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Glossary of Internet & Computer Terms
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Select the first letter of the word from the list above to jump to appropriate section of the glossary or type the term on which you want to search.
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search engine- computer software that, through the use of bots and by seeking out keywords, searches an extremely large number of documents and locations on the World Wide Web and Internet for specific information. After searching for information related to the word or words used in the search, the program compiles a page of results, listing hyperlinks pointing to Web pages that contain (hopefully) the desired information. Although “search engine” refers to the actual search software, the term is often associated with a specific service such as Alta Vista or HotBot. Understanding how to ask a search engine for the desired information can minimize the frustration sometimes experienced with using such a service.
sector- the smallest unit of data storage available on a disk. A disk is divided first into tracks then into smaller units called sectors. A track is similar to an individual recording on a vinyl record album. A sector would be represented as a diagonal portion, or cross-section of a track.
security- a wide range of measures taken to guard computer systems, as well as the storage and transmission of data. Among the many security measures taken to ensure that data doesn’t fall into unauthorized hands, are the implementation of firewalls, the encryption of information, passwords and security keys for users of institutional and personal secure systems, and the isolation and guarding of mainframe computers so unauthorized personnel do not have access to them. see firewall, encryption.
seek time- the time it takes a device to call up a particular file or other piece of information, usually measured in milliseconds.
segment- 1. a representation of a portion of memory in a microprocessor.
2. a defined portion of a network.
select- to designate an object in preparation to execute a program, file or other function. For example, placing the mouse cursor on a desktop icon and left clicking once will cause the item to become highlighted or selected. Pressing the Enter key after selecting the item will open the associated file or program.
select box- a window in a software application or on a Web page offering a user choices or options. Usually clicking one of the choices initiates a function such as opening a new Web page or entering information as part of a survey or questionnaire.
semiconductor- a material used in the production of electronic components that is neither a good conductor nor a good insulator. The most common semiconductor material is silicon.
serial- the transfer of data over a single line, one bit at a time.
serial port- a computer or other hardware device interface that allows for serial transmission, that is, one bit of data at a time, over a single line. Modems, mice and printers (printers also use parallel port connections) all utilize serial port connections. Most computers have two such interfaces labeled COM 1 and COM 2.
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A few words from Tech Support:
"When you bring your own personal home PC for repair at the office, leave the documentation at home. We'll find the jumper settings on the Internet."
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