Beginpc.com - Jargon Buster 'Q-S'

RAM

Random access memory. RAM is memory that can be written to and read from. It provides a temporary storage space for data so that the CPU can quickly process it.

ROM

Read only memory is data chips that contain specific code for applications. The ROM chips are write-once; the contents cannot be changed.

Read/write head

The drive component that writes data to a drive and reads it.

RMDIR

Remove Directory

RND

Random

RSI

Repetitive Strain Injury

RTF

Rich Text Format (file name extension)

System Files

System files are small disk files that contain code that are the first files a computer reads from a disk when it is booted. System files are normally hidden so that you cannot see them or tamper with them.

SRAM

Static random access memory

SDRAM

Synchronous DRAM.

SIMM

Single in-line memory modules.

Seek time

How long it takes for a read/write head to position itself over a particular track on a drive. Measure in milliseconds

Settle time

The time it takes the read/write heads to stabilise once over the required data. Measure in milliseconds

Search engine

A program that searches document located on the Internet for a keyword or phrase that has been entered by a person browsing the net. It returns a list of sites related to the topic entered.

Server

Part of a network that supplies files and services to clients. A file server is dedicated to storing files, a e-mail server handles only e-mails and so on.

SCC

Serial Communications Controllers

SCSI

Small Computer Systems Interface

SD-ROM

Super Density ROM

SGRAM

Synchronous Graphics RAM

S-HTTP

Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol

SRDRAM

Self-Refreshed DRAM

SVG

Scalable Vector Graphics

SVGA

Super Video Graphics Array

SYNC

Synchronous

Skin

A new GUI, you can add to programs.

Shareware

Shareware Programs are sold by the developer for a minimal charge. The user is expected to pay for the program after a free trial period. Shareware programs are downloaded from the Internet.