Internet Terms-S

safe mode a temporary method of running Windows using the absolute minimum in resources. In the event of a hardware failure or malfunction, it can become necessary to run the operating system in the Safe Mode. In safe mode, it is sometimes possible to back up files and otherwise rescue data that is subject to loss due to eminent hardware failure. Windows is often able to alert the user to such problems before they actually occur. It would be wise to print out the instructions for Safe Mode operation prior to needing them. To do so, go to Start, Help, type “Safe Mode” into the keyword prompt box, click on Display and print the instructions for safekeeping.

sandbox a safe environment for running Java applications without threatening a computer’s disk space or memory.

sans serif type without serifs. Popular sans serif fonts include Helvetica and Arial.

saturation the degree of intensity of a color. Deep vivid color is said to be saturated, while decreasing saturation causes the color to fade.
S This is a sans serif font.
This is a serif font.

save to transfer data from memory to a more permanent storage medium such as a hard disk, floppy or tape. When a program prompts a user to save work, the transfer that occurs is usually to a file or folder on the hard disk.

Save As the option to save a file under a different name, format, or in a different folder. The Save As option comes in particularly handy in word processing functions when variations of a single document must be created.

scalable the adaptability of something, especially with regard to size. Scalability refers to the ability of a hardware system or software application to accommodate ever-increasing use or demand. The term is freely used in the marketing of hardware and software to describe versatile products.

scalable font sometimes called object-oriented or outline fonts, a versatile font available in graphics oriented language such as TrueType or Postscript that can be used to print characters of high resolution and of any size.

scale also called sizing, to change the size of a graphical image without distorting its shape. Most vector oriented graphics programs allow for scaling by selecting the image and dragging a corner handle diagonally.

scan to convert pictures, text or images into digital data by running them through a scanner. see optical scanner.

ScanDisk a DOS and Windows diagnostic program that searches for hard disk errors. see Defrag.

scanner see optical scanner.

screen short for display screen.

screen capture to copy the image currently displayed on the screen to the clipboard for use in another file or document, or to print. In Windows, pressing the Figure S.02. scaled object 119 screen capture 124 Print-Screen key saves the screen’s contents to the clipboard. Holding the Alt key while pressing Print Screen captures only the active contents of the screen.
In Macintosh, holding down Command and Shift while pressing 3 places a bitmap screen image in the root directory under PICT.

screen saver a program that displays an animated picture or pattern when the computer has not received input from the keyboard for a specified period. Screen savers were originally used to prevent “screen burn” or ghosting, a condition that caused the screen’s inner coating to wear from images or text that was constantly present. Modern display screens are no longer subject to this condition, yet the screen saver has retained it’s popularity. Many interesting and unusual screen saver patterns are included in both Macintosh and Windows operating systems as well on thousands of Websites for free downloading.

screen shot see screen capture.

script 1. a font type that resembles handwriting. 2. a simple programming language.
3. refers to programs written in Applescript and Hypercard by Apple.

scroll the systematic movement of text or images, either up and down, or from side to side on a computer display screen with the use of the keyboard arrow keys, or a mouse. In scrolling down, a new line of text appears at the bottom of the screen as the line at the top disappears. To scroll up and down using a mouse, the user would place the mouse cursor on the scroll bar (a sliding rectangular button located on the right of the display), or on a stationary arrow button at either the top or bottom of the frame. In using the arrow button, the user would position the cursor on the button, left click, and hold the mouse button down.
The contents of the screen will move up or down accordingly. To scroll using the sliding button, the user would place the mouse cursor on the button, left click the mouse, and leave the button pressed while moving the mouse either up or down. This causes the screen contents to move at the same speed as the mouse. To scroll using the arrow keys, a user simply presses the key that corresponds to the desired direction of the screen contents.

scroll bar a rectangular sliding button located either on the right side and/or the bottom of a computer display screen used to move the screen’s contents accordingly.

see scroll, Figure S.03.

Scroll Lock key a special key on PC and Macintosh keyboards whose function varies depending on the program running. see Special Key Functions, page 281.

SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface) pronounced scuzzy, a parallel interface which is the leading standard for connecting high-performance peripherals to PCs and Macintosh computers. SCSI interfaces can accommodate a combinascreen saver 125 tion of up to seven peripherals, such as scanners, hard disks, tape backup devices and more. While SCSI is the exclusive peripheral interface for the Macintosh, PCs support several interfaces in addition to the SCSI.

scuzzy see SCSI.

