Drop-down Menu

A drop-down menu appears when the user clicks on its title in a menubar, or focuses the title and presses Return.

Submenu

Submenu

A submenu appears when the user clicks its title, which is indicated by a small arrow symbol beside its label.

Popup Menu

Popup menus provide shortcuts to those menu items that are applicable only to the currently selected object. As such, they are sometimes known as "context menus" or "shortcut menus".

Context Menu

aka popup menu

Shortcut Menu

aka popup menu

File

Arquivo

The File menu contains commands that operate on the current document.

New

Creates a new document.

Open...

Opens an existing document in a new window.

Save

Saves the document with its current filename.

Save As...

Saves the document with a new filename.

Save a Copy...

Prompts the user to enter a filename, with which a copy of the document is then saved.

Revert

Reverts the document to the last saved state.

Save Version...

An alternative to the Save a Copy command. Only use this item in conjunction with the Restore Version command.

Restore Version...

Prompts the user for a version of the current document to be restored.

Versions...

An alternative to the Save Version and Restore Version commands.

Page Setup

Allows the user to control print-related settings.

Print Preview

Shows the user what the printed document will look like.

Print...

Prints the current document.

Send To...

Provides the user a means to attach or send the current document as an email or email attachment, depending on its format.

Properties

Opens the document's Properties window.

Close

Closes the current document.

Quit

Closes the application.

Edit

Editar

The Edit menu contains items relating to editing both the document (clipboard handling, search and replace, and inserting special objects) and the user's preferences.

Undo

Undoes the effect of the previous action in the undo history list.

Redo

Performs the next action in the undo history list, after the user has moved backwards through the list with the Undo command.

Cut

Removes the selected content and places it onto the clipboard.

Copy

Copies the selected content onto the clipboard.

Paste

Inserts the contents of the clipboard into the document.

Paste Special...

Inserts a non-default representation of the clipboard contents into the document.

Duplicate

Creates a duplicate copy of the selected object.

Delete

Removes the selected content without placing it on the clipboard.

Select All

Selects all content in the current document.

Deselect All

Deselects all content in the current document.

Find...

Opens a window or dialog allowing the user to search for specific content in the current document.

Find Next

Selects the next instance of the last Find term in the current document.

Find Previous

Selects the previous instance of the last Find term in the current document.

Replace...

Opens a window or dialog allowing the user to search for specific content in the current document, and replace each occurrence with new content.

Preferences

Opens a preferences window allowing the user to change preferences for the whole application.

View

Ver

The View menu contains only items that affect the user's view of the current document.

Toolbar

Shows or hides the application's toolbar.

Icons

Shows the contents of the selected container as rows and columns of large icons, each with its name underneath.

List

Shows the contents of the selected container as a list of small icons, possibly in multiple columns, each with its name on its right-hand side.

Details

Shows the contents of the selected container as single column of small icons, each with its name on its right-hand side.

Sort By...

Sorts the contents of an container by user-specified criteria.

Filter...

Hides objects that are not of interest to the user.

Zoom In

Zooms into the document.

Zoom Out

Zooms out of the document.

Normal Size

Resets the zoom level back to the default value, normally 100%.

Best Fit

Show the document, or the current page of the document, at as high a zoom level as will fit in the window whilst allowing the whole document or page to be visible without scrolling.

Refresh

Redraws the current view of the document from local storage.

Reload

Redraws the current view of the document, checking the data source for changes first.

Insert

Inserir

The Insert menu lists the type of special objects that can be inserted into the document at the current caret position, for example images, links, page breaks or GUI objects.

Page Break

Inserts a page break at the caret position.

Date and Time...

Inserts the current date and/or time at the caret position.

Symbol...

Inserts a special symbol, such as a mathematical symbol or foreign character, at the caret position.

Sheet...

Adds a new sheet to the current workbook.

Rows...

Adds new rows to a table in which one or more rows or cells are currently selected.

Columns...

Adds new columns to a table in which one or more columns or cells are currently selected

Image...

Inserts an image into the document from a file.

Graph...

Inserts a graph into the document.

From File...

Inserts an object from any acceptable file type, for example plain text, formatted text, or an image.

External Link...

Inserts a link to an object stored in a different file, or on a remote system.

Format

Formatar

A Format menu contains commands to change the visual appearance of the document.

Style...

Sets the style attributes of the selected text or objects either individually or to a named, predefined style.

Font...

Sets the font properties of the selected text or objects.

Paragraph...

Sets the properties of the selected paragraph.

Bold

Toggles the boldness of the current text selection on or off.

Italic

Toggles the italicisation of the current text selection on or off.

Underline

Toggles underlining of the current text selection.

Cells...

Sets the properties of the selected table cells.

List...

Sets the properties of the selected list, or turns the selected paragraphs into a list if they are not already formatted as such.

Layer...

Sets the properties of all or selected layers of a multi-layered document.

Page...

Sets the properties of all or selected pages of the document.

Bookmarks

Marcadores

Provide a Bookmarks menu in any application that allows the user to browse files and folders, help documents, web pages or any other large information space.

