MICROSOFT Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition

Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition

While primary purpose of SSL is to enable secure electronic financial transactions on the World Wide Web, it is designed to work with other Internet services as well. This technology, which uses public key encryption, is incorporated into the Netscape Navigator Web browser and Netscape’s commerce servers. See also commerce server, open standard, public key encryption, PCT. Compare S-HTTP.

SSO

n. See single sign-on.

ST506 interface

n. The hardware signal specification developed by Seagate Technologies for hard-disk-drive controllers and connectors. The ST506/412 version of this interface has become a de facto standard.

stack

n. A region of reserved memory in which programs store status data such as procedure and function call addresses, passed parameters, and sometimes local variables. See also pop, push (definition 1). Compare heap (definition 1).

stacking order

n. The order in which layers in a digital graphic file are arranged. Foreground elements are typically stacked on top of background elements. Changes in stacking order can affect the way the final graphic is seen by the viewer. See also layering.

stack pointer

n. A register that contains the current address of the top element of the stack. See also pointer (definition 1), stack.

stackware

n. A HyperCard application consisting of a HyperCard data stack and HyperCard programming. See also HyperCard.

staging web

n. A local Web site maintained on a file system or local Web server that currently cannot be browsed by site visitors. These Web sites allow authors and workgroups to make changes or updates to Web sites before they are published.

staging Web server

n. A Web server where you publish and test your Web site before putting it on a production server. A staging Web server cannot be browsed by an Internet or intranet audience.

stairstepping

n. A rough outline like the steps of a stair in a graphic line or curve that should be smooth. Also called: aliasing, jaggies.

stale link

n. A hyperlink to an HTML document that has been deleted or moved, rendering the hyperlink useless. See also HTML document, hyperlink.

stale pointer bug

n. See aliasing bug.

stand-alone or standalone

adj. Of, pertaining to, or being a device that does not require support from another device or system, for example, a computer that is not connected to a network.

Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition

standard

n. 1. A de jure technical guideline advocated by a recognized noncommercial or government organization that is used to establish uniformity in an area of hardware or software development. The standard is the result of a formal process, based on specifications drafted by a cooperative group or committee after an intensive study of existing methods, approaches, and technological trends and developments. The proposed standard is later ratified or approved by a recognized organization and adopted over time by consensus as products based on the standard become increasingly prevalent in the market. Standards of this type are numerous, including the ASCII character set, the RS-232-C standard, the SCSI interface, and ANSI-standard programming languages, such as C and FORTRAN. See also ANSI, convention, RS-232-C standard, SCSI. 2. A de facto technical guideline for hardware or software development that occurs when a product or philosophy is developed by a single company and, through success and imitation, becomes so widely used that deviation from the norm causes compatibility problems or limits marketability. This type of highly informal standard setting is exemplified by Hayes-compatible modems and IBM PC–compatible computers. See also compatibility (definition 3).

standard ASCII

n. The set of characters assigned to ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) values between decimal 0 and 127 (hexadecimal 00 through 7F). These characters include most found on a standard keyboard, including the letters A–Z (uppercase and lowercase), numerals (0 through 9), and some special characters, such as colons and parentheses. Standard ASCII has for years been used as a near-universal “common language” in the PC environment for enabling different programs to exchange information reliably. See also ASCII. Compare Extended ASCII.

standard deviation

n. In statistics, a measure of the dispersion of a group of measurements relative to the mean (average) of that group. Each score’s difference from the mean is squared, and the standard deviation is defined as the square root of the average of these squared values.

standard disclaimer

n. A phrase placed in an e-mail message or news article that is intended to replace the statement required by some businesses and institutions that the contents of the message or article do not necessarily represent the opinions or policies of the organization from whose e-mail system the message originated.

standard function

n. A function that is always available within a particular programming language. See also function (definition 1).

