Toshiba 5005 bit:, boot, backup, baud rate, boot disk, application, 260 Glossary, bits per second (bps), alternating current (AC)

260 Glossary

alternating current (AC) — The type of power usually supplied to residential and commercial wall outlets. AC reverses its direction at regular intervals. Compare direct current (DC).

application — A computer program that you use to perform tasks of a specific type. Applications include word processors, spreadsheets, and database management systems. See also program.

B	backup — A copy of a file, usually on a removable disk, kept in
	case the original file is lost or damaged.
	basic input/output system (BIOS) — See BIOS.
	baud rate — The speed at which a communication device, such as
	a printer or modem, transmits information. Baud rate is the
	number of signal changes per second (not necessarily the same as
	bits per second). See also bits per second.
	BIOS (basic input/output system) — Basic instructions, stored in
	read-only memory (ROM), containing the information the
	computer needs in order to check hardware and load the
	operating system when you start up the computer.
	bit: — Short for “binary digit.” A bit is the smallest unit of
	information used by a computer. A group of eight bits is a byte.
	See also byte.
	bits per second (bps) — A way of measuring the speed at which
	information is passed between two devices. The basic measure
	used in modem communications, bps is similar, but not identical,
	to the baud rate. See also baud rate.
	boot — To start the computer. The term “boot” originates from
	bootstrap program (as in “pulling itself up by its bootstraps”), a
	program that loads and initializes the operating system. See also
	reboot.
	boot disk — See system disk.
	boot priority (startup sequence) — The order in which the
	computer accesses its disk drives to locate the startup files. Under
	the default startup sequence, the computer looks for the startup
	files in the diskette drive before checking the hard disk.