signal-to-noise ratio

	This is the JargonFile ^(V4.00) entry for signal-to-noise ratio - Next: silicon, Prev: sig virus
:signal-to-noise ratio: [from analog electronics] /n./ 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 wars. Compare bandwidth. See also coefficient of X, lost in the noise.
* (text is auto-included via JargonExtension by mutante using jargon with VERSION 4.0.0, 24 JUL 1996* - JargonFile by Eric S. Raymond is in the public domain)*