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Sad
Mac - A Macintosh icon
that may appear at startup if the computer has trouble loading the
operating system. See Apple page
for additional information.
Safety
ring - A plastic ring
that fits into a reel of magnetic tape to prevent its files from being
overwritten or erased.
Sampling
- A primary way in
which analog information, such as sound waves and moving images, is
digitized so it can be manipulated by computers and other digital
devices. Instead of recording an entire sound as a tape recorder might, a
sampling device or software samples the sound or video repeatedly at a
high rate of speed. To the human eye or ear, these samples, when played
back consecutively, appear to be seamless sound and video. It can
compared to a fast form of stop-motion photography.
Sampling
rate - The frequency
at which the computer records bits of analog information, such as sound.
The greater the rate, the more realistic a sound will be when played
back, although it will take up more storage space because there are more
frozen frames.
SANE
- Refer to Standard
Apple Numeric Environment.
Sans
Serif - Without
serifs, the small line that adorn the tops and bottoms of letters in some
fonts. One example of a sans serif font is Arial.
SAP
-Refer to Service
Advertising Protocol.
Satellite
Computer - Computer
that is on a distant communications link to a more powerful system.
Saturation
- The highest amount
of electrical current a conductor can support. Also, a measure in desktop
publishing of how much hue is in a color. For example, if a mixed color
is 90% red, it has a red saturation of 90%.
Save
- Writing data to a
permanent storage area, such as a diskette or the hard drive. Most
applications include a save command that saves the current document to a
user specified location. If an existing file is open, then altered, the
save command will save the changes to the original file location.
Save
as - To write data to
a storage medium under a different file name. Most applications include
the save as command, which saves the current document to a user-specified
location with a user-specified file name. If an existing file is open,
then altered, the save as command will save a copy of the altered file
under a new name without deleting the previous, unaltered copy of the
file.
Scalar
- Single number or
value.
Scalar
Processor Architecture (SPARC) - Type of microprocessor architecture developed by Sun Microsystems that
includes a scalar processor. The scalar processor handles serial
functions or values and mathematical computations. SPARC is a form of a
Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) microprocessor, which processes
a small set of simple instructions quickly.
Scaleable
font - Font that can
be manipulated to generate characters of variable sizes. Unlike
bit-mapped fonts, the size of the characters can be changed without using
a new file or character these fonts are stored as a series of
mathematical expressions that define the curves and line of the letter.
Also called a vector font.
Scale
- To alter the size of
an image. Scaling an image up enlarges it, while scaling the image down
makes the picture smaller.
Scan
- To digitize an image
through the use of a scanning device. Also can mean to look at a file
piece-by-piece or line-by line.
Scan
head - The part of a
scanner that moves over an image and then scans it.
Scan
line - A horizontal
row of pixels.
Scanner
- Refer to optical
scanner.
Scan
rate - The rate at
which a computer redraws an image on the screen. The image is redrawn
many times a second. The higher the scan rate, the more steady the
resulting image. Low scan rates can make the image appear to flicker.
SCC
- Refer to Serial
Communications Controller.
Scissoring
- Refer to clipping.
Scratch
- A file or place in
memory storage that a computer uses to store information currently being
entered or modified by the user. After the application is closed, the
information is either saved to a more secure location by the user or
deleted by the PC. The scratch file is created as a precautionary measure
by some applications to save information in case the system loses power.
Scratchpad
memory - A small
reserve of memory that holds the most commonly used files for quick and
convenient access by the processor.
Screen
- Refer to display
screen.
Screen
Buffer - Refer to
video buffer.
Screen
capture - Refer to
screen shot.
Screen
dump - Refer to screen
shot.
Screen
flicker - The
appearance of a flicker or unsteadiness in an image on a monitor's
screen. The flicker can have several causes. If the refresh rate is too
slow for the application currently running, the image is not being
redrawn quickly enough to display the most current image. Low-persistence
phosphors are more likely to cause flicker.
Screen
font - Font designed
specifically for display on a monitor. Screen fonts are usually formatted
as bit maps for the lower resolution of the monitor screen.
Screen
map - Refer to video
buffer.
