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LOSSARY
Glossary-3
asynchronous: Lacking regular time
relationship. As applied to computer
communications, asynchronous refers to
the method of transmitting data that does
not require a steady stream of bits to be
transmitted at regular time intervals.
AUTOEXEC.BAT: A batch file that
executes a series of MS-DOS com-
mands and programs each time you start
the computer.
B
backup: A duplicate copy of files kept
as a spare in case the original is
destroyed.
batch file: A file that can be executed
from the system prompt containing a
sequence of operating system com-
mands or executable files. See also
AUTOEXEC.BAT.
binary: The base two number system
composed of zeros and ones (off or on),
used by most digital computers. The
right most digit of a binary number has a
value of 1, the next a value of 2, then 4,
8, 16, and so on. For example, the
binary number 101 has a value of 5. See
also ASCII.
BIOS: Basic Input Output System. The
firmware that controls data flow within
the computer. See also firmware.
bit: Derived from “binary digit,” the
basic unit of information used by the
computer. It is either zero or one. Eight
bits is one byte. See also byte.
board: A circuit board. An internal
card containing electronic components,
called chips, which perform a specific
function or increase the capabilities of
the system.
boot: Short for bootstrap. A program
that starts or restarts the computer. The
program reads instructions from a
storage device into the computer’s
memory.
bps: Bits per second. Typically used to
describe the data transmission speed of
a modem.
buffer: The portion of the computer’s
memory where data is temporarily
stored. Buffers often compensate for
differences in the rate of flow from one
device to another.
bus: An interface for transmission of
signals, data or electric power.
byte: The representation of a single
character. A sequence of eight bits
treated as a single unit; also the smallest
addressable unit within the system.
byte