AMSTRAD CPC464 User Manual page 201

Bit
Shortform of BInary digiT. A binary digit is either one of the two digits, represented by 0 and 1, that are
used in the binary number system.
Bit significant
Where the information contained in a number is extracted by considering the state of each of the eight bits
that make up the complete byte. The overall decimal value may have no meaning.
Booting or Bootstrapping
Programs and operating systems don't load themselves, they are 'boostrapped' by a small routine in ROM
(usually), that initiates the loading processes at a specific location in memory.
Boolean algebra
Is the statement of logical relationships where there can only be two answers: true or false. Usually
signified as 0 or 1.
Buffer
A transient or temporary storage area to hold information during transfers from one part of the system to
another, for example from the cassette drive software to the computer's central processing unit (CPU) and
main RAM. A buffer regulates the way data is passed between devices operating at different speeds, such
as a modem or a printer.
Bug
A problem on a scale ranging from an 'unexpected feature' based on some obscure aspect of the use of a
program (eg if you press four keys at once, the screen changes colour), to a sequence that completely and
irrevokably crashes a computer program and wipes the memory clean of all data.
Bus
A group of connections either within the computer, or connecting it to the outside world that carries
information on the state of the CPU, the RAM and other hardware features. The CPC464 bus is presented
on the larger of the two circuit board connector strips, accessible through the holes in the rear of the case.
Byte
A group of eight bits, which forms the smallest portion of memory that an 8-bit CPU can recall from, or
store in memory. See additional information Appendix II.
CAD
Computer Aided Design. Usually an interaction of computing power and graphics to provide an electronic
drawing board, although any calculation performed on a computer in pursuance of a 'design' comes under
the heading of CAD.
CAE
Computer Aided Education. Further nourishment for the buzzphrase of computing. The use of the
computer to help with education. CAI (Computer Aided Instruction) and CAL (Computer Aided Learning)
are two aspects of CAE.