GNOME.org

General Computer Terms

This section contains general computer terms that are not specific to the GNOME Desktop.

3D

Definition: Abbreviation for three-dimensional.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Example: Select this option to display a 3D beveled border around the full-screen view of an image.
Note: Do not use 3-D, 3d, or any other term.

accelerator key

Do not use this term. Use the term shortcut key.

access keys

Definition: Keys that enable you to perform an action from the keyboard rather than using the mouse to choose a command from a menu or dialog. Each access key is identified by an underlined letter on a menu or dialog option. In some cases, you must press the Alt key in combination with the access key to perform the action.
Usage:
  1. Normal text rules.
  2. Avoid using the terms access key or access keys in text instructions, if the context is clear.
  3. Use the term access key as a qualifier for the key name.
Tags:

Use the keycap tag for key names.

Use the keycombo tag for key combinations.

Example: To open a new file, press Alt+F. When the File menu opens, press the access key N.
Note: Do not use mnemonic as a synonym for access key.

Alt

Definition: The Alt key on the keyboard.
Usage: Title capitalization.
Tags: Use the keycap tag.
Example: Use the default shortcut keys Alt+F1 to open the Main Menu.

a.m./p.m.

Definition: Use these abbreviations to refer to before and after noon.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Example: Select 12 hour to display time in a.m./p.m. formatted time.
Note: Do not use AM/PM, am/pm, or A.M./P.M.

antialias

Definition: Antialiasing is an effect that is applied to the edges of characters on a screen to make the characters look smoother. If characters on a screen are not antialiased the edges of the characters might appear jagged in some cases.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Select the Best shapes option to antialias screen fonts where possible.
Note: Do not hyphenate this term, do not use anti-alias.

application

Definition: A class of program that is designed to perform a specific function. For example, a calculator or web browser. An application typically has an interface that is specific to the application.
Usage: Normal text rules. Use title capitalization for application names.
Tags:

Prose tag rules except when you refer to the Applications menu.

Use the application tag for application names.

Example: The Applications menu contains several applications, including the Calculator and gedit applications.
Note 1: If the application name does not follow standard capitalization rules, follow the capitalization of the application name. For example, use lowercase letters for the gedit application. When the application name begins with a lowercase letter, do not start a sentence with the name of the application.
Note 2: See also command and program.

archive, noun

Definition: A file containing one or more files in compressed format for more efficient storage and transfer.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: An archive can contain many files, folders, and subfolders, usually in compressed form.
Note 1: The verb that corresponds to the noun archive is compress.
Note 2: Do not use zip as a synonym for archive.

arrange

Definition: To organize items in an array or stack, using a specific characteristic to define the spatial relationship between the items. Essentially, arrange implies a two-dimensional or three-dimensional ordering of items. Typically, arrange applies to items in GUI-type applications, such as desktop icons, or folder icons.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: You can arrange the folder icons in your window by several characteristics, such as date of creation, status, name, and so on.
Note 1: Do not use sort as a synonym for arrange.
Note 2: See also sort.

ask

Definition: Use this verb for a request from the system to the user when there are two or more courses of action, and the system needs to know which course of action the user wants to take.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The system asks you if you want to continue with logging out.
Note 1: Do not use prompt as a synonym for ask.
Note 2: See also prompt.

Back Space

Definition: The Back Space key on the keyboard.
Usage: Title capitalization.
Tags: Use the keycap tag.
Example: To disable a shortcut, select the shortcut, click in the Shortcut column for the function you want to change, then press Back Space.
Note: The Back Space key might have a left arrow on the key.

backup, noun, adjective

Definition: A copy of a resource made as a precaution in case of loss of the original resource.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Select this option to display backup files in the view pane.
Note 1: Do not use backup as a verb.
Note 2: See also back up.

back up, verb

Definition: To copy files to another location as a precaution in case of loss of the original files.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Back up your files regularly.
Note 1: Do not use back up as a noun or adjective.
Note 2: See also backup.

