GLOSSARY.

ACCESS METHODS

Also known as network access,these are the methods

which a device com-

municates on a network. Network access provides a standard that all devices that wish to commu-

nicate on a network must abide by in order to eliminate communication conflicts.

ACTIVE MATRIX DISPLAY

Active matrix diplay are based on Thin Film Transistor technology.

Instead of having two rows of transistors, active matrix display have a transistor at every pixel, which

enables much quicker display changes than passive matrix display and produces display quality

comparable to a CRT.

ANSI.SYS

ANSI.SYS is a DOS system file that is loaded by CONFIG.SYS if required.

This file loads an extended character set for use by DOS and DOS applications that includes basic

drawing and color capabilities. Normally used for drawing and filling different boxes foe menu

systems, it is seldom in use today. By default, it carries no attributes, and is not required for OS

startup.

ARCHIVE ATTRIBUTE

The ARCHIVE attribute is set automatically when a file is created

or modified, and is automatically removed by back-up software when the file is backed up.

ATTRIB.EXE

ATTRIB.EXE is a utility that can be used to change the attributes of a file or

group of files.

AUTOEXEC.BAT

A user-editable system file, AUTOEXEC.BAT contains commands to modify

the PC environment (PATH, COMSPEC, other SET commands), and to execute applications. It can

be used to create a menu system, prompt for user input, or call other batch files to maintain a

modular structure. By default, it carries no attributes, and is not required for OS startup.

BASIC INPUT OUTPUT SYSTEM

See BIOS

BI-DIRECTIONAL PRINT MODE

Most common in some of the newer and more

advanced printers, bi-directional print mode means that the printer is able to talk back to the compu-

ter, enabling, for example, the printer to send the user exact error messages that are displayed on

the workstation. It also helps the spooler to avoid print spooler stalls.

BIOS

Most commonly known as BIOS, Basis Input Output System is a standard set of

instructions or programs that handle boot operations. When an application needs to proform am I/O

operation on a computer, the operating system makes the request to the system BIOS, which in

turn translates the request into the appropriate instruction set used by the hardware device.

BROWNOUT

Momemtary lapses in power supply. Brownouts can cause problems with

computer components that are nor designed to withstand these events.

BUS

A bus is the actual pathway used to transmit electronic sinals from one

computer device to another.

BUS TOPOLOGY

In a local network, a bus topology has each device on the network connected

to a central cable, or bus. Most common with coaxial cabling.

CACHE MEMORY

Cache memory is used to store frequently used instructions and data so that

they can be accessed quickly by the computer.

CARRIER SENSE MULTIPLE ACCESS/COLLOSION DETECTION

See CSMA/CD.

CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT

See CPU

CHIP CREEP

A phenomenon wherby a computer chip becomes loose witthin its socket.

CLEANING BLADE

This rubber blade inside a laser printer extends the length of the

photosensitive drum. It removes excess toner after the print process has completed and deposits

it into a reservoir for re-use.

CMOS

The Complementary Metal-Oxide Semeicondustor (or CMOS) is an integrated

circuit composed of a metal oxide that is located directly on the systemboard. The CMOS which is

similar to RAM in that data can be written to the chip, enables a computer to store essential opera-

ting parameters after the computer has been turned off, enabling a faster system boot.

COAXIAL CABLE

A high-bandwidth network cacle that consists of a central wire

surrounded by a screen of fine wires.

COMMAND.COM

COMMAND.COM is a DOS system file that is automatically

executed in the ROOT directory at startup. This file contains the internal command set and error

messages. By default, it carries no attributes, but is required for OS startup.

COMPLEMENTARY METAL-OXIDE SEMICONDUCTOR

See CMOS

CONFIG.SYS

A user-editable system file that provides the ability to install device drivers.

Windows 95 does not require any specific settings to be made in CONFIG.SYS.

COOPERATIVE MULTITASKING

There are two diffrent types of multitasking: cooperative

and preemptive. Cooperative multitasking means that applications must voluntarily relinquish con-

trol of the CPU. When an application relinquishes control of the CPU, Windows then decides which

application will execute next. The most common way for an application to relinquish control is by

asking Windows if any messages are available.

CPU

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the operations center of a computer.

Its job is to provide the devices attached to the computer with directives that retrieve, display,

manipulate, and store information.

