A clipboard is a temporary place to store data in a computer application. Technically a clipboard is a section of random access memory (RAM). Once stored in this temporary place, clipboard data may be copied to another place, whether it be within the same application or into a new one. Given that the clipboard is stored in RAM, users must remember that all clipboard data is erases when the computer shuts down.
Also known as a clipboard buffer.
In word processing and other applications, the clipboard may be used extensively. For example, editing text often involves moving words, phrases, sentences or entire paragraphs or pages, to a different location. After blocking or highlighting the particular section--usually by dragging the cursor over the text—it can be cut or copied, then moved (or pasted) to a new location.
Most operating systems impliment a clipboard in one way or another and there are differences specific to each as to how you use the clipboard.
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