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Glossary-2 Glossary
BIOS
See Basic Input Output System.
bit
A unit of measurement used to describe the smallest possible piece of computer
information, represented as a binary digit. Eight bits is equal to one byte.
See byte, binary digit.
boot
To start up a computer. During the start-up process, information necessary for the
computer to operate is loaded into the memory.
browser
A program used to access and view information. See Web browser.
bug
An error in computer program code.
bulletin board
A computerized meeting and announcement system that can be accessed directly by
dialing the bulletin board system telephone number using a modem or through an ISP
connection and the Internet.
bus
The main communication path used by the components of a computer.
byte
A unit of measurement used to describe a quantity of data, equal to eight bits. A
character is one byte in size. See bit.
CAB files
(CABinet files)
Files in the Windows directory on your hard disk that contain the Microsoft Windows
operating system distribution files. These files are automatically accessed when
necessary.
cable modem
A device that provides constant Internet access through a cable Internet Service
Provider.
cache
A portion of memory where frequently used information is duplicated for the purpose
of instant access. See memory.
CardBus PC card
A 32-bit PC card. See PC card.
CD
See compact disc. Compare with digital versatile disc, digital video disc.
CD-ROM
See compact disc.
central
processing unit
(CPU)
Controls the operation of a computer. Arithmetic and logic operations, as well as the
decoding and execution of instructions are performed by the central processing unit.
See chip, microprocessor.
channel
A communication path