# Recommended Terminology

This appendix contains a glossary of terms for use in GNOME documentation. The terms are listed in the following categories:

## Introduction

The glossary provides the following information for each term, where relevant:

Definition

  A definition of the term in the context of the GNOME Desktop. If the term applies only to a specific type of documentation, the type of documentation is noted after the definition, in brackets. For example, [System administration documentation].

Usage

  Grammatical and syntax guidelines for authors about how to use the term.

Tags

  Guidelines for tag usage.

Example

  One or more examples to illustrate how to use the term.

Note

  Additional information such as exceptions, synonyms, and so on.

In general, terms that are listed in the American Heritage Dictionary do not appear in this glossary. However, if the definition in the American Heritage Dictionary is not clear enough, or if there is a specific variation of a term is used in the GNOME Desktop, the term appears in this glossary.

To suggest a term for inclusion in this glossary, send your request to docs@gnome.org.

## GNOME Desktop Terms

This section contains terms that you use when you describe the user interface of the GNOME Desktop, with the exception of buttons.

applet

  Definition: | A small application that resides on a panel. Applets usually have a simple user interface.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules. Use the application tag for the names of applets.
  Example: | Each applet has a simple user interface that you can operate with the mouse or keyboard.
  Note: | If you think that the term applet might be confusing in a particular context, use the more specific term panel applet.

applet popup menu

  Definition:

  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

  The applet popup menu can also contain applet-specific items.

  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Right-click on the Command Line applet to open the applet popup menu.

application registry [System administration documentation]

  Definition: | The application registry is a location that contains text files that register applications.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | The application registry for the GNOME Desktop is located in the `/usr/share/gnome/application-registry` directory.

assistant

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules. Use title capitalization for assistant names.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules. Use the application tag for the name of an assistant.
  Example 1: | You can use an assistant to configure an LDAP server.
  Example 2: | Click on the Forward button on the Evolution Setup Assistant.

  Note:

  Do not use the following terms as synonyms for assistant:

  - Druid

  - Wizard

auto, prefix

  Definition: | A prefix that describes an action where the system does something for you to save you effort.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Autohide, autocomplete.
  Note: | Do not hyphenate this prefix, or use the prefix as a separate word. For example do not use auto-complete, auto hide, and so on.

autocomplete

  Definition: | To automatically complete a path or command name as you type. The Location field in a Nautilus window includes an autocomplete function.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | The Command Line applet contains a history-based autocompletion function.
  Note: | Do not hyphenate this term, do not use auto-complete.

autogravity

  Definition:

  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.

  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Autogravity does not affect window display when you maximize a window.
  Note: | Do not hyphenate this term, do not use auto-gravity.

autohide

  Definition: | To automatically hide a user interface item when the item is not in use.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | To set your panel to autohide, modify the properties of the panel.
  Note: | Do not hyphenate this term, do not use auto-hide.

autoindent

  Definition: | To automatically indent text to the same tab stop position as the previous line in a file.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | The gedit text editor contains an autoindent function.
  Note: | Do not hyphenate this term, do not use auto-indent.

backtrace

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Bug Buddy automatically adds the core file or backtrace to the bug report.
  Note: | Spell as one word, and do not hyphenate. Do not use back trace or back-trace.

border

  Definition: | The border around a window. The titlebar and the border of a window are the components of the window frame.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Select this option to include the titlebar and border of a window in a screenshot.
  Note: | Do not use the term edge as a synonym for border.

button

  Definition:

  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 . 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.

  Usage: | See .
  Tags: | Use the guibutton tag for button names.
  Example: | The History button is a feature of the Command Line applet.
  Note: | When you refer to a button that has a specific identity but no textual label, use title capitalization for the button name.

check box

  Definition: | A dialog element that you use to select or deselect an option.

  Usage:

  Normal text rules.

  - Verb: Select, deselect, or choose, depending on the function that the check box fulfills.

  - Noun: Option.

  Tags: | Use the guilabel tag for the check box name.
  Example: | Select the Create monochrome image option to create a screenshot in black and white.
  Note: | Spell as two words, do not use checkbox. Avoid using the term check box in your documentation. Use the term option instead.

color selector dialog

  Definition: | A dialog that you use to select a color. When you click on a color selector button the color selector dialog is displayed.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tag: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Click on the Color to use button to display the color selector dialog.
  Note: | Color selector dialog is a generic term for the dialog that is displayed when you click on a color selector button.

color wheel

  Definition: | The circular control on a color selector dialog that enables you to choose a color.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tag: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | On the color selector dialog, use the color wheel or sliders to choose the color.

column heading

  Definition: | 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.

  Usage:

  Normal text rules.

  - Verb Phrase: Click on.

  - Noun: Column heading.

  Tags: | Prose tag rules. Use the guilabel tag for the names of column headings.
  Example: | To sort the file types by filename extension, click on the Extension column heading.

combo box

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

compose keyboard

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | The GOK compose keyboard is a standard alphanumeric keyboard.

control

  Definition: | An instrument that you use to operate or guide the user interface. For example, radio buttons, sliders, check boxes, and so on are controls.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | The controls theme option affects the appearance of controls in dialogs and applets.
  Note 1: | In user documentation, do not use widget as a synonym for control.
  Note 2: | Some controls reside in dialogs and in this situation you can refer to the controls as dialog elements or controls, depending on the context in which you are describing the controls.
  Note 3: | See also dialog element.

criterion

  Definition:

  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.