bar

Definition: A part of a window that is peripheral to the main working part of a window, and that contains functionalities and utilities to use in performing work in the main working part of the window. A bar appears as a solid object on the same visual plane as the window. The contents of a bar form a unified whole.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example 1: To show text only in your toolbars, choose Text Only from the Button Labels drop-down list.
Example 2: To show the location bar in the file manager, choose View ▸ Location Bar.
Note: See also folderbar, location bar, menubar, pane, scrollbar, statusbar, toolbar.

blank

Definition: When no information is present in a field, refer to the field as blank.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Example: Enter the command that you want to run in the blank field on the Run Application dialog.
Note: Do not use empty when you refer to a field.

blind-copy

Definition: To copy a message to an address, so that that address does not appear in the delivered message.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Enter any email addresses to which you want to blind-copy the message.
Note 1: Hyphenate this term, do not use blind copy.
Note 2: The abbreviation bcc means blind carbon copy.

bounce keys

Definition: A keyboard accessibility feature. Use the bounce keys feature to ignore subsequent presses of the same key if they happen within the time that the user specifies.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The bounce keys control the key repeat characteristics of the keyboard.

Caps Lock

Definition: The Caps Lock key on the keyboard.
Usage: Title capitalization.
Tags: Use the keycap tag.
Example: To type in uppercase, press Caps Lock.

command

Definition: An order from a user to the operating system to perform a service such as start an application or list the files in a directory. A command can have options, parameters, and arguments.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules. Use the command tag for a command or a command specification.
Example: Use the gedit command to start the gedit application.
Note: See also application and program.

compress, verb

Definition:
  1. To transform data to minimize the space required for storage or transmission.
  2. A command used to perform this transformation.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules. Use the command tag for the name of the command.
Example: A compressed non-archive file is a file that is created when you use bzip, bzip2, gzip, lzop, or compress to compress a non-archive file. For example, file.txt.gz is created when you use gzip to compress file.txt.
Note 1: The noun that corresponds to the verb compress is archive.
Note 2: Do not use zip as a verb.

Ctrl

Definition: Use Ctrl to refer to the Control key on the keyboard.
Usage: Title capitalization.
Tags: Use the keycap tag.
Example: To save the document, press Ctrl+S.

cursor

Definition: A cursor is a symbol that indicates the position at which you can enter or delete text. The cursor is usually a blinking vertical bar.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Press Home to position the cursor at the start of the line.
Note: Do not use pointer as a synonym for cursor.

depressed

Do not use this term. Use the term pressed in.

directory

Definition: A special type of file that enables you to organize other files into a hierarchical structure. Only use the term directory when you make specific references to the structure of the file system.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The New Folder menu item creates a new folder on your desktop. This folder is located in the directory /.nautilus/desktop.

down arrow

Definition: The down arrow key on the keyboard.
Usage: All lowercase letters.
Tags: Use the keycap tag.
Example: To switch to the workspace below the current workspace, press Ctrl+Alt+down arrow.

email

Definition: Electronic mail message, or an electronic mail messaging application.
Usage: Normal text rules. You can use this term as a verb, a noun, or as an adjective.
Tags: Prose tag rules for the term email. Use the email tag for email addresses.
Example: The Inbox Monitor applet monitors your email.
Note: Do not use e-mail, E-mail, Email or any other synonym.

emoticon

Definition: A short sequence of characters, or an icon, that represents a facial expression. For example, the :-) emoticon represents a smiling face. In electronic communications, emoticons portray feelings that supplement messages. Evolution includes icons that represents emoticons.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To insert an emoticon to your message, choose Insert ▸ Smiley, then choose the emoticon that you require.

empty

Definition: When no information is present in a text box, refer to the text box as empty.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Example: Use the empty Name text box to specify a name for the application.
Note: Do not use blank when referring to a text box.

Enter

Definition: The Enter key on the numeric keypad.
Usage: Title capitalization.
Tags: Use the keycap tag for Enter.
Example: Press Enter on the numeric keypad to complete the calculation.
Note:

In Calculator the Enter key provides the same function as the equals sign (=).

Sometimes the Return key and Enter key perform the same functions. Refer to the Return key by default, and only refer to the Enter key when the user must press Enter, or when the user is likely to use the numeric keypad.

