Glossary
B
background testing
Testing that runs continuously when the system is not busy doing other tasks.
backup
A duplicate copy of files and directories saved on a removable media such as floppy diskette or tape. The backup filesystem may be copied back (restored) if the active version is damaged (corrupted) or lost.
basic input/output system (BIOS)
A system that contains the buffers for sending information from a program to the actual hardware device the information should go to.
baud
A unit of measurement that describes the speed of transferred information.
baud rate
Transmission signaling speed.
basic call transfer
A switch
basic rate access
See basic rate interface.
basic rate interface (BRI)
International standard protocol for connecting a station terminal to an integrated systems digital network (ISDN) switch. ISDN BRI supports two 64 Kbps information bearer channels (B1 and B2), and one 16 Kbps call status and control (D) channel (a 2B + D format). Also called basic rate access.
binary digit (bit)
binary synchronous communications (BSC)
A
BIOS
See basic input/output system.
bit
See binary digit.
body
The part of subscriber voice mail that contains the actual spoken message. For a leave word calling (LWC) message, it is a standard system announcement.
boot
The operation to start a computer system by loading programs from disk to main memory (part of system initialization). Booting is typically accomplished by physically turning on or restarting the system. Also called reboot.
boot filesystem
The filesystem from which the system loads its initial programs.
