What is a Computer Link?

I was asked a simple question this week, that turned into no small project. A good friend asked, "Could you describe linking in your next article?" Piece of cake I thought … until I did my research.

• In the dictionary, a link is defined as a connection, a method of binding things together.
  But wait, the list goes on:
• On the Web, a link is a reference to another document. The link takes you to another location when you click on it.
  
• Similarly, data management systems use a link as a pointer to another record.
  
• In spreadsheet programs, linking refers to the ability to get data into one spreadsheet from another. Information between files are "linked" together.
  
• A link can also be a line or channel over which data is transmitted.
  
• In programming, the term link refers to execution of a linker. Computer code is quite often written in pieces, referred to as modules. Eventually it all has to be connected together and the linker fills that job.
  
• We can also link an object when we copy and paste. This way updates to the original are reflected automatically when anything is changed in the duplicate. (The link allows for automatic updates).

For our purposes though, let's talk about two.

First, we most commonly think of linking as Hyperlinks on the Web. We use hyperlinks to jump to another Web site with a single mouse click. Did you know that you can add these links in e-mail and other documents? There is a Paste Hyperlink command on your Edit menu (or Hyperlink under the Insert Menu) in most programs. Not only does this allow you to attach a link to a web site, but it also lets you quickly access information in a different program. For example, if you had a document saved in Word that you wanted to be able to refer to in an Excel file, you could create a hyperlink that would take you right to the document.
Another option on the Edit menu is Paste Special. This option lets you link objects from multiple documents together. Your information is updated in all documents at the same time. Select the Paste Special command (in lieu of the Paste command) during Cut (or copy) operations. You will see a second window with a selection for Paste Link. After you have pasted your link, you can type new information in your original document and it will automatically change in your new file.
You can find out more information about both these features in the Help Menu of your favorite program.
Lauri is the owner of Wise Owl Opportunities, specializing in computer consulting for groups, businesses, and individuals. If you have a question or would like assistance, contact her at Lauri@wiseowlops.com.