Glossary
SA_APC
One of the reference platforms supported by Windows CE for Automotive. This reference platform is based on the Intel SA1110 processor.
Sales force automation (SFA)
A generic term for software applications designed specifically for sales tasks.
salt value
Random data used to supplement encryption schemes. A salt value allows two identical packets of data to be encrypted into two different packets of ciphertext using the same key by changing the salt value with each packet.
satellite azimuth
An angular measure of the horizontal direction of a satellite relative to an observer on Earth. The value of the satellite azimuth must be between 0 and 2 pi radians.
satellite elevation
The angular position of a satellite above the plane that is tangent to the earth at the position of the observer. The value of the satellite elevation must be between 0 and one-half pi radians.
saturation
An adjustment to the extreme value of a range when the actual value approaches the extreme. If the maximum value in a range is 1,000 and the maximum saturation point is set to 900, any value greater than 899 is adjusted to 1,000.
scan code
A code number transmitted to a computer whenever a key is pressed or released. Each key on the keyboard has a unique scan code. This code is not the same as the ASCII code for the letter, number, or symbol shown on the key; it is a special identifier for the key itself and is always the same for a particular key. When a key is pressed, the scan code is transmitted to the computer, where a portion of the read-only memory basic input/output system (ROM BIOS) dedicated to the keyboard translates the scan code into its ASCII equivalent. Because a single key can generate more than one character-lowercase "a" and uppercase "A," for example-the ROM BIOS also keeps track of the status of keys that change the keyboard state, such as the SHIFT key, and takes them into account when translating a scan code.
scene
The entire set of objects that make up a virtual environment, including visible objects, sounds, lights, and frames.
Schannel.dll
A security support provider (SSP). A security package that provides authentication between a client and a server.
Schnlusa.dll
A security support provider (SSP).
score
When referring to a spelling checker, a score is a number that indicates how much a replacement word differs from the original misspelled word. A low score indicates that the misspelled word was changed slightly, while a high score indicates that the word was changed a great deal.
screen image
When using remote tools, the bitmapped screen capture of a target device.
screen space
A frame of reference in which coordinates are related directly to 2-D locations in the frame buffer to be displayed on a monitor or other viewing device. Projection space coordinates are converted to screen space coordinates using a transformation matrix created from the viewport parameters.
script
The data that makes up the program that the scripting engine runs. A script can be any contiguous executable data, including text, blocks of code, or machine-specific executable byte codes. A host loads a script into the scripting engine through one of the IPersist interfaces or through the IActiveScriptParse interface.
script language
The programming language in which a script is written and the semantics of that language. For example, VBScript is a script language.
scripting engine
The OLE object that processes a script. A scripting engine implements the IActiveScript and, optionally, IActiveScriptParse interfaces.
scripting host
The application or program that owns the Windows Script engine. The host implements the IActiveScriptSite and, optionally, IActiveScriptSiteWindow interfaces.
scripting language
A simple programming language designed to perform special or limited tasks, sometimes associated with a particular application or function. An example of a scripting language is Visual Basic Script.
scriptlet
A portion of a script that gets attached to an object through the IActiveScriptParse interface. The aggregate collection of scriptlets is the script.
scroll bar
In some graphical user interfaces, a vertical or horizontal bar at the side or bottom of a display area that can be used with a mouse for moving around in that area. Scroll bars often have four active areas: two scroll arrows for moving line by line, a sliding scroll box for moving to an arbitrary location in the display area, and the gray areas in the scroll bar for moving in one-window increments.
scrolling button
A button that is attached to a list manager control to provide standard user interactions for navigating through items in a graphical list.
scrolling menu
A menu with top arrows used to scroll menu items up and down.
Seats
Number of handheld users or potential users.
secondary sound buffer
A section of audio memory that stores individual sounds that are played throughout an application. The sound can be played as a single event or as a looping sound that plays repeatedly. Secondary buffers can also play sounds that are larger than available sound-buffer memory; the buffer serves as a queue that stores the portions of the sound about to be played.
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
A proposed open standard developed by Netscape Communications for establishing a secure communication channel to prevent the interception of critical information, such as credit card numbers. The primary purpose of the SSL is to enable secure electronic financial transactions on the Web, although it is designed to work with other Internet services as well.
security context
The security data relevant to a connection. A security context contains information such as a session key and the duration of a session. Both the client and server in a communication link must cooperate to create a security context.
security package
A security solution that maps Security Support Provider Interface (SSPI) functions to the security protocols specified in a package.
