Computer Glossary S
SCSI small computer systems interface. Pronounced ‘skuzzy’,
this interface connects hard disks and other compatible devices
to a PC. It is more expensive than EIDE, but faster and more
versatile. The latest Ultra3 SCSI supports up to 16 devices
(including the SCSI adapter card or chip), with transfer rates of
160MBps (megabytes per second).
SD secure digital. An expansion format, about the size of a
postage stamp, favoured by handheld PC maker Palm. It
provides increased storage for small devices such as PDAs
(personal digital assistants) and digital cameras.
SDRAM synchronous dynamic RAM. A type of memory
that synchronises itself with the speed of the PC’s bus and
can run at speeds up to 133MHz, about twice as fast as
EDO RAM.
SDR RAM A type of RAM mostly used in graphics cards to
cut costs.
Simm single inline memory module. A type of RAM that holds
a row of memory chips, has a 72-pin connector and uses a
32bit-wide bus. As Pentium processors have a 64bit bus,
Simms must be installed in pairs.
Single-Pass Technology Printer technology in which the page
passes over the printer drum once, rather than four times,
during full-colour printing.
Smart self monitoring analysis and reporting technology.
A feature of EIDE (on motherboards that support it), where
the Bios can receive data about hard disk performance and
warn a user if it predicts a failure is likely to occur.
Slip/PPP serial line interface protocol/point-to-point protocol.
These are both standards for connecting directly to the internet,
as opposed to having to log on via a host computer.
Star Network A network configuration in which each networked
PC is connected to a central controller, or hub, with its own
piece of cable.
Stuck Pixel A minor malfunction of flat-panel monitors, where
some pixels show up as black dots.
Swap File Also called virtual memory, this is a file on your hard
disk used as a main memory supplement to make programs
think that there is more memory than is actually installed.
Program code and data are written to it in chunks called pages
and these are swapped into main memory when required.
Switch An intelligent hub that reads the destination addresses
of incoming data packets and only sends them to a port the
recipient’s PC is physically attached to.
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