SDK (Software Development Kit) programming tools that allow a programmer to create applications that will enhance the operation of other software.

SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory) an extremely fast type of DRAM running up to three times faster than conventional memory. SDRAM achieves this by synchronizing itself with the processor.

SDSL (Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line) new technology requiring a special modem that allows for the sending of data over copper telephone lines at high speeds. Data can be transferred at rates of up to 3 Mbps because SDSL transmits on frequencies not used for regular voice transmission.

search and replace the ability for a word processing application to find a specific word or phrase and replace it with another. Most programs will either automatically replace every chosen character string, or give the user the option of approving each of the changes. In Macintosh compatible software this feature is called find and replace.

search engine computer software that, through the use of bots and by seeking out keywords, searches an extremely large number of documents and locations on the World Wide Web and Internet for specific information. After searching for Figure S.03. scroll bar scroll bar arrow button search engine 126 information related to the word or words used in the search, the program compiles a page of results, listing hyperlinks pointing to Web pages that contain (hopefully) the desired information. Although “search engine” refers to the actual search software, the term is often associated with a specific service such as Alta Vista or HotBot. Understanding how to ask a search engine for the desired information can minimize the frustration sometimes experienced with using such a service. see Search Engine Tips, page 275.

sector the smallest unit of data storage available on a disk. A disk is divided first into tracks then into smaller units called sectors. A track is similar to an individual recording on a vinyl record album. A sector would be represented as a diagonal portion, or cross-section of a track.

security a wide range of measures taken to guard computer systems, as well as the storage and transmission of data. Among the many security measures taken to ensure that data doesn’t fall into unauthorized hands, are the implementation of firewalls, the encryption of information, passwords and security keys for users of institutional and personal secure systems, and the isolation and guarding of mainframe computers so unauthorized personnel do not have access to them. see firewall, encryption.

seek time the time it takes a device to call up a particular file or other piece of information, usually measured in milliseconds.

segment 1. a representation of a portion of memory in a microprocessor. 2. a defined portion of a network.

select to designate an object in preparation to execute a program, file or other function. For example, placing the mouse cursor on a desktop icon and left clicking once will cause the item to become highlighted or selected. Pressing the Enter key after selecting the item will open the associated file or program.

select box a window in a software application or on a Web page offering a user choices or options. Usually clicking one of the choices initiates a function such as opening a new Web page or entering information as part of a survey or questionnaire.

semiconductor a material used in the production of electronic components that is neither a good conductor nor a good insulator. The most common semiconductor material is silicon.

serial the transfer of data over a single line, one bit at a time.

serial port a computer or other hardware device interface that allows for serial transmission, that is, one bit of data at a time, over a single line. Modems, mice and printers (printers also use parallel port connections) all utilize serial port connections. Most computers have two such interfaces labeled COM 1 and COM 2.

serif a decorative adornment to a type character such as the one used in the main body of this book, Times New Roman. Some feel that serifs allow for easier reading. see Figure S.06.

server a network computer (and/or software) that performs a wide variety of functions such as delivering data to client computers. Servers store and deliver, upon demand, files to other computers on the network. A Web server, for ex- Figure S.05. select box server 128 ample, stores Web pages that are simply files. When a Web browser, prompted by a user, sends a request for a particular page, the server calls up the file from its hard disk and sends it to the browser over the network. Web servers need to have large data storage disks to store multiple pages. The term also refers to computers other than Web servers. A server on a LAN might maintain files needed exclusively by the users of that network, while an e-commerce server would maintain and deliver data essential to the transfer of funds for commercial transactions on the Internet.

server mirroring maintaining a computer that has the exact same files contained by a primary server for the purpose of backup in the event of failure or malfunction by the primary machine.

service provider 1. a company that provides a wide variety of online services via a Website. 2. sometimes used to refer to an Internet Service Provider (ISP), a company that provides customers with Internet access or Web hosting. see online service, Internet Service Provider.

servlet a Java applet that runs on a Web server. Servlets are slowly replacing CGI applications because of their versatility. Unlike a CGI program, an applet is opened by a Web browser and stored in memory so that each time it is needed it is available without the need to reload. CGI scripts must load each time utilized, taking more time than servlets. see applet, CGI.

session refers to the time spent using a computer. For example, an online session would be the time a user spent connected to a network.