Security Support Provider (SSP)
A dynamic-link library (DLL) containing common authentication and cryptographic data schemes.
Security Support Provider Interface (SSPI)
An interface that enables applications to access DLLs containing common authentication and cryptographic data schemes.
selection margin
An area to the left of each line of text that is used to show breakpoints, temporary bookmarks, the current and caller line, and the error line.
semaphore
A signal, or flag variable, that is used to govern access to shared system resources. A semaphore indicates to other potential users that a file or other resource is in use and prevents access by more that one user.
separator
A blank space used to divide toolbar elements into groups or to reserve space in a command bar.
serial cable
A cable that connects to a serial port. It is used to transfer information between two computers that are in close physical proximity and connected via a serial connection.
serial I/O
A communications channel that transmits data one bit at a time.
Serial Infrared (SIR)
Part of the basic Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication protocol, a Serial Infrared physical layer provides for serial infrared links.
Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP)
A data link protocol that allows transmission of Internet Protocol (IP) data packets over dial-up telephone connections, thus enabling a computer or a local area network to be connected to the Internet or some other network.
serial port
An input/output location (channel) that sends and receives data to and from a computer's central processing unit or a communications device one bit at a time. Serial ports are used for serial data communication and as interfaces to peripheral devices, such as mouse devices and printers.
serialize
The process of converting an object to a series of bytes for transmission to another device. Compare deserialize.
server
1. On a local area network (LAN), a computer running administrative software that controls access to the network and its resources, such as printers and disk drives, and provides resources to computers functioning as workstations on the network.
2. An application that responds to requests from another application or task.
Server Gated Cryptography (SGC)
An extension of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) that allows financial institutions with export versions of Microsoft Windows 2000 Server to use 128-bit encryption. Although SGC capabilities are built into Windows 2000 Server, a special SGC certificate is required to use SGC.
Server Message Block (SMB)
The networking protocol used in MS-DOS, Windows, and OS/2 networks that allows files and printers to be shared across the network.
Server-based synchronization
Data transfer through a central server, typically via the Internet.
service identifier
An identifier used by a service to uniquely identify messages. This value should be changed only by the service library.
service manager
A synchronization engine that resides on both the desktop computer and the device. The service manager maintains a device partnership with a computer host. It performs many common synchronization tasks, which include providing connectivity, detecting changes in data, and resolving data conflicts, as well as mapping and transferring data objects.
service provider
When referring to ActiveSync technology, a service provider is a pair of DLLs that a developer must implement in an application in order to perform synchronization tasks. One module, called the desktop provider module, resides on the desktop computer and the other module, called the device provider module, resides on the device.
Serving GPRS Service Node(SGSN)
The node that keeps track of you when you are on it's location area.
session identifier
An identifier generated by a mail transport service. Each time a Post Office Protocol 3 (POP3) connection is made to the server, the server looks at all of the currently stored messages and assigns a session identifier to each message, numbered 1 through the total number of messages. This makes it easier to reference a particular message without having to use its long unique identifier. The session identifier can be trusted only during a single connection to the mail server.
session key
A key used in symmetric encryption schemes where a single key is used to both encrypt and decrypt data.
shape control
A graphical element that is used to visually group GUI controls.
shared directory
On a local area network, a directory on a disk that is located on a computer other than the one a user is operating. A shared directory differs from a network drive in that a user has access to only that directory.
shared library
Any code module that can be accessed and used by many applications. Shared libraries are used primarily for sharing common code between different executable files or for breaking an application into separate components, thus allowing easy upgrades. In Windows CE, shared libraries are usually referred to as dynamic-link libraries (DLLs).
shell
An application that enables the user to connect with the kernel and, thus the system, usually providing some basic services in addition to facilitating the loading and executing of applications.
Short Message Peer to Peer (SMPP)
SMPP is a communication protocol for sending and receiving short text messages, mainly used for corporate and high volume SMSC links.
Short Message Service (SMS)
SMS is a currently very popular data service within GSM-networks. With SMS it is possible to send and receive short messages of up to 160 characters to and from mobile phones via the network operators' message center (SMSC).
