I don't think that an honest question is stupid. We all learn new terms from time to time.
Well, SMPS stands for "Switched Mode Power Supply". On the other hand, the normal classic power supply is a "Linear Power Supply".
SMPS and Linear supplies have their own pros and cons. SMPS is small, light weight and very efficient but very noisy interms of EMI/RFI (Electrical noise). The Liner supply on the other hand is much larger, heavier (on account of large transformer), dissipates more heat and has poor efficiency. But, at the same time a Linear supply has immaculate regulation, extremely low noise and is ripple free.