  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example 1: | To add a criterion to the advanced search, click on the Add button.
  Example 2: | You can also perform advanced searches that use more complex search criteria.
  Note 1: | The plural of criterion is criteria. Do not use criteria to express the singular form of this noun.
  Note 2: | Do not use rule or condition as synonyms for criterion.

current viewport

  Definition: | The viewport that is displayed on the GNOME Desktop.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | The current viewport is highlighted with a checked background.

current workspace

  Definition: | The workspace that is displayed on the GNOME Desktop.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | On the Workspace Switcher applet, the button that represents the current workspace is pressed in.

desktop

  Definition: | The part of the GNOME Desktop where there are no interface graphical items, such as panels and windows.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Right-click on the desktop to open the Desktop menu.
  Note 1: | Use desktop in the user interface, in Help, and in documentation body text.
  Note 2: | See also desktop background, desktop environment, GNOME Desktop.

desktop background

  Definition: | The image or color that is applied to the desktop.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | To change the desktop background, right-click on the desktop, then choose Change Desktop Background from the Desktop menu.
  Note 1: | Use desktop background in the user interface, in Help, and in documentation body text.
  Note 2: | See also desktop, desktop environment, GNOME Desktop.

desktop environment

  Definition:

  The totality of the following:

  - All windows, panels, and workspaces.

  - All libraries, applications, protocols, and so on that the GNOME Desktop uses.

  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Choose the GNOME Desktop from the list of available desktop environments.
  Note 1: | The term desktop environment is used mostly, but not exclusively, in system administrator documentation and developer documentation.
  Note 2: | See also desktop, desktop background, GNOME Desktop.

Desktop menu

  Definition: | A menu that you can use to arrange items on your desktop.
  Usage: | Title capitalization for the term Desktop, lowercase letters for the term menu.
  Tags: | Use the guimenu tag for the term Desktop.
  Example: | Right-click on the desktop to open the Desktop menu.
  Note: | Use desktop in the user interface, in Help, and in documentation body text.

desktop object

  Definition: | An icon on your desktop that you can use to open your files, folders, and applications.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | You can use desktop objects to provide convenient access to files, folders, and applications that you use frequently.

desktop entry file [System administration documentation]

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | The desktop entry file contains keywords which determine the location of the item in the menu hierarchy.

dialog

  Definition: | A popup window in which the user enters information or commands.
  Usage: | Normal text rules. Apply title capitalization to the name of a dialog.
  Tags: | Use the guilabel tag for the dialog name.
  Example: | Use the Panel Properties dialog to specify the color and image for the panel background.
  Note 1: | Do not use dialog box.
  Note 2: | Some dialogs in the GNOME Desktop do not have a title. If the dialog does not have a title, you can assign the dialog an appropriate title in your documentation.

dialog element

  Definition: | A component part of a dialog. Examples of dialog elements are: check boxes, command buttons, tabs, and tabbed sections.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | The Background tabbed section contains the following dialog elements.
  Note: | You can shorten dialog element to element when you are clearly referring to a dialog element.

dialog pane

  Definition: | An area in an application window that resembles a dialog, and where you enter data.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Enter the information for the submenu in the Basic tabbed section on the dialog pane.

directory entry file [System administration documentation]

  Definition: | A data file that provides information about a menu. Directory entry files have a `.directory` file extension.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | The directory entry file specifies the details for the menu, such as a name, a tooltip, and an icon.

drawer

  Definition: | A collapsible extension of a panel.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | You can move objects between panels and drawers.

drop-down combination box

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

  Usage:

  Normal text rules.

  - Verb Phrase: Use the drop-down-name drop-down combination box to specify.

  - Noun: Drop-down combination box.

  Tags: | Prose tag rules. Use the guilabel tag for the name of a drop-down combination box.
  Example: | Use the Directory to save images in drop-down combination box to specify the directory in which to save your images.
  Note: | Do not use the term combo box.

drop-down list

  Definition: | 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.

  Usage:

  Normal text rules.

  - Verb Phrase: Use the drop-down-list-name drop-down list to specify.

  - Noun: Drop-down list.

  Tags: | Prose tag rules. Use the guilabel tag for the name of a drop-down list.
  Example: | Use the Panel size drop-down list to specify the size of the panel.
  Note: | You cannot type in a drop-down list.

drop-down section

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

  Usage:

  Normal text rules.

  - Verb Phrase: Click on.

  - Noun: Drop-down section.

  Tags: | Use the guilabel tag for the name of a drop-down section.
  Example: | Use the Save in folder drop-down list, or click on the Browse for other folders drop-down section, to specify the location of the saved image.

emblem

  Definition: | A small icon that you can add to an item in a Nautilus window.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | To add an emblem to an item, drag the emblem to the item.

field

  Definition:

  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.

  Usage:

  Normal text rules.

  - Verb: Enter.

  - Noun: Field.

  Tags: | Prose tag rules. Use the guilabel tag for the field name.
  Example: | Enter a command in the Command Line entry field.
  Note 1: | Do not use the term field to refer to an element in a dialog, unless that element is a field as defined above. Instead, refer to the element by control type, that is, text box, spin box, drop-down combination box, and so on.
  Note 2: | You can add a qualifier to the term field to help the reader to understand the nature of the field. For example, you might refer to a field as a data field or as an entry field. This can be useful particularly if the field does not have a label.

file content sniffer [System administration documentation]

  Definition: | A file content sniffer specifies a pattern to search for in a file, and associates the pattern with a MIME type. If a match for the pattern is found, the MIME type associated with the pattern is the MIME type of the file.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | File content sniffers are specified in the file `/usr/gnome/etc/gnome-vfs-mime-magic`.

filename

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules for the term filename. Use the filename tag for filenames. Use the replaceable tag on the term filename when filename represents any filename. See Example 2 below.
  Example 1: | Use the Image filename text box to specify the filename of the image.
  Example 2: | Choose Files filename to view the file, where filename is the name of the file.

flag

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Use flags to remind yourself to follow up on issues that arise from your messages.
  Note: | Do not use follow-up flag as a synonym for flag.

flip

  Definition: | To switch to another workspace or viewport on screen by moving a window or the mouse pointer to the edge of the screen.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Use the spin box to specify the delay in milliseconds from the time you touch the edge of the screen with the mouse pointer to when you flip to another workspace or viewport.
  Note: | Use this term specifically to describe the act of flipping and not as a synonym for switch.

focus

  Definition: | The state in which an interface component can receive both keyboard input and mouse input.

  Usage:

  Normal text rules.

