graphics A small picture intended to represent something (a
When an icon is clicked on, some action is performed such as
opening a directory or aborting a file transfer.
Icons are usually stored as
bitmap images.
MicrosoftWindows uses a special bitmap format with file name extension
".ico" as well as embedding icons in executable (".exe") and
The term originates from
Alan Kay's theory for designing
interfaces which was primarily based on the work of Jerome
Bruner. Bruner's second developmental stage, iconic, uses a
system of representation that depends on visual or other
sensory organization and upon the use of summarising images.
[What MS tool can create .ico files?]
(2003-08-01)