Glossary

Other Technical Dictionaries/Glossaries

Acronym Glossary
CNET Internet Glossary
ILC Glossary of Internet Terms
OneLook Dictionaries

Scalable system A system whose design permits expansion to handle any size database or any number of users.

Scalable typeface An outline-based typeface from which fonts of any point size can be created.

Scanner A device that scans hard copy and digitizes the text and/or images to a format that can be interpreted by a computer.

Scheduler Someone who schedules the use of hardware resources to optimize system efficiency.

Screen image projector An output device that can project a computer-generated image onto a large screen.

Screen-capture programs Memory-resident programs that enable users to transfer all or part of the current screen image to a disk file.

Screen saver A utility program used to change static screens on idle monitors to interesting dynamic displays.

Screen generator A systems design tool that enables a systems analyst to produce a mockup of a display while in direct consultation with the user.

Scroll arrow Small box containing an arrow at each end of a scroll bar that is used to navigate in small increments within a document or list.

Scroll box A square object that is that is dragged along a scroll bar to navigate within a document or list.

Scrolling Using the cursor keys to view parts of a document that extends past the bottom or top or sides of the screen.

SCSI bus [SmallComputer System Interface] This hardware interface allows the connection of several peripheral devices to a single SCSI expansion board (or adapter).

SCSI port A device interface to which up to 15 peripheral devices can be daisy-chained to a single USB port. (Contrast with USB port.)

SDRAM (Synchronous dynamic RAM) RAM that is able to synchronize itself with the processor enabling high-speed transfer of data (600 MHz) to/from the processor.

Search engine An Internet resource discovery tool that lets people find information by keyword(s) searches.

Secondary storage Permanent data storage on magnetic disk, CD-R, and/or magnetic tape. (Compare with primary storage and RAM.)

Sector A disk storage concept of a pie-shaped portion of a disk or diskette in which records are stored and subsequently retrieved. (Contrast with cylinder.)

Sector organization Magnetic disk organization in which the recording surface is divided into pie-shaped sectors.

Select Highlighting an object on a windows screen or a menu option.

Sequential access Accessing records in the order in which they are stored. (Contrast with random access.)

Sequential files Files containing records that are ordered according to a key field.

Sequential processing Processing of files that are ordered numerically or alphabetically by a key field. (Contrast with direct-access processingor random processing.)

Serial transmission Pertaining to processing data one bit at a time. (Contrast with parallel transmission.)

Serial port A direct link with the microcomputer's bus that facilitates the serial transmission of data.

Serial representation The storing of bits one after another on a secondary storage medium.

Serpentine A magnetic tape storage scheme in which data are recorded serially in tracks.

Server A LAN component that can be shared by users on a LAN.

Server application (1) An application running on a network server that works in tandem with a client workstation or PC application. (See also client application.) (2) In object linking an embedding, the application in which the linked object originates.

Server computer Any type of computer, from a PC to a supercomputer, which performs a variety of functions for its client computers, including the storage of data and applications software. See also client computer.

Shell Software that provides a graphical user interface alternative to command-driven software.

Shortcut key A key combination that chooses a menu option without the need to display a menu.

Shut down The processes of exiting all applications and shutting off the power to a computer system.

Simultaneous click Tapping both buttons on a point-and-draw device at the same time.

SIMM [Single In-line Memory Module] A small circuit board, capable of holding several memory chips, that has a 32-bit data path and can be easily connected to a PC's system board. (Contrast with DIMM.)

Slate PC A portable personal computer that enables input via an electronic pen in conjunction with a pressure-sensitive monitor/drawing surface.

Smalltalk An object-oriented language.

Smart card A card or badge with an embedded microprocessor.

Soft copy Temporary output that can be interpreted visually, as on a monitor. (Contrast with hard copy.)

Soft font An electronic description of a font that is retrieved from disk storage and downloaded to the printer's memory.

