestFox: Speeds up repetitive tasks, parallel downloads, next-page auto load, and more.

About the Author: JC Ryan is a freelance writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. MyCollegesandCareers.com helps people determine if an online School education is right for them and helps them understand which online colleges and online courses they can choose from to reach their goals.

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