National Teaching and Learning Change ProgrammeInformation and Communication Technology:
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• sequential access
  Sequential access is where the items are read, one at a time, from the logical start of the file, in key value order.
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• sequential file
  A sequential file is a serial file in which the data are physically stored in key order.
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• serial access
  Serial access is where items are read, one at a time, from the physical start of the file, in the order in which they are stored.
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• serial data transmission
  Serial data transmission sends the bits for a character one after another along the same data line. This means that serial transmission requires only two wires (a data line and the ground, return line), although more may be provided.
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• serial file
  One in which the data is physically stored in the order in which it was acquired. To retrieve any particular record, it is necessary to read through every record before it. If the record does not exist, this will not become clear until you read to the end of the file. New records can only be added at the end of the file. Deleted records will leave a gap which cannot be re-used, unless the file is completely recreated. Serial files are mostly associated with devices such as tape drives.
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• serial line internet protocol (SLIP)
  An internet protocol allowing personal computer users to dial in to a suitable internet service, using only a telephone line, but using the full TCP/IP protocol. Such a user has full internet access.
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• server
  A computer on a network which provides resources that can be used by any other computer on the network which has the right permissions.
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• server side
  In a network, this refers to events happening at the server, not the client machines.
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• server side includes (SSI)
  SSI scripts are embedded into web pages. The script is executed on the server before the page is delivered to the client machine. An example of use is to include external files inside a page.
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• service pack
  A service pack is a collection of programs and data files that correct problems in released software. It is installed to overwrite parts of the originally released software.
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• set
  To set a flag is to make it true.
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• settings
  A general term describing the options selected or status of a system.
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• shareware
  Software distributed as shareware has a licence allowing free use (and usually distribution) of the software for a trial period. If the user wishes to continue using the software a fee must be paid, possibly in return for improved versions, manuals and support.
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• sheet
  The working area in spreadsheet software.
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• sheet feeder
  In a printer, a cut sheet feeder (also known as sheet feeder) allows ordinary separate sheets of paper to be automatically fed in for printing.
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• shift key
  The key which, when held down, gives access to the top character on keys with two characters. Also shifts a character into upper case.
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• short message service (SMS)
  The ability to send text messages to and from mobile phones.
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• shortcut
  A quick way of doing something, e.g. placing a shortcut (which appears as an icon) on the desktop, is a quick way to find and launch a program.
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• shrink-to-fit
  Reducing an image size to fit on the screen.
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• shutdown
  To switch off a computer.