Standard Generalized Markup Language n. See SGML.

standby

n. A state in which your computer consumes less power when it is idle but remains available for immediate use. While your computer is on standby, information in computer memory is not saved on your hard disk. If there is an interruption in power, the information in memory is lost.

star

n. See *.

star bus

n. A network topology in which nodes connect to hubs in a star pattern, but the hubs are connected by a bus trunk. Star bus is a combination of star and bus topologies.

star-dot-star or star dot star

Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition

n. A file specification (*.*) using the asterisk wildcard, which means “any combination of file name and extension” in operating systems such as MS-DOS. See also *.*, asterisk, wildcard character.

star network

n. A LAN (local area network) in which each device (node) is connected to a central computer in a star-shaped configuration (topology); commonly, a network consisting of a central computer (the hub) surrounded by terminals. See the illustration. Compare bus network, ring network.

Star network.

start bit

n. In asynchronous transmission, the bit (actually, a timing signal) that represents the beginning of a character. See also asynchronous transmission. Compare parity bit, stop bit.

Start button

n. In Microsoft Windows 9x and Windows NT 4 and later, the control on the desktop task bar that opens the main menu.

starting point

n. A World Wide Web document designed to help users begin navigating the Web. A starting point often contains tools such as search engines and hyperlinks to selected Web sites. See also hyperlink, search engine (definition 2), World Wide Web.

star topology

n. A network configuration based on a central hub, from which nodes radiate in a star-shaped pattern. See also topology.

start page

n. See home page (definition 2).

start/stop transmission

n. See asynchronous transmission.

startup

n. See boot1.

startup application

n. On the Macintosh, the application that takes control of the system when the computer is turned on.

Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition

STARTUP.CMD

n. A special-purpose batch file stored in the root directory of the startup disk in OS/2—the OS/2 equivalent of an MS-DOS AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

startup disk

n. See system disk.

startup ROM

n. The bootstrap instructions coded into a computer’s ROM (read-only memory) and executed at startup. The startup ROM routines enable a computer to check itself and its devices (such as the keyboard and disk drives), prepare itself for operation, and run a short program to load an operating-system loader program. See also boot1, power-on self test.

startup screen

n. A text or graphics display that appears on the screen when a program is started (run). Startup screens usually contain information about the software’s version and often contain a product or corporate logo.

star-wired ring

n. A network topology in which hubs and nodes connect to a central hub in typical star fashion, but the connections within the central hub form a ring. Star-wired ring is a combination of star and ring topologies.

state

n. See status.

stateful

adj. Of or pertaining to a system or process that monitors all details of the state of an activity in which it participates. For example, stateful handling of messages takes account of their content. Compare stateless.

stateless

adj. Of or pertaining to a system or process that participates in an activity without monitoring all details of its state. For example, stateless handling of messages might take account of only their sources and destinations but not their content. Compare stateful.

statement

n. The smallest executable entity within a programming language.

state-of-the-art

adj. Up to date; at the forefront of current hardware or software technology.

static1

adj. In information processing, fixed or predetermined. For example, a static memory buffer remains invariant in size throughout program execution. The opposite condition is dynamic, or ever-changing.

static2

n. In communications, a crackling noise caused by electrical interference with a transmitted signal. See also noise (definition 2).

static allocation

n. Apportionment of memory that occurs once, usually when the program starts. The memory remains allocated during the program’s execution and is not deallocated until the program is finished. See also allocate, deallocate. Compare dynamic allocation.

Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition

static binding

n. Binding (converting symbolic addresses in the program to storage-related addresses) that occurs during program compilation or linkage. Also called: early binding. Compare dynamic binding.

static buffer

n. A secondary sound buffer that contains an entire sound; these buffers are convenient because the entire sound can be written once to the buffer. See also streaming buffer.

static electricity

n. An electrical charge accumulated in an object. Although generally harmless to humans, the discharge of static electricity through an electronic circuit can cause severe damage to the circuit.

static RAM

n. A form of semiconductor memory (RAM) based on the logic circuit known as a flip-flop, which retains information as long as there is enough power to run the device. Static RAMs are usually reserved for use in caches. Acronym: SRAM. See also cache, RAM, synchronous burst static RAM. Compare dynamic RAM.