Esc

Definition: Use as an abbreviation for the Escape key on the keyboard.
Usage: Title capitalization.
Tags: Use the keycap tag.
Example: To cancel the dialog, click on the Cancel button or press Esc.

file system

Definition: A hierarchically structured network of files and directories that you can access.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The file system defines how files are named.
Note: Spell as two words, do not use filesystem.

folder

Definition: A representation of a directory in a graphical application. Use the term folder when you document applications that use folder icons to represent directories.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To create a folder, choose File ▸ New Folder.

FTP site

Definition: A location on the Internet from which you can download files using the File Transfer Protocol (FTP).
Usage: All uppercase letters for the term FTP, all lowercase letters in the term site.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: You can use Nautilus to browse websites and FTP sites.

full screen

Definition: A mode that resizes the item that is displayed on the screen, so that the item is the same size as the screen.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To display the image in full-screen mode, choose View ▸ Full Screen.
Note: See also screen.

Help

Definition:

An online manual or other item of documentation that a user can access to find out more about how to use the GNOME Desktop. A user can access Help in any of the following ways:

  • In an application, choose Help > Contents.
  • For panels and panel objects, right-click on the object, then choose Help from the popup menu.
  • Start the Help browser application, then navigate to the required Help.
Usage: Title capitalization.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To view Help on the Calculator application, start Calculator, then choose Contents ▸ Help.
Note: In general, you do not need to use the term online Help, as Help is by definition online. However, if there is a possible ambiguity between the Help and another type of documentation, then you can use the adjective online to qualify Help.

hot key

Definition: A key or combination of keys that starts an application when pressed.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags:

Use the keycap tag for key names.

Use the keycombo tag for key combinations.

Example: To create a hot key, use the Keyboard Shortcuts preference tool.
Note: Do not use any other term for hot key.

icon

Definition: A class of image that represents a functional component of a computer system. In the GNOME Desktop, icons represent menus, menu items, launchers, and other user interface components.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To open a menu from a panel, click on the icon that represents the menu.
Note: See also image.

image

Definition: A visual representation that is electronically rendered. An image might or might not represent a real-world object. Pictures and icons are classes of image.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Choose an image for the panel background.
Note: See also icon.

inode

Definition: A data structure that contains information about individual files in UNIX file systems. Each file has one inode. An inode contains the node, type, owner, and location of a file.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Choose the Date Changed option to display the date that the inode of the item was last modified.
Note: Spell without a hyphen, do not use i-node.

Internet

Definition: The global association of networks and computers that share information.
Usage: Use an initial uppercase letter to refer to the Internet.
Example: Select this option to display Internet time in the applet.

key binding

Do not use this term. Use the term keyboard shortcut.

keyboard shortcuts

Definition:

A key or combination of keys that provides an alternative to the standard ways of performing an action. The GNOME Desktop provides the following types of keyboard shortcuts:

  • Access keys, to use the keyboard rather than the mouse.
  • Hot keys, to use the keyboard rather than the command line.
  • Shortcut keys, to use the keyboard rather than the user interface.
Usage: Normal text rules. See also the usage instructions for specific categories of keyboard shortcut.
Tags:

Use the keycap tag for key names.

Use the keycombo tag for key combinations.

Example: In a table that lists various types of key combinations, the column header for the key combinations should be Keyboard Shortcuts.
Note: Do not use key binding as a synonym for keyboard shortcut.

keypress

Definition: The action of pressing a key. This term refers to the first part of a keystroke action, that is, pressing the key. The term keypress does not refer to the second part of a keystroke action, that is, releasing the key.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Only accept a keypress after 30 milliseconds.
Note: Do not use keystroke as a synonym for keypress.

keystroke

Definition: The action of pressing and releasing a key.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Shortcut keys enable you to perform an action with one or more keystrokes or mouse clicks.
Note: Do not use keypress as a synonym for keystroke.

left arrow

Definition: The left arrow key on the keyboard.
Usage: All lowercase letters.
Tags: Use the keycap tag.
Example: To switch to the workspace to the left of the current workspace, press Ctrl+Alt+left arrow.

