Glossary 13

S
SEC
Single-Edge Contact. The SEC cartridge containing the Pentium processor. See Slot 1.
serial interface
An interface that communicates information one bit at a time.
serial printer
A printer with a serial interface.
SGRAM
Synchronous Graphic Random Access Memory. A type of DRAM used increasingly on
video adapters and graphics accelerators. Like SDRAM, SGRAM can synchronize itself
with the CPU bus clock at speeds of up to 100 MHz. In addition, SGRAM uses several
other techniques, such as masked writes and block writes, to increase bandwidth for
graphics-intensive functions. Unlike VRAM and WRAM, SGRAM is single-ported (it can
only be accessed by one device at a time). However, it can open two memory pages at once,
which simulates the dual-port nature of other video RAM technologies (access by two
different devices simultaneously) . See VRAM and WRAM.
SIMM
Single Inline Memory Module. A small circuit board holding a group of memory chips.
Typically, SIMMs hold up to nine RAM c hi p s. On PCs, the ninth chip is for pari t y error
checking. Unlike memory chips, SIMMs are measured in bytes rather than bits. In today’s
SIMMs, each chip holds 2 MB, so a single SIMM holds 16 MB. SIMMs are easier to install
than individual memory chips. The bus from a SIMM to the actual memory chips is 32 bits
wide. A newer technology, called dual in-line memory module (DIMM), provides a 64-bit
bus. To take advantage of the 64-bit bus on Pentium processors, use either DIMMs or pairs
of SIMMs. See DIMMs.
Slot 1
The form factor for Intel Pentium processors. The Slot 1 package replaces the Socket 7 and
Socket 8 form factors used by previous Pentium processors. Slot 1 is a 242-pin daughter
card slot that accepts a processor packaged as a Single Edge Contact (SEC) cartridge. A
system board can have one or two Slot 1s. See SEC.
SMART
Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology. A hard drive feature that works in
conjunction with system software (fo r example, LANDesk Client Manager, NEC Auto
Backup) for identifying a potential problem on the hard drive and automatically backing up
system files to a user-specified device, such as a tape or Zip drive.
sound card
An expansion card designed for sound input and output. Sound cards can record and play
back digital audio. Most also have a MIDI synthesizer, which means they can play MIDI
files; some also have MIDI inputs and outputs.
super video graphics array (SVGA)
A color bit-mapped graphics display standard that provides a resolution of 1024x 768 with
up to 256 colors displayed simultaneously.
synchronous
Refers to protocols that require the clocks of the communicating machines to be
coordinated.