Toshiba 1805 Manuale Utente

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Glossary
Terms
238
application — A computer program that you use to perform tasks of a 
specific type. Applications include word processors, spreadsheets, and 
database management systems. See also program.
B
backup — A copy of a file, usually on a removable disk, kept in case the 
original file is lost or damaged.
basic input/output system (BIOS) — See BIOS.
baud rate — The speed at which a communication device, such as a 
printer or modem, transmits information. Baud rate is the number of 
signal changes per second (not necessarily the same as bits per 
second). See also bits per second.
BIOS (basic input/output system) — Basic instructions, stored in 
read-only memory (ROM), containing the information the computer 
needs in order to check hardware and load the operating system when 
you start up the computer.
bit: — Short for “binary digit.” A bit is the smallest unit of information 
used by a computer. A group of eight bits is a byte. See also byte.
bits per second (bps) — A way of measuring the speed at which 
information is passed between two devices. The basic measure used in 
modem communications, bps is similar, but not identical, to the baud 
rate. See also baud rate.
boot — To start the computer. The term “boot” originates from bootstrap 
program (as in “pulling itself up by its bootstraps”), a program that 
loads and initializes the operating system. See also reboot.
boot disk — See system disk.
boot priority (startup sequence) — The order in which the computer 
accesses its disk drives to locate the startup files. Under the default 
startup sequence, the computer looks for the startup files in the diskette 
drive before checking the hard disk.
bus — An electrical circuit that connects the central processing unit 
(CPU) with other parts of the computer, such as the video adapter, disk 
drives, and ports. It is the pathway through which data flows from one 
device to another. See also bus speedfrontside bus.
bus speed — The speed at which the central processing unit (CPU) 
communicates with the other parts of the computer.