SET (Secure Electronic Transaction) a widely accepted standard that uses digital signatures allowing for secure credit card transactions over the Internet.

setup to install computer hardware or software. Most hardware and software programs include a mini-program or setup file that configures an operating system so it will accept the new device or application.

SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language) a method for creating interchangeable structured documents using a special grammar called Document Type Definition (DTD) in ASCII text.

SGI (Silicon Graphics Incorporated) a company engaged in high-performance computing, offering powerful servers, supercomputers and visual workstations.
The company’s broad range of workstations and graphics servers deliver advanced 3D graphics and computing capabilities for engineering and creative professionals. Its highly scalable servers also have a growing presence in the enterprise market, with a particular emphasis on Internet, large corporate data and telecommunications applications.

shadowing a method of increasing computer speed by configuring a system to utilize general-purpose ROM during the boot process rather than the slower BIOS ROM. To do this, BIOS ROM is copied into RAM when the computer is booted.

shareware computer software available for downloading without charge on the World Wide Web. Based on the honor system, the user is expected to pay a registration fee to the author if he decides to keep the software. If unwilling to pay the fee, he is supposed to delete the program. With registration, a user receives program updates and support. Shareware differs from public domain software in that it is copyrighted. Often at the start or end of a session, a reminder pops onto the screen prompting the user that he has not yet registered.
Because of this reminder, shareware is sometimes jokingly called nagware.

shell also called user interface or command shell, the part of an operating system that processes user commands and allows them to be executed.

shift click to hold the shift key down while left clicking the mouse. In some applications this allows a user to select more than one item.

Shift key a computer keyboard key that when pressed at the same time as another key (much like the typewriter Shift key), changes the function of the other key.

Shockwave a product of Macromedia Inc, Shockwave is a popular Web browser plug-in that provides online audio, video, and animation. It lets the user view interactive Web content such as games, business presentations, entertainment, and advertisements from both Windows and Macintosh platforms.

shortcut in Windows, the ability to execute a program or open a file by clicking on an icon, usually located on the desktop. A user can easily create a shortcut to a program by first clicking on My Computer, selecting the desired icon and right clicking. Then, with the left mouse button pressed, he drags the icon to the desktop. From then on the user needs only to double click this icon to open the program.

shortcut key some keys allow a user to execute certain functions easily. For example, pressing Control and the “P” character, brings up the “Print” dialog box while Control and “S” saves your work. see page 281.

shout to post a message in any online forum with the Caps lock key on. Using all caps is considered bad netiquette.

shut down to properly turn off a computer. In the Windows operating system, select Start either by left clicking on the icon or pressing the “Windows” key, select Shut down, and press Enter or left click the mouse.

sig file short for signature file. A small file, attached to every email of a particular sender that consists of a special group of characters, words, symbols, etc. that acts as the users signature.

sig quote similar to a signature file except the attachment is a quote or saying attached to outgoing email. see sig file.

signal-to-noise ratio the quantity of useful information found in an online forum as opposed to senseless blathering, off-topic nonsense, and commercial posting.
One might say that, “the signal-to-noise ratio on this board is high.” signature file see sig file.

single-density disk a low density floppy disk.

single-sided disk a floppy disk that is able to store data on only one side.

site short for Website.

size see scale.

sleep mode a computer setting where, usually after a pre-set idle period, the computer shuts down unnecessary operations such as the display monitor and disk drive. The sleep mode is designed to preserve energy.

SLIP (Serial Line Internet Protocol) a standard for using a modem and telephone to connect to the Internet. see PPP.

slot synonymous with the term socket, an opening where a plug-in circuit board (often referred to as a card) may be attached.

Smalltalk an object-oriented program language and operating system developed by Xerox Corporation in the 1970s utilizing a graphical user interface environshortcut key 131 ment. Smalltalk had a profound influence on the development of both the Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows operating systems.

Smartdrive a disk caching system developed by Microsoft and used in earlier versions of Windows and DOS that provided faster access to data on a hard disk by caching. see cache.

smart terminal a keyboard and display monitor system containing a small amount of processing power, allowing the terminal enhanced functions. A dumb terminal has no processing capabilities.

