The currently opened folder in an active File Manager view.

The currently highlighted item in a list.

The session saved by Session Manager when you log off. At the next login, unless you specify otherwise, this session automatically opens, enabling work to continue where you left off. Contrast with home session.

A graphical device that shows the area that will receive keyboard or pointing device input.

The process of changing settings to alter the appearance and behavior of the desktop and applications running on the desktop.

A mechanism that associates particular data files with the appropriate applications and actions. Data types can determine the type of a file based on file-naming conventions, such as a particular extension name, or on the contents of the file.

A value set automatically by an application.

See workspace.

A window displayed by an application that requires user input.

Reduced contrast to show unavailable emphasis.

A collection of files and other subdirectories. In graphical user interface applications, may be called a folder.

To quickly press a mouse button twice without moving the mouse pointer. Unless otherwise specified, mouse button 1 is assumed. Double-clicking can often be used as an alternative to selecting menu items.

To press and hold down any mouse button while moving the pointer--and the object under the pointer--on the screen.

To directly manipulate an icon by using a pointing device to move and place the icon somewhere else. Also referred to as drag transfer.

See drag and drop.

After starting the drag of an object, the act of releasing the mouse button. If the object is dropped in an appropriate area, an action is initiated.

A rectangular graphic that represents the drop zone in an application.

An area of the workspace, including the Trash Can, Print Manager, and Mailer Front Panel controls, that accepts a dropped icon. Icons can be dropped on the workspace for quick access.

Mouse button 2 is referred to as the duplicate button because, when clicked in an editable area, it copies the currently selected text to the position at which it was clicked.

A generic term for any entity that can be considered a standalone item in a broader context, such as an item in a list or a control in a window.

Short name for "electronic mail." Email usually describes text messages addressed and sent to you electronically and are received in your electronic mailbox. Sometimes just known as "mail."

Standard UNIX variables that are used by the shell and by applications.

A message that requires the user's immediate attention. Error messages are used to convey a message about a user error.

A file or folder (directory) access permission. For files, execute permission enables the user to run a program or shell script file. For folders (directories), execute permission enables the user to access the folder (directory) contents.

A Front Panel control used to log out of the desktop.