Toshiba SATELLITE 2610 Series User Manual page 192

asynchronous: Lacking regular time relationship. As applied to
AUTOEXEC.BAT: A batch file that executes a series of MS-DOS
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
billion byte (Bi.B): A unit of data storage equal to 1,000,000,000 bytes.
binary: The base two number system composed of zeros and ones (off
BIOS: Basic Input Output System. The firmware that controls data flow
bit: Derived from "binary digit," the basic unit of information used by
board: A circuit board. An internal card containing electronic
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
bus: An interface for transmission of signals, data or electric power.
byte: The representation of a single character. A sequence of eight bits
2 Glossary
computer 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.
commands and programs each time you start the computer. This is
no longer necessarily used when booting Windows NT 4.0 and
higher.
destroyed.
containing a sequence of operating system commands or
executable files. See also AUTOEXEC.BAT.
See also million byte.
or 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.
the computer. It is either zero or one. Eight bits is one byte. See
also byte.
components, 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.
temporarily 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.
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