left mouse button

Definition: The mouse button on the left side of a mouse configured for right-hand use.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Example: In general, you use the left mouse button to control the applet functions.
Note: Do not use mouse button 1 or any other term.

left side

Definition: Use this term to refer to the left side of an item.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The side pane is on the left side of the Nautilus window.
Note: Do not use left-hand side.

login, noun, adjective

Definition: The process of gaining access to a session.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example of Noun: Select this option to display a splash screen on login.
Example of Adjective: The Options menu lists your login options.
Note: See also log in.

logout, noun, adjective

Definition: The process of terminating a session.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example of Noun: Select this option to display a confirmation dialog on logout.
Example of Adjective: Use the Sessions preference tool to specify logout behavior.
Note: See also log out.

look-and-feel

Definition:

A general term for the following features of a graphical user interface:

  • The visual characteristics of the components of the interface.
  • The characteristics of the interaction between the user and the interface.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Nautilus includes background patterns and colors that you can use to change the look-and-feel of the desktop background.
Note: This term is a single noun, do not use look and feel.

man page

Definition: A page of online documentation in UNIX systems.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Example: See the regex man page for further information on how to construct a regular expression.
Note: Spell as two words, do not use manpage.

Meta

Definition: The meta key on your keyboard. You can use the meta key as a modifier key.
Usage: Title capitalization.
Tags: Use the keycap tag with the term Meta when you use the term in a shortcut.

meta key

Definition: A key that you can use as a modifier key.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The default modifier key is the meta key.

middle mouse button

Definition: The mouse button between the left mouse button and the right mouse button.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Example: When you release the middle mouse button, floating panels remain in their current position.
Note: Do not use mouse button 2 or any other term.

MIME

Definition: Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension.
Usage: All uppercase letters.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The MIME type of a file enables applications to read the file.

MIME type

Definition: A MIME type identifies the format of a file, and enables applications to read the file. For example, an email application can use the image/png MIME type to detect that a PNG file is attached to an email.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Choose the MIME type option to display the MIME type of the file.

mnemonic

Do not use this term. Use the term access keys.

Modifier

Definition: The key on your keyboard that you have defined as the Sawfish modifier key.
Usage: Title capitalization.
Tags: Use the keycap tag with the term Modifier when you use the term in a shortcut.
Note: You can define a modifier key for the Sawfish window manager in the Sawfish preference tool.

modifier key

Definition: A key that only performs an action when combined with another key.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Alt, Ctrl, and Shift are modifier keys.

mouse keys

Definition: A keyboard accessibility feature. Use the mouse keys features to configure the numeric keypad on your keyboard to emulate mouse actions.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: You can specify three mouse keys settings.

onscreen, adjective

Definition: As shown on a display screen.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The desktop contains an onscreen keyboard application to enable users with a physical disability to use the desktop.
Note: Do not hyphenate this term, do not use on-screen.

pane

Definition:

A subdivision of the main working part of a window, where the user works and interacts with the application. A pane provides the impression that you are viewing items that are in a visual plane beneath, or behind, the visual plane of the window.

A pane contains discrete objects, that is, the contents of a pane do not form a unified whole. Typically, a pane displays the work that a user is doing, or routes to that work. A pane is usually surrounded by a frame.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example 1: To show the preview pane in Evolution, choose View ▸ Preview Pane.
Example 2: To show the side pane in the file manager, choose View ▸ Side Pane.
Note: See also bar.

permission

Definition: A setting assigned to each file and directory to determine which users have access to read, write, and execute the contents of that file or directory.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: You can edit the contents of the system menus if you have write permission for the files and folders that correspond to the system menus.

plugin

Definition: A supplementary application that you can add to an application to enhance the functionality of the application.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Use the application tag for the names of plugins.
Example: To install a plugin in gedit, choose Plugins ▸ Manager.
Note: Do not use plug-in.

pointer

Definition: A small arrow or other symbol on your screen that you move with a mouse or other pointing device.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The pointer can provide feedback about a particular operation, location, or state.
Note 1: Do not use the term cursor as a synonym for pointer.
Note 2: If there is any ambiguity about what the term pointer refers to, use the term mouse pointer.

preference

Definition:

A characteristic of an application that determines how the application behaves in relation to the user. Users can choose a preference from a range of alternatives to specify how they want to work with the application. For example, a user can specify whether or not to display a statusbar in gedit.

