Media Player Contents


Introducing Media Player
What Is Media Player?

Using Media Player

Media Music Credits


Using Media Player
What Is Media Player?

Using Media Player

Playing Media

Media Player Buttons

Media Music Credits


What Is Media Player?

Media Player lets you control the playing of various kinds of media files and hardware. For example, Media Player can control CD-ROM drivers and videodisc players. It can also play animation, graphics, sound, and MIDI sequencer files.

When you start Media Player, the following window appears:

You use the buttons to control the playing of the media piece. The scroll bar shows how much of a piece has played. Move the scroll box to play a different part of the piece.

Related Topics


Concepts

Media Player Buttons

Playing Media

Procedures

Configuring Existing Drivers

Installing Mulitmedia Drivers


Playing Media

To start playing, you choose a device from the Device menu. If the device is a simple one, you can then use the buttons to control the playing.

If the device is a compound one, you open the file you want to play, such as a waveform or graphics file, then use the buttons to play the piece.

Before Media Player can play a device or file, you need to install the media hardware, and install and configure the driver.

Related Topics


Concept

Media Player Buttons

Procedures

Opening a File

Opening a Media Device


Media Player Buttons

Once you've chosen a device and, if necessary, opened a media file, you're ready to start playing the piece.

	The Play button starts playback. When playback is started, the title bar displays the word "(playing)" following the device title.
	The Stop button stops playback. When playback is stopped, the title bar displays the word "(stopped)" following the device title.
	The Pause button pauses playback. When playback is paused, the title bar displays the word "(paused)" following the device title. Choose the Pause button again to resume playback.
	The Eject button ejects the disc or cassette from the device. The Eject button is available only with devices that include an eject function.
	The Scroll Bar shows the playback position. You can change the playback position by moving the scroll box. Media Player displays a scale above the scroll bar. The scale displays track locations or a time scale, depending on which Scale menu option is chosen.
Related Procedures


Procedures

Changing the Scale

Playing a Device


Media Music Credits

Your system includes sample MIDI files from the Media Music (TM) collection of original MIDI production music. Media Music is a product of Passport Designs, Inc., a leading developer of music software application tools and music data products for personal computers and MIDI instruments. Passport currently offers a wide range of music productivity tools, including music sequencing and notation software and a library of popular songs and original MIDI production music. For more information and a dealer referral call or write to:

Passport Design, Inc.

625 Miramontes St.

Half Moon Bay, CA USA 94019

phone: 415-726-0280, fax: 415-726-2254

To place orders call 1-800-443-3210


Media Player Commands


File Menu Commands


Device Menu Commands


Scale Menu Commands


Open Command

Opens a file to play with the specified device.

This command is only available when a compound device is open; simple devices are not associated with disk files.

Related Procedures


Procedures

Opening a Device

Opening a File


Exit Command

Exits Media Player.

Exiting Media Player ends playback of the following types of media:

Graphic and animation

MIDI sequencer

Waveform audio

Compact disc playback continues after you close Media Player.


Device Names

Specifies a media device.

The contents of the Device menu depend on which Media Control Interface (MCI) devices are installed on your system. Each menu option specifies the name of an MCI device installed on your system.

There are two types of media devices:

Simple devices

Compound devices.

Menu options for compound devices are followed by ellipses. When you choose a menu option for a compound device, Media Player displays a dialog box in which you can specify the name of the file to open.

Related Procedure


Time Command

Changes the scroll bar scale to show time intervals.

Related Procedure


Tracks Command

Changes the scroll bar scale to show track numbers.

Related Procedure


Media Player Procedures
Topics


Media Player Procedure Topics
Topics

Opening a Media Device

Opening a File

Playing a Media Device

Changing the Scale


Opening a Media Device

Media Player uses the Media Control Interface (MCI), which supports two types of devices: simple and compound. When you open a compound device, you must specify the filename that you want to associate with the device.

To open a simple device:

Select the device name from the Device menu.

Names of simple devices are not followed by ellipses.

To open a compound device:

1	Select the media device name from the Device menu.

Names of compound devices are followed by ellipses.

2	If the file is in the current directory, double-click the name of the file in the File Name box.

If the file is not in the current directory, double-click the directory you want in the Directories box or select the drive you want in the Drives box. Then double-click the name of the file in the File Name box.

Related Procedures	Keyboard Procedure


Procedures

Opening a File

Playing a Media Device


hint

The current directory is shown above the Directories box.


hint

Instead of using the File Name, Directories, and Drives boxes to open a file, you can type the complete pathname in the File Name box and click OK.