CSMA/CD

Most commonly found on Ethernet networks, carrier sence multiple access/

colision detection (CSMA/CD) is a netwotk cummunication protocol and operates in much the same

way as humans communicate. With CSMA/CD, a divice transmits data onto the network. The device

then detects if any other devices have transmitted onto the network at the same time. If it detects

that another device has transmitted data onto the network at the same time, the device then waits

an unspecified random amount of time and retransmit its data.

DEFRAGMENTATION

A process that reorganizes fragmented files back in aproper,

contiguous fashion. This is done by moving several of them to an unused portion of the drive, erasing

the previous locations in contiguous clusters, then rewriting the files back in proper sequence.

Performed periodically, defragmentation is probably the single best operation a user can perform to

maintain a high-performance system.

DEVICE DRIVER

Device drivers are programs that translate necessary information

between the operating system and the specific peripheral device for which they are configured,

such as a printer.

DIAL-UP ACCESS

Dial-up access is defined as access provided to the Internet, a LAN

or even another computer by using a phone-line and a modem. Dial-up access does not have to be

a connection to any network.

DIAL-UP NETWORKING

Refers to the typt of network in wich a modem is used to connect

two or more workstations.

DIMM

A Dull In-Line Memory Module (DIMM) is very similar to a SIMM; it's a small plug-in

circuit board that contains the memory chips that you need to add certain increments of RAM to

your computer. Because the memory chips run along both sides of the chip, DIMM chips can hold

twice as much memory as SIMM chips.

DIP SWITCH

Dual In-Line package (DIP) switches are very tiny boxes with switches em-

bedded in them. Each switch set a value of 0 or 1, depending on how they are set. These switches

are used to provide user-accessible configuration settings for computers and peripheral devices.

DIRECT MEMORY ACCESS

See DMA

DIRTY CURRENT

Noise present on a power line is referred to as dirty current. This

noise is caused by electro-magnetic interference (EMI) and can stray, or leak, from the current into

nearby components. When EMI leaks from power current, it is called a magnetic field and can

easily damage computer components.

DMA

Direct memory access (DMA) is a facility by which a peripheral can commu-

nicate directly with RAM, without intervention by the CPU.

DNS

Domain Name System (DNS) is the Internet-based system that resolves

symbolic names to IP addresses (which are a series of numbers) that the computer is able to

understand

DOCKING STATION

Docking stations allow users to add "desktop-like" capabilities,

such as mouse, monitor, or keyboard, to their portable computer by plugging these components

into a docking station and connecting their portable only to the docking station, rather than to each

individual component.

DOMAIN NAME SYSTEM

See DNS

DOS MODE

DOS Mode, or DOS Compatibility Mode as it is commonly known, allows

execution of some older MS-DOS applications that are not capable of running in Windows 95.

Applications that require use of MS-DOS mode are usually blocked from operation within Windows

95. DOS itself stands for Disk Operating System.

DOWNLOAD

Downloading refers to the process of transferring file or files from one com-

puter to another. Unlike uploading, the tranfer is always initiated by the computer that will be recei-

ving the file(s).

DOWNTIME

Downtim is the time wasted as a result of a malfunctioning computer or net-

work.

DRAM

Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) chips abandoned the idea of

using the unwieldy transistors and switches in favor of using the smaller capacitors that could

reprsent 0s and 1s as an electronic charge. This resulted in the ability to store more information on

a single chip, but also meant that the chip needed a constant refresh and hence more power.

DUAL IN-LINE MEMORY MODULE

See DIMM

DUAL IN-LINE PACKAGE SWITCH

See DIP Switch

DYNAMIC RAM

See DRAM

EBKAC ERROR

A common error that most technicians face, the EBKAC error

stands for Error Between Keyboard and Chair. As that implies,EBKAC errors are not technical

errors, but rather errors on the part of the end user. Common EBKAC errors include power cords

being onplugged, no paper in the printer, and power switches being turned off.

ECP

ECP (Extended Capability Port) is a parallel printer interface designed to

speed up data transfer rates by bypassing the processor and writing tha data directly to memory.

EDO RAM

Extended Data Output RAM (EDO RAM) is a type of DRAM chip designed

for processor access speeds of apprximately 10 to 15 percent above Fast-page mode memory

EISA

Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) is an industry standard bus

architecture that allows for peripherals to utilize the 32-bit data bus that is available with 386 and

486 processors.

ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTING PROCESS

See EP Process

EMM386.EXE

EMM386.EXE is a DOS system file that, along witch HIMEM.SYS, controls

memory management. It is not required for system startup in pre-Windows 95 machines. Basically

this is an expanded memory emulator that performs two major functions. It enables and controls

EMS, if derired, and enables the use of upper memory as system memory.

ENHANCED PARALLEL PORT

See EPP

EP PROCESS

The EP (Electrophotographic Printing) process is the six-step process that a

laser printer goes through to put an image on a page. The process follows these six steps:

Cleaning Charging, Writing, Developing, Tranferring, and Fusing.

EPP

EPP (Enhanced Parallel Port) is an expansion bus that offers an extended

control code set. With EPP mode, data travels both from the computer to the printer and vice versa.

ERROR BETWEEN KEYBOARD AND CHAIR

See EBKAC error.

EXIT ROLLER

One of four different types of rollers found in printers, exit rollers aid in the

tranfer and control of the paper as it leaves the printer. Depending on the printer type, they direct

the paper to a tray where it can be colated, sorted or even stapled.

EXPANDED MEMORY SPECIFICATION

See EMS

EXTENDED CAPABILITY PORT

See ECP

EXTENDED DATA OUTPUT RAM

See EDO RAM

EXTENDED INDUSTRY STANDARD ARCHITECTURE

See EISA

EXTENDED MEMORY SPECIFICATION

See XMS

FDISK

A DOS-based utility program used to partition a hard disk in preparation for

installing an operating system

FEED ROLLER

One of four different types of rollers found in printers. Also known

as paper pickup roller, the feed roller, when activated, rotates against the top page in the paper tray

and rolls it onto the printer. The feed roller works together with a special rubber pad to prevent more

than one sheet from being fed into the printer at a time.

FIBER OPTIC CABLE

Extremely high-speed network cable that consists of glass fibers

that carry light signals instead of electrical signals. Fiber optic cable is best used for transmission

over long distances, and is much less susceptible to environmental difficulties, such as radiation.

FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOL

See FTP

FLAH MEMORY

A faster version of ROM that, while still basically developed as ROM,

can be addressed and loaded thousands of times.

FRAGMENTATION

Because DOS writes files to the hard disk by breaking the file

into cluster-size pieces and then storing each piece in the next available cluster, as files are deleted

and then rewritten, they can be written in noncontiguous clusters scattered all over the disk. This is

known as file fragmentation.

FTP

Much older than the HTTP protocol, the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is the

protocol used to download files from an FTP server to a client computer. FTP is much faster than

HTTP.

FULLY QUALIFIED PATH

A fully qualified path is the entire path of a file, starting from the

root of the filr system, to the file being referenced.

FUSSING ROLLERS

One of four types of rollers found in laser printers, fusing rollers

comprise the final stage of the Electrophotographic Printing (EP) process, bonding the toner parti-

cles to the page to prevent smearing. The roller on the toner side of the page has a non-stick

surface that heated to a high temperature to permanently bond the toner to the paper.

GHOSTED IMAGE

"GHOSTING" is what occurs when a portion of an image previous-

ly printed to a page is printed again, only not as dark. One cause of this is if the crasur lamp of the l

laser printer sometimes fails to operate correctly, not completely erasing the privious image from

the EP drum. Another cause of ghosting may be a malfunction in the cleaning blade such that it

doesn't adequately scrape away the residual toner.

HANDSHAKING

The process by which two connecting modems agree on the method of

communication to be used.

HIDDEN ATTRIBUTE

The hidden attribute keeps a file from being displayed when a DIR

command is used.

HIMEM.SYS

HIMEM.SYS is a DOS system file that, along with EMM386.EXE, controls

memory management. It is not required for system startup in pre-Windows 95 machines.

HOT DOCK

Hot Docking is the ability of a system to accept new accessories while it is

plugged in.

HTML

Derived from the Standard General Markup Language (SGML), the Hypertext

Markup Language (HTML) is the markup language that dictates the layout and disign of a Web page.

HTTP

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is the TCP/IP-based protocol that is most

commonly used for client/server communications on the World Wide Web.

HUB

Hubs are common connection points for devices in a network. Hubs contain

multiple ports and are commonly used to connect segments of a LAN.

