segment
(1) In networks, a section of a network that is bounded by bridges, routers or switches. Dividing an Ethernet into multiple segments is one of the most common ways of increasing available bandwidth on the LAN. If segmented correctly, most network traffic will remain within a single segment, enjoying the full 10 Mbps bandwidth. Hubs and switches are used to connect each segment to the rest of the LAN.
(2) In virtual memory systems, a variable-sized portion of data that is swapped in and out of main memory. Contrast with page.
(3) In graphics, a piece of a polyline, which is a fixed-sized portion of data.
Read Also:
- segmented address space
An address space logically divided into sections, called segments. To access a particular memory location, a program must specify both the segment number and the offset within that segment. In contrast, a flat address space consists of simple memory addresses that start at 0 and increment to the maximum address. Intel’s 16-bit x86 architecture uses […]
- select
To choose an object so that you can manipulate it in some way. In graphical user interfaces, you usually need to select an object — an icon, file, folder, and so on — before you can do anything with it. To select an object, you move the pointer to the object and click a mouse […]
- Selection
Also called a decision, one of the three basic logic structures in computer programming. The other two logic structures are sequence and loop. In a selection structure, a question is asked, and depending on the answer, the program takes one of two courses of action, after which the program moves on to the next event. […]
- selective backup
A type of backup where only the user specified files and directories are backed up. A selective backup is commonly used for backing up files which change frequently or in situations where the space available to store backups is limited. Also called a partial backup.
- self-extracting file
A type of file that contains other files that have been compressed (typically through a ZIP program) for more efficient transfer of the data. The self-extracting file contains within it the program software needed to “unzip” the file and execute the intended application. The end user, therefore, does not need any special software to execute […]