Opening a File

If a compound device is open, you can open files to play using that device. If a simple device is open, the Open option on the File menu is dimmed.

To open a file to play:

1	Select Open from the File menu.

2	If the file is in the current directory, double-click the name of the file in the File Name box.

If the file is not in the current directory, double-click the directory you want in the Directories box or select the drive you want in the Drives box. Then double-click the name of the file in the File Name box.

Related Procedures	Keyboard Procedure


Procedures

Opening a Media Device

Playing a Media Device


Playing a Media Device

After opening a media device, use the following procedures to play the device.

To start play:

Click the Play button.

To pause or restart play:

Click the Pause button.

To stop play:

Click the Stop button.

To eject a compact disc or other media element:

Click the Eject button.

To change the playback position:

Move the scroll box to a new position.

Media Player displays a scale above the scroll bar. The scale displays track locations or a time scale, depending on which Scale menu option is chosen.

Related Procedures	Keyboard Procedure


Procedures

Changing the Scale

Opening a Media Device


Play button

Starts playback.


Pause button

Pauses playback.


Stop button

Stops playback.


Eject button

Ejects the disc for devices that have this feature.


Changing the Scale

You can change the scale display above the scroll bar. There are two options to choose from:

Time scale, which shows time intervals

Track scale, which shows tracks

To change scales:

Select Time or Tracks from the Scale menu.

Related Procedure	Keyboard Procedure


Media Player Keys
To	Press
Open the Control menu	ALT+SPACEBAR
Select the first menu on the menu bar	ALT or F10
Choose the menu or menu item whose underlined letter matches the one you type	Letter key
Move among menus	LEFT or RIGHT ARROW
Move among menu items	UP or DOWN ARROW
Choose the selected menu item	ENTER
Cancel the selected menu	ESC
Move from button to button (left to right)	TAB
Move from button to button (right to left)	SHIFT+TAB
Press a button	SPACEBAR
Move the playing position back when the scroll bar is selected	LEFT ARROW
Move the playing position forward when the scroll bar is selected	RIGHT ARROW
Move the playing position back in large increments when the scroll bar is selected	PAGE UP
Move the playing position forward in large increments when the scroll bar is selected	PAGE DOWN


Media Player Keyboard Procedures
Topics


Media Player Keyboard Procedure Topics
Topics

Opening a Media Device

Opening a File

Playing a Media Device

Changing the Scale


Keyboard: Opening a Media Device

To open a simple device:

1	Press ALT and then D

2	Use the UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW key to select a device name and then press ENTER.

To open a compound device:

1	Press ALT and then D

2	Use the UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW key to select a device name and then press ENTER.

3	If the file is in the current directory, press TAB and use the UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW key to select the file.

If the file is not in the current directory,press ALT+D, use the UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW key to select a drive or directory, and press ENTER. Or press ALT+V and use the UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW key to select the drive you want. Then press ALT+N, press TAB, and use the UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW key to select the file.

4	Press ENTER.

Related Procedures	Mouse Procedure


Procedures

Opening a File

Playing a Media Device


hint

The current directory is shown above the Directories box.


hint

Instead of using the File Name, Directories, and Drives boxes to open a file, you can type the complete pathname in the File Name box and press ENTER.


Keyboard: Opening a File

To open a file to play:

1	Press ALT and then F.

2	Press O.

â`º‹;€†"Music
‰€scroll bar‚ÿ
3
If the file is in the current directory, press
TAB
 and use the
UP ARROW
or


Media Player

Plays various kinds of media files and hardware. For example, Media Player can control CD-ROM drivers and videodisc players. It can also play animation, graphics, sound, and MIDI sequencer files.


application Control-menu


title bar

Contains the title of the animation window. The title bar also shows the pathname of the animation file currently playing.

Drag the title bar to move the window.


animation window

The window that contains the animation media player is playing.


title bar

Contains the title of the application running in the window, in this case Media Player. The title bar also shows whether the file or device is stopped or playing.

Drag the title bar to move the window.


Minimize button

Click the Minimize button to shrink the Media Player window to an icon.


Maximize button

Click the Maximize button to enlarge the animation window to its maximum size.


File menu


Device menu


Scale menu


Help menu


menu bar

Contains the names of all the Media Player menus.

Click a menu name to display commands.


time scale

Shows the scale (in seconds) for the media piece.


left scroll arrow

Click the arrow to move the playing position back.


right scroll arrow

Click the arrow to move the playing position forward.


scroll box

Shows the current playing position in relation to the time scale.