Screen
saver - A simple
program that becomes activated when a computer has been inactive for a
specified period of time. Screen savers, often moving image or graphic
displays, were originally designed to prevent images from being burned
into monochrome monitors. Any image left unchanged on a monochrome
monitor for an extended length of time ran the risk of permanent imprint.
Today's new monitors no longer run the risk of having their screens
imprinted by images, but screen savers are still popular for their
entertainment value.
Screen
shot - A picture of
the contents of a monitors screen. A screen shot can be either sent
directly to a printer or, more often, stored as a file on a diskette. It
can be imported into other applications. Also called a screen dump or
screen capture.
Script
- A sequence of
commands that the computer executes at the touch of a button or short
series of buttons also called a macro.
Scroll
- To move the screen
up, down, left or right in order to see other information.
Scroll
arrow - Refer to
scroll bar.
Scroll
bar - In graphical
user interfaces, a bar along the sides, top, or bottom of a window that
allows the user to view information currently outside of the window's
viewing area. Scroll bars are typically manipulated using the mouse.
Scroll arrows on either end of the scroll bar can be clicked to move the
viewing area slightly in the specified direction. A scroll box can be
moved up and down or left and right inside the bar to move the viewing
area in the specified direction.
Scroll
box - In graphical
user interfaces, a small square object inside a scroll bar that indicates
the current position of a window's viewing area and can be moved to
change that viewing area.
Scroll
lock key - Key on the
keyboard that can sometimes be used with the Pause key to temporarily
halt an operation. Most of the time, scroll lock doesn't have a standard
function. Some applications will accept its command while others the key
will do nothing.
SCSI
- Refer to Small
Computer System Interface.
SCSI
bus - The system used
to transport information from the SCSI device controllers to the SCSI
interfaces.
SCSI
cable - A wide cable
with rectangular connectors that connects the SCSI devices, one to
another, as in a daisy chain formation.
SCSI
chain - A link of
several SCSI devices. Multiple SCSI devices are usually linked to each
other in a chain-like formation because the average PC only offers one
SCSI connection.
SCSI
device - Requires a
connection with a SCSI cable. Some CD-ROM drivers are SCSI devices.
SCSI
port - The connector
that a SCSI cable plugs in to.
SCSI-to-SCSI
cable - Refer to SCSI
cable.
Scuzzy
- Refer to Small
Computer System Interface.
SDLC
- Refer to Synchronous
Data Link Control.
.SEA
- Refer to
Self-Extracting Archive.
Seamless
Integration - To add
hardware or software to a system with each component fitting into the
balanced system without complication.
Search
- To look for a
specified word, term, or combination of keystrokes in a word processor, a
spreadsheet, a database, or some other document. Many application include
commands that let the user perform such searches. Many operating systems
also include search commands that let the user find a certain file or
directory on a storage medium such as a hard drive.
Search
and Replace - To find
data such as a word, phrase, or combination of key strokes, and replace
it with another piece of data.
Search
Key - Word, search
string, or file name being searched for, or the specified directory or
field to be searched.
Search
string - The
combination of characters for which a search is being conducted.
Secondary
Cache - Segment of
cache memory stored outside the CPU.
Secondary
channel - Channel on a
communications device that carries diagnostic information. The secondary
channel runs parallel to the channel that carries data.
Secondary
key - More specific
search key subgroup used to narrow the scope of search fields.
Secondary
storage device - Storage,
such as backup drive, other than a computer's internal memory, such as a
hard drive.
Sector
- A division of a
storage medium such as a hard drive or diskette. Diskettes or hard drive
platters are divided into wedge shaped sections that segment the circular
tracks into small arcs such as if you were to cut a pie into a section
each section is one arc. Each arc is a sector that typically holds 512
bytes of data. All of the arcs within a given wedge are given the same
sector number for interleaving purposes, so the term sector may refer to
the entire single arc. The size of sectors can be customized to maximize
the storage area. For example, if a user stores smaller files, decreasing
the sector size allows more files to fill the space without any leftover
room.
Sector
Interleave - Refer to
interleave.
Security
- A system of measures
for keeping information on a system safe from corruption or prying eyes.
Security can mean anything from a screen saver with a password to
encrypted data that keeps users from reading information without the
proper decoding software.
Seek
- Refer to search.
