Author Topic: Computer Terms Beginning with "S"  (Read 19840 times)

Offline MysteRy

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "S"
« Reply #45 on: April 12, 2014, 09:24:27 AM »
SNMP

Stands for "Simple Network Management Protocol." SNMP is used for exchanging management information between network devices. For example, SNMP may be used to configure a router or simply check its status. There are four types of SNMP commands used to control and monitor managed devices: 1) read, 2) write, 3) trap, and 4) traversal operations.

The read command is used to monitor devices, while the write command is used to configure devices and change device settings. The trap command is used to "trap" events from the device and report them back to the monitoring system. Traversal operations are used to determine what variables a certain device supports.

SNMP has no authentication capabilities, which means it is not a very secure protocol. For this reason, SNMP is often used for monitoring networks rather than managing them. So, practically speaking, SNMP could be considered as a "Simple Network Monitoring Protocol" instead.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "S"
« Reply #46 on: April 12, 2014, 09:25:07 AM »
SO-DIMM

Stands for "Small Outline Dual In-Line Memory Module." Most desktop computers have plenty of space for RAM chips, so the size of the memory modules is not a concern. However, with laptops, the size of the memory modules matters significantly. Because laptops are designed to be as small and as light as possible, the size of each component matters. In fact, laptop parts are so crammed together, large RAM chips often do not fit into the overall laptop design. This is why SO-DIMMs were created.

A SO-DIMM is about half the length of a regular size DIMM. This allows greater flexibility in designing the memory slots for laptops. Many laptops have a user-accessible section that houses the SO-DIMMs, which make it easy to upgrade the computer's RAM. If the RAM chips were full size DIMMs, this type of design would be harder to incorporate and would likely increase the size of the laptop.

The first SO-DIMMs used 72 pins (or connectors) and supported 32-bit data transfers. Modern SO-DIMMs, however, typically use 144 pins, which allows for the same 64-bit transfers that a regular size DIMM does. While SO-DIMMs are used primarily in laptops, some desktop computers with small form factors also use SO-DIMMs to reduce the overall size of the case. However, when size is not an issue, regular DIMMs are typically used because they are a more cost-effective solution.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "S"
« Reply #47 on: April 12, 2014, 09:25:44 AM »
SOA

Stands for "Service Oriented Architecture." When businesses grow, they often add new products and services. While these additions may help make the business larger, it is often difficult to implement them in an efficient manner. The goal of SOA is to make it easy for businesses to grow and add new services.

The Service Oriented Architecture is based on components that work seamlessly with each other. For example, a company sells clothing through an online store. After a few months of successful sales, the company decides to add a jewelry department. An SOA component conveniently adds a new section to the store, in this case, specifically for jewelry. The company then wants to add new shipping options. A SOA shipping component makes adding the new shipping options as easy as checking a few boxes in an administrative control panel. Initially, the company only offered e-mail support, but later decides that adding phone support would be beneficial. A phone support component allows the phone representatives to look up customer orders the same way the e-mail support specialists could.

Basically, SOA makes it possible for a business to add new features and services without having to create them from scratch. Instead, they can be added or modified as needed, making it simple and efficient to expand the business. Because many products and services are now offered via the Web, most SOA solutions include Web-based implementations.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "S"
« Reply #48 on: April 12, 2014, 09:26:22 AM »
SOAP

Stands for "Simple Object Access Protocol," and can do more than just get your hands clean. SOAP is a method of transferring messages, or small amounts of information, over the Internet. SOAP messages are formatted in XML and are typically sent using HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol). Both are widely supported data transmission standards. HTTP, which is the protocol that Web pages are sent over, has the additional advantage of avoiding most network firewalls. Since firewalls usually do not block port 80 (HTTP) traffic, most SOAP messages can pass through without any problems.

Each SOAP message is contained in an "envelope" that includes a header and a body. The header may include the message ID and date the message was sent, while the body contains the actual message. Because SOAP messages all use the same format, they are compatible with many different operating systems and protocols. For example, a user can send a SOAP message from a Windows XP machine to a Unix-based Web server without worrying about the message being altered. The Unix machine can then redirect the message to the appropriate location or open the file using a program on the system. While most SOAP messages are sent over the Web via HTTP, they can also be sent via e-mail, using SMTP.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "S"
« Reply #49 on: April 12, 2014, 09:27:07 AM »
Social Networking

When the Web became popular in the mid-1990s, it enabled people to share information in ways that were never possible before. But as limitless as the possibilities seemed, there was a personal aspect that was lacking. While users could create home pages and post their own content on the Web, these individual sites lacked a sense of community. In the early 2000s, the Web became much more personal as social networking websites were introduced and embraced by the masses.

