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bit
Binary digit. The smallest unit of computer data. A single digital
piece of information, generally represented by the numeral 0 or 1.
Usually the transition between the states of +5V and -5V within a
computer, the charge of a transistor in an integrated circuit, or the
change in polarity of a magnetic region on a disk. See byte. Data
compression schemes can enable the transmission of more than one
bit per voltage transition.
bit block transfer
Moving part of a screen image as a single block rather than moving a
pixel at a time. Bit block transfers are much faster than moving the
same pixels individually, and it is common in accelerated video
cards.
bitBLT
Bit Block Transfer.
bitmap
Any occurrence where a single location in memory and a single pixel
correspond. Usually applies to screen or printer output. .BMP files
are bitmapped graphics files.
bits per second
(bps) A unit of transmission. Also called baud rate.
block
A contiguous section of bits considered as a whole, especially in
memory. On a disk, the data in one sector; in modem data transfer,
the bits between checksums.
board
Printed circuit board. Board onto which computer components are
soldered and thin wires are printed to connect the components.
Glossary 5
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