Search Engine

A program that searches indexes of Internet addresses using keywords. There are hundreds of search engines located on servers throughout the Internet. Popular search engines include Google, AltaVista, Bing, Yahoo, HotBot, and Excite.

SCSI (Small Computer System Interface)

A standard way of interfacing a computer to disk drives and other devices that require high-speed data transfer. Up to 16 SCSI devices, including the host adapter, can be connected in a daisy chain fashion. These devices can be hard disk drives, CD-ROMs, scanners, or printers. SCSI is the only common computer interface that allows adding both internal and external devices on the same chain. (Pronounced "scuzzy.")

Scanning

A process that converts a photograph, graphic, or text image found on paper into an electronic computer file.

Scanner

A peripheral that converts information from the written page (or a printed graphic) to digital information that can be used by the computer. Works in a manner similar to the scanning process in a photocopy machine.

Router

A device that works like a bridge but is able to select the best route from network to network based on traffic load. A router can also connect dissimilar networks.