![background image](http://html.mh-extra.com/html/quantum/superloader-3a-series/superloader-3a-series_user-manual_770658107.webp)
Glossary
Quantum SuperLoader 3A Series User’s Guide
93
bad data block
A block that cannot reliably hold data because of a media
flaw or damaged format markings.
BIOS
Basic Input/Output System. A set of routines that work closely
with the hardware to support the transfer of information
between various elements of the system, such as memory, disks,
and peripheral devices.
BOM or BOT
Beginning of Media or Beginning of Tape. The physical
beginning of the media.
BSMI
Bureau of Standards, Metrology, and Inspection (Taiwan).
buckling mechanism
T
he buckling mechanism engages the media
leaders on cartridge load and disengages them on cartridge
unload.
buffer
An area of RAM reserved for temporary storage of data that is
waiting to be sent to a device. The data is usually on its way to or
from the tape drive or some other peripheral device.
C
cache
Specialized RAM used as a buffer between a fast CPU or I/O
channel and storage which has a relatively slow access time (for
example, cartridge or diskette), to avoid slowing down the
former.
CE
Council of Europe.
CFR
Code of Federal Regulations (United States).
CSA
Canadian Standards Association, also known as CSA
International.
compressed capacity
Capacity after data has been processed to reduce
storage space while maintaining data integrity using either
software or hardware.
D
data compression
A process that reduces the amount of storage space
required to hold a particular block of data. Data transfer speed
and total tape capacity are affected by the data compression
achieved. In accordance with industry practice, a typical
compression ratio is 2:1 of data storage. Actual compression
ratios achieved are dependent on the redundancy of data files
being recorded.
dB
A Decibel is a logarithmic unit of sound intensity; 10 times the
logarithm of the ratio of the sound intensity to some reference
intensity.