| Name |
Description |
| S/B Compatible |
(SoundBlaster compatible) The most common Sound card format. In practice anything which is described as "S/B compatible" should work on almost all sound cards. |
| Scanner |
A device which makes high-resolution copies of printed images and text to use on a computer. |
| SCSI |
(Small Computer Systems Interface; pr. "scuzzy") A fast system for controlling hard disks, tape drives, and various other add-ons. Sometimes used for a PC's main hard disk, but more often the main hard disk is controlled by an IDE or EIDE controller built into the motherboard. A SCSI controller would usually be installed as an expansion board. SCSI is a bit faster than EIDE, but more expensive. |
| SCSI |
A very fast way of controlling the way that hard drives work. Used in many internet servers. |
| Serial Port |
Commonly used to plug a mouse into the computer. |
| Server |
A computer that provides a specific kind of service to client software running on other computers. |
| Server |
Similar to a Host except it is usually more powerful so it can serve more people such as internet. |
| set-top box |
A device which hooks up to the TV to provide internet access or digital TV which has better quality sound and video. |
| SIMM |
(Single In-line Memory Module; pr."sim") A module of RAM for a 486 or Pentium I PC. Replaced by DIMMs on newer computers. |
| SIMM |
Ram which was used for 486 or Pentium computers. |
| SIR |
(Serial InfraRed). A wireless communication system for PCs and peripherals, especially laptops. Only works when the devices are in line-of-sight of each other. |
| SMDS |
A new standard for high-speed internet connections. |
| Socket A |
An interface for CPU's used by AMD for their Thunderbird and Duron CPU's. |
| SODIMM |
The memory that is used in notebooks. |
| Sound Blaster |
The best known type of Sound Card made by Creative Labs. |
| Sound card |
An expansion card which enables the PC to make sounds more sophisticated than a simple "beep!". Almost all modern PCs are fitted with sound cards; nowadays they are often built into the motherboard instead of being added as an expansion card. |
| SoundBlaster |
The best known type of Sound Card, made by Creative Labs. Most modern soundcards are described as "SoundBlaster compatible" (or S/B compatible), meaning that they understand the same commands as the popular SoundBlaster range, and should therefore work with almost all programs. |
| Storage |
The generic term for any method of storing information which is not lost when the computer is switched off; the most common types are hard disks, CD ROMs, and floppy disks. |
| Storage |
Anything that can store files for the computer. |
| System case |
The metal case houses the computer system’s internal components. System cases come in a variety of styles and colors, including sleek horizontal slim line desktops, upright mini towers, and giant networking cases. Be aware that the type of case your computer comes in might preclude you from upgrading your system in the future. |
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