Drag the scroll box to change the playing position.


scroll bar

Lets you change the playing position.

The scroll box's location in relation to the time scale represents the playing position.

Drag the scroll box to change the playing position.


Play button

Click the button to start playing.


Pause button

Click the button to pause playing.


Stop button

Click the button to stop playing.


Eject button

Click the button to eject the disc for devices that have this feature.


scale display

Indicates the scale setting (time or tracks) and the unit of measurement.


application window

The main window for an application, in this case the Media Player window. The Media Player application window contains the controls for playing animation files.


application icon

Represents a running application. An application icon appears after you minimize an application.

Double-click an application icon to restore it to a window.


window border

The outside edge of a window.

Drag the window border to change the size of the window.


desktop

The background on which windows, icons, and dialog boxes appear.

You can also start Task List from the desktop. Task List lets you switch among running applications.

Double-click anywhere on the desktop to start Task List.


Windows Glossary


Windows Glossary - A
A

386 enhanced mode

active

active printer

animation

application

application icon

application window

arrow keys

associate

AUTOEXEC.BAT


Windows Glossary - B
B

<< button

>> button

Back button

base-level synthesizer

batch file

baud rate

bitmap

branch

browse

byte


Windows Glossary - C
C

cascading menu	complementary color

CD-ROM	compound device

channel	CONFIG.SYS

check box	Contents button

choose	Control menu

Clipboard	Control-menu box

close	conventional memory

collapse	cutout

command

command button

command line


Windows Glossary - D
D

data bits	Directory Tree window

default button	directory window

default printer	disk-drive icon

desktop	display box

desktop pattern	document

destination directory	document file

device contention	document window

device driver	DOS

dialog box	drag

directory path	drop-down list box

Directory Tree


Windows Glossary - E
E

error-checking

expand

expanded memory

extended memory

extended synthesizer

extension


Windows Glossary - F
F

file

file information line

flow control

font

font size

format

full-screen application


Windows Glossary - G
G

General MIDI Mode standard

group

group icon

group window


Windows Glossary - H
H

History button

hotspot

hue

HyperGuide button bar


Windows Glossary - I
I

icon

insertion point

International MIDI Association


Windows Glossary - J
J

No defined terms.


Windows Glossary - K
K

keymaps

keyword

kilobyte


Windows Glossary - L
L

list box

local printer

local queue

luminosity


Windows Glossary - M
M

maximize	MIDI Mapper

Maximize button	MIDI sequencer

Media Control Interface	MIDI Manufacturer's Association (MMA)

memory	minimize

menu	Minimize button

menu bar	movie file

menu command	MSCDEX

menu name	multimedia extensions

menu title	Multimedia PC

MIDI	multitasking

MIDI file


Windows Glossary - N
N

network printer

network queue

network server

non-Windows application


Windows Glossary - O
O

open

option button


Windows Glossary - P
P

parity	print option

palette	printer-driver file

patch	printer font

patchmaps	printer queue information line

pathname	program file

picture elements	program information file (PIF)

pixels	program item

playlist	program item icon

pointer

port


Windows Glossary - Q
Q

No defined terms.


Windows Glossary - R
R

RGB components

read-only

real mode

Restore button

root directory


Windows Glossary - S
S

sample	serial port

saturation	shortcut key

scaled font size	shrink

screen font	simple device

screen saver	solid color

scroll arrow	source directory

scroll bar	spin box

scroll box	standard mode

Search button	status bar

select	stop bits

selection cursor	synthesizer


Windows Glossary - T
T

Task List

text box

text file

title

title bar

topic

track


Windows Glossary - U
U

Up button


Windows Glossary - V
V

vector font

virtual memory

volume label


Windows Glossary - W
W

waveform

WAVE format

wildcard characters

window

window border

Windows application

wrap


Windows Glossary - X
X

No defined terms.


Windows Glossary - Y
Y

No defined terms.


Windows Glossary - Z
Z

No defined terms.


386 enhanced mode, defined
386 enhanced mode

�€blue'
 €
€F
�R˜€blue‚ÿ
Provides access to the virtual memory capabilities of the Intel 80386 processor. With virtual memory capabilities, Windows applications can use more memory than is


cascading menu, defined
cascading menu

A menu that opens from a command on another menu.