Seek
Time - The time it
takes for a hard drive's read / write head to move to a particular spot
on a disk to find data.
Select
- To choose an option
or an object to open. Also can mean to highlight a character, word, or
block of text.
Selection
- A chosen object,
option, or text block.
Selection
sort - Search for
specific information from a database. Each data file that matches the
parameters given is set aside for inclusion in its own special report.
Selector
channel - A high-speed
input / output (I/O) channel that links a peripheral device, such as a
hard drive or CD-ROM, to the computer.
Self-Extracting
archive (.SEA) - A
type of self-extracting file most often found in Macintosh systems.
Self-Extracting
file - Compressed
file, usually denoted by the file extension .SEA, that includes the
necessary executable program to decompress itself upon command. Normally
executing such a file will begin the decompression process.
Semiconductor
- Materials having
properties somewhere between the properties of conductors and insulators.
Current flows through semiconductors used as gate to force the current
into specific output lines. This allows the semiconductor gates to
perform logic functions that change the flow of the current.
Send-receive
fax modem - A fax /
modem that can both send and receive information.
Sensor
- Device used to
detect real-life conditions and translate them into computer data.
Sensors of varying complexity can be used to detect almost every force
known to humans. The most common sensors detect motion, heat, sound, or
light and other electromagnetic radiation.
Sequence
check - To test a list
of files, records, or other data storage to make sure they are in the
proper order.
Sequenced
packet exchange (SPX) - The
communications protocol used by Novell's NetWare to direct a network
message transmission, SPX makes sure all messages reach their destination
complete.
Sequential
access - A method of
data retrieval in which the computer must read a storage device from the
beginning until it reaches the necessary information, analogous to
finding a certain part of a movie or a videotape. Also called serial
access.
Sequential
processing - To
process information in the order the values were stored in or in the
order of initial entry. Also called serial processing.
Sequential
search - Refer to
linear search.
Serial
- One after another.
Information transferred serially is transmitted bit-by-bit, or
sequentially.
Serial
Access - Refer to
sequential access.
Serial
channel - Refer to
Serial port.
Serial
communications - The
bit-by-bit transmission of data between the processor and peripherals.
For serial communications to be effective, both the receiver and the
sender must have compatible baud rates or transfer speeds.
Serial
Communications Controller (SCC) - A Macintosh chip that controls a computer system's serial ports.
Serial
Device - Device that
communicates through serial transmissions that flow through the channel
bit by bit.
Serial
Interface - Channel,
usually between a computer and a peripheral, that transfers one bit of
information at a time. Can also mean a device that translates data
arranged in a parallel fashion before transmission and then translates
the data back again after transmission is complete.
Serial
Line Internet Protocol (SLIP) - An Internet protocol that allows users to gain Internet access with a
modem and a telephone line. SLIP allows users to link directly to the
Internet through an Internet service provider. SLIP sends its
transmissions over a serial line, such as a telephone line. It is slowly
being replaced by its up-and-and coming successor, Point-to-Point
Protocol (PPP), which provides enhanced error detection and automatic
configuration.
Serial
mouse - A mouse that
connects to the computer through a serial port.
Serial
port - A connection on
the computer used to connect a serial interface device to the system.
Serial ports are typically identified within the operating environment as
COM (communications) ports. For example, a mouse might be connected to
COM1 and a modem to COM2.
Serial
printer - A printer
attached to the computer through a serial interface because of slow
transmission times and compatibility problems, the serial printer is much
less popular than its parallel counterpart.
Serial
processing - Refer to
sequential processing.
Serial
transmission - Sending
information over wire one bit at a time.
Serif
- Having short,
decorative lines attached to the upper and lower ends of characters in a
typeface. As a noun, the word means the small lines themselves.
Server
- The control computer
on a local area network (LAN). The server controls software, access to
printers, and other parts of the network. The service is usually
accompanied by workstations that share the main system's resources. A
network may have more than one server. A server may be dedicated, meaning
its sole purpose is to be the server, or non-dedicated, meaning it can be
used for basic computing in addition to acting as the server.
Service
Advertising Protocol (SAP) - Protocol
used by servers to inform clients they are on the network in Novell's
NetWare environment.