  Use the following verbs with focus:

  - Give focus.

  - Receive focus.

  - Have focus.

  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | You can configure how to switch focus from one window to another.
  Note: | Only one window or control can have focus at any one time. The window that has focus is normally indicated by a highlighted label or titlebar. Objects within a focused window, such as dialog elements, tabbed sections, and buttons, can also have focus. The user or application can set the focus.

folderbar

  Definition: | The bar at the top of a File Roller window that enables you to navigate through folders within an archive.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | File Roller displays the folderbar only in folder view.

font selector dialog

  Definition: | A dialog that you use to select a font. When you click on a font selector button, the font selector dialog is displayed.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Click on the font selector button to display the font selector dialog.
  Note: | Font selector dialog is a generic term for the dialog that is displayed when you click on a font selector button. Do not use this term to refer to the Font Selector application.

GConf [System administration documentation]

  Definition:

  The user preference management system for the GNOME Desktop. GConf contains the following components:

  - A repository of user preferences

  - A daemon

  - A command line tool

  All GNOME Desktop applications store preferences in the GConf repository.

  Usage: | Initial capitals for GC, normal text rules for onf.
  Tags: | Use the application tag for the term GConf.
  Example: | GConf makes user preferences more manageable for system administrators.
  Note: | Do not use Gconf, gconf, or any other term.

GConf configuration source [System administration documentation]

  Definition: | A storage location in the GConf repository.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Use the application tag for the term GConf. Use prose tag rules for the term configuration source.
  Example: | GConf reads the configuration sources in the order specified in the GConf path file.
  Note: | You can shorten GConf configuration source to configuration source when you are clearly referring to the GConf configuration source.

GConf path file [System administration documentation]

  Definition: | The file that lists the configuration sources for GConf to search, and the order in which to search the configuration sources.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Use the application tag for the term GConf. Use prose tag rules for the term path file.
  Example: | Each user has a GConf path file.
  Note: | You can shorten GConf path file to path file when you are clearly referring to the GConf path file.

GConf preference key [System administration documentation]

  Definition: | An element in the GConf repository that corresponds to a preference.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Use the application tag for the term GConf. Use prose tag rules for the term preference key. Use the literal tag for the name of a preference key.
  Example: | The `/apps/gnome-session/options/show_splash_screen` preference key corresponds to the Show splash screen on login option in the Sessions preference tool.
  Note: | You can shorten GConf preference key to preference key when you are clearly referring to the GConf preference key.

GConf repository [System administration documentation]

  Definition: | A collection of key-value pairs, in a hierarchical file system structure, that represent user preferences.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Use the application tag for the term GConf. Use prose tag rules for the term repository.
  Example: | The GConf repository is structured as a simple hierarchical file system.
  Note: | You can shorten GConf repository to repository when you are clearly referring to the GConf repository.

GConf schema [System administration documentation]

  Definition: | A collective term for a GConf schema key and a GConf schema object.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Typically, GConf schemas are stored in the default configuration source.
  Note: | You can shorten GConf schema to schema when you are clearly referring to the GConf schema.

GConf schema definition file [System administration documentation]

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules. Use the filename tag for the name of a schema definition file.
  Example: | Schemas are generated from schema definition files.
  Note: | You can shorten GConf schema definition file to schema definition file when you are clearly referring to the GConf schema definition file.

GConf schema key [System administration documentation]

  Definition: | A key that stores a schema object for a preference key.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | The `/schemas/desktop/gnome/interface/font_name` key is a schema key for the `/desktop/gnome/interface/font_name` preference key.
  Note: | You can shorten GConf schema key to schema key when you are clearly referring to the GConf schema key.

GConf schema object [System administration documentation]

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | If the value of the schema key is a schema object, return the suggested value from the schema object.
  Note: | You can shorten GConf schema object to schema object when you are clearly referring to the GConf schema object.

GNOME

  Definition: | GNU Network Object Model Environment.
  Usage: | All uppercase letters at all times.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | The GNOME Desktop offers many user-configurable features.
  Note: | If you refer to an interface element that has Gnome in title capitalization, you still write the term in all uppercase letters.

GNOME Desktop

  Definition: | The totality of all windows, panels, and workspaces.
  Usage: | All uppercase letters for GNOME. Initial uppercase letter for the term Desktop.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | GNOME 2.4 Desktop User Guide.
  Note 1: | Always use GNOME in this context, that is, do not use Desktop as a shortened form of GNOME Desktop.
  Note 2: | You can include the version number of GNOME after the word GNOME.
  Note 3: | Use GNOME Desktop in the user interface, in Help, in documentation body text, for marketing purposes, book titles, and references to the product.
  Note 4: | See also desktop, desktop background, desktop environment.

GNOME footprint

  Do not use this term. When you want to refer to the stylized footprint logo, use GNOME logo. When you want to refer to the footprint icon that represents the Main Menu, use Main Menu button.

group box

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

  Usage:

  Normal text rules.

  - Verb: None.

  - Noun: Group.

  Tags: | Prose tag rules for the term group. Use the guilabel tag for group box names.
  Example: | To enable autohide, select the Autohide option in the Hiding group.
  Note: | If you need to be very clear about the location of a dialog element, you can also identify the group that the element resides in.

handle, noun

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Select this option to add a handle to the menubar. Grab the handle and drag the menubar to any location in the GNOME Desktop.
  Note: | The vertical bar at the left side of some applets is a handle. You can use the bar to move the applet. Therefore, refer to the bar as a handle.

handle, verb

  Do not use this term. Use another verb appropriate to the context, for example, process, manage, and so on.

hover

  Do not use this term. Use the term point to.

icon selector dialog

  Definition: | A dialog that you use to select an icon. When you click on an icon selector button the icon selector dialog is displayed.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Click on the Normal tile icon selector button to display the icon selector dialog.
  Note: | Icon selector dialog is a generic term for the dialog that is displayed when you click on an icon selector button.

keymap

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | You can use the Sawfish preference tool to view, add, edit, or delete shortcuts from keymaps.

launcher

  Definition:

  An item that starts an application or executes a command when you click on the item. You can find launchers in the following places in the GNOME Desktop:

  - Panels: On panels, launchers are represented by icons.