Social networking websites allow users to be part of a virtual community. The two most popular sites are currently Facebook and MySpace. These websites provide users with simple tools to create a custom profile with text and pictures. A typical profile includes basic information about the user, at least one photo, and possibly a blog or other comments published by the user. Advanced profiles may include videos, photo albums, online applications (in Facebook), or custom layouts (in MySpace). After creating a profile, users can add friends, send messages to other users, and leave comments directly on friends' profiles. These features provide the building blocks for creating online communities.

Thanks to social networking websites, users can share their lives with other people without needing to develop and publish their own home pages. These websites also provide an important linking element between users that allows friends to communicate directly with each other. Because people often have friends from different places and different times in their lives, social networking sites provide an opportunity to keep in touch with old friends and to meet new people as well. Of course, this means that people you don't know may also be able to view your profile page. Therefore, if you join a social networking website, it is a good idea to review the privacy settings for your account. And more importantly, remember to always use discretion in what you publish on your profile.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "S"
« Reply #50 on: April 12, 2014, 09:27:38 AM »
Socket

When a computer program needs to connect to a local or wide area network such as the Internet, it uses a software component called a socket. The socket opens the network connection for the program, allowing data to be read and written over the network. It is important to note that these sockets are software, not hardware, like a wall socket. So, yes, you have a much greater chance of being shocked by a wall socket than by a networking socket.

Sockets are a key part of Unix and Windows-based operating systems. They make it easy for software developers to create network-enabled programs. Instead of constructing network connections from scratch for each program they write, developers can just include sockets in their programs. The sockets allow the programs to use the operating system's built-in commands to handle networking functions. Because they are used for a number of different network protocols (i.e. HTTP, FTP, telnet, and e-mail), many sockets can be open at one time.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "S"
« Reply #51 on: April 12, 2014, 09:28:08 AM »
Soft Copy

A soft copy is a document saved on a computer. It is the electronic version of a document, which can be opened and edited using a software program.

The term "soft copy" is most often used in contrast to hard copy, which is the printed version of a document. Soft copies can be sent via e-mail or over a network connection, which makes them a more efficient and cost effective option than using hard copies for communications. The downside to using soft copies is that they require a computer and software to open and can be accidentally deleted. Of course, some people have so many papers on their desks, a soft copy may be less likely to disappear.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "S"
« Reply #52 on: April 12, 2014, 09:28:37 AM »
Soft Token

A soft token is a software version of a hard token, which is a security device used to give authorized users access to secure locations or computer systems. For this reason, soft tokens can be called "virtual tokens," since they are a virtual version of hardware keys and other physical security devices.

Soft tokens are typically generated by a central server that runs security software. They are sent to users' devices, such as cell phones, PDAs, and laptops. Once the soft token has been received by the device, the user can use the device within a secure network or can gain access to the sever as an authorized user. To add an extra measure of security, most soft token authentication also requires a username and password to make sure the correct user is using the authorized device.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "S"
« Reply #53 on: April 12, 2014, 09:29:11 AM »
Software

Computer software is a general term that describes computer programs. Related terms such as software programs, applications, scripts, and instruction sets all fall under the category of computer software. Therefore, installing new programs or applications on your computer is synonymous with installing new software on your computer.

Software can be difficult to describe because it is "virtual," or not physical like computer hardware. Instead, software consists of lines of code written by computer programmers that have been compiled into a computer program. Software programs are stored as binary data that is copied to a computer's hard drive, when it is installed. Since software is virtual and does not take up any physical space, it is much easier (and often cheaper) to upgrade than computer hardware.

While at its most basic level, software consists of binary data, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and other types of media that are used to distribute software can also be called software. Therefore, when you buy a software program, it often comes on a disc, which is a physical means of storing the software.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "S"
« Reply #54 on: April 12, 2014, 09:29:44 AM »
Solid State

Solid state, at its most basic level, means "no moving parts." Therefore, solid state electronic devices are made up of solid components that do not move. Some examples include computer motherboards and integrated circuits. Devices that use only solid state parts, such as television sets, speakers, and digital watches, are often referred to as solid state products.

Flash memory devices are solid state products, while hard drives are not. This is because hard drives use a spinning disk and moving drive head to read and write data, while flash memory uses electric charges to perform the same functions. For this reason, flash memory devices are seen as more durable than hard drives. This is why flash memory is often used in products such as portable MP3 players and digital cameras.