Service
Bureau - A data
processing center that conducts data processing as a paid service for
customers. Also refers to a business that takes electronic documents from
customers and prints them on media such as paper, transparencies, slides,
and other hard copy materials.
Service
Protocol Gateway (SPG) - Program
used in the Novell NetWare environment that formats Apple transmission
into a form that NetWare can use.
Service
Provider - Refer to
Internet service provider.
Settling
time - The time it
takes a drive read / write head to settle into position.
Setup
- To ready system
hardware or software for operations. Setup is often the name of the
installation program that comes with most software applications. The user
must execute this program to install the software on a computer and
configure it to use the system hardware properly.
Sex
changer - Refer to
gender changer, gender bender.
SGML
- Refer to Standard
Generalized Markup Language.
Shadow
- In printing, word
processing and publishing programs use shading (usually in gray, but
sometimes in color) to give text the appearance of depth by making it
appear to have a shadow behind it.
Shadow
BIOS ROM - Refer to
shadow memory.
Shadow
memory - A portion of
memory that helps make a system faster by sending any requests for the
BIOS to the RAM shadow for execution instead of searching throughout all
of RAM. Also called shadow ROM, shadow RAM, and shadow BIOS ROM.
Shadow
printing - A printing
technique that produces a replica of each character in a lighter shade
and slightly off center so it appears the letter has a shadow.
Shadow
RAM / ROM - Refer to
shadow memory.
Shadow
server - Refer to
backup server.
Shared
directory - A
directory on a network accessible to multiple users. The files in such a
directory might be stored on the server or the hard drive of another
user's computer.
Shared
folder - A Macintosh
computer's version of a PC's network directory. Describes a folder
accessible to multiple users on the network.
Shared
logic - When multiple
circuits or applications use the same circuitry or software routines.
Also refers to more than one person using the same terminal.
Shared
memory - Segment of
memory available to more than one application at a time.
Shared
network directory - Refer
to shared directory.
Shared
resource - Device,
program, or piece of information used by more than one application or
computer at once. An example of a shared resource would be a laser
printer that an entire local-area network can access.
Shareware
- Copyrighted software
distributed on a free-will donation basis either via Internet or by being
passed along by satisfied customers. Usually shareware is on a trial
basis and is not the full functioning program. Shareware's intent is to
give you an example of what the program, utility or game has to offer and
if you like / use the program gives you the option of purchasing the
item.
Sharpness
- The clarity of a
monitor's picture or a printed image.
Sheetfed
scanner - Refer to
Optical Scanner.
Sheet
Feeder - A paper tray
on a printer that accepts tracks of paper and feeds them through the
machine one by one. Also called cut-sheet feeder.
Shell
- An program that
provides and interface between the operating system and the user. For
example, DOS Shell is a DOS command that provides a menu-driven
interface. Users can navigate the operating system without trying to
memorize commands.
Shielded
twisted-pair (STP) cable - Cable
that consists of two individual wires wrapped in foil shielding generally
used for Token Ring network. STP uses an IBM universal data connector for
wall plates and or hubs or a DB-9 connector for the computers. While STP
does supply more reliable data then UTP, STP will be more cost for cable
and connector, have larger size of cables and connectors, longer
installation time for connectors, and may run into additional problems
with ground loops.
Shift
clicking - A selection
procedure where the user holds down the Shift Key while pressing a mouse
key.
Shift
key - A keyboard key
that, when depressed simultaneously with another key, changes the effect
of that key such as pressing shift while pressing a letter would make the
letter a capital letter.
Short
cord - An expansion
card half the size of standard expansion cards. Short cards are used to
conserve computer space when the circuitry only requires the space of
half of an expansion card.
Shortcut
key - A key or key
combination that executes a specific function or command within an
application or operating system. For example, the F7 key in Microsoft
Word an most Microsoft programs runs the Spell Check.
Short-haul
- A communications
line or modem that transmits data only over short distances.
Shut
down - To close
applications in preparation to turn off a computer's power. The operating
system is generally the last program to be closed.
Side
grade - A new software
product closely related and / or complementary to a product from the same
company currently on the market, Such as Microsoft Works and Microsoft
Word.
SIG
- Refer to special
interest group.
