cache memory
B
backup: A duplicate copy of files kept as a spare in case the original is destroyed.
batch file: A file that can be executed from the system prompt containing a sequence of operating system com- mands or executable files.
binary: The base two number system composed of zeros and ones (off or on), used by most digital computers. The
BIOS: Basic Input Output System. The firmware that controls data flow within the computer. See also firmware.
bit: Derived from "binary digit," the basic unit of information used by the computer. It is either zero or one. Eight bits is one byte. See also byte.
Bluetooth: A
board: A circuit board. An internal card containing electronic compo- nents, called chips, which perform a specific function or increase the capabilities of the system.
boot: Short for bootstrap. A program that starts or restarts the computer. The program reads instructions from a storage device into the computer’s memory.
bps: Bits per second. Typically used to describe the data transmission speed of a modem.
buffer: The portion of the computer’s memory where data is temporarily stored. Buffers often compensate for differences in the rate of flow from one device to another.
bus: An interface for transmission of signals, data or electric power.
byte: The representation of a single character. A sequence of eight bits treated as a single unit; also the smallest addressable unit within the system.
C
cache memory: High speed memory which stores data that increases processor speed and data transfer rate. When the CPU reads data from main memory, it stores a copy of this data in cache memory. The next time the CPU needs that same data, it looks for it in the cache memory rather than the main memory, which saves time. The computer has two cache levels. Level one is incorporated into the processor and level two resides in external memory.
LOSSARYG
