Automatic speed

The feature that enables the computer to switch automatically from high speed to low speed when accessing a diskette drive.

Backup

An extra copy of a program, data file, or disk, that is created in the event your working copy is damaged or lost.

Base memory

The memory in the computer below 1MB that is available to MS-DOS and application programs-usually 640KB. Also called conventional memory or main memory.

Batch file

A type of file that lets you execute a series of commands by typing one command. In MS-DOS, batch files are text files with the filename extension .BAT. In a batch file, each command is entered on a separate line. When you type the filename, MS-DOS executes all the commands in that file sequentially.

BIOS

Basic Input/Output System. Routines in ROM (Read Only Memory) that handle basic input/output functions of the operating system.

Bit

A binary digit (0 or 1). The smallest unit of computer storage. The value of a bit represents the presence (1) or absence (0) of an electric charge.

Boot

To load the operating system into the computer’s memory.

2 Glossary