Compaq 1400 User Manual

Page 142

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G

LOSSARY

-2

P

RESARIO

N

OTEBOOK

B

EYOND

S

ETUP

G

UIDE

1400 S

ERIES

boot

To start or restart the computer.

During the start-up process, information
necessary for the computer to operate is
loaded into memory.
See also main memory.

browser

Software that searches for,

displays, and downloads text, graphics,
sound, and video from the Internet.
Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape
Navigator are two popular browsers.

bug

A mistake in the design of computer

software or hardware. Because of their
complexity, many have minor bugs. As
soon as the manufacturer becomes aware
of the problem, modifications are made
to correct it.

bulletin board

An electronic notice

board on the Internet where people can
post notices for others with similar
interests. Professional organizations and
clubs often have bulletin boards for
members to share information
and opinions.

byte

Eight bits of data (eight individual

electronic on/off signals, strung together to
make a message that the computer can
interpret). Most information is organized
into bytes. One byte of data is usually

required to represent a single character that
you can see on the screen (a letter, number,
punctuation mark, or other symbol). For
example, the byte 01001000 represents the
capital letter H. See also bit.

&

cable modem

A modem that allows you

to access the Internet via your cable
television provider. Continuously
connected to the Internet, it allows
high-speed, high-capacity data transfer.

CD (compact disc)

Media used in a

CD-ROM drive. The disc is a circular
piece of plastic that stores digital data on
one side, using laser technology.

CD-ROM

A compact disc with read-only

data. You cannot erase or record
over the data.

CD-RW

A compact disc with rewritable

data. You can write to the disc using a
rewritable or recordable CD drive.

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