Dell Precision 610 - Manual (Page 124)

An ASCII text file containing a list of commands that run in
sequence. Instead of typing each command, you need only
type the batch filename. The system executes the commands
as if you had typed each one individually. Both files must have
a filename extension of bat.
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. For example, Dell's TechConnect BBS
contains the latest version of software, such as video drivers. If
your system has a modem, you can access the BBS and
download the most recent version of this software.
beep code
A diagnostic message in the form of a pattern of beeps from
your computer's speaker. For example, one beep, followed by
a second beep, and then a burst of three beeps is beep code
1-1-3.
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:
Communications between the processor and peripheral
devices, such as the keyboard and the video adapter
Miscellaneous functions, such as system messages
bit
The smallest unit of information interpreted by your computer.
boot routine
When you start your computer, it clears all memory, initializes
devices, and loads the operating system. Unless the operating
Acronym for network interface controller.
NLM
Abbreviation for NetWare(r) Loadable Module.
NMI
Abbreviation for nonmaskable interrupt. A device sends an NMI
to signal the processor about hardware errors, such as a parity
error.
noninterlaced
A technique for decreasing screen flicker by sequentially
refreshing each horizontal line on the screen.
ns
Abbreviation for nanosecond(s), one billionth of a second.
NTFS
Abbreviation for the NT File System option in the Windows NT
operating system.
NVRAM
Abbreviation for nonvolatile random-access memory. Memory
that does not lose its contents when you turn off your
computer. NVRAM is used for maintaining the date, time, and
system configuration information.
online access service
A service that typically provides access to the Internet, e-mail,
bulletin boards, chat rooms, and file libraries. CompuServe(r) is
an example of an online access service.
OS/2
Abbreviation for Operating System/2.
OTP
Abbreviation for one-time programmable.
parallel port
An I/O port used most often to connect a parallel printer to
your computer. You can usually identify a parallel port on your
computer by its 25-hole connector.
parameter
A value or option that you specify to a program. A parameter is
sometimes called a switch or an argument.
partition