Glossary - NEC PowerMate Enterprise Manual

Glossary

application programs
Software designed to perform specific functions, such as solving business or mathematical
problems.
asynchronous communications
Method of data transmission where characters are preceded by a start bit and followed by a
stop bit, permitting the time between characters to vary.
AUTOEXEC.BAT
A batch program file that the operating system runs to define hardware device
characteristics.
base RAM
Area of system memory between 0 and 640 kilobytes available to the user for operating
system and application programs.
BIOS
Basic Input Output System. A collection of primitive computer routines, usually burnt into
ROM, that control the real-time clock, keyboard, disk drives, video display, and other
peripheral devices.
bit
Binary digit. The smallest unit of computer data.
bits per second
(bps) A unit of transmission. Also called baud rate when referring to modems.
board
Printed circuit board. Board onto which computer components are soldered and thin wires
are printed to connect the components.
boot
To start up a computer. See cold boot and warm boot.