238 Glossary

Terms

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.

 

bus — An electrical circuit that connects the central processing unit

 

(CPU) with other parts of the computer, such as the video adapter, disk

 

drives, and ports. It is the pathway through which data flows from one

 

device to another. See also bus speed, frontside bus.

 

bus speed — The speed at which the central processing unit (CPU)

 

communicates with the other parts of the computer.