CD-ROM

Compact Disc-Read Only Memory. An optical data-storage technology that allows large quantities of data (such as animations, images, music, and sound) to be stored on a compact disc similar to discs used by the music industry.


channel

MIDI uses channels to send messages to individual devices within a MIDI setup. There are 16 MIDI channel numbers. Devices in a MIDI setup can be directed to respond only to messages marked with a channel number specific to the device.


check box, defined
check box

A small square box that appears in dialog boxes and can be selected or cleared. When the check box is selected, an X appears in the box.


choose, defined
choose

To use key combinations or your mouse to carry out a command in Windows. You often choose a command after you have selected an item or made it active.


Clipboard, defined
Clipboard

A temporary storage area in memory, used to transfer information. You can cut or copy information onto the Clipboard and then paste it into another document or application.


close, defined
close

To reduce a document window or application window to an icon or, in some cases, to remove it from the desktop. You close a window by double-clicking the Control-menu box or choosing the Close command from the Control menu. When closing an application window, you can choose to save or abandon changes to the current document before you close it.


collapse, defined
collapse

To hide a level of directory information in the Directory Tree window. When you first start File Manager, all directories but the root directory are collapsed.


command, defined
command

A word or phrase, usually found in a menu, that you choose to carry out an action.


command button, defined
command button

A button in a dialog box that carries out or cancels the selected action. Two common command buttons are OK and Cancel. The button that carries out the action will often have a label that describes it (for example, Open, Create, Install). Another dialog box appears when you choose a command followed by ellipses.


command line, defined
command line

Information given to MS-DOS that specifies a command and all the pertinent information to carry it out. For example, to start Windows, you type win at the MS-DOS prompt.


complementary color, defined
complementary color

The color exactly opposite a color on the RGB color wheel. For example, the complementary color of blue is yellow.


compound device, defined
compound device

Devices, such as the waveform audio driver, that have an associated file and require a filename specification when opened.


CONFIG.SYS, defined
CONFIG.SYS

A file that defines device drivers and specifies your MS-DOS configuration. For example, a typical CONFIG.SYS file might specify the location of the MS-DOS file COMMAND.COM, define an extended memory manager, and specify how many files an application can have open at once. MS-DOS runs the commands in the CONFIG.SYS file each time you turn on your computer. Your CONFIG.SYS file is located in the root directory of your first hard disk, which is usually drive C.


Contents button, defined
Contents button

Displays the HyperGuide contents.


Control menu, defined
Control menu

The menu in the upper-left corner of a window. The Control menu appears on every application that runs in a window and on some non-Windows applications. Document windows, icons, and some dialog boxes also have Control menus.

Control menu commands move, change the size of, and close windows. You can also switch to Task List by using the Control menu. For non-Windows applications, Control menu commands transfer information and perform other functions, depending on the application.


Control-menu box, defined
Control-menu box

The box located in the upper-left corner of a window. Clicking the Control-menu box opens the Control menu for the window.


conventional memory, defined
conventional memory

The first 640K of memory that MS-DOS uses to run applications. Most computers have at least 256K of conventional memory and can accommodate up to 640K of conventional memory.


cutout, defined
cutout

A portion of a Paintbrush drawing you select with the Scissors or Pick tool.


data bits, defined
data bits

The bits in each package of data sent between two computers during telecommunication. Most characters are transmitted in 7 or 8 data bits.


default button, defined
default button

The command button in some dialog boxes that is automatically selected or chosen by Windows as the most logical or safest choice. The default button has a bold border, indicating that it will be chosen if you press ENTER. You can override a default button by choosing Cancel or another command button.


default printer, defined
default printer

The printer that Windows applications automatically use when you choose the Print command. You can have only one default printer, which must also be the active printer on the port. The printer you use most often should be made the default printer.


desktop, defined
desktop

The background of your screen, on which windows, icons, and dialog boxes appear.


desktop pattern, defined
desktop pattern

A geometric pattern that appears across your desktop. You can design your own pattern or choose one of the patterns provided by Windows.


destination directory, defined
destination directory

The directory to which you intend to copy or move one or more files.


device contention, defined
device contention

When several applications simultaneously request use of a peripheral device, such as a printer or modem.

Windows automatically handles device contention when all the applications are Windows applications. When one of the applications is a non-Windows application, however, the conflict is handled according to the options you select in the 386 Enhanced dialog box. This dialog box appears when you choose the 386 Enhanced icon in Control Panel.


device driver, defined
device driver

Tells Windows how to control a piece of hardware. Using Control Panel, you can install device drivers for your:

Display (monitor)

Keyboard

Mouse

Network


dialog box, defined
dialog box

A rectangular box that either requests or provides information. Many dialog boxes present options that you must choose from before Windows can carry out a command. Some dialog boxes present warnings or explain why a command can't be completed.


directory path, defined
directory path

The directions to a directory or file within your system.

