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B________________________
B-cable
A 68pin-wire cable used for 16-bit SCSI-2 buses.
Backup
A copy of files used on a computers system that is stored on disk, tape, or other medium for savekeeping in case of a system failure.
Backward compatibility
The ability of newer technology to work with older technology without any modification.
Barcode
A unique code for a compact disc. With recordable CDs, this number is often printed in the clear inner ring of the disc. Some CD recorders can also read this information digitally. With Easy-CD Pro, the barcode is reported in the Disc Info dialog box.
Baud Rate
Speed at which information is transferred. Generally referred to as bps now. The number of electrical state transitions that may be made in a period of time. Modem designers use this term to describe the data transmission capabilities of a modem. Since it doesn't specify how many bits are transferred at a time, however, it is almost meaningless to computer users, who freequently quote it incorrectly. For example, a modem which transmits data at 28,800 bps has a baud rate of 2400.
BBS
See Bulletin Board System.
BEDO (Burst Extended Data Output) DRAM
Burst EDO DRAM is an EDO DRAM that contains a pipeline stage and a 2-bit burst counter. The difference between BEDO and EDO is that all cycles i.e., READ and WRITE occur in four-cycle bursts. BEDO achieves a 100 percent increase in performance over FP DRAM and a 33 to 50 percent increase over EDO DRAM. Most DRAM based memory systems today utilize burst-oriented accesses to take advantage of higher bandwidth. With the conventional DRAMs such as FP and EDO, the initiator accesses DRAM through a controller. The controller must wait for the data to become ready before sending it to the initiator. Burst EDO however, eliminates the wait-states thus improving system performance.
Benchmark
Test of performance of a computer or peripheral device. While benchmarks can offer seemingly objective tests of performance, the best test is to use the computer or peripheral with the applications and files you will actually be using.
Bernoulli box
A high-capacity data storage device that uses a removable, non-volatile cartridge.
Binary code
Software instructions reduced to ones and zeros that are readable by a computer.
Binary file
A file containing information that is in machine-readable form; it can be read only by an application. "Binary_file" usually refers to a file that uses all 8 bits of each byte for information. Text files usually use only 7 bits, leaving the 8th bit as 0.
Binary file
A file containing information that is in machine-readable form; it can be read only by an >application. "Binary_file" usually refers to a file that uses all 8 bits of each byte for >information. Text files usually use only 7 bits, leaving the 8th bit as 0.
Binary transfer
Method of transferring files to or from a remote computer in which all eight bits of each byte are transferred. In a text transfer, the eighth bit is ignored.
BIOS
Basic Input/Output System. Software that provides basic read/write capability. Usually kept as firmware (ROM based). The system BIOS on the mainboard of a computer is used to boot and control the system. The SCSI BIOS on your host adapter acts as an extension of the system BIOS.
Bit
A binary digit. The smallest unit of information a computer uses. The value of a bit (0 or 1) represents a two-way choice, such as on or off, true or false, and so on.
Block
A unit of 252 bytes as defined in the Yellow Book.
Blue Book of CD
CD Extra (occasionally used to refer to LaserDisc format) A two-session CD, 1st is CD-DA, 2nd is data (a/k/a CD Plus)
BNU
The System V name for UUCP.
Boot
The loading of the operating system and starting of initial processes into a computer. From the saying, "pulling_oneself_up_by one's_bootstraps."
Boot Block
Intel promotes Boot Block concept in the traditional flash EPROM:
- It reserves a space in BIOS which guarantee the system to boot up from floppy for user to recover from any mistake during programming BIOS stages, and
- having that block protected by hardware which will never be used when doing the BIOS updating.
Boot disk
A hard disk or diskette that contains an operating system which can be booted to set the computer into operation.
bps
Bits Per Second. Speed at which data is transferred. Often used in discussing the speed of modems and serial transmissions.
BSD
See FreeBSD.
Buffer
An amount of memory that temporarily stores data to help compensate for differences in the transfer rate from one device to another.
Buffer Underrun
The most common problem in CD recording. A buffer underrun occurs when the system cannot keep up a steady stream of data as required by CD recording. The CD recorder has a buffer to protect against interruptions and slowdowns, but if the interruption is long enough that the recorder's buffer is completely emptied, a buffer underrun occurs, writing halts, and most often the recordable CD is irretrievably damaged. See also "About Buffer Underruns."
Built-in
A peripheral or device that is manufactured as a part of the computer, not added by the user. A software driver that is merged into the kernel of an operating systm as a part of the OS, not added by the user.
Bulletin Board System (BBS)
Electronic bulletin boards are computers running with software which allows callers to leave messages and access information much like an actual bulletin board. Most bbs's are accessed via modem although some, like the CCS bbs, can also be accessed through a network. Services that a bbs can offer are electronic mail, conferences on topics of interest, and collections of documents (text files, pictures, and sounds). BBS's are often good sources for software, especially shareware and freeware utilities.
Bundled
Drivers are distributed with the operating system by the OS vendor.
Burst speed
The rate at which data can be transferred for a short period of time. Burst speed are generally higher than sustained speeds.
Bus
A collection of unbroken signal lines across which information is transmitted from one part of a computer system to another. Connections to the bus are make via taps on the lines.
Bus Mastering
A high-performance way to transfer data. The host adapter controls the transfer of data directly to and from system memory without bothering the computer¡¥s microprocessor. This is the fastest way for multitasking operation systems to transfer data.
Bus slot
Also known as expansion slots or simply slots, bus slots are connectors inside the computer that are used for attaching add-on cards and devices to a bus.
Byte
A unit of information consisting of eight bits. The amount of memory needed to specify one ASCII character; eight bits. Kilobytes (1000 bytes) and Megabytes (1,000,000 bytes) are usually used in discussing the amount of memory a computer uses.
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