Signal
- In electronics, the
information contained in electrical quantities of voltage or current that
forms the input, timing, or output of a device circuit or system.
Signature
- Data used for
identification. Many E-mail users include a short, two- or three line
signature at the bottom of their messages indicating their name, job
position, or other related information.
Sign
off - To close out a
network connection while working on a network PC. On a standalone system,
signing off is equivalent to closing applications and going through the
shut down procedure.
Sign
on - To open a network
connection by telling the computer it's time to begin, usually by
entering a password.
Silicon
- The fundamental
material used in making computer chips. It is an excellent semiconductor.
Silicon
chip - An integrated
circuit made primarily of silicon, the most common substance using in the
making of computer chips.
Silicon
Valley - An industrial
area in California, USA with a large concentration of computer-related
industry. The geographical locations include Palo Alto, Los Altos,
Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Menlo Park, Fremont, and Santa
Clara.
SIMM
- Refer to Single
in-line memory module.
Simple
Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) - A communications protocol that directs E-mail exchange on TCP / IP
networks.
Simplex
transmission - The
transmission of data in only one direction. For example, a print job can
only travel from the PC to the printer not both directions.
Simulation
- A computerized
imitation of a real object or action.
Simultaneous
peripheral operations online - Refer
to Spooling.
Single
board computer - A
computer with the capacity for only one board or card with no capacity
for additional circuitry being physically added. All components necessary
for the system to function are contained on the one board.
Single-density
diskette - The first
type of diskette produced. It can only support "one-sided"
recording. For this reason, the disk can't hold as much information as a
double-density diskette.
Single
In-line memory module (SIMM) - A
slender circuit board dedicated to storing memory chips. Each chip is
capable of holding 8 to 9 chips per board, the ninth chip usually an
error checking chip (parity / non parity). The typical BUS from the chip
to the motherboard is 32-bits wide. The chips are RAM upgrade chips used
to expand the system's RAM capacity. When upgrading a Pentium motherboard
you will be required to upgrade 2 of the same type of chips at the same
time accommodate the Pentium processor. See Memory
page for additional information.
Single
in-line package (SIP) - A
form of computer chip packaging that has only one row of connection pins
rather than the tow rows found in dual in-line packages (DIPs).
Single-sided
diskette (SSDD) - A
diskette that stores data on only one side.
Single
step - To execute a
program one step at a time. Usually to locate a flaw or error that is
causing the program to not operate properly.
Single
threading - To process
only one command at a time.
Single-user
computer - A system
designed for one user. Also called a PC.
Site
license - License that
gives permission to use a software package on more than one system. In
most cases, it is illegal to have one software package simultaneously
installed on more than one system. Site licenses are a means of providing
a bulk rate to companies and providing a schools that want to use the
software on multiple computers.
Slate
PC - Type of portable
computer that accepts hand-printed lettering and translates it into a
language a computer can understand.
Slave
- Computer or
peripheral device that operates under the control of another computer
peripheral.
Sleep
- State of low-power
inactivity. PCs and peripherals with sleep capability can be set to enter
an energy-saving mode in which all but vital functions are shut down
until the user "awakens" the machine.
Slimline
model - A small
desktop computer. The case might be as wide and as long as a regular
desktop machine, but the height or thickness are slightly smaller.
SLIP
- Refer to Serial Line
Internet Protocol.
Slot
- Refer to expansion
slot.
SLSI
- Refer to Super-Large
scale integration.
Small
Computer System Interface (SCSI) - Scuz-zee. A
standard for parallel interface that transfers information at rate of
eight bits per second and faster which is faster than the average
parallel interface. SCSI-2 and above supports up to seven peripheral
devices , such as a hard drive, CD-ROM, and scanner can attach to a
single SCSI port on a system's bus. SCSI ports were designed for Apple
Macintosh and Unix computers, but also can be used with PCs. See SCSI
page for additional information / Specs.
Small
Office-Home office (SOHO) - Target
computer market consisting of users who work at home or in a small
business.
Small-scale
integration (SSI) - Type
of chip architecture that has fewer than 30 transistors per chip. This
chip design is most prevalent in older laptop and personal computers.
