World Wide Webfx Internet Glossary of Computer Terms

Glossary of Computer Terms
from World Wide Webfx

SAS: A statstical software package.
scanner: Hardware device that digitizes hard copy (converts into a series of dots) and stores it as a graphics file.
search engine: A search engine is a computer program or group of programs which can take a search string (usually a word or words) and rapidly compare that string with the information in its database, keyword index, or the text of many documents.
secure server: A server,sometimes called a Secure Commerce Server, that encrypts the transfer of data to and from a user to protect their identity or sensitive data such as credit card numbers that may otherwise be intercepted.
Serial Line IP (SLIP): A protocol used to run IP over serial lines, such as telephone circuits or RS-232 cables, interconnecting two systems. SLIP, along with PPP, is one of two popular protocols which allow home computer users to connect their computers to the Internet as peer hosts. SLIP and PPP encapsulate TCP/IP packets for transmission over phone lines.
server: In client-server computing, the "back-end" program from which a client program requests information or other resources. The server handles the work of locating and extracting the information. The term is also often used to refer to the computer running a server program, particularly if it is used only for that purpose (as, for example, a "print server" in a LAN). Essentially means the same as host; however, the term "server" has come to take on a separate connotation, in which "server" is preceded by an adjective that identifies the type of Internet service it provides. For instance, you can connect to a Web server, an FTP server, a Gopher server, or a host (pun intended) of other server types.
Service Provider: An internet service provider charges startup and monthly fees to users and provides them with the initial host connection to the rest of the Internet usually via a dialup connection.
SGML: Standard, Generalized Markup Language, a superset of HTML.
SGI: multiuser Unix Workstation manufactured by Silicon Graphics that runs the IRIX operating system (SGI Indigo, SGI Indy, SGI Crimson).
shareware: Software which the creator or author stores on the network for access by anyone to try out. Once you decide you want to continue using the software, it is ethically correct to pay the shareware fee. Once you do, you will receive update software and manuals.
signature: The three- or four-line message at the bottom of an e-mail message or a Usenet article that identifies the sender. Large signatures (over five lines) are generally frowned upon. These files usually have the filename sig or signature. With many news readers and some e-mail clients this file is automatically appended to the sender's messages or postings. See also e-mail, Usenet.
Simple Mall Transfer Protocol (SMTP): A protocol used to transfer electronic mail between computers. It is a server-to-server protocol, so other protocols are used to access the messages. See also e-mail, Post Office Protocol.
site: A location usually consisting of a collection of documents. A web site is collection of HTML documents or "pages"; an FTP site is a collection of directories for uploadong and downloading files; a Gopher site is a collection of menus;etc.See Host.
site promotion: The activity of listing a web page or site with search engines, on-line and print advertising, and gererally anything which generates traffic to or user awareness of a web site.
SLIP: See Serial Line IP
SLIP: Stands for Serial Line Internet Protocol, and is a standard method for connecting to a service provider via telephone lines. SLIP software provides this connection so that the Internet treats your computer as though it were your service provider's host system. (See also TCP/IP PPP and Service Provider).
SMTP: See Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
software: The coded instructions that gives the computer some form of functionality.(see application, program , operating system)
spreadsheet: A grid of rows and columns used for number tracking and calculation.
spooll(ing): A spool is a storage area where e-mail, print jobs, and some other service requests are stored up until they can be sent on to their destinations. Spooling is the act of storing up such messages or jobs. Items may be spooled for any of several reasons: most commonly if the destination host is down, not accepting transmissions for some reason, or (particularly in print jobs) the receiving printer has not finished printing the job(s) ahead of the spooled job. BITNET traffic is often spooled if the next node on the line cannot accept it for any reason. See also queue.
SprintNet: See Telenet.
storage: Permanent retention of software and document files. Alternately the device which accomplishes this function.
static route/routing: A table or database of destinations and pathways used to route packets to the correct destination. These tables are not dynamically updated by other computers in response to changing network operating conditions. For example, they cannot be automatically updated if a network portion goes down or if the router they want to send to is not functioning. As such, they are prone to problems if the network changes or is not functioning correctly. See also routing, routing table.
STD: A subseries of RFCs that specify Internet standards. See also For Your Information, Request for Comments.
store front: A special website configured with display, ordering, and secure transaction capabilties to act as an on-line store.
sub menu: a menu that is accessed under a main menu.
subnet: A portion of a network (which may be a physically independent network segment) that shares a network address with other portions of the network and is distinguished by a subnet address. A subnet is to a network what a network is to the Internet. See also Internet, network.
subnet address: The subnet portion of an IP address. In a subnetted network, the host portion of an IP address is split into a subnet portion and a host portion using an address (subnet) mask. See also IP address, network address, host address.
subnet number: See subnet address.
Sun: multiuser Unix Workstation manufactured by Sun that runs the SunOS operating system (Sparc 20, Sun IPC, Sun 3/60).
supercomputer: A computer that can process a great deal of information or make involved and extensive calculations very, very quickly. Supercomputers can resolve complex mathematical equations in a few hours which would have taken a scientist with paper and pencil a lifetime, or years using a hand calculator.
Switched Muitimegabit Data Service (SMDS): An emerging high-speed datagram-based public data network service developed by Bellcore and expected to be widely used by telephone companies as the basis for their data networks. See also Integrated Services Digital Network.
system unit: PC hardware that resembles a rectangular box that houses the CPU, disk drives and memory,