SMDS (Switched Multimegabit Data Services) a standard for high-speed data connections whereby local area networks (LANs) can be connected to form a wide area network (WAN).

smiley an emoticon. A smiley is a grouping of common keyboard characters put together to show how the sender or poster is feeling. The most common smiley is, : - ). see emoticons, assicons, also see page 228.

smoke test a slang term referring to the first time a computer is started. The pun is, “Will smoke come out?” SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) a method of transferring electronic mail between computers over the Internet.

snail mail a slang term used to describe tangible physical letters or packages delivered by the postal service. The term came into being when email became popular.

Snail mail is so named because of its slow delivery time as opposed to email. A snail address is the place where snail mail is received.

sniff to monitor information packets en route over a network using hardware and/ or software. A device or system designed for this purpose (called a sniffer) may be used both by unscrupulous people trying to gather data for the purpose of theft or unauthorized entry to a system, or by a network system manager for legitimate monitoring purposes.

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) a set of protocols used for communications software and devices such as switches and routers connected to a TCP/IP.

socket a receptacle for a wide variety of electrical connectors. see slot.

software information used by a computer and stored in one of several storage media. Software is the data that enables a user to produce meaningful work.
Although the disk containing such data is considered hardware, the actual data, being intangible, is termed software. Software is synonymous with the term application, which refers to a program that actually produces results for a user such as a spreadsheet or word processing program. System software refers to an operating system such as Windows or Linux. The terms application, utility, and program are often used to describe software.

software engineer a software developer or programmer who is focused primarily on design rather than the actual writing of code.

software license permission from the manufacturer, developer, distributor, or copyright holder of a software program for an individual to use the program. When a person purchases a program, the copyright holder usually grants the user a limited-use license in exchange for the price of the program. Such a license allows for the personal use of the product but not the right to reproduce or sell it. see license.

software piracy the unauthorized reproduction and/or selling of software. see piracy.

SOHO (Small Office Home Office) often refers to individuals working from home (and the many resources available to them), one of the largest markets for computers, supporting devices, and software.

solution a popular Internet and computer marketing buzzword that refers to what a particular device or application can do for a user.

sort to arrange items such as records, individual words, or files in a specific way.
For example, the names in a telephone directory would be sorted alphabetically.

sound card a printed circuit board that allows a computer to record and play sound such as stereo music and MIDI files. Although generic sound cards come as standard equipment with most off-the-shelf computers, the term implies an added feature, as a card is an expansion (circuit) board.

sound player a component of a Web browser that allows a user to play sound.

source a common computer term meaning the point of origination for any number of data items such as files or folders. For example, if a file were to be copied from a computer’s hard disk to a floppy disk, the source directory would be the hard disk while the destination or target would be the floppy. Source is the opposite of target.

source code program instructions written in a particular programming language.
To view HTML source code, go to any Web page, click on View in the upper menu bar and select Source. The unusual display of characters and symbols you see is the source code for the page.

spam unsolicited commercial offers sent via email or posted to an online public forum such as a news group or message board. Spam is electronic junkmail sent usually to a large mailing list. It is widely considered a nuisance because spam consumes both time and considerable bandwidth. However, some feel that the campaign against commercial mass emailing is overblown considering the ease with which a recipient can dispose of the message (a mouse click is all it takes). Spam can become particularly annoying when it provides a link to a pornographic Website that children can access. It is unclear where the term originated, though it is thought to have come from either Monty Python’s ditty that repeats the word spam, spam, spam... thus, the reference to duplicated messages, or from the processed meat product produced by Hormel that some consider unpalatable.

spank the keyboard an amusing expression meaning to turn a keyboard upsidedown and gently, yet firmly pat particles of debris free.

speech recognition the ability for a software application to understand spoken human commands and act on them. The challenge with voice recognition technology lies in the ability for the program to distinguish contrasting patterns in the way people speak. Many of the applications available using voice recognition are word processing programs that transform the spoken word into text.

speech synthesis software with the ability to read text files and translate the text into spoken words. Although unable to mimic a human voice perfectly, many such applications do a commendable job of generating recognizable speech in both male and female tones. Speech synthesis applications are also used for automated telephone inquiries. For example, a credit card holder can call a customer service number almost any time of the day, and after keying in his account number, receive computer generated information in the form of synthesized human speech. Additionally, speech synthesis can be particularly useful for sight-impaired individuals.

spell check a feature found in many text oriented software applications such as word processors that scans the text in a document and alerts the user to misspelled words, many with the ability to offer suggestions for the correct spelling.
Such a program needs to maintain its own dictionary. A small drawback to a spell check feature is that many don’t recognize a misused word that is correctly spelled, such as the words there and their.