  - Menus: On menus, launchers are represented by menu items.

  - Desktop: On the desktop, launchers are represented by icons.

  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | The properties of a launcher include the name of the launcher, the icon that represents the launcher, and how the launcher runs.

layer

  Definition:

  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.

  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Select this option to bring windows to the top of the stacking order within the layer when they are unshaded.

list box

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

  Usage:

  Normal text rules.

  - Verb: Select or choose, depending on the function that the list box fulfills.

  - Noun: List box.

  Tags: | Prose tag rules for the term list box. Use the guilabel tag for the list box name.
  Example: | Select the keymaps you require from the Keymaps list box.

location bar

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | To view a website or an FTP site, type the URL for the site in the field on the location bar, then press Return.

Main Menu

  Definition: | A fixed menu that you can open from various places in the GNOME Desktop, including shortcut keys and the Main Menu button.
  Usage: | Title capitalization.
  Tags: | Use the guimenu tag.
  Example: | To open the Main Menu, click on the Main Menu button.

Main Menu button

  Definition: | A button that opens the Main Menu. The default appearance of the Main Menu button in panels and menus is a stylized footprint icon.
  Usage: | Title capitalization for the term Main Menu, all lowercase letters for the term button.
  Tags: | Use the guibutton tag on the term Main Menu. Prose tag rules for the term button.
  Example: | To open the Main Menu, click on the Main Menu button.

maximize

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.

  Tags:

  - Verb: Prose tag rules.

  - Button: Use the guibutton tag for the Maximize button.

  Example: | To maximize a window, click on the Maximize button.
  Note: | Do not use fill as a synonym for maximize.

menubar

  Definition: | The bar at the top of a window that contains the menus for an application.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | The menubar on the Calculator window contains the Calculator, Edit, and Help menus.
  Note: | Spell as one word, do not use menu bar.

menu item

  Definition: | An item that you can choose from a menu.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules for the term menu item. Use the menuitem tag when you refer to a menu item name.
  Example: | The File menu contains the Print menu item.
  Note: | If necessary, use item in a menu to avoid any ambiguity.

menu item popup menu

  Definition:

  A popup menu that opens when you right-click on a launcher in a menu. The menu item popup menu contains commands such as the following:

  - Add this launcher to panel

  - Remove this item

  - Properties

  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | To open the menu item popup menu for Calculator, choose Applications Accessories , then right-click on Calculator.

Menu Panel

  Definition: | The panel that stretches the full width of the top edge of the GNOME Desktop. The Menu Panel includes textual rather than graphical menus.
  Usage: | Title capitalization.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Unlike other types of panel, you can only have one Menu Panel at a time on the GNOME Desktop.

MIME information file [System administration documentation]

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | In MIME information files, the filename pattern to search for is written as a regular expression.

MIME keys file [System administration documentation]

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | You must indent the keys in a MIME keys file with a tab character (`\t`).

MIME type registry [System administration documentation]

  Definition: | The MIME type registry is a location that contains text files that register MIME types for the GNOME Desktop.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | The MIME type registry for the GNOME Desktop is located in the `/usr/gnome/share/mime-info` directory.

minimize

  Definition:

  To remove a window from the display without closing the window. You can restore a minimized window to your display in the following ways:

  - Click on the button that represents the window on the Window List applet.

  - Click on the window list icon at the extreme right of the Menu Panel, then select the window name from the window list.

  - Use shortcut keys to switch between windows. To restore a window, release the keys.

  Usage: | Normal text rules.

  Tags:

  - Verb: Prose tag rules.

  - Button: Use the guibutton tag for the Minimize button.

  Example: | To minimize a window, click on the Minimize button.

native viewport

  Definition: | The viewport where a minimized window was displayed before it was minimized.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | If this option is not selected, minimized windows restore to their native viewport.

native workspace

  Definition: | The workspace where a minimized window was displayed before it was minimized.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | If this option is not selected, minimized windows restore to their native workspace.

option

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules for the term option. Use the guilabel tag for the name of the option.
  Example: | Select the Create monochrome image option to capture a black-and-white screenshot.

panel

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

  Usage:

  The following rules apply:

  - When the panel is a specific user interface component, then write the term with an initial uppercase letter. For example, Menu Panel.

  - When the panel is a type of user interface component, then write the term according to normal text rules.

  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Panels are areas on the GNOME Desktop from which you can access all of your system applications and menus.

panel object

  Definition: | An object that resides on a panel.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.

  Example 1:

  You can move panel objects in the following ways:

  - From one location to another within a panel.

  - From one panel to another panel.

  You can also move objects between panels and drawers.

  Example 2: | Click on the Run panel object.

  Note:

  You can shorten panel object to object where the meaning is not ambiguous. Also, you do not always need to add the modifier panel object when you write about launchers, menus, applets, and drawers. You can write "click on the Terminal launcher", and so on. However, when you write about other panel objects, such as the Log Out button and the Lock button, specify that the item is a panel object. The following objects can reside on panels:

  - Launchers

  - Menus

  - Applets

  - Drawers

  - Other panel objects, such as the Log Out button and the Lock button

panel object popup menu

  Definition:

  The menu that appears when you right-click on a panel object. Items that typically appear on panel object popup menus include:

  - Properties

  - Help

  - Remove From Panel

  - Move

  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Right-click on a launcher to open the panel object popup menu.

panel popup menu

  Definition: | The menu that appears when you right-click on a vacant space on a panel. The panel popup menu includes menu items such as Add to Panel, Delete This Panel, New Panel, and so on.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Right-click on a vacant space on a panel to open the panel popup menu.

pattern mask [System administration documentation]

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Use a pattern mask to specify bits to ignore in a search pattern.

persistent window group

  Definition: | A window group that remains in your list of window groups even after you end and restart a session.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | You can create a persistent window group, and then assign windows to be part of the group.

popup menu

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | If you right-click on a panel, a popup menu opens.
  Note: | Do not use pop-up menu.

preference tool

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules for the term preference tool. Use title capitalization for the names of preference tools.
  Tags: | Use the application tag for the names of preference tools.
  Example: | You can use the Theme preferences tool to select a theme for the GNOME Desktop.
  Note: | If there is a possibility that the term preference tool might be confusing in a particular context, use the more specific term GNOME Desktop preference tool.

radio button

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

  Usage:

  Normal text rules.

