Automatic speed
The feature that enables the computer to switch automatically
from high speed
(12 MHz)
to
low speed (6 MHz) when
accessing a diskette drive.
Backup
An extra copy of a program, data file, or disk, that is created in
the event your working copy is damaged or lost.
Base memory
The memory in the computer below
1MB
that is available to
MS-DOS
and application programs-usually 640KB. Also called
conventional memory or main memory.
Batch file
A type of file that lets you execute a series of MS-DOS
commands by typing one command. Batch files are text files
with the filename extension.BAT. When you type the
filename,
MS-DOS
executes all the commands in that file
sequentially.
BIOS
Basic Input/Output System. Routines in ROM (Read Only
Memory) that handle basic input/output functions of the
operating system.
Bit
A binary digit (0 or 1). The smallest unit of computer storage.
The value of a bit represents the presence
(1)
or absence (0) of
an electric charge.
Boot
To load the operating system into the computer’s memory.
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Glossary
