Scalable
A scalable network can grow and adapt as customer needs increase and change. Scalable networks can easily manage increasing numbers of workstations, servers, user workloads and added functionality.
SCSI (Small Computer System Interface)
A dominant, international standard interface used by UNIX servers and many desktop computers to connect to storage devices; a physical connection between devices.
Search engine
A program that delivers to users information and website addresses that relate to words they entered into the program's interface.
Secure electronic transaction (SET)
The process of sending secure financial transactions over the Internet. Transactions are conducted and verified using a combination of digital IDs between the purchaser, the purchaser's bank and the merchant.
Secure sockets layer (SSL)
A security and privacy mechanism for the Web.
Semiconductor
Generic term for a device that controls electronic signals. It specifically refers to a material (such as silicon, germanium or gallium arsenide) that can be altered to either conduct electrical current or block its passage.
Server
A computer that performs and manages specific duties for a network.
Shareware
Software that is available for users to download for free from the Internet, usually with the expectation that they will register or pay for the software if they continue to use it. Many shareware programs are set to expire after a period of time.
SLIP (Serial Line Internet Protocol)
The connection of a traditional telephone line, or serial line, and modem to connect a computer to an Internet site.
SMDS (Switched Multimegabit Data Service)
A method of extremely high-speed transference of data.
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
The primary form of protocol used in transference of e-mail.
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
A set of communication standards for use between computers connected to TCP/IP networks.
SONET (Synchronous Optical Network Technology)
A mode of high-speed transmission meant to take full advantage of the wide bandwidth in fiber optic cables.
Spam
A term used to refer to generally unwanted, generally solicitous, bulk-sent e-mail.
SRDF (Symmetrix Remote Data Facility)
A high-performance, host-independent business solution that enables users to maintain a duplicate copy of all or some of their data at a remote site.
Switch (networking)
A network device that directs packets of data between multiple ports, often filtering the data so that it travels more quickly.
Short Messaging Service (SMS)
A service through which users can send text-based messages from one device to another. Messages may be as long as 160 characters.
Smart phone
A device which is a combination mobile phone and Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) that allows users to converse as well as access the Internet.
Standards
Approved technologies, created to encourage consistency and organization within the corporate infrastructure.
Structured query language (SQL)
A programming language. pronounced "sequel," that builds applications that move information in and out of databases.
Symmetric multiprocessing (SMP)
The practice of completing a task with several processors that share memory and work simultaneously.
System Software
Software applications that manage computer resources and are not intended for end users, such as compilers, loaders, linkers, and debuggers.
