Backlighting (or backlit)

The internal fluorescent illumination of the computer’s LCD screen. LCD screens that are not backlit are difficult to see without an external source of light.

Batch file

A type of file that allows you to execute a series of MS-DOS commands by typing one command. 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 each command in the file in sequence. See also AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

Baud rate

A measure of data transmission speed. Usually equivalent to bits per second.

BIOS

Basic Input/Output System. Routines in ROM that handle the basic input/output functions of the operating system. For example, the SETUP program is contained in the computer’s ROM BIOS.

Chip

A hardware component of your system (formally known as an integrated circuit). Examples of chips include memory chips and the microprocessor.

Clock speed

See CPU speed.

CMOS

Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor. A type of low power, integrated circuit (chip).

2 Glossary