In the illustration, C:\ART stands for the ART directory on drive C. Any commands you use affect the files and subdirectories in this directory.

When you want to specify a file, make sure the filename follows the directory path.


Directory Tree, defined
Directory Tree

A graphic display of a disk's directory structure. The directories on the disk are shown as branching from the disk's root directory.


Directory Tree window, defined
Directory Tree window

A File Manager window that shows the complete branching structure of the selected disk drive.


directory window, defined
directory window

A File Manager window that lists the contents of a specific directory. The directory window shows all the files and subdirectories contained in the directory.


disk-drive icon, defined
disk-drive icon

An icon in the Directory Tree window of File Manager that represents a disk drive on your system. Different icons depict floppy disk drives, hard disk drives, RAM drives, CD-ROM drives, and network disk drives.


display box, defined
display box

A display box is not an option, but a type of text box that shows an example of another option you have selected, in this case a sample of the 10 pt, underlined, Helvetica font.


document, defined
document

Whatever you create with an application, including information you enter, edit, view, or save. A document can be a business report, a spreadsheet, a picture, and so on.


document file, defined
document file

Files that are associated with an application. You can start an application and open the associated file by choosing a document file icon.


document window, defined
document window

A window inside an application window. Each document window contains a single document or other data file. There can be more than one document window inside an application window.


DOS

Disk Operating System, typically known as MS-DOS (Microsoft) or PC-DOS (IBM). This is the underlying software that must exist for your PC to operate.


drag, defined
drag

A mouse move. You drag a Windows element by pointing to it, holding down the mouse button, and sliding the mouse from one spot on the surface of your desk to another and releasing the mouse button.


drop-down list box, defined
drop-down list box

A list box that opens and closes in dialog boxes.

Before you open a drop-down list box, it looks like this:

After the list box is open, it looks like this:

NOTE: When the list is longer than the box, scroll bars are provided.


error checking, defined
error checking

A method for validating transmissions.


expand, defined
expand

To show hidden directory levels in the Directory Tree. With File Manager, you can expand a single directory level, one branch of the Directory Tree, or all branches at once.


expanded memory, defined
expanded memory

Memory in addition to conventional memory that is available to applications. It is allocated in 16K blocks. Windows makes use of expanded memory only if the /r switch is used at startup. Windows running in 386 enhanced mode simulates expanded memory for the applications that need it. Windows running in standard mode or 386 enhanced mode allows applications to use expanded memory, but does not use expanded memory itself in managing applications.


extended memory, defined
extended memory

Memory in addition to conventional memory that is not readily accessible to MS-DOS or MS-DOS applications. Extended memory cannot be used on 8086 and 8088 computers. Windows running in standard mode or 386 enhanced mode uses extended memory to manage and run applications.


extended synthesizer, defined
extended synthesizer

One of the two types of synthesizers accommodated by Windows.

MIDI files authored for Windows include two versions of a song: one version for base-level synthesizers and another version for extended synthesizers. The distinctions between base-level and extended synthesizers are based on the number of instruments and notes the synthesizer can play.


extension, defined
extension

Part of a file or directory name that appears after a period and provides additional information. It usually indicates the type of file or directory. For example, program files have default extensions of .COM or .EXE .

Many applications include a default extension automatically when you save a file the first time. For example, Notepad adds a .TXT extension to all filenames unless you specify otherwise.


file, defined
file

A document or application that has been given a name. All documents are stored as files in Wiindows.


file information line, defined
file information line

Information specific to each file in a print queue. The information can include these details:

The file's position in the queue or a printer icon if the file is printing.

The title of the print job assigned by the application (if your network software supports this).

What percentage of the file has printed so far.

The size of the file in kilobytes (if the Print File Size command on the View menu is selected).

The time and date you sent the file to Print Manager (if the Time/Date Sent command on the View menu is selected).

If you are connected to a network printer, the printer queue information line shows the network server connection. Any detailed information the network can provide appears in the message box at the upper-right corner of the Print Manager window. Networks can provide varying degrees of detailed information.


flow control, defined
flow control

The method for controlling the flow of information.


font, defined
font

A graphic design applied to all numerals, symbols, and characters in the alphabet. A font usually comes in different sizes and provides different styles, such as bold, italic, and underlining for emphasizing text.


font size, defined
font size

The height of a printed character, measured in points. One inch equals 72 points. For example, 12-point Helv is 12 points high.

