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bandwidth
A measure of how much information something can carry.
Specifically, data path times frequency. For example, the ISA bus has
a data path of 16 bits (it can send 16 bits at a time) and typically
operates at 8.33 MHz, so it has a bandwidth of 133.28 megabits per
second (Mbps).
base RAM
Area of system memory between 0 and 640 kilobytes available to the
user for operating system and application programs.
batch file
A file that contains a series of DOS commands. Batch files have the
extension .bat. If you execute a batch file, DOS attempts to carry out
all the commands in the file, in order.
baud
A unit of measure for modem speed. Literally, the number of voltage
transitions per second. Phone line limitations limit the actual baud
rate of modems to 2400 baud, although the data transmission rate
(bps) may be higher because of data compression.
BBS
Short for Bulletin Board System. Software that serves as a
communication and information source for computers that
communicate by modem.
BIOS
Basic Input/Output System. A program or set of programs
permanently stored in ROM chips installed on the system board. The
BIOS contains functions that control the real-time clock, keyboard,
disk drives, video display, and other peripheral devices. For example,
the BIOS Setup utility program is contained in the BIOS, and when
you change the drive type, you change the BIOS.
4 Glossary
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