Add Bookmark

Adds a bookmark for the current document to the default bookmark list.

Edit Bookmarks

Allows the user to edit the application's bookmark list.

Go

Ir

A Go menu provides commands for quickly navigating around a document or collection of documents, or an information space such as a directory structure or the web.

Back

(browser application) Navigates to the previous document in the browser's history list.

Forward

(browser application) Navigates to the next document in the browser's history list.

Up

(browser application) Navigates to the current document's (or folder's) parent document (or folder).

Home

(browser application) Navigates to a starting page defined by the user or the application.

Location...

(browser application) Navigates to a user-specified URI.

Previous Page

(document-based application) Navigates to the previous page in the document.

Next Page

(document-based application) Navigates to the next page in the document.

Go to Page...

(document-based application) Navigates to a user-specified page number.

First Page

(document-based application) Navigates to the first page in the document.

Last Page

(document-based application) Navigates to the last page in the document.

Windows

Janelas

The Windows menu contains commands that apply to all of the application's open windows. You may also label this menu Documents, Buffers, or similar according to the type of document handled by your application.

Save All

Saves all open documents.

Close All

Closes all open documents.

Help

Ajuda

The Help menu provides access to all online documentation for your application.

Contents

Opens the default help browser on the contents page for the application.

About

Opens the About dialog for the application.

Control

Controle

Widget

aka control

Text Entry Field

Text entry fields are used for entering one or more lines of plain text.

Spin Box

A spin box is a text box that accepts a range of values.

Slider

A slider allows the user to quickly select a value from a fixed, ordered range, or to increase or decrease the current value.

Button

A button initiates an action when the user clicks it.

Check Box

Check boxes are used to show or change a setting.

Radio Button

Radio buttons are used in groups to select from a mutually exclusive

Toggle Button

Toggle buttons look similar to regular Buttons, but are used to show or change a state rather than initiate an action.

Drop-down List

Drop-down lists are used to select from a mutually exclusive set of options.

Drop-down Combination Box

Drop-down combination boxes combine a text entry field and a dropdown list of pre-defined values.

Scrollbar

The scrollbar alters which part of the object is currently visible inside the viewer control

List

A list control allows the user to inspect, manipulate or select from a list of items.

Sortable List

Users often prefer to sort long lists, either alphabetically or numerically, to make it easier to find items.

Tree

A tree control allows the user to inspect, manipulate or select from a hierarchichal list of items.

Tabbed Notebook

A tabbed notebook control is a convenient way of presenting related information in the same window, without having to display it all at the same time.It is analagous to the divider tabs in a ring binder or a file cabinet.

Progress Bar

Progress bars are visual indicators of the progress of a task being carried out by the application, and provide important feedback.

Statusbar

A statusbar is an area at the bottom of a window that can be used to display brief information about the status of the application.

Frame

A frame is a box with a title that you can draw around controls to organise them into functional groups.

Hue

Brightness

Brilho

Contrast

Selection Button

Botão de seleção

For right-handed users, the left button on a conventional mouse

Menu Button

for right-handed users, the right button

Transfer Button

between the left and right buttons

Copy selection

Move selection

Create link

Drag and Drop

Drag and drop is a direct manipulation technique, where you perform actions on selected objects by moving them around the screen with the mouse. You "drag" an object by clicking it, then holding the button while you move the pointer to the object's target location. The object is "dropped" at that location by releasing the mouse button.

Access Key

Give all labelled components an access key (underlined letter), with the exception of toolbar controls which would use up too many access key combinations.

Shortcut Key

Switch primary windows

Switch focus to the next or previous top level window on the desktop

Switch panels

Switch focus to the next or previous panel on the desktop

Log out

Open the session logout confirmation dialog

Window menu

Open the window menu

Close

Fechar

Close the focused window

Restore

Restore the focused to its previous size

Switch secondary windows

Switch focus to the next or previous secondary window associated with the application

Move

Move the focused window

Resize

Resize the focused window

Minimize

Minimze the focused window

Maximize

Maximize the focused window

Full Screen

Show the window in full screen mode, with no border, menubar, toolbar or statusbar

applet

A small application that resides on a panel. Applets usually have a simple user interface.

applet popup menu

The popup menu that opens when you right-click on the handle of an applet, or on any blank area in an applet. Applet popup menus typically contain the following items: Preferences, Help, Remove From Panel, Move

assistant

An interactive tool that helps you to perform a complex task. An assistant guides you through the steps required to perform the task. For example, the Evolution Setup Assistant guides you through the initial configuration process for the Evolution email client.

autocomplete

To automatically complete a path or command name as you type. The Location field in a Nautilus window includes an autocomplete function.

autogravity

A feature that enables your windows to expand automatically in the most suitable direction for display on your screen. Autogravity prevents your windows from expanding off your screen. Autogravity affects window display when a window expands as a result of a system action. For example, if you click on a tabbed section in a dialog, and the new tabbed section requires more space, then autogravity can control how the window expands.

