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Appendix B
Glossary
Application program
Software designed to perform a specific task, such
as
word process-
ing or accounting.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A standard-
ized coding system for representing characters, such as numbers, let-
ters, and graphic symbols. An ASCII character occupies one byte of
storage. Many different computers, printers, and programs can use
files transmitted in ASCII code.
Asynchronous
A method of data transmission in which a computer sends data one
character at a time to another computer, without either machine pre-
paring for the transmission.
Backup
An extra copy of a program, data file, or disk, kept in case your
working copy is
damaged
or lost.
Bit
A binary digit (0 or 1). The smallest unit of computer storage. The
value of a bit represents the presence (1) or absence (0) of an electric
charge.
Boot
To load a program or an operating system.
Byte
A sequence or group of eight bits that represents one character.
Character
Anything that can print in a single space on the page or the screen.
Includes numbers, letters, punctuation marks, and graphic symbols.
CMOS
Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor. A method for making
silicon chips.
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