Technology

Skunk Works: Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Development Programs Skunk Works Skunk Works is the informal name for Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Development Programs, an advanced aerospace group noted for rapid, secretive development of experimental military ai…

SkyOS: a privately developed desktop operating system SkyOS SkyOS is a privately developed desktop operating system with a custom kernel, POSIX compatibility and ports of many Unix/Linux applications, known for its GTK+ work and inclusion o…

Slack: team communication and collaboration platform Slack (software) Slack is a cloud-based collaboration tool that organizes workplace communication into channels, direct messages, and integrations to streamline team workflows and searchable record…

Slackware — a conservative, minimalist GNU/Linux distribution Slackware Slackware is a long‑maintained, Unix‑like Linux distribution focused on simplicity, stability, and a hands‑on, text‑based approach to system administration.

Slide projector: design, history, and uses Slide projector An optical device that enlarges and projects photographic slides onto a screen. Covers components, operation, historical role, modern replacements, safety and practical distinction…

Slide rule (slipstick): an analog calculator for scientific use Slide rule Overview of the slide rule, its parts and scales, historical origins, typical uses in science and engineering, and why it was superseded by electronic calculators.

Slingshot: design, history, uses and safety Slingshot Handheld Y-shaped launchers that use elastic bands to project small objects; covers design, operation, history, uses, safety, legal issues and common variations.

Slot machine A gambling device with spinning reels or video displays that produce random outcomes. Evolved from mechanical one-armed bandits to modern electronic and networked games with jackpo…

Smart card (integrated circuit card) Smart card A smart card is a plastic card with an embedded integrated circuit used for secure identification, authentication, data storage and payment. It exists in contact and contactless fo…

Smart grid — modernization of electrical systems with communications and control Smart grid Smart grid uses sensors, communications and control to make the electrical system more efficient, reliable and able to integrate distributed energy and demand response.

Smart Technologies (SMART Technologies Inc.) Smart Technologies Canadian company best known for the SMART Board interactive whiteboard — its products, history, educational uses, corporate development and acquisition by Foxconn.

Smartphone: portable computer, phone, and multi‑sensor device Smartphone A smartphone is a handheld mobile phone that integrates computing, communication, sensors and apps for messaging, browsing, media, navigation, payments and more.

Smartwatch (wearable computerized wristwatch) Smartwatch A smartwatch is a wrist-worn computing device that extends a watch with sensors, connectivity, apps and health features, acting as a companion to phones or a standalone wearable co…

Smoke detector A smoke detector is a device that senses the presence of smoke and warns of a potential fire. This article explains types, how detectors work, installation, maintenance, uses, hist…

Snapchat: ephemeral messaging app, features, history and privacy Snapchat Overview of Snapchat—its core features (snaps, Stories, lenses), history and uses, and privacy concerns including Snap Map and how supposedly ephemeral content can be saved.

SNES Mouse A two-button pointing peripheral for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), introduced with Mario Paint to provide cursor control, drawing input, and limited point-and-cli…

Sniper scope (riflescope): design, history, uses, and distinctions Sniper scope A riflescope or sniper scope is an optical sight mounted on a firearm to magnify distant targets and provide aiming references. This article summarizes parts, operation, historical…

Computer Software: Types, History, and Development Software An accessible overview of computer software: what it is, main categories (system, application, firmware), historical development, common uses, development models and key distinctio…

Software as a Service (SaaS) Software as a service Software delivered over the Internet on a subscription basis. SaaS shifts application hosting, maintenance, and updates to providers, offering ease of access and trade-offs in cont…

Software bug: definition, causes, detection, and impact Software bug A software bug is an error or flaw in a program that produces incorrect or unexpected results. This article explains types, causes, detection, consequences, prevention, and common…

Software Development Kit (SDK): Overview, Components, Uses, and Distinctions Software Development Kit A software development kit (SDK) is a collection of tools, libraries, documentation and samples that enables developers to build applications for specific platforms, frameworks, ha…

Software extension: purpose, design, history, and common uses Software extension A software extension is a component that adds functionality to a host program. This article explains what extensions are, how they work, common types, historical context, uses, and…

Software release Comprehensive guide to the software release process: stages (pre-alpha, alpha, beta, release candidate), distribution options, versioning and maintenance practices for delivering w…

Software release life cycle Overview of the stages, models, and practices that guide a software product from initial development through public release, maintenance, and end-of-life.