Short Message Service Center (SMSC)
A SMSC regulates the message transfer to and from the according mobile phones in GSM-networks. This includes not only short text messages but also fax, voice- or e-mails. The SMSC delivers the messages, temporarily stores them in case the respective recipient is currently not available and takes care of charging. There is at least one SMSC per network.
shortcut key
A key that corresponds to a command name on a menu, such as CTRL+P. Also known as an accelerator key or a keyboard shortcut.
sibling window
A child window that has the same parent window as one or more other child windows.
signaled
State of a synchronization object.
signature file
A file that ensures that a cryptographic service provider (CSP) will be recognized by the operating system.
silkscreen button
A section of a resistive touch panel with a painted icon. An OEM provides a driver that lets this section of the panel send virtual-key messages. A silkscreen button is considered a navigation control.
silkscreen region
A section of a resistive touch panel that contains several silkscreen buttons.
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)
A TCP/IP protocol for sending messages from one computer to another on a network. This protocol is used on the Internet to route e-mail.
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
The network management protocol for TCP/IP.
single threading model
A model in which all objects are executed on a single thread. Contrast multithreaded application.
skin
A set of properties, objects, and other graphical information that together determine the appearance of an adaptable control. Skins are replacement appearances for a control class.
slider control
A graphical element that allows the user to adjust a numeric value by moving a graphic handle along a linear path.
Small form
A term used to describe handheld or palm-sized devices.
Smart Card
A card with an imbedded computer chip which stores more information, performs more functions and is more secure than a credit card or debit card.
Smart handheld devices
Handheld devices with more than one function, such as a PDA with cell phone functionality.
Smart Indent
An Auto Indent option that automatically indents text based on the context of the previous lines.
smartphone
A mobile, digital telephone that has features not associated with traditional home or mobile phones. These features include Internet access, simple text messaging, and data services.
socket
An object that represents an endpoint for communication between processes across a network transport. Sockets have a datagram or stream type and can be bound to a specific network address. Windows Sockets provides an application programming interface (API) for handling all types of socket connections in Windows.
soft key
A physical button located on the faceplate that corresponds with an item that is displayed on the device screen. The GUI item is typically displayed on the perimeter of the screen, adjacent to the soft key. When a soft key is pressed, it will perform different functions depending on the settings displayed by the user interface of the application that is currently running.
soft reset
The process of restarting your HP Jornada and reinitializing the MS Windows for H/PC 2000 operating system. Performing a soft reset will erase any unsaved data in open documents, but will preserve data that has been saved. (Also called "warm boot.")
Software Development Kit (SDK)
A set of library, header, and Help files that you use to write applications for a specific platform.
Software Installation Manager (SIM)
A component in Windows CE for Automotive that ensures a secure software installation using either a CD-ROM, a PCMCIA/Compact Flash card, and IR serial connection, and Ethernet network card, TAPI incoming data, or a USB peripheral device. SIM supports three models of rules for software installation into an automotive computing device.
solution
Visual Studio grouping of projects.
sort order
The order in which a set of records or other data objects are to be sorted, or the function that defines this order. Possible sort orders for an array of strings could include alphabetical order or ascending order by length, for example.
sound scheme
A collection of audio effects, such as clicks and beeps, associated with system and application key events.
source code configuration file
A file that Build.exe uses to generate source code. A source code configuration file can be a dirs file, a sources file, or a makefile file.
source code control system
An application that tracks changes to source-code files during software development. A source code control system ensures that changes are not overwritten in projects with multiple developers, and that you are working with the most up-to-date code. You can also return to earlier versions of code, if necessary. If you install a source code control system that conforms to the Microsoft Source Code Control Interface, you can directly access source code control functionality from the Platform Builder menus.
source color key
A color that, in the case of blitting, will not be copied or, in the case of overlays, will not be visible on the destination.
source window
A window that is associated with a source file.
sources file
A text file that sets the macro definitions for the source code in a subdirectory. The Build tool, Build.exe, uses these macro definitions to determine how to compile and link the source code.
speaker-dependent template
A recording of a speech command created by the user of a speech recognition system to train the system to recognize the command. Using a speaker-dependent template, a speech recognition system recognizes only the user who trained the word.
speaker-independent template
A synthesis of many speakers' recorded pronunciation of a word or phrase. Using a speaker-independent template, a speech recognition system recognizes most speakers.
specular property
The material property that determines how a point of light on a shiny object corresponds to the reflected light source. The specular property of a material is one of two properties that determines how a material reflects light.
speech application programming interface (SAPI)
An API that supports text-to-speech and speech recognition capabilities. SAPI has seven main components: voice command, voice dictation, voice text, voice telephony, DirectSpeechRecognition, DirectTextToSpeech, and Audio Objects. The WCEfA speech system is built on top of the speech application programming interface.
speech control
A non-graphical element that allows the user to interact with the speech engine in order to provide speech input for an automotive application.
