Glossary
backing up - Duplicating a program or file onto a separate storage medium so that a copy will be preserved against
possible loss or damage to the original.
backup - A duplicate copy of information or programs; usually stored on a diskette and kept in a separate location in
case the original is lost or damaged.
BASIC - An acronym for Beginner's AR-purpose Symbolic Code; a programming language widely used because many
of its commands resemble everyday language.
battery - A self-contained cell that provides power to your computer.
battery pack - An optional power source that can be affixed to your computer to provide additional power.
baud - A signal element change per second. If a signal element change has only one bit, baud equals bits per second.
binary - A system of numbering that uses patterns of only zero's and one's. Each item of information, whether a letter,
graphic symbol, or an instruction, is converted to a binary number before it is processed by your computer.
BIOS - An acronym for Basic Input-Output System; instructions stored in read-only memory (ROM) at the factory that
check hardware components and load the computer operating system (MS-DOS, for example) into the computer when
you boot it.
bit - A binary digit (0 or 1); the smallest unit of information used by your system.
bits per second - The speed at which your system receives or sends data to a device such as a modem or serial
printer.
boot - To start your system; also called start- up and power up.
bps - See bits per second.
2 Glossary