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198 Glossary
bit — The smallest unit of data interpreted by your computer.
Bluetooth
®
wireless technology — A wireless technology standard for short-range
(9 m [29 feet]) networking devices that allows for enabled devices to automatically
recognize each other.
boot sequence — Specifies the order of the devices from which the computer
attempts to boot.
bootable CD — A CD that you can use to start your computer. In case your hard drive
is damaged or your computer has a virus, ensure that you always have a bootable CD
or floppy disk available. Your Drivers and Utilities media is a bootable CD.
bootable disk — A disk that you can use to start your computer. In case your hard
drive is damaged or your computer has a virus, ensure that you always have a bootable
CD or floppy disk available.
bps — bits per second — The standard unit for measuring data transmission speed.
BTU — British thermal unit — A measurement of heat output.
bus — A communication pathway between the components in your computer.
bus speed — The speed, given in MHz, that indicates how fast a bus can transfer
information.
byte — The basic data unit used by your computer. A byte is usually equal to 8 bits.
C
C — Celsius — A temperature measurement scale where 0° is the freezing point and
100° is the boiling point of water.
cache — A special high-speed storage mechanism which can be either a reserved
section of main memory or an independent high-speed storage device. The cache
enhances the efficiency of many processor operations.
L1 cache — Primary cache stored inside the processor.
L2 cache — Secondary cache which can either be external to the processor or
incorporated into the processor architecture.
carnet — An international customs document that facilitates temporary imports into
foreign countries. Also known as a merchandise passport.
CD-R — CD recordable — A recordable version of a CD. Data can be recorded only
once onto a CD-R. Once recorded, the data cannot be erased or written over.
CD-RW — CD rewritable — A rewritable version of a CD. Data can be written to a
CD-RW disc, and then erased and written over (rewritten).