access: To get information from something—like a disk or an information service.

accounting software: A type of application that lets you keep track of accounts payable, accounts receivable, inventory, and so on.

acoustic-coupler modem: A type of modem with a cradle that uses a standard telephone handset for transmission. See also direct-connect modem.

activate: To make a nonactive window active by clicking anywhere inside it.

active window: The frontmost window on the screen; the window where the next action will take place. The active window's title bar is highlighted.

adventure game: A type of game that places you in a fantastical situation and challenges you to reason your way out of simulated trouble into simulated wealth or happiness.

American Simplified Keyboard: See Dvorak keyboard.

analog signal: A signal that varies continuously over time rather than being sent and received in discrete intervals. Compare digital signal.

AppleCare^®: Apple's fixed-cost, extended carry-in service plan.

Apple Desktop Bus: A port for connecting the keyboard, the Apple Desktop Bus mouse, and other Apple Desktop Bus devices to the Apple IIGS. It's called a "bus" because several devices can "ride" the same cable.

Apple I: The prototype for the Apple II family of computers; designed by Apple Computer cofounder Steve Wozniak.

Apple II: A family of computers, including the Apple IIGS, IIe, IIc, and II Plus.

Apple IIGS Hardware Reference: A manual that contains detailed descriptions of all the hardware that makes up the Apple IIGS. It's designed for programmers and peripheral-card designers, but not for newcomers to computers.

Applesoft BASIC: The Apple II "dialect" of the BASIC programming language; it's built into your Apple IIGS. See also BASIC.

application: Software designed for a particular purpose, such as home finance, education, or word processing.

arrow keys: The keys in the lower-tight comer of the Apple IIGS keyboard that you can press (in most applications) to move the cursor (insertion point) in the direction indicated.

art application: An application for drawing.

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