Speech Interaction Queue (SIQ)
A component of the WCEfA speech system that is designed to offer queuing of speech interactions. The SIQ allows interactions with a higher priority to be placed ahead of other interactions in the queue, causing an interruption.
speech recognition
The ability of an automotive computing device to understand the spoken work for the purpose of receiving command and data input from the user.
speech recognition engine
An OLE Component Object Model dynamic-link library (DLL) or executable file (.exe) that performs recognition from a digital-audio stream.
speech server
A central server that assists in hosting grammars on behalf of automotive applications.
spelling session
The resources that a spelling checker uses for a particular application, including dictionaries and created structures.
spin button control
A control containing a pair of arrow buttons that a user can tap with the stylus to increment or decrement a value. A spin button control is most often used with a companion control, called a buddy window, in which a current value is displayed.
splash screen
An initial screen displayed by interactive software, usually containing a logo, version information, author credits, or a copyright notice.
split bar
The horizontal or vertical double line that separates a window into two panes.
spreadsheet
A simple program for doing calculations and storing data. While simpler than a spreadsheet on a PC, it can track expenses, balance a checkbook and do other simple tasks. In many cases, you can transfer information between your PC's spreadsheet program and your digital assistant.
stack
A region of reserved memory in which applications store status data such as procedure and function call addresses, passed parameters, and sometimes local variables.
Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML)
An information-management standard adopted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in 1986 as a means of providing platform-independent and application-independent documents that retain formatting, indexing, and linked information. SGML provides a grammar-like mechanism for users to define the structure of their documents and the tags they will use to denote the structure in individual documents.
start tag
The opening tag that begins an element. The general syntax for a start-tag is <Name attributes>, where Name is the name of the element being defined and attributes is a set of name-value pairs. All start tags in XML must either have end-tags or use the empty element syntax, <name attributes/>
starter file
A set of files created by an application wizard that, when compiled, implement the basic features of a Windows CE application. The starter files consist of C++ source files, resource files, header files, and a project file.
static control
A control used to display text, to draw frames or lines separating other controls, or to display icons. A static control does not accept user input.
static grammars
Grammars that are read in form a file and are not built using the dynamic grammar APIs. Static grammars are not modified during runtime.
static library
A file containing objects and their associated functions and data that is linked into your application when the executable file is built.
static sound buffer
A section of memory that contains a complete sound. These buffers are convenient because the entire sound can be written once to the buffer.
status bar
A space at the bottom of many application windows that contains a short text message about the current condition of the application. Some applications also display an explanation of the currently selected menu command in the status bar.
sticky focus
In DirectSound, the capability to play sound buffers when the owning application does not have the input focus. For example, a DirectSound application could continue to play a sound buffer while the user is working in another application.
storage memory
Memory that is similar to a RAM disk on a desktop computer. It is used to store data and nonsystem applications.
STR File
BIB, REG, DB, and DAT files can use strings from STR files that are stored in the language subdirectory under the flat release directory.
stream cipher mode
A method of encryption where data is encrypted one bit at a time. Compare block cipher mode.
stream interface device driver
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 mode
An asynchronous method of calling CeRapiInvoke by using an IStream type interface to exchange arbitrary-size data in any order and direction.
streaming device
A device in a vehicle that provides dynamic data, such as a sensor or engine RPM. This is in contrast to a polled device.
streaming sound buffer
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.
stretching
Blitting an image into a destination with different dimensions. This operation is supported directly by some hardware.
strict localization
A type of localization that requires all resource script files to be available when Platform Builder generates an operating system image. Strict localization causes an error if the localization process fails to localize a module.
stride
Synonymous with pitch.
string editor
A resource editor that allows you to edit the string table for your project.
strong encryption
An encryption method that uses a very large number as its cryptographic key. The larger the key, the longer it takes to unlawfully break the code. Currently, 128 bits is considered strong encryption.
style
A control definition that describes the appearance and behavior of an adaptable control when it is rendered using a specific theme. The style definition is stored in various style properties and graphical elements for each control.
style class
A COM object that implements a control's style interface to provide the customized appearance definition for drawing a graphical control on the device screen.
style property
An entity that provides information about how a control is displayed on screen.
stylus
A pen-like utensil designed for navigating on a touch screen.
subfolder
A directory, or logical grouping of related files, within another directory.
submenu
A menu that appears as the result of the selection of an item on a higher-level menu.
subnet mask
A number that, when compared by the computer with a network address number, will block out, or mask, all but the necessary data. For example, bits in the address corresponding to one in the mask are used, but bits corresponding to zero are ignored.
subnetwork
An identifiable and separate part of an organization's network identified through Internet Protocol (IP) addressing.