  - Verb: Use select or choose, depending on the function of the radio button.

  - Noun: Option.

  Tags: | Prose tag rules. Use the guilabel tag for radio button names.
  Example: | Select the Scale image option to scale the background image to fit the panel background.
  Note: | Avoid using the term radio button in your documentation. Use the term option instead.

raise

  Definition: | To bring a window to the top of the stacking order within a layer.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Right-click on the titlebar to raise the window.

Remote Desktop

  Definition: | A feature that enables you to access the Desktop of another user from your system.
  Usage: | Title capitalization.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Use the Remote Desktop feature to view or control the Desktop of another user from your Desktop.
  Note 1: | To avoid confusion with the term desktop, use title capitalization for this term.
  Note 2: | See also desktop, desktop background, desktop environment, GNOME Desktop.

restore

  Definition: | To restore a minimized or maximized window to the dimensions that the window had before you minimized or maximized the window.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | To restore a maximized window, click on the Maximize button. To restore a minimized window, click on the button for the window in the Window List applet.

  Note:

  Do not use the following terms as synonyms for restore:

  - Uniconify

  - Unmaximize

roll down

  Definition: | To restore a rolled-up window to the original dimensions of the window.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | To roll down a window, double-click on the titlebar.
  Note 1: | Do not use the term unshade as a synonym for roll down.
  Note 2: | See also roll up.

roll up

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | To roll up a window, double-click on the titlebar.
  Note 1: | Do not use the term shade as a synonym for roll up.
  Note 2: | See also roll down.

Root menu

  Definition: | A menu that you can use to navigate between windows and workspaces.
  Usage: | Initial uppercase letter for the term Root, all lowercase letters in the term menu.
  Tags: | Use the guimenu tag for the term Root.
  Example: | To open the Root menu, middle-click on the desktop.

scrollbar

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Use the scrollbar to scroll through the contents of the window.

searchbar

  Definition: | The bar near the top of an Evolution window that you can use to search your messages and other items.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | You can use the searchbar to search the contents of the messages in your message list.

session

  Definition: | The current GNOME Desktop session that you are using.

  Usage:

  Normal text rules.

  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.

  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Click on the Log Out button to log out of a GNOME Desktop session.
  Note: | You log in to a session. You do not log in to your workstation, system, or workspace.

setting

  Definition:

  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`.

  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example 1: | The session manager saves your fonts, background, and mouse settings.
  Example 2: | The window frame setting for a theme determines the appearance of the frames around windows.
  Note: | Setting is not a synonym for preference or property.

shade

  Definition: | To reduce a window so that only the titlebar is visible.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | To shade a window, double-click on the titlebar.

shutdown, noun, adjective

  Definition: | The process of shutting down all processes running on a computer.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | The shutdown procedure takes approximately two minutes.
  Note 1: | Do not use shutdown as a verb.
  Note 2: | See also shut down.

shut down, verb

  Definition: | To stop all processes running on a computer.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | The Log Out dialog enables you to shut down or reboot your computer.
  Note 1: | Do not use shut down as a noun or adjective.
  Note 2: | See also shutdown.

side pane

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | To add a note, click on the Notes tab in the side pane.

slider

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

  Usage:

  Normal text rules.

  - Verb Phrase: Use the slider_name slider to specify.

  - Noun: Slider.

  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Use the slider to specify the volume level.

spin box

  Definition: | 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.

  Usage:

  Normal text rules.

  - Verb: Use the spin_box_name spin box to specify.

  - Noun: Spin box.

  Tags: | Prose tag rules for the term spin box. Use the guilabel tag for the spin box name.
  Example: | Use the Number of workspaces spin box to specify the number of workspaces on the GNOME Desktop.

stacking order

  Definition:

  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.

  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Select this option to bring windows to the top of the stacking order within the layer when they are unshaded.

staggered

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Subsequent dialogs are staggered from the previous dialog.

statusbar

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | The Nautilus statusbar displays status information on the selected file or folder.
  Note: | Spell as one word, do not use status bar.

stick

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules for the term stick. Use the guimenuitem tag when you refer to menu items.
  Example: | To set a window to stick, open the Window Menu, then choose Put on All Workspaces.
  Note: | Do not use the term sticky.

submenu

  Definition: | A menu that resides in another menu.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules for the term submenu. Use the guisubmenu tag for the name of a submenu.
  Example: | When you add an executable file to this folder, the file is added to the File Scripts submenu.

tab

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

  Usage:

  Normal text rules.

  - Verb Phrase: Click on.

  - Noun: Tab.

  Tags: | Prose tag rules for the term tab. Use the guilabel tag for tab names.
  Example: | To modify panel size, position, and hiding properties, click on the Panel tab.

tabbed pane

  Definition: | A functional area in the Nautilus side pane. To open a tabbed pane, click on a tab in the side pane.
  Usage: | Normal text rules for the term tabbed pane. Use title capitalization for the name of a tabbed pane.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules for the term tabbed pane. Use the guilabel tag for the name of a tabbed pane.
  Example: | Type the note in the Notes tabbed pane.

tabbed section

  Definition: | 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.

  Usage:

  Normal text rules.

  - Verb: None.

  - Noun: Tabbed section.