static routing

n. Routing based on a fixed forwarding path. Unlike dynamic routing, static routing does not adjust to changing network conditions. Compare dynamic routing.

static Web page

n. Web page that displays the same content to all viewers. Usually written in hypertext markup language (HTML), a static Web page displays content that changes only if the HTML code is altered. See also dynamic Web page.

station

n. 1. In the IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN specification, a single, often mobile, node. 2. See workstation.

stationery1

adj. Describing a type of document that, when opened by the user, is duplicated by the system; the copy is opened for the user’s modification while the original document remains intact. Stationery documents can be used as document templates or boilerplates. See also boilerplate, template (definition 5).

stationery2

n. A stationery document. See also stationery1.

statistical multiplexer

n. A multiplexing device that adds intelligence to time-division multiplexing by using buffering (temporary storage) and a microprocessor to combine transmission streams into a single signal and to allocate available bandwidth dynamically. Also called: stat mux. See also dynamic allocation, multiplexing, time-division multiplexing.

statistics

n. The branch of mathematics that deals with the relationships among groups of measurements and with the relevance of similarities and differences in those relationships. See also binomial distribution, Monte Carlo method, probability, regression analysis, standard deviation, stochastic.

stat mux

n. See statistical multiplexer.

status

Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition

n. The condition at a particular time of any of numerous elements of computing—a device, a communications channel, a network station, a program, a bit, or other element—used to report on or to control computer operations.

status bar

n. In Windows 9x and Windows NT 4 and later, a space at the bottom of many program windows that contains a short text message about the current condition of the program. Some programs also display an explanation of the currently selected menu command in the status bar. See the illustration.

Status bar.

status codes

n. Strings of digits or other characters that indicate the success or failure of some attempted action. Status codes were commonly used to report the results of early computer programs, but most software today uses words or graphics. Internet users, especially those with UNIX shell accounts, are likely to encounter status codes while using the Web or FTP. See also HTTP status codes.

steganography

n. A “hide-in-plain-sight” technique for concealing information by embedding a message within an innocuous cover message. In steganography, bits of unnecessary data within an image, sound, text, or even a blank file are replaced with bits of invisible information. The term steganography comes from the Greek for “covered writing” and has traditionally included any method of secret communication that conceals the existence of the message. Because steganography cannot be detected by decryption software, it is often used to replace or supplement encryption.

step-frame

n. The process of capturing video images one frame at a time. This process is used by computers that are too slow to capture analog video images in real time.

stepper motor

n. A mechanical device that rotates only a fixed distance each time it receives an electrical pulse. A stepper motor is part of a disk drive.

step-rate time

n. The time required to move a disk actuator arm from one track to the next. See also actuator, stepper motor.

stereogram

n. See autostereogram.

sticky

adj. In reference to a Web site, properties such as targeted content or services that increase the amount of time users choose to spend at the site and increase user’s desire to return to the site repeatedly.

StickyKeys

n. An accessibility feature built into Macintosh and Windows computers that causes modifier keys such as Shift, Control, or Alt to “stay on” after they are pressed, eliminating the need to press multiple keys simultaneously. This feature facilitates the use of modifier keys by users who are unable to hold down one key while pressing another.

Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition

stochastic

adj. Based on random occurrences. For example, a stochastic model describes a system by taking into account chance events as well as planned events.

stop bit

n. In asynchronous transmission, a bit that signals the end of a character. In early electromechanical teleprinters, the stop bit provided time for the receiving mechanism to coast back to the idle position and, depending on the mechanism, had a duration of 1, 1.5, or 2 data bits. See also asynchronous transmission. Compare parity bit, start bit.

