Address Book is one of the applications that Apple bundles with Mac OS X system software. Address Book allows you to create and maintain a centralized repository of contacts that other software programs can access and use.
Adware is a type of spyware that collects information about your buying habits, as well as the web sites you visit. Adware uses the information it collects to display advertising in your web browser or other applications that is keyed to your particular interests.
Aliases are small files that point to other files in the Macintosh file system. Like shortcuts in Windows, aliases can dynamically track the original file. An alias is a quick and easy way to access a file that may be buried several folders deep.
The Apple menu provides access to items and services that are always available, regardless of which application is currently active. The Apple menu includes the Sleep, Restart, and Shut Down commands.
AppleTalk is an older networking method that Apple used to simplify the process of creating and maintaining networks. AppleTalk networks were simple plug-and-play affairs, which made complex networking easy for casual users.
An application is a software program designed to perform one or more computer functions.
A backup is a copy of one or more of your computer data files. You can back up your data manually, by copying files from your hard drive to another hard drive or to removable media. You can also use backup software to automate the process of backing up your files.
A content filter allows you to control the web sites that younger family members can visit. Content filters are a common feature of web filtering software, which may also include time management and other features. Mac OS X includes content filters, in the form of managed user accounts.
Dashboard creates a special layer in the Mac OS X operating system for running mini-applications called widgets. Confining widgets to a specific area prevents them from wreaking havoc on or otherwise accessing areas of the operating system that are off-limits to unauthorized users.
In computer parlance, a data bus is a group of electrical wires used to send information (data) back and forth between two or more components.
A demo is a trial version of a software program that you can use for a specified period of time before you decide whether or not to buy it.
The Desktop folder and the Mac desktop provide two different views of the same information. The desktop is the first thing you see after you log in to your Mac.
Disk First Aid is the name of a disk repair utility that was included or available for download with Mac OS 9.x or earlier. Disk First Aid was able to analyze and repair basic hard drive problems.
A driver is a small software program designed to allow a piece of hardware, such as a printer, to communicate with a computer and its operating system. Drivers are operating system specific as well as device specific.
The Dock is a ribbon of icons that serves several purposes. You can launch an application from its icon in the Dock; check the Dock to see which applications are currently active; and add icons to the Dock for easy access to your favorite applications, folders, and files.