  Tags: | Prose tag rules for the term tabbed section. Use the guilabel tag for the name of the tabbed section.
  Example: | You can use the Advanced tabbed section to add translations of the comment.

table

  Definition: | An element in a dialog or window that includes rows, columns, and column headings.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules for the term table. Use the guilabel tag for the table name.
  Example: | Enter the details of the translation in the Name/Comment translations table.

terminal

  Definition: | A window with a command line.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Use the application tag for the Terminal application.
  Example: | Select this option to run the application or command in a terminal.

text box

  Definition: | A dialog element where you type text.

  Usage:

  Normal text rules.

  - Verb Phrase: Use the text box to specify.

  - Noun: Text box.

  Tags: | Prose tag rules for the term text box. Use the guilabel tag for the text box name.
  Example: | Use the Tooltip/Name text box to specify a name for the drawer.
  Note: | Spell as two words, do not use textbox.

theme

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Select a theme from the Available Themes list box.

titlebar

  Definition: | A bar that appears at the top edge of a window. Typically a titlebar contains the title of the window.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Select the Capture WM decorations when grabbing a window option to include the titlebar and border of a window in a screenshot.
  Note: | Spell as one word, do not use title bar.

toolbar

  Definition: | A bar that appears below the menubar and contains buttons for the most commonly-used commands.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.

  Example:

  The Eye of GNOME toolbar contains the following buttons:

  - Open

  - Close

  Note: | Spell as one word, do not use tool bar.

tree

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | To open an item in a tree, click on the + (plus) sign next to the item.

uniconify

  Do not use this term. Use the term restore.

unmaximize

  Do not use this term. Use the term restore.

unshade

  Definition: | To restore a shaded window to the unshaded dimensions of the window.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | To unshade a window, double-click on the titlebar.

username

  Definition: | A combination of letters and numbers that identifies a user to the system. The term username can also represent a real username. For example, when you give an example of a username in a command.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules. Use the replaceable tag for username when you give an example of a username.
  Example 1: | The login screen provides fields for you to enter your username and password.
  Example 2: | To log in to a remote system, use the following command: `rlogin -l username systemname`

vfolder [System administration documentation]

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | In terms of menus in the GNOME Desktop, a vfolder is a representation, in a menu, of items that might be physically located in several directories.
  Note 1: | Do not use Vfolder, vFolder, or any other term.
  Note 2: | Use an initial capital for Vfolder when the term appears at the start of a sentence.

viewport

  Definition: | A subdivision of a workspace.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | To move a window or dialog from one workspace to another, middle-click on the viewport for the window or dialog.

view pane

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Display in the view pane the item that you want to bookmark.

virtual desktop

  Do not use this term. Use the term workspace.

virtual folder

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Use virtual folders to organize messages that might belong in more than one folder.
  Note: | Do not use vfolder as a synonym for an Evolution virtual 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

  Definition: | A rectangular frame that displays a particular application.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules. Use the guilabel tag for the name of a window.
  Example: | You can grab the titlebar of a window, then drag the window to a new location.

window frame

  Definition: | The titlebar and border that appears around windows and dialogs.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Use the Theme preference tool to change the theme of your window frames.

window group (1)

  Definition: | A group of windows. You can use the Sawfish preference tool to configure the GNOME Desktop so that when you minimize one member of the window group, the other windows in the group are also minimized.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Brackets around the title of a window indicate that the window is a member of a window group.
  Note: | You can shorten window group to group where there is no ambiguity.

window group (2)

  Definition: | A group of windows in the Window List applet.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | To open a list of the members of a window group, click on the button that represents the window group.
  Note 1: | You can shorten window group to group where there is no ambiguity.
  Note 2: | The Window List window group bears no relation to the Sawfish window group.

window list

  Definition:

  A list of the windows that are open on your screen. To view your window list, perform one of the following actions:

  - Add the Window List applet to a panel. The Window List applet is an iconic display of your windows. The buttons in your Window List applet represent your windows.

  - Open the Root menu, then choose Windows.

  - Click on the window list icon at the extreme right of the Menu Panel.

  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Use the arrow keys to cycle through the window list.

window list icon

  Definition: | The icon at the extreme right of the Menu Panel, which you click on to display a list of your open windows.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | To give focus to a window, click on the window list icon, then select the window.

Window Menu

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Title capitalization.
  Tags: | Use the guimenu tag.
  Example: | Use the Window Menu to perform actions on your windows.

window name

  Definition: | The name of a window, which is displayed in the titlebar.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | On the Window List applet, square brackets around the window name indicate that the window is minimized.
  Note: | Do not use window title as a synonym for window name.

workspace

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Use the Number of workspaces spin box to specify the number of workspaces you require.
  Note: | Do not use virtual desktop as a synonym for workspace.

workspace list

  Definition: | A list of the workspaces that are in your session. Workspace Switcher displays your workspace list.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Workspace Switcher adds new workspaces to the end of the workspace list.

## Buttons in the GNOME Desktop

This section lists the terms to use when you refer to buttons in the GNOME Desktop.

... button

  Definition: | A button that you click on to perform an action. This action is usually to display a list of options from which you can choose.

  Usage:

  Normal text rules.

  - Verb Phrase: Click on.

  - Noun: Button. Give directions to the button.

  Example: | To choose a signal for the window to respond to, click on the button to the right of the Signal field.

arrow button

  Definition:

  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

  Usage:

  Normal text rules.

  - Verb Phrase: Click on.

  - Noun: Arrow button.

  Example: | To scroll through the list, click on the arrow buttons.
  Note: | Refer to the buttons on a spin box as arrow buttons. If an arrow button has a function, you can name the button by the function. For example, the History button in the Command Line applet.

color selector button

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

  Usage:

  Normal text rules for the term color selector button. Standard capitalization rules for specific color selector button names.

  - Verb Phrase: Click on.

  - Noun: Button, color selector button. Use the more verbose form where you need to clarify that you are referring to a color selector button.

  Tags: | Use the guibutton tag with specific color selector button names.
  Example: | To choose a background color for the panel, click on the Color to use button.

command button

  Definition: | 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.

  Usage:

  Title capitalization for the command button name.

  - 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.

  - Noun: None. 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.

