Asus P6300 Series, User Manual

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A
APPENDIX A
GLOSSARY
Application
An application is a type of computer program designed to help the user perform a certain kind of job.
Applications differ from other types of programs, i.e., operating systems, utilities, and compilers. Op-
erating systems control the access of system resources, utilities perform maintenance tasks and other
chores, while a compiler is used by a programmer when writing other programs. Examples of common
applications are word processors, spreadsheet programs, and data bases.
AUTOEXEC.BAT
AUTOEXEC.BAT is a special-purpose file that is automatically executed by DOS whenever the com-
puter is turned on or restarted. This file contains important commands that help configure the system to
work with the software and other devices installed.
BIOS
This acronym stands for Basic Input/Output System. BIOS is a set of routines that intimately affect the
way the computer transfers data between elements of the system such as memory, disks, and the moni-
tor. The BIOS instructions are built into the computer read-only memory. BIOS parameters can be
configured by the user through your computer BIOS Setup program, but the basic set of instructions
can only be changed by a programmer.
Bit
Bit, short for binary digit, represents the smallest unit of data used by the computer. A bit can have one
of two values: 0 or 1.