Smart
- The ability of a
computer or program to function for itself by processing data or having a
small amount of independent processing ability. Also called intelligence.
Smart
battery - A portable
computer battery that keeps its system up-to-date about its power status.
Also called an intelligent batter.
Smart
cable - A cable with a
built-in circuitry to detect transmission protocol and translate it for
the receiver. As signals travel from one device to another, the circuitry
translates the signal from one protocol to another. Also called
intelligent cable.
Smart
card - An expansion
card with its own processing capabilities that allows it some independent
abilities. Smart card also can refer to a credit card with its own
processor and memory, often used for financial transactions.
Smart
terminal - A terminal
that has its own processor, memory, and software to function as a fully
independent machine. An intelligent terminal is independent of networks
or outside connections. All components needed for its job are contained
in one package. Also called an intelligent terminal.
SMT
- Refer to
surface-mount technology.
SMTP
- Refer to Simple Mail
Transfer Protocol.
SNA
- Refer to System
Network Architecture.
Snail
mail - Slang for the
traditional paper mail sent by a postal service, taken from its relative
slowness to arrive compared to electronic mail.
Snapshot
- Record of the state
of a system at a particular moment. Also can mean screen shot.
Sneakernet
- Jargon that
describes transfer of data through physical means, mainly by walking
diskettes or storage tapes from one location to another. Also called
TennisNet, Floppy-Net, Shoenet, and Walknet.
Snow
- A cast of pixels on
a monitor that appear as small, white flickering dots. Snow can be caused
by simple interference or by conflicts within the video memory.
Soft
- To be temporary or
capable of change. For example software gets its name from the idea that
changes can be made by altering the programming code. By contrast,
hardware is a physical contraption that can be added to or broken, but
cannot be changed.
Soft
Copy - On-screen
images or text.
Soft
error - An error that
can be corrected, such as an error in programming code.
Soft
font - Refer to
downloadable font.
Soft
return - A carriage
return automatically inserted in a word processing document. Soft returns
allow users to continue typing without adding carriage returns manually.
Soft-sectored
disk - A disk that has
had its sectors mapped with program commands rather than actual physical
separations.
Software
- A set of
instructions that tell a computer what to do. Software will generally
contain a list of variables, representing numbers, text, or graphics, and
a series of statements, which tell the computer how to process these
variables.
Software
conversion - Refer to
conversion.
Software-dependent
- A system dedicated
to one specific software application or set of applications. Usually the
applications have been specially designed for the system and the purpose.
Software
engineering - The
programming and production that goes into the software development
process.
Software
house - A software
development organization.
Software
library - A collection
of software owned by a single company.
Software
piracy - The illegal
use, copying, or distribution of software. Most software products
instruct the user that only one copy of the product may be installed on a
system at any given time. A user agrees to the terms of the licensing
agreement when the product is purchased and installed on a system. With
most products, installing one software package on multiple system used by
the same person would be considered piracy.
Software
portability - Refer to
portability.
Software
publishing - The
design and distribution of software packages designed for consumer use.
SOHO
- Refer to Small
Office-Home Office.
SOJ
DRAM - Surface mount
chip (attaches directly to the circuit board's surface) module that uses
J-shaped pins that extend inwards.
Solid
inkjet printer - A
printer technology that uses wax-based inks that melt and are sprayed
onto paper. The wax then dries quickly and adheres to almost any surface.
Solid-state
device - A device with
no moving parts, usually one made up of largely by electronic circuitry.
Work is performed by the conducting electrical or magnetic transmissions.
Solid-state
memory - A memory type
stored within solid-state devices. RAM, an example of solid-state memory,
is stored in silicon chips on single in-line memory modules (SIMMs).
Solid-state
relay - A switch with
no moving parts.
Sort
- To organize data.
For example, the information in a database can be sorted alphabetically,
numerically, by keywords, and in other ways.
Sort
within a sort - To
organize data in a specific subcategory of information within a larger
group. For example, organizing a list by date of purchase and then
alphabetizing the names that appear in each date is an example of a sort
within a sort.
Sorter
- A program or
application that sorts information.
Sort
field - The
information category that a sort process uses to organize the database
information. For example, "last name" might be a sort field.
Sort
key - Keyword or
character set used to arrange information into a desired order.