autohide

To automatically hide a user interface item when the item is not in use.

autoindent

To automatically indent text to the same tab stop position as the previous line in a file.

backtrace

A text representation that details the current hierarchy of functions being called by an application. If an application crashes, you can use the backtrace to identify what code was being executed when the application crashed.

border

The border around a window. The titlebar and the border of a window are the components of the window frame.

button

A user interface element that you use to start an action. There are many types of button in the GNOME Desktop. For more information about the types of button and the rules for their usage, see the section called "Buttons in the GNOME Desktop". Some buttons do not have labels, so you do not have a convenient reference term. Although a button does not have a name, there might be a tooltip for the button. If the text in the tooltip is appropriate, use that text as the button name.

check box

A dialog element that you use to select or deselect an option. Verb: Select, deselect, or choose, depending on the function that the check box fulfills. Noun: Option.

color selector dialog

A dialog that you use to select a color. When you click on a color selector button the color selector dialog is displayed.

color wheel

The circular control on a color selector dialog that enables you to choose a color.

column heading

A heading for a table column in a dialog or window. Some column headings exhibit button-like behavior. For example, to sort the data in the Evolution Inbox, click on the heading of the column by which you want to sort the data.

combo box

Do not use this term. Use the term drop-down combination box.

compose keyboard

A compose keyboard is an onscreen keyboard that contains alphanumeric keys. You can use a compose keyboard to compose text by activating the keys on the keyboard.

control

An instrument that you use to operate or guide the user interface. For example, radio buttons, sliders, check boxes, and so on are controls.

criterion

A condition that is applied to an advanced search, a filter, or a virtual folder in Evolution Inbox. Advanced searches, filters, and virtual folders test for criteria that you specify. For example, you can create an advanced search to find messages from a particular address that contain particular text. To do this, you create an advanced search with two criteria. One criterion specifies the address of the sender, the other criterion specifies the text.

current viewport

The viewport that is displayed on the GNOME Desktop.

current workspace

The workspace that is displayed on the GNOME Desktop.

desktop

The part of the GNOME Desktop where there are no interface graphical items, such as panels and windows.

desktop background

The image or color that is applied to the desktop.

desktop environment

The totality of the following: All windows, panels, and workspaces. All libraries, applications, protocols, and so on that the GNOME Desktop uses.

Desktop menu

A menu that you can use to arrange items on your desktop.

desktop object

An icon on your desktop that you can use to open your files, folders, and applications.

desktop entry file

A data file that provides information about an item in a menu, a panel launcher, or a desktop object. Desktop entry files have a .desktop file extension.

dialog

A popup window in which the user enters information or commands.

dialog element

A component part of a dialog. Examples of dialog elements are: check boxes, command buttons, tabs, and tabbed sections. You can shorten dialog element to element when you are clearly referring to a dialog element.

dialog pane

An area in an application window that resembles a dialog, and where you enter data.

directory entry file

A data file that provides information about a menu. Directory entry files have a .directory file extension.

drawer

A collapsible extension of a panel.

drop-down combination box

A text box with a drop-down list attached. You can either type a value, or choose a value from the list.

drop-down list

A dialog element that you use to select one of several items. A drop-down list has a drop-down button that you use to display the available items.

drop-down section

A dialog element that you use to display additional dialog elements. You click on the associated text to display the additional items.

emblem

A small icon that you can add to an item in a Nautilus window.

field

A dialog element into which you must enter data according to a particular syntax or structure. This includes the following: Elements where you must enter a command, or command line-type information in the element. Elements where the data is part of a database. Verb: Enter.

filename

The name of a file as stored in a directory on a disk. The term filename can also represent a real filename. For example, when you give an example of a filename in a command.

flag

In an email client application, a feature that you can add to a message to specify an action for the message, and a due date and due time for the action. In Evolution, flags are displayed at the top of messages.

flip

To switch to another workspace or viewport on screen by moving a window or the mouse pointer to the edge of the screen.

focus

The state in which an interface component can receive both keyboard input and mouse input. Give focus. Receive focus. Have focus.

folderbar

The bar at the top of a File Roller window that enables you to navigate through folders within an archive.

font selector dialog

A dialog that you use to select a font. When you click on a font selector button, the font selector dialog is displayed.

GConf

The user preference management system for the GNOME Desktop.

GConf configuration source

A storage location in the GConf repository.

GConf path file

The file that lists the configuration sources for GConf to search, and the order in which to search the configuration sources.

GConf preference key

An element in the GConf repository that corresponds to a preference.

GConf repository

A collection of key-value pairs, in a hierarchical file system structure, that represent user preferences.

GConf schema

A collective term for a GConf schema key and a GConf schema object.

GConf schema definition file

A file that lists the keys in a particular application and defines the characteristics of the keys. Typically, schema definition files have a .schemas filename extension.

GConf schema key

A key that stores a schema object for a preference key.

GConf schema object

An element in a configuration source that contains information about a preference key. The schema object contains information such as a suggested value for the preference key, and documentation on the preference key.