The font and font size you use determine the amount of text that fits on one page.


format, defined
format

(1) The appearance of text on the pages of a document. (2) To prepare a disk so it can hold information. Formatting a disk erases all information that was previously on it.


full-screen application, defined
full-screen application

A non-Windows application that uses the entire screen--rather than a window--to run in the Windows environment.


General MIDI Mode Standard, defined
General MIDI Mode standard

A MIDI specification controlled by the MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA). The purpose of this specification is to enable MIDI file authors to create files that sound the same across a variety of different synthesizers.


group, defined
group

A collection of applications within Program Manager. Grouping your applications makes them easier to find.


group icon, defined
group icon

A group window you have reduced to an icon in Program Manager.


group window, defined
group window

A window that displays the items in a group within Program Manager. These items can be applications, files associated with applications, or a combination of both.


History button, defined
History button

Displays a list of the HyperGuide topics you have viewed. Use this button to revisit any of the last 40 HyperGuide topics you have viewed. The most recent topic appears first.


hotspot

Text, graphics, or parts of graphics that provide links to other HyperGuide topics or more information about the current topic.

Whether text or graphics, the pointer changes to the shape of a hand whenever it is over a hotspot. If you click a hotspot that is linked to another topic, that topic will appear in the HyperGuide window. If the hotspot is linked to more information, HyperGuide displays the information in a popup window on top of the HyperGuide window.


hue, defined
hue

The position of a color along the color spectrum.


Help button bar, defined
HyperGuide button bar

Contains the HyperGuide buttons you use to move among topics and contents screens. It is located near the top of the HyperGuide window.


icon, defined
icon

A graphic representation of a disk drive, directory, group, application, document, and so on. You can restore an application icon to a window when you want to use the application.


insertion point, defined
insertion point

The place where text will be inserted when you type.The insertion point usually appears as a flashing vertical bar in an application's window or in a dialog box. The text you type appears to the left of the insertion point, which moves to the right as you type.


International MIDI Association (IMA)

The non-profit MIDI organization that circulates information about the MIDI specification.


keymaps, defined
keymaps

Percussion instruments are key-based--each note plays a different percussion instrument. Keymaps translate MIDI key values to ensure the proper percussion instruments are used to play MIDI files. All MIDI files for Windows are authored using standard key assignments based on the General MIDI Mode standard.


keyword, defined
keyword

Words in the HyperGuide Search dialog box that are associated with topics. Each application's documentation has its own keyword list, including the glossary words in HyperGuide. You select from the list of keywords or type a keyword to see the list of topics associated with that keyword.


kilobyte, defined
kilobyte

The measurement used for the size of a computer's memory, where 1 kilobyte (K) = 1,024 bytes.


list box, defined
list box

A box within a dialog box that lists available choices--for example, the list of all available files in a directory. If all the choices don't fit in the box, there will be a vertical scroll bar to the right of the list box. In some list boxes, you can select more than one item.


local printer, defined
local printer

A printer that is directly connected to your printer by a cable.


local queue, defined
local queue

Lists the files that you directed to any active printer connected to your computer. The computer and printers are connected locally by a cable.

When Print Manager starts printing on a local printer, its icon appears at the bottom of your screen. If you restore the icon to a window, you see the print queue for any active printer connected to your computer. You can use the Print Manager window to check the status of files in the print queue or to interrupt or cancel a print job.


luminosity, defined
luminosity

The brightness of the color on a scale from black to white.


maximize, defined
maximize

To enlarge a window to its maximum size by using the Maximize button or the Maximize command.


Maximize button, defined
Maximize button

The small button at the upper-right corner of a window that contains an Up arrow. Mouse users can click the Maximize button to enlarge a window to its maximum size. Keyboard users can use the Maximize command on the Control menu.