Stop error

n. A serious error that affects the operating system and that could place data at risk. The operating system generates an obvious message, a screen with the Stop error, rather than continuing on and possibly corrupting data. Also called: blue screen error, fatal system error. See also Blue Screen of Death.

storage

n. In computing, any device in or on which information can be kept. Microcomputers have two main types of storage: random access memory (RAM) and disk drives and other external storage media. Other types of storage include read-only memory (ROM) and buffers.

storage area network

n. A high-speed network that provides a direct connection between servers and storage, including shared storage, clusters, and disaster-recovery devices. A storage area network, or SAN, includes components such as hubs and routers that are also used in local area networks (LANs), but it differs in being something of a “subnetwork” dedicated to providing a high-speed connection between storage elements and servers. Most SANs rely on fiber-channel connections that deliver speeds up to 1000 Mbps and can support up to 128 devices. SANs are implemented to provide the scalability, speed, and manageability required in environments that demand high data availability. Acronym: SAN. Also called: system area network.

storage device

n. An apparatus for recording computer data in permanent or semipermanent form. When a distinction is made between primary (main) storage devices and secondary (auxiliary) storage devices, the former refers to random access memory (RAM) and the latter refers to disk drives and other external devices.

storage location

n. The position at which a particular item can be found—either an addressed location or a uniquely identified location on a disk, tape, or similar medium.

storage media

n. The various types of physical material on which data bits are written and stored, such as floppy disks, hard disks, tape, and optical discs.

storage tube

n. See direct view storage tube.

store-and-forward

n. A method of delivering transmissions in which messages are held temporarily by an intermediary before being sent on to their destination. Store and forward is used by some switches in delivering packets to their destinations. Compare cut-through switch.

stored procedure

Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition

n. A precompiled collection of SQL statements and optional control-of-flow statements stored under a name and processed as a unit. They are stored in an SQL database and can be run with one call from an application.

stored program concept

n. A system architecture scheme, credited largely to the mathematician John von Neumann, in which both programs and data are in direct-access storage (random access memory, or RAM), thereby allowing code and data to be treated interchangeably. See also von Neumann architecture.

storefront

n. See virtual storefront.

storm

n. On a network, a sudden, excessive burst of traffic. Storms are often responsible for network outages.

STP

n. Acronym for shielded twisted pair. A cable consisting of one or more twisted pairs of wires and a sheath of foil and copper braid. The twists protect the pairs from interference by each other, and the shielding protects the pairs from interference from outside. Therefore, STP cable can be used for high-speed transmission over long distances. See also twisted-pair cable. Compare UTP.

straight-line code

n. Program code that follows a direct sequence of statements rather than skipping ahead or jumping back via transfer statements such as GOTO and JUMP. See also GOTO statement, jump instruction. Compare spaghetti code.

stream1

n. Any data transmission, such as the movement of a file between disk and memory, that occurs in a continuous flow. Manipulating a data stream is a programming task. Consumers, however, are likely to encounter references to streams and streaming in connection to the Internet, which has increased reliance on stream techniques to enable users (even those with slower equipment) to access large multimedia files—especially those containing audio and video components—and to display or play them before all the data has been transferred.

stream2

vb. To transfer data continuously, beginning to end, in a steady flow. Many aspects of computing rely on the ability to stream data: file input and output, for example, and communications. If necessary, an application receiving a stream must be able to save the information to a buffer in order to prevent loss of data. On the Internet, streaming enables users to begin accessing and using a file before it has been transmitted in its entirety.

stream cipher

n. A method for encrypting a data sequence of unlimited length using a key of fixed length. See also key (definition 3). Compare block cipher.

streaming

n. 1. On the Internet, the process of delivering information, especially multimedia sound or video, in a steady flow that the recipient can access as the file is being transmitted. 2. In magnetic tape storage devices, a low-cost technique to control the motion of the tape by removing tape buffers. Although streaming tape compromises start/stop performance, it achieves highly reliable storage and retrieval of data, and is useful when a steady supply of data is required by a particular application or computer.

streaming buffer

Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition

n. A small sound buffer that can play lengthy sounds because the application dynamically loads audio data into the buffer as it plays. For example, an application could use a buffer that can hold 3 seconds of audio data to play a 2-minute sound. A streaming buffer requires much less memory than a static buffer. See also static buffer.

