[from analog electronics] Used by hackers in a generalization of its
technical meaning. `Signal' refers to useful information conveyed by
some communications medium, and `noise' to anything else on that
medium. Hence a low ratio implies that it is not worth paying
attention to the medium in question. Figures for such metaphorical
ratios are never given. The term is most often applied to {Usenet}
newsgroups during {flame war}s. Compare {bandwidth}. See also
{coefficient of X}, {lost in the noise}.
[glossary]
[Reference(s) to this entry by made by: {Imminent Death Of The Net Predicted!}{S/N ratio}{TANSTAAFL}]