Datatech Enterprises Apex 386SX/20 User Manual page 125

BIOS
bit
boot
bus
byte
clock (processing) speed
CPU
computer
cursor
2 Chapter 7: Glossary
- This stands for Basic Input Output System, BIOS con-
trols the real-time clock and disk drives as well as the
computer's peripheral equipment.
- This is a binary data digit, either 1 or 0. 1 or 0 represents
a single unit of data.
- This means to turn on the power switch and load the
operating system (DOS) into the computer so that it is
ready to accept software applications.
- This is a set of lines that transmit signals/information be-
tween the components within the computer. If the I/O
channel is 32-bit, this means the data travels at least
twice as fast as data on a 16-bit data bus.
- A group of data units forming a single unit of data. There
are eight bits in a single byte.
- This measurement, usually given in MHz (megahertz)
tells how fast the microprocessor in your computer hand-
les data. The higher the number, the faster your com-
puter.
- Central Processing Unit. Also known as a microproces-
sor. This chip processes all the instructions in the com-
puter.
- An electronic device that can receive, store and transmit
data, and process arithmetic or logic operations.
- The blinking, moving spot of light that marks the active
place on the monitor.