FAQ: Glossary of Basic Computer and Browser Terms

Skill Struck Glossary: Basic Computer & Browser Terms (PC & Mac)

This guide will help you identify and understand essential keyboard keys and browser features on both Windows (PC) and macOS (Mac) systems.

⌨️ Keyboard Keys

Shift Key

• Function: Used to type capital letters and access the upper symbols on keys (e.g., !, @, #).
• Appearance:
  • Labeled: Often displays the word "Shift".
  • Unlabeled: May show an upward arrow symbol (⇧).

Enter/Return Key

• Function: Executes commands or moves the cursor to the next line.
• Appearance:
  • PC: Labeled as "Enter".
  • Mac: Labeled as "Return" or may display a left-pointing arrow (↩).

Backspace/Delete Key

• Function:
  • Backspace: Deletes characters to the left of the cursor.
  • Delete: Deletes characters to the right of the cursor.
• Appearance:
  • PC: "Backspace" and "Delete" keys are separate.
  • Mac: The "Delete" key functions as backspace; forward delete requires a specific key or key combination.

Control (Ctrl) and Command (⌘) Keys

• Function: Used in combination with other keys for shortcuts.
  • PC: "Ctrl" key (e.g., Ctrl + C to copy).
  • Mac: "Command" key (⌘) (e.g., ⌘ + C to copy).

Escape (Esc) Key

• Function: Cancels ongoing tasks or closes pop-up windows.
• Appearance: Typically labeled as "Esc" and located at the top-left corner of the keyboard.

🌐 Browser Features

Address Bar  

• Function: Displays the URL of the current webpage and allows you to enter new web addresses.
• Location: At the top of the browser window.

Tabs

• Function: Allows multiple webpages to be open in a single browser window.
• Location: Below the address bar; each tab represents an open webpage.

Refresh/Reload Button

• Function: Reloads the current webpage to reflect the most recent content.
• Appearance: Typically a circular arrow icon.
• Location: Near the address bar; exact position varies by browser.

Home Button

• Function: Navigates to your designated homepage.
• Appearance: Often depicted as a house icon.
• Location: May be visible near the address bar; can be enabled in browser settings.

Search Bar

• Function: Allows you to search the web directly from the browser.
• Location: Often integrated with the address bar in modern browsers.

Bookmarks

• Function: Saves links to your favorite or frequently visited websites.
• Appearance: Represented by a star icon or listed in a bookmarks menu.
• Location: Accessible via the bookmarks bar or browser menu.

Zoom In/Out

• Function: Adjusts the size of content on the webpage.
• Shortcuts:
  • PC: Ctrl + "+" to zoom in, Ctrl + "-" to zoom out.
  • Mac: ⌘ + "+" to zoom in, ⌘ + "-" to zoom out.

🧭 Popular Browsers