Applications and applets have associated preferences. Examples of preferences include the following:

  • Whether all GNOME-compliant applications on the GNOME Desktop display a toolbar.
  • Whether the Workspace Switcher applet displays workspaces as images or as names.
  • Whether the Window List applet displays the windows from the current workspace or from all workspaces.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To set the preferences for an applet, right-click on the applet, then choose Preferences.
Note: See also property.

pressed in

Definition: Use this term to describe the indented appearance of a button.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Example: The window button remains pressed in until the screenshot capture is complete.
Note:

Do not use depressed to describe an indented button.

Do not use depress as a verb to describe pressing a key or mouse button.

Print Screen

Definition: The Print Screen key on the keyboard.
Usage: Title capitalization.
Tags: Use the keycap tag.
Example: To take a screenshot of the GNOME Desktop, press Print Screen.

privileges

Definition: A set of special permissions granted to a user to perform various operations on a system.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The system administrator is a special user who has privileges to perform all administrative tasks on a system.

program

Avoid using this term in end-user documentation. See application and command.

prompt, verb

Definition: Use this verb for a request from the system to the user to perform a specific action to continue.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The system prompts you for your username.
Note 1: Do not use ask as a synonym for prompt.
Note 2: See also ask.

property

Definition:

A characteristic of an object. Each instance of an object can have different property settings. Files, folders, panels, and panel objects have properties. Examples of properties include the following:

  • The size of a file or folder.
  • The name of a file or folder.
  • The icon that represents a file or folder.
  • Whether a panel is set to autohide.
  • The command for a launcher.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To set properties for the folder, right-click on the folder then choose Properties from the popup menu.
Note: See also preference.

repeat keys

Definition: A keyboard accessibility feature. Use the repeat keys feature to specify the autorepeat settings for your keyboard.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Use the repeat keys feature to enable keyboard autorepeat.

reply-to address

Definition: An address to which all responses to a message are addressed automatically. Your reply-to address can be the same as your normal email address.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To display your reply-to address in the Compose a message window, choose View ▸ Reply-To Field.
Note: Spell with a hyphen, do not use reply to address.

Return

Definition: The carriage return key on the alphanumeric part of the keyboard. In a text editor this key moves the cursor to the start of the next line. You can also use the Return key to initiate an action on the dialog element that has focus.
Usage: Title capitalization.
Tags: Use the keycap tag for Return.
Example: To pipe the output of an ls command to a text file, type the following command and press Return: ls | gedit
Note: Sometimes the Return key and Enter key perform the same functions. Refer to the Return key by default, and only refer to the Enter key when the user must press Enter, or when the user is likely to use the numeric keypad.

right arrow

Definition: The right arrow key on the keyboard.
Usage: All lowercase letters.
Tags: Use the keycap tag.
Example: To switch to the workspace to the right of the current workspace, press Ctrl+Alt+right arrow.

right mouse button

Definition: The mouse button on the right side of a mouse configured for right-hand use.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Example: Use the right mouse button to modify the applet.
Note: Do not use mouse button 3 or any other term.

right side

Definition: Use this term to refer to the right side of an item.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Edit the details for the bookmark on the right side of the Edit Bookmarks dialog.
Note: Do not use right-hand side.

root

Do not use this term without an associated noun. See root directory, root file system, root folder, root password, root privileges, and root user.

root directory

Definition: The top-level directory of the root file system. The root directory includes all other directories. The root directory has no name, and is represented on UNIX systems by the following special character: /
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags:

Prose tag rules.