Software suite (application suite) Software suite A software suite is a packaged collection of related computer programs that share interfaces and data exchange; used for productivity, creativity, development, security and enterpr…

Software versioning: schemes, purposes, and practical practices Software versioning Overview of software versioning: common schemes (semantic, date-based), purposes, uses in deployment and APIs, and practical best practices for numbering, tagging and releasing sof…

Solar cell: principles, types, history, and practical uses Solar cell A solar cell (photovoltaic cell) is a semiconductor device that converts light into electricity. This article explains how cells work, main technologies, history, key applications…

Solar cooker: principles, types, history, uses and environmental benefits Solar cooker Overview of solar cookers: how they work, common designs, history from the 18th century, uses, environmental advantages and limitations, plus safety and practical considerations.

Solar energy: principles, technologies, and practical uses Solar energy Comprehensive overview of solar energy: what it is, main technologies (photovoltaic, solar thermal), history, common applications, benefits and limits, and notable facts about its…

Solar panels: photovoltaic and thermal systems for harvesting sunlight Solar panel An overview of solar panels: how photovoltaic and thermal systems capture the sun's energy, their components, history, main uses, advantages and limitations, and notable distinctio…

Solar power in Spain: development, technology, and national importance Solar power in Spain Comprehensive overview of Spain’s solar energy sector: resources, PV and CSP technologies, policy milestones, industrial role, challenges and recent recovery, and outlook for stora…

Solar power plant: technology, types, history and applications Solar power plant Comprehensive overview of solar power plants: photovoltaic and concentrated technologies, components, siting, integration with grids and storage, environmental and economic conside…

Solar power station in north‑western Victoria (154 MW photovoltaic project) Solar power station in Victoria Overview of a planned 154 MW photovoltaic solar power station in north‑western Victoria, its design, timeline, expected benefits including power for 45,000 homes and emissions redu…

Solar thermal energy: concentrating sunlight to produce heat and power Solar thermal energy Solar thermal energy collects and concentrates sunlight to generate heat for domestic and industrial use or to produce electricity in concentrated solar power plants with optional…

Solaris — Unix-based operating system originally from Sun Microsystems Solaris Solaris is a commercial Unix operating system developed at Sun Microsystems, known for features like ZFS, DTrace and Zones; later stewarded by Oracle and partially open-sourced as…

Soldering iron — tools, types, uses and safety Soldering iron A soldering iron is a handheld tool that melts solder to join metal parts. This article explains components, common types (electric, transformer, gas), applications, accessories, s…

Solenoid A solenoid is a coil of wire that produces a controlled magnetic field when electrified; used as an electromagnet, actuator, or component in valves, relays and many electromechanic…

Solid rocket booster A solid-propellant rocket motor used to provide high initial thrust for missiles and launch vehicles; valued for simplicity and storability but limited in throttle control and shut…

Solid-state electronics Solid state Solid-state electronics: devices and circuits built from solid materials (primarily semiconductors) such as transistors, diodes and integrated circuits; their principles, history a…

Solid-state drive (SSD): technology, uses, and comparisons Solid-state drive An overview of solid-state drives: how they work, key components, performance and use cases, common limitations, variants such as NVMe and hybrid drives, and how they compare with…

Sonar: principles, history, types, and uses Sonar Overview of sonar — underwater sound-based sensing systems. Covers active and passive methods, main components, historical milestones, common applications, limitations, and related…

Sonic boom: causes, effects, history and mitigation Sonic boom A sonic boom is the audible shock wave produced when an object travels faster than local sound speed. This article explains how booms form, their effects, historical milestones, an…

Sony — Japanese electronics, gaming and entertainment company Sony Sony is a multinational Japanese conglomerate known for consumer electronics, the PlayStation consoles, the Walkman, film and music studios, and a wide range of entertainment and t…

Sound card: functions, types, history and uses Sound card A sound card (audio card) handles a computer's audio input and output. This article explains components, integrated vs expansion cards, historical development, typical uses and imp…

Source (game engine) Source is Valve Corporation's modular 3D game engine, introduced in 2004 and used for Half-Life 2, Counter-Strike: Source, and other titles; notable for physics, modding tools, and…

Southbridge (computing): the motherboard I/O controller Southbridge (computing) Southbridge is the motherboard chipset component that manages lower-speed input/output functions—storage, USB, audio, power and legacy interfaces—distinct from the northbridge/CPU-…

Soxhlet extractor A Soxhlet extractor is a glass laboratory apparatus for repeated solid–liquid extraction. It automates solvent contact with solids and is widely used to isolate compounds such as o…

Soy milk maker: home appliance for preparing plant-based milks Soy milk maker A countertop appliance that grinds and cooks soybeans (and other plant bases) to produce fresh soy milk and similar beverages; covers design, uses, maintenance and buying tips.