GNOME

GNU Network Object Model Environment.

GNOME Desktop

The totality of all windows, panels, and workspaces.

group box

A box, in a dialog, that groups a set of related dialog elements.

handle

A vertical bar that you use to move an object. For example, in gedit the menubar and toolbar have a handle on the left side. You can use this handle to move the menubar and toolbar to a different location in the GNOME Desktop.

icon selector dialog

A dialog that you use to select an icon. When you click on an icon selector button the icon selector dialog is displayed.

keymap

A group of shortcuts. A keymap can contain shortcuts that are active throughout the GNOME Desktop, or shortcuts that are only active for a particular interface item.

launcher

An item that starts an application or executes a command when you click on the item.

layer

The GNOME Desktop is structured as a sequence of layers. Each user interface item, such as a window or a panel, is a member of a layer. Each layer has a layer number. A layer number is an integer that represents the position of a layer in the stacking order. Items with a higher layer number always appear above items with a lower layer number. For example, a panel in layer four always appears above a window in layer zero.

list box

A dialog element that you use to select one of several items. A list box has no drop-down feature.

location bar

A bar that contains elements whose primary function is to enable you to change your location. For example, the location bar on a Nautilus window contains a Location field, zoom buttons, and a View as drop-down list.

Main Menu

A fixed menu that you can open from various places in the GNOME Desktop, including shortcut keys and the Main Menu button.

Main Menu button

A button that opens the Main Menu. The default appearance of the Main Menu button in panels and menus is a stylized footprint icon.

maximize

To enlarge a window to fill the GNOME Desktop to the maximum area allowed, constrained by other GNOME Desktop elements such as panels. You can maximize windows vertically, horizontally, or both.

menubar

The bar at the top of a window that contains the menus for an application.

menu item

An item that you can choose from a menu.

menu item popup menu

A popup menu that opens when you right-click on a launcher in a menu.

Menu Panel

The panel that stretches the full width of the top edge of the GNOME Desktop. The Menu Panel includes textual rather than graphical menus.

MIME information file

A MIME information file is a text file that associates MIME types with filename extensions and filename patterns. MIME information files have a .mime file extension.

MIME keys file

A MIME keys file provides information about a MIME type that is used in the user interface. For example, the MIME keys file specifies an icon to represent files of that MIME type. MIME keys files have a .keys file extension.

MIME type registry

The MIME type registry is a location that contains text files that register MIME types for the GNOME Desktop.

minimize

To remove a window from the display without closing the window.

native viewport

The viewport where a minimized window was displayed before it was minimized.

native workspace

The workspace where a minimized window was displayed before it was minimized.

option

A function or parameter that you can select in a dialog. An option can be either on or off. An option is usually represented by a check box.

panel

An area on the GNOME Desktop from which you can run applications and applets.

panel object

An object that resides on a panel.

panel object popup menu

The menu that appears when you right-click on a panel object.

panel popup menu

The menu that appears when you right-click on a vacant space on a panel.

pattern mask

A pattern mask is a series of hexadecimal characters in a file content sniffer. The pattern mask identifies bits in the pattern to ignore when searching for a pattern in a file.

persistent window group

A window group that remains in your list of window groups even after you end and restart a session.

popup menu

A menu that opens when you right-click or middle-click on an object. A popup menu usually provides commands that are relevant to the object that you click on.

preference tool

A utility that you can use to specify your GNOME Desktop preferences. For example, you can use the Background preference tool to specify a color for the desktop background. Also, you can use the Mouse preference tool to change your mouse buttons from right-handed to left-handed.

radio button

A dialog element that you use to select one of several mutually exclusive options.

raise

To bring a window to the top of the stacking order within a layer.

Remote Desktop

A feature that enables you to access the Desktop of another user from your system.

restore

To restore a minimized or maximized window to the dimensions that the window had before you minimized or maximized the window.

roll down

To restore a rolled-up window to the original dimensions of the window.

roll up

To reduce a window so that the body of the window moves into the titlebar. When you roll up a window, only the titlebar of the window is visible.

Root menu

A menu that you can use to navigate between windows and workspaces.

scrollbar

A scrollbar is a navigation bar that enables you to move through the contents of a window or list box. A scrollbar appears at the side or bottom of a window or list box. A scrollbar contains an arrow at both ends. You click on the arrows to move through a window or list box. A scrollbar also contains a box that you drag to move through a window or list box.

searchbar

The bar near the top of an Evolution window that you can use to search your messages and other items.

session

The current GNOME Desktop session that you are using. Use the following terms in relation to session: Log in to a session. Do not use log on to a session. Log outof a session. Do not use log off from a session.

setting

A value for an adjustable characteristic of a user interface component. Interactive components such as applications and applets, and objects such as files and folders, have associated controls that you can use to modify adjustable characteristics for the component. For example, the Workspace Switcher Preferences dialog contains a Number of workspaces spin box that you can use to specify the number of workspaces on the GNOME Desktop. A setting is the value to which you set the control. For example, the setting of the Number of workspaces spin box might be 4.