  Tags: | Use the guibutton tag for the command button name.
  Example 1: | To save your changes and close the dialog, click Close.
  Example 2: | To delete a translation of a launcher, select the translation then click on the Remove button.

font selector button

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

  Usage:

  Normal text rules.

  - Verb Phrase: Click on.

  - Noun: Button, font selector button. Use the more verbose form where you need to clarify that you are referring to a font selector button.

  Tags: | If you refer to a specific font selector button name, use the guibutton tag for the button name.
  Example 1: | To choose a font in which to display your gedit documents, click on the Default Font button.
  Example 2: | To choose a font to in which to display the pronunciation of a word, click on the Pronunciation font selector button.

hide button

  Definition: | 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.

  Usage:

  Normal text rules.

  - Verb Phrase: Click on.

  - Noun: Hide button.

  Example: | Select the Show hide buttons option to display hide buttons on your panels.

icon selector button

  Definition: | A button that you use to choose an icon. When you click on an icon selector button, the icon selector dialog is displayed.
  Tags: | If you refer to a specific icon selector button name, use the guibutton tag for the button name.

  Usage

  Normal text rules.

  - Verb Phrase: Click on.

  - Noun: Button, icon selector button. Use the more verbose form where you need to clarify that you are referring to an icon selector button.

  Example 1: | To choose an icon to represent the application, click on the Icon button.
  Example 2: | To choose an icon to represent the keyboard map, click on the icon selector button at the right side of the dialog.

Normal Size button

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Title capitalization for the term Normal Size, all lowercase letters for the term button.
  Tags: | Use the guibutton tag for the term Normal Size.
  Example: | To restore the size of items in a view to normal size, click on the Normal Size button.

toggle button

  Definition: | A button that you use to switch between two states.

  Usage:

  - Verb: Select.

  - Noun: Option.

  Tags: | Use the guibutton tag with the toggle button name.
  Example: | To show grid lines, select the Visible option.

toolbar button

  Definition: | A button in an application toolbar. Toolbar buttons are usually shortcuts to functionality that is available in the menus of the application.

  Usage:

  Normal text rules for the term button.

  - Verb Phrase: Click button_name on the toolbar, click on the button_name button.

  - Noun: Button.

  Tags: | Use the guibutton tag for the toolbar button name.
  Example 1: | To refresh the contents of the view pane, click on the Reload button.
  Example 2: | Click Save on the toolbar.

window frame button

  Definition:

  One of the following buttons that reside in a window frame:

  - Window Menu button

  - Minimize button

  - Maximize button

  - Close Window button

  Usage:

  Normal text rules for the term button.

  - Verb Phrase: Click on.

  - Noun: Button.

  Tags: | Use the guibutton tag for the window frame button name.
  Example: | To open the Window Menu, click on the Window Menu button.

window list button

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

  Usage:

  Normal text rules.

  - Verb Phrase: Click on.

  - Noun: Window list button.

  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | To restore a window, click on the window list button for the window in the Window List applet.

Zoom In button

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Title capitalization for the term Zoom In, all lowercase letters for the term button.
  Tags: | Use the guibutton tag for the term Zoom In.
  Example: | To increase the size of items in a view, click on the Zoom In button.

Zoom Out button

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Title capitalization for the term Zoom Out, all lowercase letters for the term button.
  Tags: | Use the guibutton tag for the term Zoom Out.
  Example: | To reduce the size of items in a view, click on the Zoom Out button.

## User Actions

This section defines a list of user actions in the GNOME Desktop.

activate [Accessibility documentation]

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Activate the applet control that has focus, if applicable.

choose

  Definition: | To pick a course of action or assign a course of action.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example 1: | Choose Applications Accessories Calculator to start the Calculator application.
  Example 2: | On the Run Application dialog, use the drop-down combination box to choose an application to run.

click on, click

  Definition:

  Press and release the left mouse button on an item once.

  You can differentiate between click on and click as follows:

  - Click on: 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

  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example 1: | Click OK.
  Example 2: | To hide a panel, click on one of the hide buttons.

click-and-hold

  Definition: | Press and hold the left mouse button on an item.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example: | Click-and-hold the left mouse button to initiate the capture area.

close

  Definition: | To remove a window, dialog, or user interface component from the GNOME Desktop. Use in conjunction with display and open.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example 1: | To close a window, choose File Close .
  Example 2: | Click Cancel to close the dialog.
  Note: | Do not use quit in this context.

collapse

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example: | You can expand and collapse the folders in the Tree tabbed pane.

configure

  Definition: | To set up an application. To configure is typically a larger-scale activity, and usually occurs at installation time.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | You can configure how PDAs connect to your computer.
  Note: | See also customize, modify.

customize

  Definition: | To modify the behavior of an application to suit individual requirements.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | To customize a panel, use the Panel preference tool.
  Note: | See also configure, modify.

delete

  Definition: | To remove an item permanently.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example 1: | When you delete a file or folder, the file or folder is not moved to Trash, but is deleted from your file system immediately.
  Example 2: | To delete a panel from the GNOME Desktop, right-click on the panel that you want to delete, then choose Delete This Panel.
  Note: | Do not use remove to describe the deletion of an item that you cannot add back to the GNOME Desktop.

deselect

  Definition: | To switch off a behavioral characteristic in a dialog.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example: | Deselect the Display tooltips option to switch off tooltips.
  Note: | Do not use unselect when you refer to switching off a binary option. Do not use deselected for a binary option that is switched off. Use unselected instead.

display

  Definition: | Use this verb when an item is not already open somewhere in the GNOME Desktop. The item needs to be opened, added, or launched.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | To display the Background Preferences dialog, right-click on the desktop, then choose Change Desktop Background.

double-click on

  Definition: | To press and release the left mouse button on an item twice, in rapid succession.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example: | To start an application from the desktop, double-click on the application launcher.

drag

  Definition: | To click a mouse button on an object, hold the mouse button, and move the mouse to move the object.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example: | Drag the launcher to the panel.
  Note: | Avoid using the term drag and drop.

duplicate

  Definition: | To create an exact copy of an object. The new object is created in the same location as the original object.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Select the file or folder that you want to duplicate.
  Note: | When you duplicate an object, the object is not copied to the clipboard.

enter

  Definition:

  Use this verb to describe the following:

  - 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.