SoundBlaster
- Type of sound card
manufactured by Creative Labs. Because the brand is so popular, many
other manufactures will claim their sound cards are compatible with
SoundBlaster.
Sound
buffer - Portion of
memory that temporarily holds sound files on their way to audio speakers.
Sound
card - An expansion
board that adds audio capability beyond basic beeps. A sound card is
essential for any application containing sound effects and or music.
There are three main sound standards: SoundBlaster, Ad Lib, and Windows.
Some sound cards have the capability for all three. Sound cards contain
the equipment to digitize a sound by translating a sound from analog or
real world, digital, or computer language. The sound card produces sound
in one of two ways: FM synthesis and wavetable synthesis. FM syntheses
takes mathematical representation of a sound and creates a sound from the
formula, in much the same way that a music box plays a tune. Wavetable
synthesis takes recordings of actual sounds and manipulates them to
change pitch and dynamics. Also called a sound board or an audio card.
Sound
generator - The
electronic circuitry that produces sound.
Sound
hood - A box placed
over a dot matrix printer to muffle the sound of the impact printing.
Source
- A resource from
which data is retrieved, such as a file or database.
Source
computer - A computer
used to assemble a program.
Source
data - The original
hard copy from a data that is used in a computerized program. The
information is read from hard copy and inputted into the computer system,
either using a high-tech scanner or manual entry.
Source
data acquisition - To
receive source data, through scanners or manual input. Also called source
data capture.
Source
data capture - See
Source data acquisition.
Source
data disk - The
diskette from which data will be copied.
Source
disk - The diskette
from which data will be copied.
Source
drive - The drive from
which data is retrieved.
Source
document - The
document from which the user retrieves information for use in another
document or application.
Source
program - The original
programmer-written program.
Spacebar
- The long horizontal
bar on the lower edge of a keyboard that usually creates a blank space on
the screen.
Space
character - The
character entered by the Spacebar.
Space
parity - A form of
information integrity check that uses the 1s and 0s of binary code to
verify the validity of transferred data.
Span
- Refer to range.
SPARC
- Refer to Scalar
Processor architecture.
Spatial
digitizer - A scanner
used to input three-dimensional objects.
Spec
- Refer to
specification.
Special
characters - A
character that is not alphabetic or numeric. Punctuation marks are
special characters. Any usual character included with a font package also
is considered a special character.
Special
interest group (SIG) - A
group of people that shares information and ideas about a specific topic.
Special
purpose language - A
program language that was designed for a specific function. For example a
language might be more suited to mathematical or scientific uses than
general purpose programming.
Specification
- Descriptive
information about hardware or software products.
Speech
recognition - Refer to
voice recognition.
Speech
synthesis - A
computerized simulation of the human voice. A computer can either piece
together prerecorded words or simulate the sound from a mathematical
formula to allow a form of audio interaction between computer and user.
Spell
checker - A program
used in word processing to search a document for misspelled words.
Spelling checkers use a large database and comparison techniques to bring
unfamiliar words and phrases to the users attention.
SPG
- Refer to service
protocol gateway.
Spike
- A temporary increase
in the amplitude of a signal.
Spindle
- A post that holds a
reel of magnetic tape.
SPL
- Refer to systems
programming language.
Split
bar - The bar that
divides a split screen. The line appears in the middle of the screen, but
can be moved up and down or side to side to alter the size of the window.
Split
screen - A software
activated division of the screen in which different documents can be
displayed. Each document can be manipulated individually.
Split
window - Refer to
Split screen.
Spool
- An acronym for
Simultaneous Peripheral Operations on-line.
Spool
folder - The folder
that holds files waiting to be printed.
Spooling
- The queuing of print
jobs all waiting for their turn to be printed. printers do not print as
quickly as computers operate. On networks, multiple users might send
documents to the same printer. These documents are sent to a spooler,
where they wait their turn to print. Spooling frees the computer's
attention so the users can continue working while waiting for a document
to print.
SPP
- Refer to Standard
Parallel Port.
Spot
color - A printing
technique where color is printed in layers each individual color is
printed with its own ink as a separate layer. The printer keeps adding
layers until all the colors have been printed.
