Zero insertion force socket

Abbreviated to ZIF. A socket that has movable connection terminals, allowing the chip to be inserted without using any force. A small lever is turned to grip the legs of the chip. ZIF sockets are used to hold chips inside your computer, making it easier to replace or upgrade the processor.

Zero wait state

An electronic device (normally a processor or memory chips) that is fast enough to run at the same speed as the other components in a computer, so does not have to be artificially slowed down by inserting wait states.

Zmodem

Another error-checking file transfer protocol faster than xmodem or Kermit.

Zoom

To enlarge an area of text or graphics to make it easier to see or work on.