Media Control Interface, defined
Media Control Interface (MCI)

A standard control interface for multimedia devices and files. MCI allows a multimedia application to easily control a variety of multimedia devices and files.


memory, defined
memory

The space in a computer where information is stored while you are working with it. Most PCs have a small amount of read-only memory (ROM), containing the built-in programs that start the operation of the computer when it is turned on, and a large amount of random-access memory (RAM) for users' programs and data.


end1


non-Windows application, defined
non-Windows application

An application that was not designed to run in Windows. Generally, non-Windows applications do not conform to Windows user-interface standards.


open, defined
open

To display the contents of a directory or file in a window, or to enlarge an icon to a window.


option button, defined
option button

A small round button that appears in a dialog box and is used to select an option. Within a group of related option buttons, you can select only one button.


palette

Defines the colors used in a bitmap image. Every device independent bitmap (DIB) has an associated color palette.


parity, defined
parity

The method of detecting errors in data transmission.


patch

A specific sound created by a synthesizer. A synthesizer plays notes using sounds defined as patches.


patchmaps, defined
patchmaps

A patch is a specific sound created by a synthesizer. A synthesizer plays notes using sounds defined as patches. Patchmaps translate MIDI patch changes to ensure the proper instruments are used to play MIDI files. All MIDI files for Windows are authored using standard patch assignments based on the General MIDI Mode standard.


pathname, defined
pathname

The directions to a directory or file within your system. For example, C:\WINDOWS3\APPTS\JUNE.CAL is the pathname of the JUNE.CAL file in the APPTS subdirectory in the WINDOWS3 directory on drive C.


picture elements, defined
picture elements

The smallest graphics unit on the screen. Also known as pels.


pixels, defined
pixels

The smallest graphic units on the screen. Also known as picture elements (pels).


playlist, defined
playlist

A list of compact disc titles and tracks that determines the order in which the tracks on the disc are played. Playlists are only used in Music Box.

Use the Program button to assign or edit titles, and to change the playlist.


pointer, defined
pointer

In Windows, the shape of the pointer indicates its function.

	For selecting Windows items, scrolling, resizing windows, and moving windows and dialog boxes with your mouse. This is the pointer you will see most often.
	For choosing a HyperGuide hotspot.
	For selecting text with your mouse.
	For changing the size of a window with your mouse.
	For changing the location or size of a window with your keyboard.
	For indicating the application is processing your request.


port, defined
port

A connection on a computer where you plug in a cable that carries data to a device.

LPT ports are parallel ports. COM ports are serial ports. EPT is a port used for certain printers, such as the IBM Personal Pageprinter. You can use the EPT port only if you have installed a special card in your computer.

Multimedia PCs also have a port for a MIDI sequencer.


print options, defined
print options

Printer-specific settings such as page orientation--portrait or landscape--or the manner in which paper feeds through the printer. These options vary from printer to printer.


printer-driver file, defined
printer-driver file

A file that gives Windows important information about how to control your printer, including details about printer features and the printing interface, descriptions of fonts (such as sizes and styles), character translations, and control sequences the printer uses to achieve various formats. Windows has printer-driver files for most commonly used printers.


printer font, defined
printer font

A series of dots connected by lines that can be scaled to different sizes. Another name for printer fonts is vector (or stroke) fonts. Plotters typically use vector fonts.


printer queue information line, defined
printer queue information line

Indicates the following:

The name of the printer.

Where the printer connects to your computer.

The current status of the printer.


program file, defined
program file

A file that contains information that controls an application. In File Manager, each program file is represented by an icon. You can start the application by choosing the icon. Filenames for program files can have these extensions: .EXE, .COM, .PIF, and .BAT.


program information file (PIF), defined
program information file (PIF)

A file that provides important information that Windows needs to run a non-Windows application. PIFs contain information such as the name of the file, a startup directory, whether the program writes directly to the screen or to memory, and multitasking options for applications running in 386 enhanced mode.


program item, defined
program item

A program file or associated document represented by an icon in Program Manager. The program item provides the instructions Windows needs to start an application and open a document (if specified) when you choose the icon.


program item icon, defined
program item icon

An icon representing an application you can start or an associated document you can open from a group in Program Manager. The program item provides the instructions Windows needs to start an application and open a document (if specified) when you choose the icon.


RGB components, defined
RGB components

The amount of each of the three primary colors--red, green, and blue--present in a color. Every color and pattern is made by varying the three primary colors. This is true even in monochrome (black and white) mode. For instance, white is made by mixing together 255 parts of red, 255 parts of green, and 255 parts of blue. Black, on the other hand, is 0 red, 0 green, and 0 blue.


read-only, defined
read-only

Describes a file or CD-ROM disc that can only be opened and read. You cannot edit a read-only file or CD-ROM disc and save your changes.


real mode, defined
real mode

An operating mode that Windows runs in to provide maximum compatibility with versions of Windows applications released prior to Windows version 3.0. Real mode is the only mode available for computers with less than 1 MB of extended memory.


