S

SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) pronounced “scuzzy” –

A standard for a bus (with its own controller and microprocessor) and interface that allows faster communication between the input/output devices and the computer’s main processor and daisy chaining of up to 7 different devices.

Script –

A type of computer code that can be directly executed by a program that understands the language in which the script is written.

Search engine –

A database system designed to index Internet addresses via a schema that allows submission of a URL and through a defined process the search engine includes the submitted URL into its index.

Secure Electronic Transactions (SET) —

A technology that is used to encrypt credit card numbers so that only designated banks and credit card companies can read the information. SET requires the website operator to obtain a special certificate from his or her bank, and then the customers must install special software on their computer to take advantage of SET protection.

Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Server –

A server that utilizes the SSL protocol in order to encrypt transmission over TCP/IP networks such as the Internet.

Server –

A computer that manages network resources. For example, a web server has a very fast permanent connection to the Internet and subsystems to protect against power outages, hackers and system crashes. A database server manages and processes the database and database queries.

Server cabinet –

A metal cabinet designed to house rack-mounted servers (some also house tower configured systems). The cabinet will usually have a slotted front door, perforated steel rear door and top panel, with room for fans or blowers, and lift off side panels.

Server-side language –

Also known as CGI script, server-side languages are programming languages (e.g. Perl, ColdFusion, ASP, PHP, etc.) that are designed to run on a server rather than a client such as a web browser.

SET (Secured Electronic Transactions) –

A standard that enables secure credit card transactions on the Internet thereby making the theft of credit card numbers via the Internet much more difficult.

Shell account –

A login account on a UNIX server.

Site description –

A description of how a website functions from web page to web page or section to section. A site description works in conjunction with the storyboard to provide a detailed explanation of workflow, data flow, and other items that may not be readily apparent in the storyboard.

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) –

This refers to a TCP/IP protocol that is commonly used for sending e-mail between servers. The majority of the e-mail systems in use today send mail use SMTP to send mail via the Internet.

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) –

This term refers to a specific network monitoring and control protocol. Data is passed from SNMP agents that are hardware and/or software processes reporting activity in a network device such as a hub, router, bridge, etc. to the computer administering the network. The SNMP agents return information contained in a MIB (Management Information Base), which is a data structure that defines what is obtainable from the device and what can be controlled, i.e., turned off, on, etc.

Software –

Computer instructions or data – anything that can be stored electronically is software.

SPARC –

Sun Microsystems’ open RISC-based architecture for microprocessors. SPARC is the basis for Sun’s own computer platforms and it’s licensed to third parties.

Spider –

A special program (also referred to as “bot” or “crawler”) utilized by search engines to index websites. There are two spider classes — deep and shallow. The deep spider drills through the entire website and then either finds the URL and copies the file or finds a single directory within the URL and copies the file. A shallow spider can do one of two things, it can either spider the URL given and stop, or only spider those URLs it finds within a single level of directories.

SQL (Structured Query Language) pronounced “sequel” –

A database language used for creating, maintaining and viewing database data.

SSL (Secure Socket Layer) –

A transport level technology developed by Netscape for authentication and data encryption between a web server and a web browser.

SSL Server Certificate –

Also known as a Digital Certificate, it is a small piece of unique data used by encryption and authentication software that enables SSL encryption on a web server. This allows a website to accept credit card orders securely.

Stickiness –

Website elements that keep visitors not only within a website’s pages, but also keeps them coming back for more. Stickiness is the byproduct of a website that is designed around both good content and good design elements.

Storyboard –

The pictorial representation of the screen elements and their operations for every web page, which taken as a whole, constitutes a website.

Systat –

A program owned by SPSS that provides powerful statistical techniques through its convenience in handling data, selecting and defining procedures to use, and formatting output.