| Computer Glossary |
Backbone:- A network that connects other networks.
Background:- Applications still running but they are not those in the active window and run without user intervention.
Back Up:- The process of duplicating the data and/or programs stored on your computer for safekeeping.
Bad Sector:- An area of a floppy or hard disk that will not reliably record data.
Bandwidth:- A measurement of the volume of information that can be transmitted over a network at a given time.
Bank:- The collection of memory chips or modules that make up a block of memory. This can be 1, 2 or 4 chips. Memory in a PC must
always be added or removed in full-bank increments.
Bar Code:- An electronic data technology that uses line symbols to represent data. A bar code reader can be used to read bar code data
directly into a computer, thus, preventing an operator from having to manually enter the information.
Base Font:- The default font used by any software program that produces text.
BASIC:- Beginner's All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code. This is the most widely used simple and direct language for computer
beginners.
Batch Program:- A non-formatted text file that contains one or more DOS commands and has a .BAT extension.
Baud Rate:- The speed of data transmission measured in bits per second.
Benchmark:- A software program or testing method which allows similar computers or software programs to be compared.
Beta:- A conventional designation for pre-release software that is still in the testing and development stage.
Bidirectional:- Works in both directions. Frequently associated with printers which print in both directions left to right then immediately
right to left. This saves printing time.
Binary:- The 0 and 1 numbering system used by computers to handle and store data.
Binary File:- A file containing information that is in machine-readable form, it can be read only by an application.
Binary Transfer:- Method of transferring files to or from a remote computer in which all eight bits of each byte are transferred. In a text
transfer, the eighth bit is ignored.
Binhex:- A file format for encoding Macintosh binary files as text files, for easier transfer between computers.
BIOS:- Basic Input Output System. Part of an IBM or compatible computer than manages the flow of signals through the bus.
Bit:- The smallest piece of computer information. It is represented by either the number 0 or 1.
Bitmap:- An image made up of pixels on the screen and stored as a collection of bits, one or more of which correspond to one pixel.
Bookmark:- A pointer to a particular Web site that you have added to your favorites so you can return to them easily. Also a spot you mark
in a word processor document that you can jump to quickly.
Boolean Logic:- A method of logic developed by the mathematician George Boole (1815-1864). In on-line searching or computer
programming, the Boolean operators AND, OR, and NOT are used to show the relationship between keywords.
Boot:- To start up your computer.
Boot Disk:- A disk drive (A: or C:) that contains the operating system files which enable your computer to start up.
Bounced E-mail Message:- A returned E-mail message that cannot be delivered.
BPS:- Bits Per Second. Speed at which data is transferred.
Bridge:- A device used to connect two local area networks, enabling them to exchange data even though they may have different
architectures and use different protocols.
Browse:- To look through files, directories, or URLs. Some dialog boxes have a Browse button, which opens another dialog box that lists
files and directories so that you can easily select the file you want.
Browser:- A program used to search and retrieve information from on-line services or the Internet.
Buffer:- A memory area that holds data temporarily.
Bug- A malfunction caused by an error in a computer program or a defect in the hardware.
Bulletin Board System (BBS):- A host computer system that allows access to many people at one time through their modems. BBSs
are disappearing and being replaced by Internet sites.
BUS:- Circuits which connect devices together.
Byte:- The computer combination of eight bits which represents one character of data. One character or one space is equivalent to one
byte.
Background:- Applications still running but they are not those in the active window and run without user intervention.
Back Up:- The process of duplicating the data and/or programs stored on your computer for safekeeping.
Bad Sector:- An area of a floppy or hard disk that will not reliably record data.
Bandwidth:- A measurement of the volume of information that can be transmitted over a network at a given time.
Bank:- The collection of memory chips or modules that make up a block of memory. This can be 1, 2 or 4 chips. Memory in a PC must
always be added or removed in full-bank increments.
Bar Code:- An electronic data technology that uses line symbols to represent data. A bar code reader can be used to read bar code data
directly into a computer, thus, preventing an operator from having to manually enter the information.
Base Font:- The default font used by any software program that produces text.
BASIC:- Beginner's All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code. This is the most widely used simple and direct language for computer
beginners.
Batch Program:- A non-formatted text file that contains one or more DOS commands and has a .BAT extension.
Baud Rate:- The speed of data transmission measured in bits per second.
Benchmark:- A software program or testing method which allows similar computers or software programs to be compared.
Beta:- A conventional designation for pre-release software that is still in the testing and development stage.
Bidirectional:- Works in both directions. Frequently associated with printers which print in both directions left to right then immediately
right to left. This saves printing time.
Binary:- The 0 and 1 numbering system used by computers to handle and store data.
Binary File:- A file containing information that is in machine-readable form, it can be read only by an application.
Binary Transfer:- Method of transferring files to or from a remote computer in which all eight bits of each byte are transferred. In a text
transfer, the eighth bit is ignored.
Binhex:- A file format for encoding Macintosh binary files as text files, for easier transfer between computers.
BIOS:- Basic Input Output System. Part of an IBM or compatible computer than manages the flow of signals through the bus.
Bit:- The smallest piece of computer information. It is represented by either the number 0 or 1.
Bitmap:- An image made up of pixels on the screen and stored as a collection of bits, one or more of which correspond to one pixel.
Bookmark:- A pointer to a particular Web site that you have added to your favorites so you can return to them easily. Also a spot you mark
in a word processor document that you can jump to quickly.
Boolean Logic:- A method of logic developed by the mathematician George Boole (1815-1864). In on-line searching or computer
programming, the Boolean operators AND, OR, and NOT are used to show the relationship between keywords.
Boot:- To start up your computer.
Boot Disk:- A disk drive (A: or C:) that contains the operating system files which enable your computer to start up.
Bounced E-mail Message:- A returned E-mail message that cannot be delivered.
BPS:- Bits Per Second. Speed at which data is transferred.
Bridge:- A device used to connect two local area networks, enabling them to exchange data even though they may have different
architectures and use different protocols.
Browse:- To look through files, directories, or URLs. Some dialog boxes have a Browse button, which opens another dialog box that lists
files and directories so that you can easily select the file you want.
Browser:- A program used to search and retrieve information from on-line services or the Internet.
Buffer:- A memory area that holds data temporarily.
Bug- A malfunction caused by an error in a computer program or a defect in the hardware.
Bulletin Board System (BBS):- A host computer system that allows access to many people at one time through their modems. BBSs
are disappearing and being replaced by Internet sites.
BUS:- Circuits which connect devices together.
Byte:- The computer combination of eight bits which represents one character of data. One character or one space is equivalent to one
byte.
