Glossary-15

server – A specially configured computer running network software that provides access to network resources for client workstation computers.

shortcut – An icon on the Windows desktop that provides a direct link to a program, directory, or file. Shortcuts are identifiable by the small arrow located in the lower left corner of the icon image.

Sleep mode – A low power consumption state that components of the computer enter after a predetermined amount of time.

software – Programs that contain computer operation instructions. There are two types of software; application software and system software. See application, operating system.

Super Video Graphics Adapter (SVGA) – A video card that typically supports resolutions of 1024 x 728 pixels with over 65,000 colors. See pixel.

surf – To browse or navigate through the information on the Internet and the World Wide Web.

surge protector – A device that protects electrical devices from brief bursts of excessive voltage.

SVGA – See Super Video Graphics Array.

system board – The main circuit board inside a computer. Also known as motherboard.

taskbar – See Windows Taskbar.

TCP/IP – See Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol.

touchpad – A small, touch-sensitive pad used as a pointing device on some portable computers. By tracing a finger or other object along the pad, you can move the pointer on the display screen. You select a menu option by tapping on the pad (if this feature is enabled).

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) – An industry standard instruction set that specifies how data is transmitted through a network. TCP/IP enables cross-platform communications, that is, a computer running a Microsoft Windows operating system can access data and information provided by a computer running a different operating system. Every computer and network that is connected to the Internet uses TCP/IP.

uninterruptible power supply (UPS) – A device that provides surge protection and, in the event of a power failure, short-term battery backup power.