Use the filename tag for a directory that is actually named root, for example, /root.
Example: Click Save to save the file in the root directory.
Note: See also root file system.

root file system

Definition: The main file system on your computer. The root file system is organized as a hierarchy or tree.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: When a file system is mounted, the contents of the file system are accessible from the associated mount point inside the root file system.
Note: See also root directory.

root folder

Definition: The top-level folder in an archive manager application or file manager application.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Click Create to add the selected files to the root folder of the specified archive.
Note: See also archive.

root password

Definition: The password for the root user.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Type the root password, then click OK.
Note: See also root user.

root privileges

Definition: A set of permissions that enables you to perform system administration tasks that can normally only be performed by the root user.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: You must have root privileges to configure the login screen.
Note: See also root user.

root user

Definition: The system administrator. The root user has the ability to create or delete user accounts, install software or hardware and perform other system administrator tasks. The username of the root user is root.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags:

Prose tag rules.

Use the literal tag for the username root.

Example 1: Log in as the root user to change user passwords.
Example 2: Typically, system administrators log in with the root username.
Note: See also root directory, root password, root privileges.

runlevel

Definition: A software configuration under which a selected group of processes exists.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: This field contains the command that the system runs to switch to runlevel 2.
Note: Do not use the two-word form run level, or the hyphenated form run-level.

screen

Definition: The area on a computer monitor, or any other computer device, where text and graphical information is displayed.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Use the slider to specify the speed at which your mouse pointer moves on your screen when you move your mouse.
Note: See also full screen.

screensaver

Definition: A screensaver is an application that replaces the image on a screen when the screen is not in use. The screensaver application for the GNOME Desktop is XScreenSaver.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example 1: When you lock your screen, the screensaver starts.
Example 2: Use the Mode drop-down list to specify the behavior of the screensaver application.
Note 1: If screensaver might be confusing in a particular context, use the more specific term screensaver application.
Note 2: Do not use screensaver display as a synonym for screensaver.

screensaver display

Definition: A screensaver display is the animation that is displayed on your screen when the screen is not in use. You can use your screensaver application to choose a screensaver display to show on your screen when the screensaver application starts.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example 1: Some screensavers can capture a frame of video, then manipulate the captured image to create your screensaver display.
Example 2: Use the Cycle After spin box to specify how long to show a screensaver display before changing to another screensaver display.
Note: Do not use screensaver as a synonym for screensaver display.

screenshot

Definition: A file that is an image of an area of the GNOME Desktop, or an image of the entire GNOME Desktop.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Use this slider to specify the delay when you take a screenshot of the entire GNOME Desktop.
Note: Do not use screen shot, screen-shot, screen capture, screen grab, or any other term.

Shift

Definition: The Shift key on the keyboard.
Usage: Title capitalization.
Tags: Use the keycap tag.
Example: Press-and-hold Shift, then drag the item to the location where you want the link to reside.

shortcut

Definition: An action or a sequence of actions that is performed by a combination of one or more keystrokes or mouse clicks. A shortcut provides a quicker and more convenient way to perform an action than the conventional way to perform the same action.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: You can use the Shortcuts dialog pane to view, add, edit, or delete shortcuts from keymaps.
Note 1: Do not use the following terms as synonyms for shortcut:
  • Keyboard accelerator
  • Keyboard shortcut
Note 2: Only use this term in relation to the Sawfish window manager and preference tool.

shortcut command

Definition: Use to refer to a faster way to run a command.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Example: The macro facility provides up to 99 shortcut commands.
Note: Do not use short-cut.

shortcut keys

Definition: A combination of keys that enables you to jump straight to the action you want to perform, rather than using the user interface to open menus and choose the required command.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags:

Use the keycap tag for key names.

Use the keycombo tag for key combinations.

