SCSI

Small Computer Systems Interface. A way of connecting hard drives and other specific peripherals to a PC. Peripherals include scanners and Zip drives. Much faster than a parallel port for peripherals, and additional benefits over IDE for hard drives and CD-Roms.

Script

A series of commands that a computer runs through at a certain time, such as while connecting to the Internet.

Scripting Language

The language in which a particular script is written.

Serial Port

A connector at the back of a PC used for connecting a mouse, modem or other selected hardware.

Server

A computer which gives out information, such as Web pages or files.

Shareware

Software distributed freely, such as a trial piece of software which expires after a certain time. A good way to try-before-you-buy.

Shockwave

A multimedia programming language allowing web pages to have sound and animation.

Shortcut

A term made popular with Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows NT4. Allows a 'quick reference' for a file or program either on the hard disk or somewhere on a network to have an icon on the users desktop for easy access.

SIMMS

Single In-line Memory Modules. A type of memory chip (RAM) which are made into boards which can be plugged into the motherboard. Makes upgrading the amount of RAM in a PC a lot easier. SIMMS have to be used in pairs, so for example if a machine is to be upgraded by 32Mb, 2x16Mb SIMMS would have to be used.

SLIP

Serial Line Internet Protocol. Similar to PPP, SLIP establishes a connection to the Internet via an ISP.

Smileys

A way of showing emotion on the Internet, particularly in mail and news messages. Examples are :-) (smile) and :-( (frown).

SMTP

Simple Mail Transport Protocol. Used primarily when sending mail from a users machine to the mail server.

Snail Mail

The process of writing a letter, putting it in an envelope, through to delivery to the recipient. So called because it generally takes a lot longer to deliver postal mail than E-mail.

Software

A series of instructions which tells the hardware what to do. Windows 95 is software, as is everything that is run on it.

Sound Card

An expansion card which allows a PC to generate and record sounds. Fundamental in a multimedia setup.

Spam

A term used to describe the junk-mail that can be sent around the Internet so easily. If it isn't relevant to anything that you are working on, and you get lots of it, then it is spam.

Sysop

System Operator (pronounced "sis op").  The standard definition is someone responsible for the day-to-day operation of a computer system, including performing backups, maintenance of the system and so on, who is under the supervision of the System Administrator. In many cases though the roles of Sysop and System Administrator are merged into one role.

Surfing

A metaphor used to describe the act of browsing around the Internet.