HYPERTEXT MARKUP LANGUAGE

See HTML

HYPERTEXT TRANFER PROTOCOL

See HTTP

IMPACT PRINTER

Impact printers, like the name suggests, require the impact with

an ink ribbon to print characters and images. An example of an impact printer is a daist wheel.

INDUSTRY STANDARD ARCHITECTURE

See ISA

INPUT DEVICE

Input device take data from a user, such as the click of a mouse or the typing

on a keyboard, and convert that data into electrical signals used by your computer. Several devices

that provide input are: keyboards, mice, trackball, pointing devices,digitized tablets, and touch screens.

INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER

See ISP

INTERNETWORK PACKET EXCHANGE/SEQUENCED PACKET EXCHANGE

See IPX/SPX.

INTERRUPT REQUEST LINE

See IRQ

IO.SYS

IO.SYS is a DOS system file that defines basic input/output routines for the

processor. By default, it carries the hidden, system, and read-only attributes, and is required for OS

startup.

IPX/SPX

Internetwork Packet Exchange/Sequenced Packet Exchange (IPX/SPX) is a very

fast and highly established network protocol most commonly used with Novell NetWare.

IRQ

Interrupt Request (IRQ) lines are the physical lines over which system compo-

nents such as modems or printers communicate directly with the CPU when the device is ready to

send or recieve data.

ISA

Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) is an industry standard bus architecture

that allows for peripherals to utilize the 16-bit data bus that is available with 286 and 386 processors.

ISP

An Internet Service Provider (ISP), as its name suggests, is a company that

provides users with access to the Internet, usually for a fee. On the other hand, a company that gives

their employees Internet access through a private bank of modems is usually not considered an ISP.

JUMPER

Jumpers, like DIP switches, are used to accomplish configuration manually.

Jumpers are actually made of two seperate components: a row of metal pins on the hardware itself and

a small plastic cap that has a metal insert inside of it. The two parts together form a circuit that sets

the configuration. This form of configuration device is only used to set one value for a feature at a time,

as opposed to DIP switches, which can handle multiple configurations.

LAN

A Local Area Network (LAN) is created whenever two or more computers in a

limited geographic area (within about a two-mile radius) are linked by high-performance cables so that

users can exchange information, share peripheral devices, or access a common server.

LOCAL AREA NETWORK

See LAN

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS

See MSDS

MEM.EXE

MEM.EXE is a simple command line utility that, using various command

switches, can display various reports of memory usage.

MEMMAKER.EXE

A Microsoft utility that automatically determines the best possible

configuration and load sequence for a given set of applications and drivers used. Before using MEM-

MAKER, the PC should be configured for normal operation (i.e., mouse driver,network operation, sound

support, and so forth), including any items that are loaded from the AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS.

MEMORY ADDRESS

The memory address is used to receive commands from the proces-

sor that are destined for any device attached to a computer. Each device must have a unique address

in order for it to function.

MEMORY BANK

A memory bank is the actual slot that memory goes into.

MEMORY EFFECT

When a Nickel Cadmium, or a NiCAD, battery is recharged before

it is fully discharged, the battery loses the ability to fully recharge again, which is known as the

memory effect.

MSD.EXE

MSD, Microsoft Diagnostics, is a DOS-based utility that provides a great deal of

information about the system. It is most useful in determining what the system has installed in it, such

as memory and hard drives.

MSDOS.SYS

MSDOS.SYS is a DOS system file that defines system file locations. By default

it carries the hidden, system, and read-only attributes, and is required for OS startup.

MSDS

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) are white pages that contain information on

many substance that is deemed hazardous, most notably cleaning solvents. The purpose of MSDS is

to inform employees about the dangers inherent in hazardous material and the proper use of these

items to prevent injuries from occuring.

MUTI-BOOT CONFIGURATION

A system that has been configured to use more than one

operating system.

MULTIMETER

A mutimeter is a device that measures current, resistance, or voltage,

used to determine whether certain computer components are funtioning correctly based on these

electrical measurements.

NETBEUI

The NetBIOS Extended User Interface (NetBeui) is an extremely fast network

transport protocol that is most commemly found on smaller networks.

NETBIOS EXTENDED USER INTERFASE

See NetBEUI

NETWORK INTERFACE CARD

See NIC

NETWORK TOPOLOGY

The arrangement of cable links in a local area network. There are tree

principal network topologies: bus, ring, and star.

NIC

A network interface card (NIC) is used to connect a PC to a network cable.

