Technology / Computers Glossary

Bits Per Second (BPS): The number of binary digits that can be transmitted per second.

Blog: (Slang term for a Weblog) A blog is a person journal that can be accessed publicly and allow people to comment on the previously posted comments. When someone posts a comment to a blog this . . . View Full Definition

Blu-ray: Also known as Blu-ray Disc. This is an optical disc format that was developed to enable recording, playback, and rewriting of high-definition (HD) video. This technology has a storage capaci . . . View Full Definition

Bluetooth: Radio technology that connects electronic devices without using a cable. Data and voice can be exchanged at ranges of up to 10 meters without the need for devices to be lined up together.

Boolean Logic: A type of mathematical logic named after its designer George Boole. This binary algebraic system is used primarily in switching circuits and database searches. Search engines use logical ope . . . View Full Definition

Boot: The process of turning on the computer and beginning the process of loading the programs and operating system into memory to be processed into tangible data.

Boot Disk: This refers to a diskette that is formatted to actually boot your computer from. They were created as a backup tool in case the normal boot method (hard disk) has failed.

Boot Sector Virus: A virus that infects the boot sector of a disk. Booting the system then loads the virus into the hard disk every time the system is started. This is a very common form of computer virus.

Bridge: A bridge is a computer networking device used to make a connection and pass along packets of data between two networking computers using the same protocol.

Broadband Transmission: A term used to describe analog data transmission. Requires the use of modems. Many different sets of of data can be transmitted simultaneously.

Browser: A browser is the software used for viewing pages on the web. Two examples are Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator.

Buffer: A block of memory used as something of a holding tank for the temporary storage of data, usually existing between a peripheral device and a computer. The buffer allows the data to be read fr . . . View Full Definition

Buffered Memory: Using a buffer to isolate the memory from the controller reduces the load on the chipset. This allows for more memory chips to be used.

Bug: A flaw, error, or defect in a program.

Bulletin Board Service (BBS): A program designed to bring people together where they can carry on discussions and download files where all of the other members of the service can monitor these transmissions in real time.

BUS: A bus is a grouping of wires that allow the flow of data from one area of the computer to another. It is thought of that a bus represents a highway that the data travels through in the compu . . . View Full Definition

Bus Mastering: A technique that allows certain advanced bus architectures to delegate control data transfers between the CPU and associated peripheral devices to an add-in board. This gives greater system . . . View Full Definition

Byte: A collection of 8 bits that make up a character. When referring to RAM (random access memory), it includes a 9th bit used for error checking.

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