Toshiba TECRA M2 User Manual page 200

async: Short for asynchronous.
asynchronous: Lacking regular time relationship. As applied to computer
B
backup: A duplicate copy of files kept as a spare in case the original is
batch file: A file that can be executed from the system prompt containing
binary: The base two number system composed of zeros and ones (off or
BIOS: Basic Input Output System. The firmware that controls data flow
bit:
Derived from "binary digit," the basic unit of information used by the
board: A circuit board. An internal card containing electronic components,
boot: Short for bootstrap. A program that starts or restarts the computer.
bps: Bits per second. Typically used to describe the data transmission
buffer: The portion of the computer's memory where data is temporarily
bus: An interface for transmission of signals, data or electric power.
byte: The representation of a single character. A sequence of eight bits
TECRA M2
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.
destroyed.
a sequence of operating system commands or executable files.
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.
within the computer. See also firmware.
computer. It is either zero or one. Eight bits is one byte. See also byte.
called chips, which perform a specific function or increase the
capabilities of the system.
The program reads instructions from a storage device into the
computer's memory.
speed of a modem.
stored. Buffers often compensate for differences in the rate of flow
from one device to another.
treated as a single unit; also the smallest addressable unit within the
system.
Glossary
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