shade

To reduce a window so that only the titlebar is visible.

shutdown

The process of shutting down all processes running on a computer.

shut down

To stop all processes running on a computer.

side pane

The pane on the left side of a Nautilus window. The side pane displays information about the current file or folder. The side pane also enables you to navigate through your files.

slider

A control that you use to set a value in a continuous range of values.

spin box

A dialog element that allows you to either type a numeric value, or scroll through all possible values for the item. A spin box is similar to a text box with up and down arrows.

stacking order

The order in which windows are stacked on top of one another on your screen. The position of a window in the stacking order depends on: The layer of which the window is a member. The position of the window in the order of windows within the layer.

staggered

Use this term to describe the display of a new window or dialog slightly lower and to the right of the previous window or dialog.

statusbar

The bar at the bottom of a window that provides information about the current state of what you are viewing in the window. The statusbar also provides any other contextual information.

stick

If a window is set to stick, then the window appears in all workspaces that you view. You can use the Window Menu to switch the stick setting on and off.

submenu

A menu that resides in another menu.

tab

The part of a tabbed section that you click on to view the tabbed section.

tabbed pane

A functional area in the Nautilus side pane. To open a tabbed pane, click on a tab in the side pane.

tabbed section

A tabbed section is one of multiple logical sections that appear on a dialog. To activate a tabbed section, click on the tab on the tabbed section.

table

An element in a dialog or window that includes rows, columns, and column headings.

terminal

A window with a command line.

text box

A dialog element where you type text.

theme

A group of coordinated settings that specify how a part of your interface appears. For example, you can select a default theme for dialog elements.

titlebar

A bar that appears at the top edge of a window. Typically a titlebar contains the title of the window.

toolbar

A bar that appears below the menubar and contains buttons for the most commonly-used commands.

tree

A tree is a user interface control that contains sections that you can expand and collapse. A tree usually represents a hierarchical structure. The sections of the tree that you can expand and collapse are indicated by, for example, + and - signs.

uniconify

Do not use this term. Use the term restore.

unmaximize

Do not use this term. Use the term restore.

unshade

To restore a shaded window to the unshaded dimensions of the window.

username

A combination of letters and numbers that identifies a user to the system.

vfolder

A virtual representation of items that reside in a physical location or physical locations on your system. For example, a vfolder might represent the contents of several directories. In terms of menus, a vfolder is a representation, in a menu, of items that might be physically located in several directories.

viewport

A subdivision of a workspace.

view pane

The pane on the right side of a Nautilus window. Nautilus displays your files and folders in the view pane. When you access a web page, Nautilus displays the page in the view pane.

virtual desktop

Do not use this term. Use the term workspace.

virtual folder

A representation, as a folder, of messages that might reside in more than one folder. Virtual folders enable you to view messages that are located in several folders, as if the messages are in one folder.

wallpaper

Do not use this term. Use the term desktop background.

widget

Do not use this term in user documentation. Use the term control.

window

A rectangular frame that displays a particular application.

window group

A group of windows in the Window List applet.

window list

A list of the windows that are open on your screen.

window list icon

The icon at the extreme right of the Menu Panel, which you click on to display a list of your open windows.

Window Menu

A menu of actions that you can perform on a window. For example, the Metacity Window Menu includes the following menu items: Close, Minimize, Maximize, Shade.

window name

The name of a window, which is displayed in the titlebar.

workspace

A discrete area in which you can work. You can have many workspaces in the GNOME Desktop, and you can switch from one workspace to another. Each workspace can contain different windows or processes. You can only work in one workspace at any time.

workspace list

A list of the workspaces that are in your session. Workspace Switcher displays your workspace list.

arrow button

A button that you click on to display more information. Arrow buttons appear in the following locations: Drop-down combination boxes; Drop down lists; List boxes; Scrollbars, at both ends; Spin boxes.

color selector button

A button that you use to choose a color. When you click on a color selector button the color selector dialog is displayed.

command button

A button that you use to start an action. Command buttons are always rectangular in shape. Command buttons always have a text label, but the label can also include a graphic. You usually do not need to use a noun to refer to a command button. For example, click OK. If you must use a noun, use "button". Verb: "Click" when the button represents a frequently-used command such as OK. "Click on" when the button represents a GNOME-specific or little-known command.

font selector button

A button that you use to choose a font. When you click on a font selector button the font selector dialog is displayed.

hide button

A button that enables you to hide a panel or drawer. You can also use hide buttons to show hidden panels. Hide buttons appear at either end of panels and at one end of open drawers. Click on.

icon selector button

A button that you use to choose an icon. When you click on an icon selector button, the icon selector dialog is displayed.

