2 Glossary
bit
Binary digit. The smallest unit of computer data.
bits per second
(bps) A unit of transmission. Also called baud rate.
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.
bus
An electronic circuit within a computer used for transmit-
ting data or electrical power from one device to another.
byte
Group of eight contiguous bits.
C
CD audio
Also called digital audio, uses the same format as conven-
tional music CDs. CD audio sounds have been digitized at a
high sampling rate.
CD-ROM reader
A computer-controlled device that reads high-capacity optical
discs and sends the output to the computer.
clock
Electronic timer used to synchronize computer operations.
