Glossary 5
batch file
A file that contains a series of DOS commands. Batch files
have the extension .bat. If you execute a batch file, DOS
attempts to carry out all the commands in the file, in order.
baud
A unit of measure for modem speed. Literally, the number of
voltage transitions per second. Phone line limitations limit the
actual baud rate of modems to 2400 baud, although the data
transmission rate (bps) may be higher because of data
compression.
BBS
Short for Bulletin Board System. Software that serves as a
communication and information source for computers that
communicate by modem.
BIOS
Basic Input/Output System. A program or set of programs
permanently stored in ROM chips installed on the system
board. The BIOS contains functions that control the real-time
clock, keyboard, disk drives, video display, and other
peripheral devices. For example, the BIOS Setup utility
program is contained in the BIOS, and when you change the
drive type, you change the BIOS.
bit
Binary digit. The smallest unit of computer data. A single
digital piece of information, generally represented by the
numeral 0 or 1. Usually the transition between the states of
+5V and -5V within a computer, the charge of a transistor in an
integrated circuit, or the change in polarity of a magnetic
region on a disk. See byte. Data compression schemes can
enable the transmission of more than one bit per voltage
transition.
