File name Alto_Interaction_Nomenclature_Apr76.pdfXEROX
PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER
Computer Sciences Laboratory
April 16, 1976
To: Alto Users
From: Bob Sproull
Subject: Alto interaction nomenclature
Filed on: Nomenclature.Bravo
As more and more Alto systems intended for novice users become available, it is
increasingly important to use uniform and unambiguous terminology for describing
interactions witl~' the programs. If each manual uses different terms for describing
mouse and keyboard interaction, users will be hopelessly confused.
This memo proposes conventional terminology, using Butler's novice Bravo guide as
pattern. It is fluid, and will be amended from time to time.
Terms with special meaning or of preferred usage are italicized.
Manuals should usually contain a brief sunlmary of whatever portions of this
terminology are actually used in the document. (This makes documents
self-contained, and seems preferable to a "how to use the Alto devices" document.)
Someone could do the world a service by wri ting standard boilerplate describing Alto
interactions that could be tailored by individual authors and included in their
manuals.
N omencla ture
The Alto has a display or screen. Often the screen is divided into windows. Menu
windows are common. A cursor is usually present on the screen.
The heyboard (one word) has 61 heys. The keyset has 5 keys (NOT buttons). The
mouse has 3 buttons (the plural of mouse is mice).
Key naming. Keys are named either (1) by the character that should be typed in (e.g.
A or +- or :::) provided that the character is visible on the label on the key top; or (2)
by the label that appears on the key top (e.g., RETURN or [3S or CTRL; the spelling should
match the lettering on the key top). If the SHI FT key at the left of the keyboard needs
to be distinguished from the other shift key, use LEFT-S~H FT. Unlabeled keys have the
following conventional names
space bar: SPACE
keyset keys: KEYSETl KEYSET2 KEYSET3 KEYSET4 KEYSET5; left to right
keyboard spares: TOP-BLANK MIDDLE-BLANK BOTTOt~-BLANK
If a program uses unlabeled keys, mnemonic names can be established and explained
(preferrably with pic tures).
Key name typography: There are several acceptable ways to refer to keys that have
more than one character in their labels (in order of decreasing preference):
Spell the name in small caps (long strings of large caps are not usual In
the printing business): "Strike the RETURrJ key when the command is
finished."
RETURN
Spell the name In small caps, and superscript it: "Type COpy "
Surround the name with brackets -- : "Type COPY(return)."
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