A device that converts paper documents or photos into a format that can be viewed on a computer and manipulated by the user.
serial
A type of external port used to connect communication devices, such as modems, PalmPilots, and so on.
server
The central computer in a network, providing a service or data access to client computers on the network.
shareware
A software program distributed on the honor system; providers make their programs freely accessible over the Internet, with the understanding that those who use them will send payment to the provider after using them.
See also [freeware]
software
The programs and procedures, as opposed to the physical equipment, used in computing.
spam
Junk email. As a verb, it means to send thousands of copies of a junk email message.
spreadsheet
A program that performs mathematical operations on numbers arranged in large arrays; used mainly for accounting and other record keeping.
spyware
Software used to surreptitiously monitor computer use (that is, spy on other users).
system unit
The part of your computer system that looks like a big beige or black box. The system unit typically contains the microprocessor, system memory, hard disk drive, floppy disk drives, and various cards.