Normal Size button

A button that enables you to change the size of items in a view pane to the normal size. The Normal Size button displays "100%", and appears in the location bar on a Nautilus window.

toggle button

A button that you use to switch between two states. Verb: Select. Noun: Option. Example: To show grid lines, select the Visible option.

toolbar button

A button in an application toolbar. Toolbar buttons are usually shortcuts to functionality that is available in the menus of the application. Example 1: Click on the Reload button. Example 2: Click Save on the toolbar.

window frame button

One of the following buttons that reside in a window frame: Window Menu button; Minimize button; Maximize button; Close Window button. Click on.

window list button

A button that represents a window in the Window List applet.

Zoom In button

A button that enables you to increase the size of items in a view pane. The Zoom In button displays a plus sign, and appears in the location bar on a Nautilus window.

Click on.

Click on.

Zoom Out button

A button that enables you to reduce the size of items in a view pane. The Zoom Out button displays a minus sign, and appears in the location bar on a Nautilus window. Click on.

activate

Use this verb to describe the action of clicking on a user interface control, such as a button, when it is not appropriate to use the verb click. For example, use this verb if you are writing instructions for users who are unable to use a mouse.

choose

To pick a course of action or assign a course of action.

click on

Press and release the left mouse button on an item once. Use this verb when you refer to most interactive elements in the GNOME Desktop, such as: GNOME-specific buttons; Buttons that represent commands that are not frequently used; All interactive elements other than buttons, such as column headings.

click

Use this verb when you refer to frequently-used command buttons, for example: OK, Cancel, Save, Revert, Try, Apply, Close, Help, Yes, No, Find, Replace, Browse.

click-and-hold

Press and hold the left mouse button on an item.

close

To remove a window, dialog, or user interface component from the GNOME Desktop. Use in conjunction with "display" and "open".

collapse

To close an open item in a tree structure. The Tree tabbed pane in the Nautilus file manager is a tree structure. To collapse a folder in the Tree tabbed pane, click on the arrow next to the folder.

configure

To set up an application. To configure is typically a larger-scale activity, and usually occurs at installation time.

customize

To modify the behavior of an application to suit individual requirements.

delete

To remove an item permanently. Do not use "remove" to describe the deletion of an item that you cannot add back to the GNOME Desktop.

deselect

To switch off a behavioral characteristic in a dialog.

display

Use this verb when an item is not already open somewhere in the GNOME Desktop. The item needs to be opened, added, or launched.

double-click on

To press and release the left mouse button on an item twice, in rapid succession.

drag

To click a mouse button on an object, hold the mouse button, and move the mouse to move the object.

duplicate

To create an exact copy of an object. The new object is created in the same location as the original object.

enter

1. To input data into a text box or field by using a combination of typing from the keyboard, and then either pressing a key or clicking on a button. 2. Type data in a text box, or field. Click on a button and select a value from a predefined list of values.

execute

Instruct your computer to perform a command.

exit

To stop an application from running. Exit implies normal cessation of application activity.

expand

To open a closed item in a tree structure. The Tree tabbed pane in the Nautilus file manager is a tree structure. To expand a folder in the Tree tabbed pane, click on the arrow next to the folder.

grab

To point to the edge of a window frame, or corner of a window, and click to take hold of the window. After a grab action you usually drag the object.

left-click on

To press and release the left mouse button on an item once. Use this term when you want to avoid ambiguity when describing an action that also involves a middle-click or a right-click.

log in

To supply a username and password to gain access to a session.

log out

To terminate a session.

middle-click on

To press and release the middle mouse button on an item once.

middle-click and hold

To press and hold the middle mouse button on an item.

modify

To change specific parameters in an application. Use this verb to refer to making specific changes to the preferences or properties of an item.

open

To open any user interface component.

point to

To position the pointer over a particular object or location without clicking.

press

Use this verb to describe keyboard input.

press-and-hold

To press one or more keys and hold down the keys. Typically, you press-and-hold keys while you press another key.

quit

To abruptly stop an application, without necessarily completing current tasks. Quit implies a sudden or unexpected cessation of activity.

remove

To remove an item or functionality that you can add back to the GNOME Desktop. When you remove an item the item is not visible to the user. When you remove functionality, the functionality is not active in the GNOME Desktop.

right-click on

To press and release the right mouse button on an item once.

run

To change the status of an application, program, or script from continuously inactive to continuously active.

select

1. To identify an object as the object on which an action is to be performed. For example, the object can be text, one or more desktop launchers, a folder in the Nautilus Tree tabbed pane, and so on. When you select objects, they usually appear highlighted. 2. To pick an item that assigns a behavioral characteristic, value, or parameter from a predefined value or a predefined set of values.

selected/unselected

Use these terms to describe the on or off state of a binary choice in a dialog.

show

Use this verb when an item is already open somewhere in the GNOME Desktop, but hidden.

specify

Use the verb "specify" to describe more complex methods of inputting information. Use "specify" when referring to a dialog element such as a drop-down combination box, spin box, slider, text box. Do not use "specify" with simpler dialog elements such as check boxes and radio buttons. Use "select" instead.

start

To open an application.

terminate

To stop a system process permanently.

triple-click on

Press and release the left mouse button on an item three times in rapid succession.

type

To type text from the keyboard.