NOISE FILTER

UPSs contain a special filter, called a noisefilter, that reduces the amount of

noise present in electrical current and eliminates magnetic fields caused by noise, thus providing some

protection to the components that utilize the current or are nearby.

NON-IMPACT PRINTER

Non-impact printers do not use an ink ribbon, and therfore do not

require direct contact with the paper for printing. An example of a non-impact printer is a laser printer.

NORMAL MODE

Normal mode is the mode in which Windows 95 is started by default,

which provides full functionality of the Windows 95 Explorer.

NULL MODEM CABLE

A null modem cable is a special cable that has the send and receive

lines reversed on the connector. It enables you to connect two computers directly, without using a

modem.

OPERATING SYSTEM

See OS

OPERATOR ERROR

Operator error occurs when the customer inadvertently makes a

configuration change.

OS

By definition, an Operating System (OS) is a set of computer instruction codes, usually

compiled into executable files, whose purpose is to define input and output devices and connections,

and provide instructions for the computer's central processor to operate on to retrieve and display data.

OUTPUT DEVICE

Output devices take electronic signale from a computer and convert

them into a format that the user can use. Examples of output devices include monitors and printers.

OVERLAYS

Rather than put all available functions into a single huge executable file, most

developers choose to modularize their applications by creating library files that include additional

commands and functions. These additional executable enhancement files are usually referred to as

overlays

PAGE DESCRIPTION LANGUAGE

See PDL

PARALLEL PORT

One of two types of communication ports found on a motherboard

(the other is the serial port), the parallel port is used to connect a peripheral device (most commonly a

printer for this type of port) to the computer. A parallel port allows transmission of data over eight

conductors at one time. The processor socket is the actual socket used to attach the processor to

the motherboard

PARALLEL PROCESSING

The Intel 586 (pentium) chip combines two 486DX chips

into one, called the Dual Independent Bus Architecture. This allows each processor inside the chip to

execute instructions simultaneously and independently from each other, which is called parallel

processing.

PARITY

Parity is an error-checking mechanism that enables the device to recognize

single-bit errors.

PARTITION

A section of the storage area on a computer's hard disk. A hard disk must be

partitioned before an operating system can be installed.

PASSIVE MATRIX DISPLAY

Most common on portable systems, the passive matix

display is made from a grid of horizontal and vertical wires. At the end of each wire is a transistor. In

order to light a pixel at (X,Y), a signal is sent to the X and Y transistors. In turn, these transistors then

send voltage down the wire, which turns on the LCD at the intersection of the two wires.

PC CARD

The PC CARD (Personel Computer Memory Card International Association,

or PCMCIA) bus was first created to expand the memory capabilities in small, hand held computers.

It is a type of bus used mostly with laptop computers that provides a convenient way to interchange

PCMCIA-compatible devices.The card itself is only slightly larger than a credit card.

PCI

The Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) was designed in responce to the Pentium

class processor's utilization of a 64-bit bus. PCI buses are designed to be processor-independent.

PCMCIA

See PC Card

PDL

Laser printers use a Page Description Language (PDL) to send and receive print

job instructions one page at a time, rather than one dor at a time, as with other types of printers.

PERIPHERAL COMPONENT INTERCONNECT

See PCI

PERSONEL COMPUTER MEMORY CARD INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION

See PC card

PHOTOSENSITIVE DRUM

The light-sensitive drum is the cor of the electrophotograp-

hic process inside the laser printer. This drum is affected by the cleaning, charging, writing, and trans-

ferring processes in the six-step laser printing process.

PLUG AND PLAY

Introduced with Microsoft Windows 95, plug and play offers automatic

driver installation as soon as hardware or software is "plugged in", or installed.

POINTING STICK

One of the tree most common types of pointing devices found on

portable systems, the pointing stick is a small piece of rubber the size of a pencil eraser in the center

of the keyboard. The on-screen pointer is controlled by simply pushing the pointing stick in the

desired direction.

POINT TO POINT PROTOCOL

See PPP

POLEDIT.EXE

The Windows 95 System Policy feature, POLEDIT.EXE, is used to set common

denominator defaults for all network users, and add certain restrictions on a global basis if deemed

necessary.

POP

Post Office Protocol (POP) is a system by which an Internet server Lets you

receive e-mail and download it from the server to your own machine.