Restore button, defined
Restore button

The small button at the upper-right corner of a window that contains both an Up arrow and a Down arrow. The Restore button appears only after you have enlarged a window to its maximum size. Mouse users can click the Restore button to return the window to its previous size. Keyboard users can use the Restore command on the Control menu.


root directory, defined
root directory

The main directory on a disk. The root directory is created at the first level when you format a disk. The symbol used to indicate the root directory of a disk is the backslash (\). For example, the root directory for drive C is noted as C:\.


sample

A piece of waveform data represented by a single numerical value. You convert sound into digital form by taking samples of the sound at specific time intervals and converting them to numeric values.


saturation, defined
saturation

The purity of a hue, moving from gray to the pure color.


scaled font size, defined
scaled font size

A font size that approximates a specified font size for use on the screen. Windows scales larger font sizes when a size that is available for the printer is not available for the screen. Scaled fonts may look slightly different from unscaled fonts. When you choose a smaller font size that is available for the printer but not for the screen, Windows substitutes the correct size from a precision-drawn font that resembles the selected font as closely as possible.


screen font, defined
screen font

A font that duplicates a printer font on your screen.

If you choose a printer font that does not have a corresponding screen font, Windows substitutes a screen font that closely resembles the printer font. The substitute font duplicates the line lengths and page breaks of the font you selected.

When you purchase extra fonts from a printer or font manufacturer, ask about the availability of screen fonts to match.


screen saver

An image or pattern that is shown on your computer screen during periods of inactivity. Screen savers hide information currently on the screen; by changing patterns they can also save wear on the electronics in the display.


scroll arrow, defined
scroll arrow

An arrow on either end of a scroll bar that is used to scroll through the contents of a window or list box. Clicking a scroll arrow moves the contents one line. Holding down a scroll arrow scrolls the contents continuously.

Scroll arrows also control the playing of media in some applications, such as Media Player and Sound Recorder.


scroll bar, defined
scroll bar

A bar that appears at the right and/or bottom edge of a window whose contents aren't completely visible. Each scroll bar contains two scroll arrows and a scroll box, which allow you to scroll within the window or list box.

A scroll bar is also used to control playing of media in some applications, such as Media Player and Sound Recorder.


scroll box, defined
scroll box

The square or rectangular box within a scroll bar that indicates your relative position within a document or list box. Mouse users can drag the scroll box up or down quickly through long documents.

A scroll box is also used to control playing of media in some applications, such as Media Player and Sound Recorder.


Search button, defined
Search button

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Displays the keywords you can use to searc


track

A sequence of sound on a CD disc, which usually corresponds to a song.


Up button

Moves up one level in the HyperGuide hierarchy.


vector fonts, defined
vector fonts

A series of dots connected by lines that can be scaled to different sizes.


virtual memory, defined
virtual memory

A memory management system used by Windows running in 386 enhanced mode, which allows Windows to behave as if there were more memory than is actually present in the sytem. Virtual memory equals the amount of free RAM plus the amount of disk space allocated to a swap file that Windows uses to simulate additional RAM.


volume label, defined
volume label

The name you give a disk by using the Label command. Disk labels are optional. You see this information in File Manager only if you assigned a label to your disk. You can change or add a disk label through File Manager.


WAVE format, defined
WAVE format

Microsoft's format for digitized waveform files. These files have a .WAV extension.


waveform

A sound waveform displays variances in air pressure over time. An audio signal waveform displays variances in voltage over time.


wildcard characters, defined
wildcard characters

Two MS-DOS characters you can substitute for all or part of a file or directory name when you want to find similarly-named files or want one command to affect a number of files or directories.

An asterisk (*) substitutes for all characters. A question mark (?) substitutes for a single character.

For example, this entry covers all files with a .DOC extension in the current directory:

*.DOC

And this entry covers everything named with FY, three other characters, and the extension .90:

FY???.90


window, defined
window

A rectangular area on your screen in which you view an application or document. You can open, close, and move windows, and change the size of most windows. You can open several windows on the desktop at the same time and you can shrink windows to icons or enlarge them to fill the entire desktop.


window border, defined
window border

The outside edge of a window. You can lengthen or shorten each border. You can also change the width of the border with Control Panel's Desktop command.


Windows application, defined
Windows application

An application that was designed for Windows and will not run without Windows. All Windows applications follow the same conventions for arrangement of menus, style of dialog boxes, use of the keyboard and mouse, and so on.


wrap, defined
wrap

The automatic movement of the insertion point from the end of one line to the beginning of the next line as you type. When text wraps, you do not need to press ENTER at the end of each line in a paragraph.