If you find a term not covered in this file you may
and list the word (computer connected terminology ONLY). We will endeavour to locate the meaning and respond to you. If we consider it a common enough term, we will add it to our list. New terminology (with explanation) may also be submitted for consideration.
Safe Mode: A state in which Windows 95 loads in VGA without 32-bit drivers or network support. Usually occurs when there's a hardware or driver conflict.
SATA/Serial ATA: Often abbreviated SATA or S-ATA This is an evolution of the Parallel ATA physical storage interface. Serial ATA is a serial link. Transfer rates for Serial ATA begin at 150MBps. It uses thinner serial cables so as to facilitate more efficient airflow in the case and also allow for smaller chassis designs. Serial ATA cables can extend up to one meter. Serial ATA supports all ATA and ATAPI devices.
Scanner: An electronic device that uses light-sensing equipment to scan paper images such as text, photos, and illustrations and translate the images into signals that the computer can then store, modify, or distribute.
scroll bar: The bar on the side or bottom of a window that allows the user to scroll up and down through the window's contents. Scroll bars have scroll arrows at either end and a scroll box, all of which can be used to scroll around the window.
scrolling: Scrolling the chat screen is when you type in a single letter or symbol in the compose area and keep hitting send. This scrolls the chat screen very quickly and disrupts the chat conversation for others. This is very bad Netiquette and against the rules established for most chat rooms.
SCSI: Small Computer System Interface. Pronounced scuzzy, SCSI is a parallel interface standard used by Apple Macintosh computers, PCs, and many UNIX systems for attaching peripheral devices to computers. All Apple Macintosh computers starting with the Macintosh Plus come with a SCSI port for attaching devices such as disk drives and printers.
SDMI: Secure Digital Music Initiative. A group set up to secure a music copyright system that prevents unauthorised playback.
SDRAM: Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory. Commonly used memory type used in current computer technology.
Search Engine: One form of search system found within the Internet system. This system allows you to search for various sites on the Internet by subject or type (among the main search methods).The Search Engine produces a list of topics (currently over 200 generalised subject base listings, which are further divided into more specific subjects). This can make searching or browsing considerably easier. At the beginning of the year 2000 there were over 1800 known search engines (not including site specific search engines)
security: Ensuring that private information remains private in an atmosphere where all other information is free. Security also means that viruses are prevented from infecting people's systems.
SeniorNet: A non-profit organization for older adults interested in using computers.
Serial: One after another. The transmission of data one bit (or one signal) at a time.
Serial ATA: Often abbreviated SATA or S-ATA This is an evolution of the Parallel ATA physical storage interface. Serial ATA is a serial link. Transfer rates for Serial ATA begin at 150MBps. It uses thinner serial cables so as to facilitate more efficient airflow in the case and also allow for smaller chassis designs. Serial ATA cables can extend up to one meter. Serial ATA supports all ATA and ATAPI devices.
Serial Line Internet Protocol: (abbreviation: SLIP) A protocol used by TCP/IP routers and PCs to send packets over dial-up and leased-line connections. SLIP has been pretty much replaced by PPP.
Server: Any computer that stores information for outside use - that is use by other computers. It is an integral part of a computer network and is designed to serve the various clients on the network.
Shareware: Software that you can download from a network and "try before you buy." If you like the software and decide to use it beyond the trial period, you must register with the author and pay a registration fee. If you don't wish to register as a user, you are often required to remove the software from your computer.
shouting: TYPING IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS IS CONSIDERED SHOUTING IN ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS. Avoid this unless you really mean to shout. If you really mean to shout, do it out loud: it feels much better.
shovelware: A CD-ROM title that contains pre-existing material, usually taken from other media, that has been shoveled in by the developers in order to fill the 600 MB of disk space.
SHTML: Server-parsed HyperText Markup Language.
SIG: Abbreviation for Special Interest Group.
sig: Short for signature, a group of lines attached to the end of a message that identifies the author and often includes additional information such as contact information, organizational affiliation, or a favorite quote. Sigs can also include ASCII art. Netiquette suggests limiting sigs to a maximum of four or five lines.
Silicon Alley: The area of Manhattan where many Internet development companies are located.
Silicon Valley: The geographic center of the computer industry. Includes most of Santa Clara county and part of San Mateo county in California.
SLIP: See Serial Line Internet Protocol.
smiley: See emoticon.
SNA: See Systems Network Architecture.
snail mail: Regular postal mail, as opposed to email. Pejorative when implying postal mail's slowness relative to email.
sneakernet: The transfer of electronic information by physically carrying disks, tape, or some other media from one machine to another. Used ironically.
Software: Computer programmes; also called "applications."
SoHo: Acronym for Small Office, Home Office.
Solaris: GUI based operating system developed by the Sun Corporation.
Spam: The Internet's equivalent to Junk Mail.
spool: A queue of files waiting to be printed.
sprayer: A computer program designed to serve web pages from multiple hosts in order to optimize traffic between the hosts.
Spreadsheet: Software that allows one to calculate numbers in a format that is similar to pages in a conventional ledger. stage directions: Used in chats to indicate vocal inflections, facial expressions, or body language. Usually surrounded by < > , for example < grin > and < hug > .
status bar: A bar at the bottom of a window that is used to indicate the status of a task. For example, when you send an email message, you'll see the status bar filling with dots indicating that your message is being sent.
subroutine: A piece of a program that is "called" from another part of the program. Often a well-structured program will consist of a short main routine that calls many subroutines to do the work.
subscribe: To add one's name to a mailing list.
surf: See net surfing.
Surfing the Net: See Net Surfing
surge protector: A device, usually in the form of a multi-plug bar, that protects your computer from being damaged by power surges.
SXGA: Super eXtended Graphics Array, a display specification that is capable of displaying 1280 x 1024 resolution.
sysadmin: The system administrator of a UNIX machine, or someone who maintains UNIX systems. See also root.
sysop: A system operator, usually the administrative manager of a BBS, mailing list, or newsgroup, who manages the day-to-day administrative tasks and makes sure the technical features work.
Systems Network Architecture: (abbreviation: SNA) A proprietary networking architecture used by IBM and IBM-compatible mainframe computers.
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