Because solid state devices have no moving parts, they are less likely to break down than devices that have mobile mechanisms. For this reason, it is often more worthwhile to buy an extended warranty on electronics that have moving parts than those that do not. That is something you may want to think about next time you are shopping.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "S"
« Reply #55 on: April 12, 2014, 09:33:57 AM »
Sound Card

The sound card is a component inside the computer that provides audio input and output capabilities. Most sound cards have at least one analog line input and one stereo line output connection. The connectors are typically 3.5 mm minijacks, which are the size most headphones use. Some sound cards also support digital audio input and output, either through a standard TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) connection or via an optical audio port, such as Toslink connector.

While there are many types of sound cards, any type that produces an analog output must include a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). This converts the outgoing signal from digital to analog, which can be played through most speaker systems. Sounds cards that support analog input also require an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). This digitizes the incoming analog signal, so the computer can process it.

In some computers, the sound card is part of the motherboard, while other machines may have an actual card that reside in a PCI slot. If you want to more audio capabilities to your computer, such as additional input or output channels, you can install a new sound card. Professional sound cards often support higher sampling rates (such as 192 kHz instead of 44.1 kHz) and may have more inputs and outputs. Some cards may also have 1/4 in. connectors instead of 3.5 mm, which accommodates most instrument outputs.

While professional sound cards can add more audio capabilities to your computer, another popular option for multi-channel recording is a breakout box. This is an external box that typically includes a built-in sound card and multiple audio connections. For example, a breakout box may support 16 channels of audio, which would be impossible to fit on a single card. Most breakout boxes connect to a Firewire or USB port, though some connect to a sound card specifically designed to communicate with the box.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "S"
« Reply #56 on: April 12, 2014, 09:34:30 AM »
Source Code

Every computer program is written in a programming language, such as Java, C/C++, or Perl. These programs include anywhere from a few lines to millions of lines of text, called source code.

Source code, often referred to as simply the "source" of a program, contains variable declarations, instructions, functions, loops, and other statements that tell the program how to function. Programmers may also add comments to their source code that explain sections of the code. These comments help other programmers gain at least some idea of what the source code does without requiring hours to decipher it. Comments can be helpful to the original programmer as well if many months or years have gone by since the code was written.

Short programs called scripts can be run directly from the source code using a scripting engine, such as a VBScript or PHP engine. Most large programs, however, require that the source code first be compiled, which translates the code into a language the computer can understand. When changes are made to the source code of these programs, they must be recomplied in order for the changes to take effect in the program.

Small programs may use only one source code file, while larger programs may reference hundreds or even thousands of files. Having multiple source files helps organize the program into different sections. Having one file that contains every variable and function can make it difficult to locate specific sections of the code. Regardless of how many source code files are used to create a program, you will most likely not see any of the original files on your computer. This is because they are all combined into one program file, or application, when they are compiled.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "S"
« Reply #57 on: April 12, 2014, 09:35:03 AM »
Southbridge

The southbridge is a chip that connects the northbridge to other components inside the computer, including hard drives, network connections, USB and Firewire devices, the system clock, and standard PCI cards. The southbridge sends and receives data from the CPU through the northbridge chip, which is connected directly to the computer's processor.

Since the southbridge is not connected directly to the CPU, it does not have to run as fast as the northbridge chip. However, it processes data from more components, so it must be able to multitask well. On Intel systems, the southbridge is also referred to as the I/O Controller Hub, since it controls the input and output devices.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "S"
« Reply #58 on: April 12, 2014, 09:35:30 AM »
Spam

Originating from the name of Hormel's canned meat, "spam" now also refers to junk e-mail or irrelevant postings to a newsgroup or bulletin board. The unsolicited e-mail messages you receive about refinancing your home, reversing aging, and losing those extra pounds are all considered to be spam. Spamming other people is definitely not cool and is one of the most notorious violations of Internet etiquette (or "netiquette"). So if you ever get the urge to let thousands of people know about that hot new guaranteed way to make money on the Internet, please reconsider.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "S"
« Reply #59 on: April 12, 2014, 09:35:58 AM »
Speakers

Example: "Most computers allow you to hook up external speakers using the sound output jack."

Speakers are popular output devices used with computer systems. They receive audio input from the computer's sound card and produce audio output in the form of sound waves. Most computer speakers are active speakers, meaning they have an internal amplifier which allows you to increase the volume, or amplitude, of the sound. Speakers usually come in pairs, which allows them to produce stereo sound from two separate audio channels.