3D

Abbreviation for three-dimensional. Do not use "3-D", "3d", or any other term.

accelerator key

Do not use this term. Use the term _shortcut key_.

access keys

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, youmust press the *Alt* key in combination with the access key to perform the action. Do not use "mnemonic" as a synonym for "access key".

Alt

The *Alt* key on the keyboard.

a.m./p.m.

Use these abbreviations to refer to before and after noon. Do not use "AM/PM", "am/pm", or "A.M./P.M".

antialias

"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.

application

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.

archive

A file containing one or more files in compressed format for more efficient storage and transfer.

arrange

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. Do not use "sort" as a synonym for arrange.

ask

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. See also _prompt_.

Back Space

The *Back Space* key on the keyboard.

backup

A copy of a resource made as a precaution in case of loss of the original resource.

back up

To copy files to another location as a precaution in case of loss of the original files.

bar

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.

blank

When no information is present in a field, refer to the field as blank. Do not use _empty_ when you refer to a field.

blind-copy

To copy a message to an address, so that that address does not appear in the delivered message.

bounce keys

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.

Caps Lock

The *Caps Lock* key on the keyboard.

command

An order from a user to the operating system to perform a service such as start an application or list the file s in a directory. A command can have options, parameters, and arguments.

compress

1. To transform data to minimize the space required for storage or transmission. 2. A command used to performthis transformation. The noun that corresponds to the verb "compress" is _archive_. Do not use _zip_ as a verb.

Ctrl

Use "Ctrl" to refer to the *Control key* on the keyboard.

cursor

A cursor is a symbol that indicates the position at which you can enter or delete text. The cursor is usually ablinking vertical bar.

depressed

Do not use this term. Use the term _pressed in_.

directory

A special type of file that enables you to organize other files into a hierarchical structure. Only use the t erm "directory" when you make specific references to the structure of the file system.

down arrow

The *down arrow* key on the keyboard.

email

Electronic mail message, or an electronic mail messaging application.

emoticon

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.

empty

When no information is present in a text box, refer to the text box as empty. Do not use _blank_ when referring t o a text box.

Enter

The *Enter* key on the numeric keypad. 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 onlyrefer to the *Enter* key when the user must press *Enter*, or when the user is likely to use the numeric keypad.

Esc

Use as an abbreviation for the *Escape* key on the keyboard.

file system

A hierarchically structured network of files and directories that you can access.

folder

A representation of a directory in a graphical application. Use the term "folder" when you document applications that use folder icons to represent directories.

FTP site

A location on the Internet from which you can download files using the File Transfer Protocol (FTP).

full screen

A mode that resizes the item that is displayed on the screen, so that the item is the same size as the scre en.

Help

An online manual or other item of documentation that a user can access to find out more about how to use the GNOME Desktop.

hot key

A key or combination of keys that starts an application when pressed. Do not use any other term for "hot key".

icon

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. See also _image_.

image

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. See also _icon_.

inode

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. Spell without a hyphen, do not use "i-node".

Internet

The global association of networks and computers that share information.

key binding

Do not use this term. Use the term _keyboard shortcut_.

keyboard shortcuts

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 themouse. _Hot keys_, to use the keyboard rather than the command line. _Shortcut keys_, to use the keyboard rather than the user interface. Do not use "key binding" as a synonym for keyboard shortcut.

keypress

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. Do not use _keyst roke_ as a synonym for "keypress".

keystroke

The action of pressing and releasing a key. Do not use _keypress_ as a synonym for "keystroke".

left arrow

The *left arrow* key on the keyboard.

left mouse button

The mouse button on the left side of a mouse configured for right-hand use. Do not use "mouse button 1" or any other term.

left side

Use this term to refer to the left side of an item. Do not use "left-hand side".

login

The process of gaining access to a session. See also _log in_.

logout

The process of terminating a session. Se also _log out_.

look-and-feel

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. This term is a single noun, do not use "look and feel".

man page

A page of online documentation in UNIX systems. Spell as two words, do not use "manpage".

Meta

The *meta* key on your keyboard. You can use the *meta* key as a modifier key.

meta key

A key that you can use as a modifier key. The default modifier key is the *meta* key.

middle mouse button

The mouse button between the left mouse button and the right mouse button.

MIME

Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension.

MIME type

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.

mnemonic

Do not use this term. Use the term _access keys_.

Modifier

The key on your keyboard that you have defined as the Sawfish modifier key. You can define a modifier key forthe Sawfish window manager in the Sawfish preference tool.

modifier key

A key that only performs an action when combined with another key. *Alt*, *Ctrl*, and *Shift* are modifier keys.

mouse keys

A keyboard accessibility feature. Use the mouse keys features to configure the numeric keypad on your keyboard to emulate mouse actions.

onscreen

(adjective) As shown on a display screen. Do not hyphenate this term, do not use "on-screen".

pane

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 w indow. A pane contains discrete objects, that is, the contents of a pane do not form a unified whole. Typically, a pane displ ays the work that a user is doing, or routes to that work. A pane is usually surrounded by a frame. See also _bar_.

permission

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.

plugin

A supplementary application that you can add to an application to enhance the functionality of the application.Do not use "plug-in".

pointer

A small arrow or other symbol on your screen that you move with a mouse or other pointing device. Do not use th e term _cursor_ as a synonym for "pointer". If there is any ambiguity about what the term "pointer" refers to, use the term "mouse pointer".

preference

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. See also _property_.

pressed in

Use this term to describe the indented appearance of a button. Do not use "depressed" to describe an indente d button. Do not use "depress" as a verb to describe pressing a key or mouse button.

