Dell Inspiron 3500 - Manual (Page 39)

B
backup
A copy of a program or data file. As a precaution, you should back up your computer's hard-disk drive on a regular basis. Before making a change
to the configuration of your computer, you should back up important start-up files from your operating system.
base memory
Synonym for conventional memory.
batch file
An ASCII text file containing a list of commands that run in sequence. Instead of typing each command, you need only type the batch file name. The
system executes the commands as if you had typed each one individually. Batch files must have a filename extension of bat.
battery
An internal power source used to operate a portable computer. To operate a portable computer on battery power, insert a charged battery into the
main- or optional-battery compartment of the computer.
Battery Performance
Battery performance features such as charge time, operating time, and life span can vary according to the conditions under which the computer
and battery are used.
baud rate
A measurement of data transmission speed. For example, modems are designed to transmit data at one or more specified baud rate(s) through
the COM (serial) port of a computer.
BBS
Abbreviation for bulletin board service. A computer system that serves as a central location for accessing data or relaying messages by modem.
beep code
A diagnostic message in the form of a pattern of beeps from your computer's speaker. For example, one beep followed by two beeps is beep
code 1-2.
binary
A base-2 numbering system that uses 0 and 1 to represent information. The computer performs operations based on the ordering and calculation
of these numbers.
BIOS
Acronym for basic input/output system. Your computer's BIOS contains programs stored on a flash memory chip. The BIOS controls the following:
l
Communications between the microprocessor and devices such as the keyboard and the video adapter
l Miscellaneous functions, such as system messages
bit
The smallest unit of information interpreted by your computer.
boot routine
The start-up process of a computer that clears all memory, initializes devices, and loads the operating system.
bootable diskette
A diskette from which you can boot your system. Your Dell Diagnostics Diskette is a bootable diskette.
bpi
Abbreviation for bits per inch.
bps
Abbreviation for bits per second.