Soft keyboard A keyboard displayed on a touch sensitive screen such that when a displayed key is touched with a finger or stylus, the character or command is sent to memory for processing.

Software The programs used to direct the functions of a computer system. (Contrast with hardware; related to program.)

Software agent Artificial intelligence-based software that has the authority to act on a person or thing's behalf.

Software engineer A person who develops software products to bridge the gap between design and executable program code.

Software engineering A term coined to emphasize an approach to software development that embodies the rigors of the engineering discipline.

Software installation The process of copying the program and data files from a vendor-supplied master disk(s) to a PC's hard disk.

Software package One or more programs designed to perform a particular processing task.

Software piracy The unlawful duplication of proprietary software. (Related to pilferage.)

Software suite An integrated collection of software tools that may include a variety of business applications packages.

Sort The rearrangement of fields or records in an ordered sequence by a key field.

Source application, clipboard The software application from which the clipboard contents originated. (Contrast with destination application).

Source data Original data that usually involve the recording of a transaction or the documenting of an event or an item.

Source data automation Entering data directly to a computer system at the source without the need for key entry transcription.

Source document The original hard copy from which data are entered.

Source program The code of the original program. (Also called source code; compare with object program.)

Source program file This file contains high-level instructions to the computer which must be compiled prior to program execution.

Spam Unsolicited junk e-mail.

Spammer A person who distributes spam.

Speech synthesis Converting raw data into electronically produced speech.

Speech synthesizers Devices that convert raw data into electronically produced speech.

Speech-recognition system A device that permits voice input to a computer system.

Spelling checker A software feature that checks the spelling of every word in a document against an electronic dictionary.

Spreadsheet file A file containing data and formulas in tabular format.

Spreadsheet software Refers to software that permits users to work with rows and columns of data.

Star topology A computer network that involves a centralized host computer connected to a number of smaller computer systems.

Static RAM (SRAM) A RAM technology whose chips do not require a refresh cycle.(Contrast with DRAM.)

Stop bits A data communications parameter that refers to the number of bits in the character or byte.

Structure chart A chart that graphically illustrates the conceptualization of an information system as a hierarchy of modules.

Structured system design A systems design technique that encourages top-down design.

Subroutine A group or sequence of instructions for a specific programming task that is called by another program.

Supercomputer The category that includes the largest and most powerful computers.

Switched line A telephone line used as a regular data communications channel (also called dial-up line).

Switching hub A type of hub that accepts packets of information sent within a network, then forwards them to the appropriate port for routing to their network destination based on the network address contained in the packet.

Synchronous transmission A communications protocol in which the source and destination points operate in timed alignment to enable high-speed data transfer.

Syntax The rules that govern the formulation of the instructions in a computer program.

Syntax error An invalid format for a program instruction.

Sysop [system operator] The sponsor who provides the hardware and software support for an electronic bulletin-board system.

System Any group of components (functions, people, activities, events, and so on) that interface with and complement one another to achieve one or more predefined goals.

System board A microcomputer circuit board that contains the microprocessor, electronic circuitry for handling such tasks as input/output signals from peripheral devices, and memory chips (same as motherboard).

System check An internal verification of the operational capabilities of a computer's electronic components.

System life cycle A reference to the four stages of a computer-based information system-birth, development, production, and death.

System maintenance The process of modifying an information system to meet changing needs.

System operator See sysop.

System prompt A visual prompt to the user to enter a system command.

System software Software that is independent of any specific applications area.

System specifications (specs) Information system details that include everything from the functionality of the system to the format of the system's output screens and reports.

Systems analysis The examination of an existing system to determine input, processing, and output requirements for the target system.

Systems analyst A person who does systems analysis.

Systems development methodology Written standardized procedures that depict the activities in the systems development process and define individual and group responsibilities.

Systems programmer A programmer who develops and maintains system software.

Systems testing A phase of testing where all programs in a system are tested together.