IBM AT 5170 Technical Reference page 450

basic input/output system (BIOS). The feature of the IBM
Personal Computer that provides the level control of the major
II
0 devices, and relieves the programmer from concern about
hardware device characteristics.
baud. (1) A unit of signaling speed equal to the number of
discrete conditions or signal events per second. For example, one
baud equals one bit per second in a train of binary signals,
one-half dot cycle per second in Morse code, and one 3-bit value
per second in a train of signals each of which can assume one of
eight different states. (2) In asynchronous transmission, the unit
of modulation rate corresponding to one unit of interval per
second; that is, if the duration of the unit interval is 20
milliseconds, the modulation rate is 50 baud.
~
BCC. Block-check character.
beginner's aU-purpose symbolic instruction code
(BASIC). A programming language with a small repertoire of
commands and a simple syntax, primarily designed for numeric
applications.
~,
binary. (1) Pertaining to a selection, choice, or condition that
has two possible values or states. (2) Pertaining to a fixed radix
numeration system having a radix of 2.
binary digit. (1) In binary notation, either of the characters 0
or 1. (2) Synonymous with bit.
binary notation. Any notation that uses two different characters,
usually the binary digits 0 and 1.
binary synchronous communications (BSC). A uniform
procedure, using a standardized set of control characters and
control character sequences for synchronous transmission of
binary-coded data between stations.
BIOS. Basic input/output system.
Glossary-4