  - To either:

    - Type data in a text box, or field.

    - Click on a button and select a value from a predefined list of values

  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example 1: | The following example describes a File text box with a Browse button beside it where you can either type the name or click Browse to select a name: Enter a name for the output file in the File text box.
  Example 2: | Click on the calculator buttons to enter numbers and mathematical functions.
  Note: | Where possible, use specify instead of enter.

execute

  Definition: | Instruct your computer to perform a command.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Execute the following command to list the contents of the directory: `ls`
  Note 1: | Execute implies that you type a command at the command line, then press Return. Execute implies a single action that the computer performs.
  Note 2: | See also run.

exit

  Definition: | To stop an application from running. Exit implies normal cessation of application activity.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | If you close the last window, the application exits.
  Note: | See also quit.

expand

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example: | You can expand and collapse the folders in the Tree tabbed pane.

grab

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example: | To resize the window, grab the border and drag the border to the new size.

left-click on

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example: | You can left-click on the application icons in the Window List applet to maximize and minimize application windows.

log in, verb

  Definition: | To supply a username and password to gain access to a session.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Select this option to display a splash screen when you log in.
  Note 1: | You log in to a session, not your workstation, system, or workspace.
  Note 2: | Use log in rather than log on.
  Note 3: | See also login.

log out, verb

  Definition: | To terminate a session.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | To log out of your session or shut down your system, click on the Log Out button.
  Note 1: | You log out of a session, not your workstation, system, or workspace.
  Note 2: | Use log out rather than log off.
  Note 3: | See also logout.

middle-click on

  Definition: | To press and release the middle mouse button on an item once.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example: | To move an applet, middle-click on the applet.

middle-click and hold

  Definition: | To press and hold the middle mouse button on an item.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example: | To move a panel, middle-click and hold, then drag the panel to the new location.

modify

  Definition: | To change specific parameters in an application. Use this verb to refer to making specific changes to the preferences or properties of an item.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | You can modify animation preferences for your panels.
  Note: | See also configure, customize.

open

  Definition:

  To open any user interface component. Examples of items that you can open include:

  - Main Menu

  - Applications menu

  - Desktop Preferences menu

  - Actions menu

  - Root menu

  - Desktop menu

  - Panel popup menu

  - Panel object popup menu

  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example: | Right-click on a panel object to open the panel object popup menu.

point to

  Definition: | To position the pointer over a particular object or location without clicking.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example: | When you point to the submenu icon a tooltip appears.
  Note: | Use point to instead of point at.

press

  Definition: | Use this verb to describe keyboard input.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example: | Press Return to execute the command.

press-and-hold

  Definition: | To press one or more keys and hold down the keys. Typically, you press-and-hold keys while you press another key.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | Press-and-hold Ctrl Alt and continue to press Tab to switch the focus between the desktop and the panels.

quit

  Definition: | To abruptly stop an application, without necessarily completing current tasks. Quit implies a sudden or unexpected cessation of activity.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | To quit the application without saving your current project, select CtrlQ.
  Note: | See also exit.

remove

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example 1: | To remove an object from a panel, right-click on the object, then choose Remove From Panel.
  Example 2: | To remove a file type or a service, select the item that you want to remove, then click Remove.
  Note: | Do not use delete to describe the removal of an item that you can add back to the GNOME Desktop.

right-click on

  Definition: | To press and release the right mouse button on an item once.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example: | Right-click on any part of a panel to open the panel popup menu.

run

  Definition: | To change the status of an application, program, or script from continuously inactive to continuously active.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | To run the Terminal application, execute the following command: `gnome-terminal`
  Note 1: | Run implies a continuous flow of activity.
  Note 2: | See also execute.

select (1)

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example: | In the Menu Editor window, select the menu to which you want to add a submenu.
  Note: | Do not use choose or highlight in this context. Refer to the text that is selected as the selection, selected text, selected menu, and so on.

select (2)

  Definition: | To pick an item that assigns a behavioral characteristic, value, or parameter from a predefined value or a predefined set of values.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example 1: | Select the Display tooltips option to display tooltips when you start a GNOME session.
  Example 2: | To change the size of the panel, select a size from the Panel size drop-down list.
  Note: | Do not use select to describe more complex methods of inputting information. Use specify instead.

selected/unselected

  Definition: | Use these terms to describe the on or off state of a binary choice in a dialog.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example: | The default state of the Display tooltips option is unselected.
  Note: | Do not use deselected for a binary option that is switched off. Do not use unselect when you refer to switching off a binary option. Use deselect instead.

show

  Definition: | Use this verb when an item is already open somewhere in the GNOME Desktop, but hidden.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | To show more options, click on the More Options button.

specify

  Definition: | 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.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example: | Use the Minimum size spin box to specify the minimum width of the window list buttons.
  Note: | Do not use specify with simpler dialog elements such as check boxes and radio buttons. Use select instead.

start

  Definition: | To open an application.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example: | To start Calculator, choose Applications Accessories Calculator .
  Note: | Do not use the terms open or run in this context.

terminate

  Definition: | To stop a system process permanently.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Tags: | Prose tag rules.
  Example: | To terminate a process, choose File Kill Process .
  Note: | Do not use kill except where quoting the user interface.

triple-click on

  Definition: | Press and release the left mouse button on an item three times in rapid succession.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example: | To select a line at a time, triple-click on the first line that you want to select and drag the mouse to the last line that you want to select.

type

  Definition: | To type text from the keyboard.
  Usage: | Normal text rules.
  Example 1: | Type the content of the document in the gedit window.
  Example 2: | Type `man ghex` at the command line prompt and press Return.
  Example 3: | Type a name for the drawer in the Tooltip Name text box.

## 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.