Glossary of Common Computer Terms
(S to Z)
------ S ------
Scanner
An external device that takes a picture of a printed page or image and displays it on the screen.
Serial Port
A connection that is used for serial communication. It transfers only one bit at a time and can be used for modems, mice and occasionally printers.
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
The main protocol for the transfer of e-mail across the Internet.
Software
The program or instructions that tell the computer what to do.
Sound Card
A card inside the computer which allows the computer to produce sounds through internal or external speakers.
Spam
This is unwanted e-mail, the Internet equivalent of junk mail.
Spyware
Programs that get installed on your computer to track your activities or pop up advertising on your screen. These are usually installed through the internet, and often without telling you.
Startup Disk
A CD-ROM or floppy disk that can be used to start the computer if the hard drive is not working properly.
Suite
A collection of programs that are sold together. The price is less than the cost of the individual programs.
Surge Protection
A power bar with surge protection will absorb any power surges (from lightning, power spikes, etc.) without damaging the computer equipment. Without surge protection, these power problems can damage the computer.
------ T ------
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)
A set of protocols that defines how the Internet is accessed by your computer's operating system.
Technical Support
Support given by the hardware manufacturer or software developer. It is usually given by telephone or e-mail and includes help in installing and using the products.
Technophobia
The computer is connected to the Internet. A fear of technology.
TFT (Thin Film Transistor)
A type of flat-panel monitor.
Toner
A dry powder used to produce print by a laser printer or photo-copier.
Track Ball
An input device used in place of a mouse. It has a large ball that is moved with the fingers to direct the cursor movement.
------ U ------
Upgrade
To improve your computer by installing new components or to install a new version of software you are already using to gain new features and improvements.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
A system of addressing or naming Web sites.
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
A way of connecting external devices to a computer. The connection is very much faster than the two traditional types or connectors - serial and parallel ports.
Utility Program
A program that helps you to perform maintenance or correct problems with your computer system.
------ V ------
Version
A version of a software or hardware product adds new and/or updated features and is designed to replace an older version of the same product.
Virus
A program deliberately written to cause problems to a computer system. There are many different types and unscrupulous people seem to be constantly producing new viruses. An ant-virus program can be used to protect your system, but it can only detect and clear viruses that were around when it was written. Anti-virus programs need to be upgraded on a very regular basis.
------ W ------
Web Browser
A program that allows you to connect to the World Wide Web and read Web pages.
Web site
An area of the World Wide Web that contains one or more 'pages'. A Web site is owned and updated by an individual, company or organization.
Word Processor
A piece of software used t create text oriented documents. Many will also manipulate graphics and images making the software quite suitable for producing minor publications and newsletters.
WWW (World Wide Web or the Web)
This has become synonymous with the Internet but the two are different. The Internet is a massive network of computers. The Web is a very large portion of the Internet but it is just one of the ways of accessing and disseminating information over the medium of the Internet.
------ X, Y, Z ------
Nothing to list.
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Definitions supplied by Electronic Aids for the Blind under the Creative Commons Licence.