Dell Precision 420 - Manual (Page 41)

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.
backup battery
The backup battery maintains the system configuration, date, and time information in a special section of memory when the system is turned off.
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 filename. The
system executes the commands as if you had typed each one individually. Batch 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
bulletin board service. A computer system that serves as a central location for accessing data or relaying messages by modem. For example, the
Dell™ 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
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 peripheral 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
When you start your computer, it clears all memory, initializes devices, and loads the operating system. Unless the operating system fails to
respond, you can reboot (also called warm boot) your computer by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>; otherwise, you must perform a cold boot by
pressing the reset button or by turning the computer off and then back on.
bootable diskette
A diskette that can boot your computer to the operating system in the event that the computer will not boot from the hard-disk drive.
bpi
bits per inch
bps
bits per second
BTU
British thermal unit
bus
An information pathway between the components of a computer. Your computer contains an expansion bus that allows the microprocessor to
communicate with controllers for all the various peripheral devices connected to the computer. Your computer also contains an address bus and a
data bus for communications between the microprocessor and RAM.