spool
The process of transferring data into a storage location before sending it to a peripheral device like a printer. In this way, the sending computer can continue to operate until the printer is available or the printing is done.
SQL - structured query language
The programming language used to access relational databases. All SQL-capable databases support a common set of SQL commands though individual applications may have their own unique SQL features.
SRAM - static RAM
A type of RAM that contains capacitors. Since capacitors can store energy, the SRAM is faster than most DRAM which requires refreshment but slower than most caches. Data transfer can occur in about 10-20 nanoseconds with SRAMs while DRAMs can transfer data in about 60 nanoseconds.
SSL - Secure Sockets Layer
A protocol designed by Netscape to assure privacy by encrypting messages, authenticating them, and assuring message integrity for data typically sent between a client's web browser and a host server. Messages sent via SSL use https in the beginning of the URL. Authentication and encryption is achieved by using information from the required Security Certificate that is sent by each partner in this communication to one another. Information from the Security Certificate is used as part of the encrypting code so only the two computers have the key to de-crypt the messages.
startup disk
A disk (or CD-ROM) used to start the computer. It is often used when an operating system is corrupted or a hard drive crashes thus preventing the computer from being started up. (Also called system disk.)
static RAM - SRAM
A type of RAM that contains capacitors. Since capacitors can store energy, the SRAM is faster than most DRAM which requires refreshment but slower than most caches. Data transfer can occur in about 10-20 nanoseconds with SRAMs while DRAMs can transfer data in about 60 nanoseconds.
structured query language - SQL
The programming language used to access relational databases. All SQL-capable databases support a common set of SQL commands though individual applications may have their own unique SQL features.
subdirectory
A directory that resides in or is "below" another directory. For example, a directory called "Personal" in the "Documents" directory.
submenu
A menu that appears after the user selects a higher-level menu option from the menu bar. Most submenus have a small triangle next to them which implies a series of choice for that menu item exists. For example, if under the "File" choice of a menu bar is an "Import" option with a small triangle, the series of options that appears when the small triangle is selected (spreadsheet, picture, or object) is the submenu.
subnets
A method that divides a network into small pieces to improve routing.
subtractive color system
Uses CMYK colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) and defines a color by subtracting a percentage of cyan, magenta, or yellow from white.
SuperDrive
A Macintosh® floppy drive that can access several different disks (e.g., 400kB, 800kB, and 1.4 MB, and PC disks).
SuperVGA
Specifications to enhance VGA's monitor output. VGA supports a 640x480 pixel resolution with 8-bit graphics color (256 colors) while SuperVGA supports resolutions greater than 640x480 and more than 256 colors.
surge suppresser
An electrical device used to prevent electrical power surges from reaching your computer. The device has a circuit breaker built in which is flipped when an electrical surge comes through. Many power strips have surge suppressers built in.
synchronous
A process that occurs in "real time." An example from distance education would be a lecture given "live" over the Internet with microphones in both the host and remote sites so questions from a remote site can be asked and answered immediately. In contras, a question sent via email would be asynchronous since there is typically a time delay between when the message is sent and when a reply is received.
syntax
The "rules" followed in a language. For example, in some programming languages, a semicolon is required at the end of each line of instruction.
system
System can mean several things. It is often used to mean an operating system, or can be used to refer to a computer, its monitor, the software, and other peripherals that are packaged together in a bundle.
system board
The main circuit board of the computer that contains the CPU, the RAM, the SBus, the ports, the BIOS, and expansion slots. (Also called motherboard.)
system disk
A disk (or CD-ROM) used to start the computer. It is often used when an operating system is corrupted or a hard drive crashes thus preventing the computer from being started up. (Also called startup disk.)
Show entire glossary || Download glossary
A
B
C
||
D
E
F
||
G
H
I
J
K
||
L
M
||
N
O
P
||
Q
R
S
||
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z