Subnetwork Dependent Convergence Protocol (SNDCP)
The protocol used to tunnel IP packets from your terminal to your location server (SGSN).
subproject
A project that has a dependency relationship with another project. The dependency of a subproject is established by the configuration settings.
Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)
A SIM card is a small printed circuit board that has to be inserted in any GSM-based cell phone when subscribing. It includes subscriber details, security information and the personal directory of numbers.
Supertwist
A technique for improving LCD display screens by twisting light rays. In addition to normal supertwist displays, there also exist double supertwist and triple supertwist displays. In general, the more twists, the higher the contrast. Supertwist displays are also known as supertwist nematic (STN) displays.
surface
Memory that represents visual images. This is often display memory, but it can be system memory.
Suspend To RAM (STR)
A power state that indicates the typical power off state of the automotive computing device. The CPU clock is suspended and power is removed from peripherals. The RAM is placed in a low-power, self-clocking mode.
sustain
A descriptive attribute of a downloadable sound (DLS) instrument articulation chunk. It defines the period when the basic magnitude of a force feedback effect is attained, after the attack and before the fade.
symbol
A name that represents a register, an absolute value, or a memory address (relative or absolute).
symbolic debugging information
A map of the source code and all the identifiers, such as variables and functions names, created at compile time for use by the debugger.
symmetric encryption
A type of encryption where the same key is used to encrypt and decrypt data.
synch to PC
Allows you to transfer appointments and other information between your PDA and your computer. In some cases, your PDA will come with its own organizer software. On PC companions, you can exchange information with popular PC software.
synchronization
The process of updating information between the desktop computer and a Windows CE-based device to ensure that data is the same on both computers.
synchronization object
An object whose handle can be specified in one of the wait functions to coordinate the execution of multiple threads. A synchronization object will be a member of one of the synchronization classes. Synchronization classes are used when access to a resource must be controlled to ensure integrity of the resource. The state of a synchronization object is either signaled, which can allow the wait function to return, or nonsignaled, which can prevent the function from returning. More than one process can have a handle of the same synchronization object, making interprocess synchronization possible. There are four types of synchronization objects: mutex, semaphore, event, and critical section. Of these, Windows CE supports mutex, event, and critical section.
synchronous operation
1. Two or more processes that depend on the occurrences of specific events such as common timing signals.
2. A data transmission method in which there is constant time between successive bits, characters, or events. The timing is achieved by the sharing of a single clock. Each end of the transmission synchronizes itself with the use of clocks and information sent along with the transmitted data. Characters are spaced by time and not by start and stop bits.
3. A function call that blocks execution of a process until it returns.
syntax coloring
The application of color to various code elements, such as keywords or comments. Syntax coloring gives you visual cues about the structure and state of your code. Once you set syntax coloring for a programming language, all files of that language are colored the same way.
synthesis
The process by which a text-to-speech vocalizes text strings using the glottal pulse from human vocal chords and applies various filters to simulate throat length, mouth cavity, lip shape, and tongue position during vocalization.
sysgen
The process that builds a customized OS configuration based on the parameters specified for your platform.
sysgen phase
Refers to the process of defining and building the selected modules and components, as governed by the Makefile located in the directory %_PUBLICROOT%\Common\Cesysgen.
System Access Control List
(SACL) Access control lists in Windows 2000 that control which events will be audited for the object.
system event
A notification event that is triggered when a device encounters a change, such as AC power connection or disconnection.
system input panel
A graphical keyboard that allows the user to interact with the system. The system input panel control is an alternative to using a dialog that contains a large number of buttons to achieve the same "keyboard" effect.
system registry functions
The functions used to manipulate keys and values in the registry. A Windows CE-based application uses the standard Win32 registry functions.
system-defined message
A message that the system uses to control the operations of an application and to provide input and other information for an application to process. An application can also send or post a system-defined message. An application generally uses this message to control the operation of control windows created by using preregistered window classes.
system-initiated speech interaction
A speech conversation between a speech control and the user. Typically, the speech control will ask the user a question, the user will respond, and the control will pass the response to the WCEfA speech system for processing.