GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Backup:

A copy of data or a program created as insurance against the loss of the original data or program.

BASIC:

Beginner's All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code. An interpreter computer programming language.

Batch File:

A type of DOS text file written in everyday English, for the most part. It is used to automate computer operations by executing a series of DOS commands, making decisions, and so on. It's most useful when a repetitive set of tasks are required to be executed or when a lomg series of options must be specified. The AUTOEXEX.bat is the one most familiar to computer users. It's one of the files used to configure DOS machines at startup.

Baud:

A measure of data transfer speed, roughly equivalent to bits per second. The most common modem baud rate used in non DSL/WiFi computer telecommunicatins is 56,000 (56k).

Binary:

A base-two mathematical numbering system used by computers to store and process information and instructions. At its most simple, base-two can represent two values: 0/1, In/Out, Left/Right; On/Off, Right/Wrong. Up/Down, etc.

BIOS:

Basic Input-Output System. The lowest level instructions controlling input and output in the Central Processing Unit (CPU).

Bit:

An abbreviation for `binary digit'. The basic unit of information for all computer systems. A bit has the value of 0 or 1. Eight (8) bits make a byte (one character).

Boot:

A computer's start up procedure derived from the phrase "Pulling one's self up by one's bbostraps". (See "Cold Boot" and "Warm Boot".)

Browse:

A term used with databases to indicate looking within a data list for a particular occurrence of a term or text string.

For Internet purposes, it means to peruse a webpage, often referred to as "surf the Net".

Browser:

Software used to render Internet webpages and interact with them.

Buffer:

An area in memory that temporarily holds information. in memory. It's sort of a scratch pad. Information in a buffer is lost when new data is moved into (overwrites) the buffer, or the computer is turned off or rebooted.

Buffers are used between a computer and a printer so that the computer will not be tied up the entire time printing is taking place. Buffers are also used to anticipate data requests within the computer and between the computer and data storage devices such as CD-ROMs and disk drives.

Byte:

A unit of information made up of eight `bits'. A byte can represent 256 distinct values.

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