Print Screen

The *Print Screen* key on the keyboard.

privileges

A set of special permissions granted to a user to perform various operations on a system.

program

Avoid using this term in end-user documentation. See _application_ and _command_.

prompt

Use this verb for a request from the system to the user to perform a specific action to continue. Do not use _as k_ as a synonym for "prompt".

property

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. See also _preference_.

repeat keys

A keyboard accessibility feature. Use the repeat keys feature to specify the autorepeat settings for your k eyboard.

reply-to address

An address to which all responses to a message are addressed automatically. Your reply-to address canbe the same as your normal email address. Spell with a hyphen, do not use "reply to address".

Return

The carriage return key on the alphanumeric part of the keyboard. In a text editor this key moves the cursor tothe start of the next line. You can also use the *Return* key to initiate an action on the dialog element that has focus. 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

The *right arrow* key on the keyboard.

right mouse button

The mouse button on the right side of a mouse configured for right-hand use. Do not use "mouse button 3" or any other term.

right side

Use this term to refer to the right side of an item. 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

The top-level directory of the root file system. The root directory includes all other directories. Theroot directory has no name, and is represented on UNIX systems by the following special character: /. See also _root file sys tem_.

root file system

The main file system on your computer. The root file system is organized as a hierarchy or tree. See also _root diretory_.

root folder

The top-level folder in an archive manager application or file manager application. See also _archive_.

root password

The password for the root user.

root privileges

A set of permissions that enables you to perform system administration tasks that can normally only beperformed by the _root user_.

root user

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*. See also _root directory_,_root password_, _root privileges_.

runlevel

A software configuration under which a selected group of processes exists. Do not use the two-word form "run level", or the hyphenated form "run-level".

screen

The area on a computer monitor, or any other computer device, where text and graphical information is displayed. See also _full screen_.

screensaver

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. If "screensaver" might be confusing in a particular context, use the more specific term "screensaver application". Do not use "screensaver display" as a synonym for "screensaver".

screensaver display

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 appl ication starts. Do not use "screensaver" as a synonym for "screensaver display".

screenshot

A file that is an image of an area of the GNOME Desktop, or an image of the entire GNOME Desktop. Do not use "screen shot", "screen-shot", "screen capture", "screen grab", or any other term.

Shift

The *Shift* key on the keyboard.

shortcut

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. Do not use the following terms as synonyms for shortcut: "keyboard accelerator"; _keyboard shortcut_. Only use this term in relation to the Sawfish window manager and preference tool.

shortcut command

Use to refer to a faster way to run a command. Do not use "short-cut".

shortcut keys

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. Do not use the term _accelerator key_ for _shortcut key_.

slow keys

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. You can specify four slow keys settings.

sort

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. Do not use _arrange_ as a synonym for sort.

spacebar

The *spacebar* key on the keyboard. Do not use "space" or "space bar".

spam

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.

spellchecker

A tool that you can use to check the spelling of a document. Do not use "spellcheck" as a verb, use "check spelling" instead.

sticky keys

A keyboard accessibility feature. Use the sticky keys feature to perform multiple simultaneous keypress ope rations by pressing the keys in sequence.

strikout

Do not use this term. Use the therm _strikethrough_.

strikethrough

A text formatting characteristic where the text appears with a horizontal line through the text. Do not use the term "strikeout" as a synonym for "strikethrough".

superuser

Do not use this term. Use _root user_ instead.

symbolic link

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. You can shorten "symbolic link" to "link" when you are clearly referring to a symbolic link.

system administrator

A user with root privileges on a UNIX system. Avoid using "superuser" and "root".

Tab

The *Tab* key on the keyboard.

thread

A set of email messages, composed of an initial message about a subject and all responses to that message.

tile

To cover an area with objects that do not overlap.

toggle key

A key that can switch between two states.

unavailable

When you cannot interact with a GNOME Desktop interface item, describe the item as unavailable. Do not use "inactive", "dimmed", or "grayed out".

UNIX

A multi-user, multitasking operating system. UNIX is a registered trademark of The Open Group. The Open Group spell UNIX in all uppercase.

up arrow

The *up arrow* key on the keyboard.

websafe color palette

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. 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

A location on the World Wide Web. Spell as one word, do not use "web-site", or "web site".

World Wide Web

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.

zip

An archive format created by an application such as PKZIP or WinZip. Do not use "zip" as a verb. Use the verb _compress_ instead. Do not use "zip" as a synonym for _archive_.