• Computer glossary - S

    by
    computerguru
    Published on 02-03-2010 07:01 PM

    SATA (Serial ATA) — a new interface for inner storages’ connection, a successor of the old ATA. Serial ATA Bus supports a serial device connection unlike the previous ‘parallel’ interface. Each SATA device (hard disk or a CD drive) monopolizes one channel and is connected to its own connector on the system board.

    Scam — any illegal scheme or fraud trapping a person or a group with a purpose of getting money by false promises of economic profit (travels, journeys, lottery prizes, etc.).

    Scanning -ports, IP addresses — identification of communication ports and/or IP addresses of an computer and getting information about their status. Such action can sometimes be taken as an attack or a threat.

    Screensaver — a program displaying images and animation on the screen. Initially these programs ensured appearing of no images on the screen when a PC hasn’t been used for a certain time.

    Script / Script virus — the term ‘script’ used to denominate files or script sections written in programming languages, for instance, Visual Basic Script (VBScript), JavaScript, etc.

    SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface) — a high-speed interface for connection of storage (hard disks, CD-ROM, CD-R) and external devices used for data insertion in the computer (for instance, scanners). SCSI-devices operate much faster than standard devices of IDE interface, however, requiring presence of a specific controller in the computer.

    Sector — a disk section or area.

    Security patch — set of additional files appended to a program or software designed for solution of certain problems (vulnerabilities or shortcomings).

    Security risk — the term is related to everything capable of causing damage for a computer user. For instance, a program for viruses’ and Trojans’ creation.

    Server — a computer offering certain services and resources (communication, applications, files, etc.) to other computers (named Clients) connected to it via network.

    Service — a set of options offered by a computer or a system to other devices linked to it.

    Services applet — application in Windows XP/2000/NT configuring and controlling the system of offered services.

    Shareware — text versions of software program enabling users to work with it for a while before purchasing. Such software versions are usually free or much cheaper than the full ones.

    Slot — a slot-connector on the motherboard designed for connection of additional boards – a video card, a sound card, a modem, etc.

    SMART (Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology) — a fast autodiagnostics system incorporated in the advanced models of hard disks.

    SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) — a protocol utilized in the Internet for electronic mail transfer only.

    Socket — a square connector on motherboards designed for processor installation. There several major modifications of the connector oriented for various processor models by different manufacturers.

    Software — files, programs, applications and operating systems enabling users to work with computers and other IT systems.

    Spam — an unsolicited electronic mail, typically, containing ads. This mail is sent in bulk, may be utterly annoying and time- and resource-consuming.

    Spammer — a program responsible for bulk mailing of unsolicited, commercial electronic letters. It may also be used for mass threat sending, for instance, worms and Trojans.

    Spyware — programs collecting information on users’ Internet-activity, their preferences, interests. The collected data are sent to the application creator or third persons, moreover, may be stored being available any moment. Spyware may be installed with users’ knowledge and acceptance or without them. The same refers to being aware or unaware of the data gathering and further use.

    SQL (Structured Query Language) — a programming languages standard designed for handling (administering and communication) databases. Is widely used in the Internet (for instance, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, etc.).

    Status bar — a panel appearing down the screen in some programs where the information about a running program or file condition is shown.

    SVGA (Super Video Graphic Adapter) — a computer graphic system standard, a display and a video card type.

    System services — applications launched independently at the system boot and terminated independently at the system shutdown. The system services execute the basic tasks, such as SQL server or Plug&Play detector launch.