spider a program that searches out information online. It works by systematically accessing one Web page after another, making use of the many hyperlinks connecting the pages on the World Wide Web. Search engines employ spiders to seek out information from millions of sources. see bot, crawler.

splash page also called a doorway page, the first page a user often comes upon when arriving at a Website, though usually not the Homepage. Often the splash page displays a paragraph or two describing the site’s contents. The purpose of such a page is to incorporate keywords and phrases that will get the site listed on the major search engines. A Website may have several splash pages, each using a different set or a combination of keywords, with the intention of picking up more and higher search engine ratings.

split screen the division of a display screen into two or more frames each displaying a different document or different portion of the same document.

spod an unsophisticated inhabitant of cyberspace who, often unknowingly, makes a nuisance of himself by violating any and all rules of netiquette. Spods, like dweebs, are concerned with meeting members of the opposite sex and gaining access to forums such as MUDs where they are unwelcome. They often achieve this end through the use of begged, borrowed, and stolen passwords and codes.

see dweeb, MUD.

spoof also called spoofing, to fool or trick. In online data transmission (called IP spoofing), to make a message appear as though it originated from a user or computer other than the one that actually generated the message.

spooling to order items or jobs in a queue before sending them to an output device such as a printer. Spooling furnishes a waiting area for documents to pause while waiting for the printer to accommodate each item in the queue.

spot color the use of a specific color of ink in the production of an image rather than the combination of the four basic colors (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) used to simulate the desired color.

spray can a tool available in a paint program that applies color much like a spray can in the real world. That is, when used, it disperses color sparingly first using a fine mist. To add density, the user must concentrate the application by spraying more in the same area. The concentration of color depends on how quickly the can is swept over the desired surface while using a mouse.

spreadsheet a table, chart, or graph displaying information such as numbers or text arranged in vertical and/or horizontal columns and pie charts. Spreadsheet applications are capable of a wide range of functions such as mathematispider 135 cal calculations, which will automatically adjust values as new data is added.

Spreadsheets can be created using three-dimensional features and color to accent specific items.

sprite used in video games and animation, an image within a larger graphical image that moves.

SQL (Structured Query Language) a standard query language used to manage large databases. The original version, called SEQUEL was developed by IBM in the 1970s.

SRAM (Static Random-Access Memory) pronounced S-ram, unlike dynamic RAM, which requires refreshing with electrical current thousands of time per second to function, Static RAM does not need to be refreshed. Consequently, it is faster and more expensive. It is used in caches and video memory, where speed is of the essence.

SSL (Secure Socket Layer) a protocol used by Netscape utilizing encryption, and ensuring the secure transmission of data between client and server.

stack in programming, a set order of prioritizing tasks (also called last in, first out) where each additional item is added to the top of the order and acted on first.

stand-alone a hardware device that is able to operate independently. An electronic calculator or hand-held video game would be a stand-alone device, while a computer monitor is not because it requires input from a computer.

standard a value by which other values are measured. A standard may either be official and endorsed by an organization of some type, or unofficial and simply accepted as an industry-wide rule. Standards are important when considering computer hardware and software because, among other things, they N 11 12 13 14 15 Customer Name Model G/F M.V. Hansen J. Canfield H. Potter C. Obi T. Gore 5-6-01 5-7-01 5-6-01 5-6-01 5-6-01 Linc. Twn. Car El Dorado Blue Cherokee Astro Van Mercedes SUV Y Y Y N N Figure S.07. spreadsheet standard 136 ensure that devices are compatible and can be used together. Among the organizations setting computer standards are, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

star the computer keyboard character (on the main body of the keyboard) sharing space with the number 8, also called the asterisk. On many keyboards such as the numeric keypad, it has its own key. A star key is also present on push-button telephone keypads. The star or asterisk (*).

star network a local area network (LAN) in which nodes are connected to a central computer.

Start In the Windows operating system, a menu activated either by a desktop button located in the lower left side of the display monitor, or a keyboard key displaying the Microsoft logo (sometimes called the Windows key). Activating Figure S.08. star network Figure S.09. Start menu star 137 either brings up a menu that allows a user many options such as starting a program, changing system settings, finding files, or shutting down the computer.

The Start menu can also be displayed by pressing the Control and Esc key at the same time.