Streaming Server

n. A server technology designed by Apple Computer to send streaming QuickTime media files over the Internet. Built on RTP and RTSP standard Internet protocols, Streaming Server can set up a QuickTime streaming media Web broadcasting station capable of streaming digital videos and music files to more than 3000 users via the Internet. Streaming Server may be used with Mac OS X and other UNIX-based operating systems. Also called: Darwin Streaming Server, QuickTime Streaming Server.

streaming tape

n. See tape (definition 1).

stream interface device driver

n. A user-level DLL that controls devices connected to a Windows CE–based platform. A stream interface device driver presents the services of a hardware device to applications by exposing Win32 stream interface functions. Stream interface drivers also can control devices built into a Windows CE–based platform, depending on the software architecture for the drivers. Also called: installable device driver.

stream-oriented file

n. A file used to store a fairly continuous series of bits, bytes, or other small, structurally uniform units.

street price

n. The actual retail or mail-order price of a consumer hardware or software product. In most cases, the street price is somewhat lower than the “suggested retail price.”

stress test

n. A test of a software or hardware system’s functional limits, performed by subjecting the system to extreme conditions, such as peak volumes of data or extremes in temperature.

strikethrough

n. One or more lines drawn through a selected range of text, usually to show deletion or the intent to delete. See the illustration.

Strikethrough.

string

n. A data structure composed of a sequence of characters usually representing human-readable text.

string variable

n. An arbitrary name assigned by the programmer to a string of alphanumeric characters and used to reference that entire string. See also string.

stripe

vb. See disk striping.

Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition

stripe pitch

n. The distance, measured horizontally, between bands of phosphor that are the same color on a cathode ray tube (CRT) display based on aperture grill technology. Although the measurements are based on different methods of applying phosphor to the screen surface, stripe pitch is comparable to dot pitch, the measurement used with CRTs based on shadow mask technology. See also aperture grill, CRT, mask (definition 2). Compare dot pitch, slot pitch.

striping

n. A means of protecting data on a network by spreading it across multiple disks. In the most commonly used approach, striping is combined with parity (error-correcting information) to ensure that if some portion of the data is lost, it can be reconstructed. Striping is implemented in RAID security. See also RAID. Compare disk mirroring.

strobe

n. A timing signal that initiates and coordinates the passage of data, typically through an input/output (I/ O) device interface, such as a keyboard or printer.

stroke

n. 1. In data entry, a keystroke—a signal to the computer that a key has been pressed. 2. In typography, a line representing part of a letter. 3. In paint programs, a “swipe” of the brush made with the mouse or keyboard in creating a graphic. 4. In display technology, a line created as a vector (a path between two coordinates) on a vector graphics display (as opposed to a line of pixels drawn dot by dot on a raster graphics display).

stroke font

n. A font printed by drawing a combination of lines rather than by filling a shape, as with an outline font. Compare outline font.

stroke weight

n. The width, or thickness, of the lines (strokes) that make up a character. See also font.

stroke writer

n. In video, a display unit that draws characters and graphic images as sets of strokes—lines or curves connecting points—rather than as sets of dots, as on a typical raster-scan monitor. See also vector graphics.

StrongARM

n. The architecture underlying Intel’s low-power, high-performance SA microprocessors. StrongARM is based on the 32-bit RISC architecture licensed by ARM Limited. StrongARMbased SA microprocessors support a number of platforms, including Windows CE and Java, and are designed for use in four primary areas: smart portable devices, such as cellular phones and handheld computers; Internet access devices, such as set-top boxes; networking devices, such as switches and routers; and embedded controls, such as entertainment devices and automation equipment. See also ARM.

strong name

n. A name that consists of an assembly’s identity: its simple text name, version number, and often the culture information strengthened by a public key and a digital signature generated over the assembly. Assemblies with the same strong name are expected to be identical.

strong typing

n. A characteristic of a programming language that does not allow the program to change the data type of a variable during program execution. See also data type, variable. Compare weak typing.