SPS
- Refer to
Uninterruptible power supply.
Spreadsheet
- A worksheet
consisting of rows and columns that manipulate and display numerical
data. Computerized spreadsheets include built-in calculating tools to
perform mathematical functions using the Danta in its cells.
Spreadsheet
Program - A specific
application designed to create spreadsheets such as Microsoft
Excel, or Lotus 123.
Sprocket
feed - Refer to pin
feed.
SPX
- Refer to sequenced
packet exchange.
SQL
- Refer to structured
query language.
SRAM
- Refer to static RAM.
SSDD
- Refer to
single-sided diskette.
SSI
- Refer to Small-Scale
Integration.
SSP
- Refer to System
Support Program.
Standalone
- A device or system
that can perform its function independently. A non networking PC is an
example of a standalone.
Standard
- An
agreed-upon set of specifications for hardware or software.Agreeing upon
standards makes it possible for different manufacturers to create
products that are compatible with each other.Standards may be set by
official standards organizations, or they may be unofficial standards
that are established by common use.
Advantages
of Standards: Standards
are advantageous for both the end user and the manufactures of computer
products. By having one set standard this helps to prevent confusion
between the manufactures and the end users. One example of how a standard
came into use was with 56k modems and the X2 and KFlex technologies. With
two different technologies Internet Service providers had to spend
additional money by buying two brands of modems as well as two different
access lines for one or the other technology, or just support one
technology and loose business. Thankfully however a standard referred to
as V.90 came to use which combined the two technology as one.
Standard
Apple Numeric Environment (SANE) - A Macintosh graphic calculator and arithmetic feature.
Standard
Generalized Markup Language (SGML) - A formatting language that allows the transfer of information between
applications. SGML imbeds commands within the document, and an SGML
compatible application takes those commands and formats the document
accordingly.
Standard
Parallel Port (SPP) - Standard
Parallel Port. Include unidirectional (4BIT) ports and bi-directional
(8BIT) ports. These ports are generally found on PCs built prior to 1995.
Standby
Power System (SPS) - See
Uninterruptible Power Supply.
Star
network - A local-area
network (LAN) designed with a star topology.
Star
topology - A
local-area network (LAN) design in which all peripheral systems are
attached directly and exclusively to the main computer, called a hub, to
which all communications are routed. A major disadvantage of this type of
network is the danger that a hub malfunction will cause the entire
network to go down.
Start
bit - A bit that
signals the beginning of an asynchronous data transmission.
Start/Stop
transmission - Refer
to asynchronous transmission.
Startup
- The process of
getting a computer ready for operation. This includes internal check and
the loading of software, such as the operating system.
Startup
application - An
application that is automatically launched whenever the computer is
booted. Also refers to the Apple Macintosh boot-up program.
Startup
disk - Diskette used
to initialize the computer's startup process. A startup disk is often
used if a virus is suspected in the main hard drive. The startup disk
bypasses booting from the hard drive and allows the capability of
cleaning the hard drive if the disk too is not infected.
StartUp
folder - A special
folder in the Windows 95 operating system that contains applications or
links to applications that will be automatically launched when Windows95
is started. Users can add or delete applications from this folder, which
is contained in the startup menu.
StartUp
group - Special
program group in Windows 3.x operating system that contains links to
applications that will be automatically launched when Windows is started.
Users can add or delete these links to customize their system.
Startup
ROM - The string of
instructions for getting a system up and running that are stored in ROM
and executed when the computer is turned on.
State
- Refer to status.
Statement
- An individual line
of instruction in a program.
State-of-the-art
- The latest
cutting-edge technology. Often used to describe new computer technology.
Static
allocation - Portion
of memory that is set aside for an application's use at the applications
startup. That portion of memory remains dedicated solely to that
particular application throughout the application's use.
Static
memory - Refer to
static RAM.
Static
RAM (SRAM) - Type of
computer memory that requires a constant power flow to hold information.
It is quicker and more dependable than dynamic RAM, but it is also more
expensive, takes up more space, and uses more power, so SRAM is never
used as the main RAM storage facility.
Status
- The information
about the activity level of an aspect of the computer system such as a
device or a program.
Stepper
motor - An actuator
motor that moves in small, | 