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Glossary
5.375 x 8.375 ver 2.3
alternating current (AC) — The type of power usually supplied to
residential and commercial wall outlets. AC reverses its direction at
regular intervals. Compare direct current (DC).
application — A computer program that you use to perform tasks of a
specific type. Applications include word processors, spreadsheets,
and database management systems. See also program.
B
backup — A copy of a file, usually on a removable disk, kept in case the
original file is lost or damaged.
basic input/output system (BIOS) — See BIOS.
baud rate — The speed at which a communication device, such as a
printer or modem, transmits information. Baud rate is the number of
signal changes per second (not necessarily the same as bits per
second). See also bits per second.
BIOS (basic input/output system) — Basic instructions, stored in read-
only memory (ROM), containing the information the computer
needs in order to check hardware and load the operating system
when you start up the computer.
bit: — Short for “binary digit.” A bit is the smallest unit of information
used by a computer. A group of eight bits is a byte. See also byte.
bits per second (bps) — A way of measuring the speed at which
information is passed between two devices. The basic measure used
in modem communications, bps is similar, but not identical, to the
baud rate. See also baud rate.
boot — To start the computer. The term “boot” originates from bootstrap
program (as in “pulling itself up by its bootstraps”), a program that
loads and initializes the operating system. See also reboot.
boot disk — See system disk.
boot priority (startup sequence) — The order in which the computer
accesses its disk drives to locate the startup files. Under the default
startup sequence, the computer looks for the startup files in the
diskette drive before checking the hard disk.