POST

As its name suggests, a Power On Self Test (POST) is self test performed by

the computer that occurs during boot time. It is used to diagnose system-related problems.

POST OFFICE PROTOCOL

See POP

POWER ON SELF TEST

See POST

POWER SPIKE

When there is a power spike, there is a sudden, huge increase in power that

lasts for a split second. Power spikes can literally burn out computer components.

PPP

The Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) is a serial communications protocol used to

connect two computers over a phone line via a modem. SLIP is the alternate protocol that is acceptable

to most browsers, through it's not as common as PPP

PREEMPTIVE MUTITASKING

There are two different types of multitasking: cooperative

and preemptive. Preemptive multitasking means that control is passed from one program to another

automatically by the Windows process scheduler.

PRIMARY CORONA WIRE

This highly negatively charged wire inside a laser printer

is responsible for electrically erasing the photosensitive drum, preparing it to be written with a new

image in the writing stage ot the laser print process.

PROCESSOR SOCKET

The processor socket is the actual socket used to attach the prosec-

cor to the motherboard.

PROTOCOL

A set of communication standards between two computers on a network.

Common protocols include TCP.IP, NetBEUI, and IPX/SPX.

READ ONLY ATTRIBUTE

The READ ONLY attribute prevents a user or application from inadver-

tently deleting or changing a file.

REFRESH

Refresh refers to the automatically process of constantly updating memory chips

to ensure that their signals are correct. The refresh rate is the frquency by which chips are refreshed,

usually about every 60 to 70 thousandths of a second.

REGISTRATION ROLLER

One of four different types of rollers found in laser printers, the

registration roller synchronizes the paper movement with the writing process inside the EP cartridge.

Registration rollers do not advance the paper until the EP cartridge is ready to process the next line

of the image.

RING TOPOLOGY

In a local area network, a ring topology has each device arranged

around a closed-loop cable. This is most commonly used with fiber optic cabling.

ROLLERS

Rollers are located inside a printer to aid in the movement of paper through the

printer. There are four main types of rollers: feed, registration, fuser, and exit.

SAFE MODE

Safe mode is a special diagnostic mode of Windows 95 that starts the operating

system without any network, CD-ROM, and printer drivers. This special mode allows you to change

an incorrect setting, which will in most cases allow you to return an abnormally funtioning system to

its correct operation.

SERIAL PORT

One of two types of communication ports found on a motherboard (the other is

the parallel port), the serial port connects to a serial line that leads to a computer peripheral -- the type

used most commonly with modems and mice. The serial port transmit data sequentially, bit by bit over

a single conductor.

SIMD

Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) works by allowing a single instruction to

operate on multiple pieces of data when an application is performing a repetitive loop.

SIMM

A Single In-Line Memory Module (SIMM) is a small plug-in circuit board that

contains the memory chips that you need to add certain increments of RAM to your computer. The

chips are positioned along one side of the board.

SIMPLE MAIL TRANSFER PROTOCOL

See SMTP

SINGLE IN-LINE MEMORY MODULE

See SIMM

SINGLE INSTRUCTION MULTIPLE DATA

See SIMD

SLACK

Slack is the space left between the end of a file and the end of the cluster in

which the file resides.

SLIP

The Serial Line Interface Protocol (SLIP) is a protocol used to manage telecom-

munications between a clint and a server over a phone line. PPP is the alternate protocol that is

acceptable to most browsers, and is in fact the most common.

SMTP

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) is the underlying protocol for Internet-

based e-mail.

SOCKET SERVICES

Socket Services is a layer of BIOS-level software that isolates PC

CARD software from the computer hardware and detects the insertion or removal of PC Cards.

SOLENOID

The solenoid is a resistive coil found in dot matrix and daisy wheel printers. When

the solenoid is energized, the pin is forced away from the printhead and impacts the printer ribbon and

ultimately the paper, thus impressing the image on the paper.

SRAM

Unlike DRAM, Static RAM (SRAM) retains its value as long as power is supplied.

It is not constantly refrshed. However, SRAM does require a periodic update and tends to use

excessive amounts of power when it does so.

STAR TOPOLOGY

In a local area network, a star topology has each device on the network

connected to a central processor, usually a hub. This is most commonly used with twisted pair cabling.

STATIC RAM

See SRAM

STYLUS

Shaped like a pen, a stylus is used to select menu options and the like on a

monitor screen or to draw line art on a graphics tablet.