Start menu in Windows, the menu that is displayed by pressing the Start key on the computer keyboard or clicking the Start button in the lower left section of the display screen. see Start.

startup disk a disk used to start or boot a computer. Under normal conditions, a computer boots using operating system instructions on the hard drive. In the event a hard drive is damaged or otherwise compromised, it is necessary to boot from a floppy disk. To create a startup disk: 1. Insert a fresh floppy into the floppy drive.

2. Select Start, Settings, Control Panel.

3. Open Add/Remove Programs.

4. Select Startup Disk, and click Create Disk.

5. When finished, label Windows (version...) Startup disk, and store in a safe place.

storage the capacity of a hardware device to store and maintain data.

store 1. to copy and save computer data. 2. sometimes refers to an e-commerce Website.

streaming online data transmission which displays constantly changing realtime information. For example, streaming stock quotes show stock prices actually change as buyers and sellers bid for the stocks.

StuffIt a Macintosh data compression application from Aladdin Systems that allows a user to combine more than one file into a single file.

style sheet in word processing, desktop publishing, and Web design applications, a set of parameters determined and set by the user that define the overall look of a document or Web page such as margins, fonts, and headings.

stylus a writing or drawing tool shaped like a pen found in paint and graphics programs.

subdirectory a directory (folder) kept within another directory. All directories other than the root directory are subdirectories.

subscribe to take advantage of an offer online by submitting email information.

suite a bundle of compatible software applications made by a single manufacturer for the purpose of user convenience. For example, Microsoft Office is a suite that offers several useful applications. Among these are a program for word processing, desktop publishing, presentations software, and a spreadsheet, all designed for compatible operation.

Sun Microsystems a worldwide provider of products, services and support solutions for building and maintaining network computing environments. The company sells scalable computer systems, high-speed microprocessors and highperformance software for operating network computing equipment and storage products.

supercomputer a computer with extremely fast processing capabilities used for specialized applications requiring many complex mathematical calculations.
Among their many functions, supercomputers are used for the creation of complex animated graphics.

SuperDisk disk technology from Imation Corporation using high-density disks that are compatible with many other disk systems.

superscript a character, smaller than those in the main body of text appearing above the baseline. For example, 103 = 10x10x10.

supertwist a high contrast liquid crystal display (LCD) which uses technology that twists light rays, changing their polarization, producing a high resolution image.

super VGA video graphics with higher resolution than VGA. Display monitors receive instructions from a video card that, among other functions, allow for color display and screen resolution. VGA (Video Gate Array or Video Graphics Adapter) was a standard introduced by IBM in the 1980s that had a maximum resolution of 640x480 pixels with 16 colors. Although SVGA features differ according to individual manufacturers, the standard allows for resolutions of up to 1600x1200 pixels and color display capabilities from 256 colors to 16 million colors. Standards for video display are reviewed by a number of graphics manufacturers known as the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA).

surf (surfing) refers to the casual browsing of Websites and online discussion forums with no particular purpose or destination. Because virtually all information on the World Wide Web is linked, surfing is as easy as pointing a mouse and clicking.

surge protector a hardware device similar to an extension cord, containing several power outlets for connecting any number of appliances requiring electrical current. Surge protectors are designed to absorb excess current produced by lightning or other electrical system malfunctions. It is important for a user to make sure that all outlets providing power to computer equipment are grounded and plugged into a surge protector.

SVGA see super VGA.

switch 1. a small lever or button used to activate or deactivate a hardware device. 2.
in networking, to direct or route information packets.

synchronous a signal or message occurring at evenly timed periods. Usually, communications within a computer are evenly timed, while communication between computers and peripheral devices is not regularly timed, therefore referred to as asynchronous.

syntax the instructions or guidelines by which computer language (as well as spoken and written language) is constructed so it has meaning. Computer language has its own set of spelling and grammar rules.

synthesizer a device used to generate sounds resembling the human voice or music.

sysop (system operator) a person who manages the day-to-day business of an online message forum such as a bulletin board.

system any number of computer devices and software applications working together to accomplish a specific goal. For example, a Web designer would probably have a system consisting of a high speed computer with plenty of disk storage, one or more Web page development applications, an optical scanner, a high resolution display monitor and printer.

system programmer an individual or team of individuals who designs and writes custom applications for a system required to do specialized work.

system software operation software applications designed and written for computer systems that perform specialized functions.