GLOSSARY
binary digit (bit) In the binary numbering system, either of the characters 0 or 1. The bit is the basic unit of information with which a computer works. It can take the form of a magnetized spot, an electric pulse, a positive or negative charge, etc. A number of bits strung together represents a character to a computer.
Multipliers are:
1 byte = 8 bits
1 kilobyte (KB) or 1,024 bytes = 8,192 bits
1 megabyte (MB) or 1,048,576 bytes = 8,388,608 bits.
Computer space equivalents are:
1.5KB = about 1
150 KB = about 100 typed pages
bitmap Electronic definition of an image, comprised of a matrix of picture elements (pixels or dots), where a bit value of one means that the picture element is imaged, and a bit value of zero means that the picture element is not imaged. The number of picture elements in a square area is a function of the display device resolution.
bit mapped Display image generated bit by bit for each point or dot. A software- driven scanner is used to create characters and/or graphics.
bits per second (bps) In serial communication, the instantaneous bit speed with which a device or channel transmits a character.
blocking Process of combining two or more records into a single block of data which can then be moved, operated upon, stored, etc., as a single unit by the computer.
block length Number of characters or bytes contained in a block of data (the block is treated as a unit within the computer). Block length is usually invariable within a system and may be specified in units such as records, words, computer words, or characters.
boot To load a program’s initial instructions of a program into the computer’s memory. These instructions then direct the loading of the rest of the program. Booting may require entry of a few commands at the keyboard or the flip of a switch to begin the process.
break page See header page
buffer Compartment of memory in which data is stored during transfer from one device to another. Useful for (1) accumulating data into blocks before storage or processing, and (2) for adjusting differences of speed between devices, or between a device and a communicating facility.
bypass transport Optional module that moves paper from the printer to a finishing device.