Example: To open a new file, use the Ctrl+N shortcut keys.
Note: Do not use the term accelerator key for shortcut key.

slow keys

Definition: A keyboard accessibility feature. Use the slow keys feature to control the period of time that you must press-and-hold a key before acceptance.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: You can specify four slow keys settings.

sort

Definition: To organize items in a list, using a specific characteristic to prioritize the ordering of items in the list. Essentially, sort implies a one-dimensional ordering of items.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: You can sort items in the list by several characteristics, such as date of creation, status, name, and so on.
Note 1: Do not use arrange as a synonym for sort.
Note 2: See also arrange.

spacebar

Definition: The spacebar key on the keyboard.
Usage: All lowercase letters.
Tags: Use the keycap tag.
Example: To open the Window Menu, press Alt+spacebar.
Note: Do not use space or space bar.

spam

Definition: Unsolicited email messages that you receive. Spam messages are usually intended to promote a product or service. Most email applications enable you to use filters to deal with your spam.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Use filters to deal with spam.

spellchecker

Definition: A tool that you can use to check the spelling of a document.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To start the spellchecker, choose Edit ▸ Spell Check Document.
Note: Do not use spellcheck as a verb, use check spelling instead.

sticky keys

Definition: A keyboard accessibility feature. Use the sticky keys feature to perform multiple simultaneous keypress operations by pressing the keys in sequence.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: You can specify two sticky keys settings.

strikeout

Do not use this term. Use the term strikethrough.

strikethrough

Definition: A text formatting characteristic where the text appears with a horizontal line through the text.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To apply strikethrough formatting to text, select the text, then choose Format ▸ Style ▸ Strikethrough.
Note: Do not use the term strikeout as a synonym for strikethrough.

superuser

Do not use this term. Use root user instead.

symbolic link

Definition: A special type of file that points to another file or folder. When you perform an action on a symbolic link, the action is performed on the file or folder to which the symbolic link points.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: When you delete a symbolic link, you delete the link file, not the file to which the symbolic link points.
Note: You can shorten symbolic link to link when you are clearly referring to a symbolic link.

system administrator

Definition: A user with root privileges on a UNIX system.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Example: Your system administrator might set your default Menu Panel according to your local requirements.
Note: Avoid using superuser and root.

Tab

Definition: The Tab key on the keyboard.
Usage: Title capitalization.
Tags: Use the keycap tag.
Example: To switch between windows, use the Alt+Tab shortcut keys.

thread

Definition: A set of email messages, composed of an initial message about a subject and all responses to that message.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: When you display your messages by thread, you can view the messages on a particular subject in chronological order.

tile

Definition: To cover an area with objects that do not overlap.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: You can use the Background preference tool to tile the desktop with an image.

toggle key

Definition: A key that can switch between two states.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock keys are toggle keys.

unavailable

Definition: When you cannot interact with a GNOME Desktop interface item, describe the item as unavailable.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The toggle menu items are unavailable when you view a document that contains only one page.
Note: Do not use inactive, dimmed, or grayed out.

UNIX

Definition: A multi-user, multitasking operating system. UNIX is a registered trademark of The Open Group. The Open Group spell UNIX in all uppercase.
Usage: All uppercase letters.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Developers are the primary users of UNIX time.
Note: Do not use Unix, or any other term, unless you have to directly quote the interface.

up arrow

Definition: The up arrow key on the keyboard.
Usage: All lowercase letters.
Tags: Use the keycap tag.
Example: To switch to the workspace above the current workspace, press Ctrl+Alt+up arrow.

websafe color palette

Definition: The websafe color palette is a general-purpose palette of 216 colors. The websafe color palette is designed to optimize the use of color on systems that support 8-bit color.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Applications that do not use the websafe color palette have less colors available.
Note: The websafe color palette is also called the Netscape color palette and the Netscape color cube. In GNOME documentation, use the term websafe color palette only.

website

Definition: A location on the World Wide Web.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Example: You can find the GNOME Documentation Style Guide on the GNOME Documentation Project website.
Note: Spell as one word, do not use web-site, or web site.

World Wide Web

Definition: A system of Internet servers that support HTML documents. You can click on links in HTML documents to view other documents on the World Wide Web.
Usage: Title capitalization.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: You can use Mozilla to browse the World Wide Web.
Note: You can shorten World Wide Web to Web when you are clearly referring to the World Wide Web.

zip, noun

Definition: An archive format created by an application such as PKZIP or WinZip.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: File Roller supports zip files, as well as several other archive formats.
Note 1: Do not use zip as a verb. Use the verb compress instead.
Note 2: Do not use zip as a synonym for archive.

User Actions Units

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