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Glossary
application—A computer application 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
.
Blu-ray Disc (BD)—Offering more storage capacity than
DVDs, the format was developed to allow for more data
storage and to enable recording and playback of
high-definition video (HD).
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)—Basic instructions,
stored in read-only memory (ROM), containing the
information the computer needs to check hardware and
load the operating system when you start up the
computer.
bits per second (bps)—A way of measuring the speed at
which information is passed between two devices. This
is the basic unit of measure used in modem
communications, and 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 setting (startup sequence)—The order in which the
computer accesses its internal storage drives to locate
the startup files. Under the default startup sequence, the
computer looks for the startup files in the external media
before checking the internal storage drive.