A small picture intended to represent something (a file, directory, or action) in a graphical user interface. 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. {Microsoft Windows} uses a special bitmap format with file name extension ".ico" as well as embedding icons in executable (".exe") and Dynamically Linked Library (DLL) files. 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. {IEEE publication (http://www.ieee.org/organizations/history_center/cht_papers/Barnes.pdf)}. [What MS tool can create .ico files?] (2003-08-01)
