Technical information

ICT in the science department 1656 © CLEAPSS 2005
Software A term to describe the non-hardware components of a computer - the Operating System,
applications, programs and data etc.
Sound card A device which converts sound signals (eg, from a microphone) into a digital form and
vice versa (eg, for a speaker output from a computer).
Source code The original program code prior to it being compiled into an executable program file.
Spam An unsolicited e-mail message usually sent to many recipients at once.
Spyware Software that aids in gathering information about a person or organisation without their
knowledge.
Stepper motor A motor that can be turned through accurately-set angles called ‘steps’. It is a part of a
disk drive.
Stream To transmit data in a continuous flow. On the Internet, for instance, streamed video may
be watched without having to download the entire video file.
String A data type that consists of text characters.
Stylus A pointed instrument used like a pen to interact with devices with sensitive screens.
Surfing As in the phrase ‘surfing the web’. To use a browser to view web pages and follow
hyperlinks from one web page to another.
S-video Super-VHS (also known as S-VHS or SVHS). An improved version of the VHS standard.
Transmits analogue video whilst keeping the luminance (Y) and chrominance (C) on
separate channels. S-video is of better quality than composite video because the
luminance and chrominance are not combined. Component video provides even better
quality by keeping the two chrominance signals separate. Widely used on video devices
such as camcorders, VCRs and DVD players. S-video uses a special 5-pin connector.
See Y/C, YCbCr and YUV.
Switch Similar to a hub. Unlike hubs, network switches are capable of inspecting the data
packets as they are received, determining the source and destination device of that
packet, and forwarding that packet appropriately. By delivering messages only to the
connected device that it was intended for, network switches conserve network bandwidth
and offer generally better performance than hubs. As with hubs, Ethernet network
switches are the most common.
Syntax The rules of grammar for a language. A syntax error is the result of an incorrectly
constructed command.
Tablet PC A small, portable computer with a screen that is touch-sensitive to a special pen. The pen
is used in place of a mouse and to write; the tablet includes handwriting-recognition
software.
TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol. A set of protocols that have become the
standard for data transmission over networks and the Internet.
Telnet A protocol / software program that provides remote access to a computer as if actually
logged into the remote computer.
TFT Thin Film Transistor. A type of display often used in flat computer screens.
TIFF Tagged Interchange File Format. A format and the file extension for a graphic file type.
TIVO TV In - Video Out.
Trojan A malicious program that is disguised as a utility. Often a trojan permits remote access
and control of your computer.
TWAIN Technology Without An Interesting Name. The standard interface between an application
and image capture devices.
UDP User Datagram Protocol. It is part of the TCP/IP suite of protocols used for data transfer.
UHF Ultra-High Frequency. The radio signal used to transmit TV programmes via traditional
aerials.
ULD Upper limb disorder. See RSI.
Upload The process of transferring a copy of data to a remote computer from a computer or other
device.