|
Term |
Definition |
| Backbone see also Network |
A high-speed line or series of connections that forms a major
pathway within a network. The term is relative as a backbone in a small network
will likely be much smaller than many non-backbone lines in a large network.
|
| Backups |
The process of copying files to a safe place to keep in case of
corruption or loss of the original files. |
| Bandwidth |
The amount of data that can be sent down a transmission line,
measured in bps, bits per second, for digital devices and in Hertz (Hz), cycles
per second, for analog devices. In network connections, high bandwidth means
the ability to quickly send and receive large amounts of data. Inside a
computer, a fast disk drive requires a bus with high enough bandwidth to relay
all the data at that drive's speed capability. Has other meanings in radio and
TV. |
| bar codes |
A series of vertical bars and half bars representing details of the
product, manufacturing company and the country of origin |
| Batch processing |
A serial form of processing in which groups or batches of
transactions are gathered over a period of time and input to the system. Batch
processing stands in contrast to real time processing in which information is
processed immediately upon initial input. Batch processing is often preferred
because it typically costs less to perform. e.g.. used for cheques. |
| Baud |
The number of symbols per second that a modem sends down a phone
line. Baud is often incorrectly confused with bps (bits per second). A 14,400
bps modem transmits at 2,400 baud, because each of the modem symbols represents
6 bits. In common usage the baud rate of a modem is how many bits it can send
or receive per second. Technically, baud is the number of times per second that
the carrier signal shifts value - for example a 1200 bit-per-second modem
actually runs at 300 baud, but it moves 4 bits per baud (4 x 300 = 1200 bits
per second). |
| BBS |
BBS stands for "Bulletin Board System," which is a pretty fair
illustration of what it does. A BBS is an electronic repository for uploading
and downloading files over a network, usually a WAN. |
| BCS |
British computer society |
| Benchmark tests |
Are standardized routines for comparing the performance of
competing hardware and software under conditions intended to reflect common
patterns of use. Widely used benchmark tests have been developed to compare the
speed of computers |
| bespoke software |
Software developed for use by a specific enterprise client, as
contrasted with generic business applications that have been customised, or
niche products for vertical markets and a range of clients. |
| Beta testing |
The pretesting of hardware or software products with selected
typical customers to discover inadequate features or possible product
enhancements before it is released to the general public. Systems hardware and
software often go through two stages of release testing: alpha (in-house) and
beta (limited release). Back to Top. |
| Binary Number |
A number written using binary notation which only uses zeros and
ones |
| Binhex |
(BINary HEXadecimal) -- A method for converting non-text files
(non-ASCII) into ASCII. This is needed because Internet email can only handle
ASCII. |
| Bit |
(Binary DigIT) -- A single digit number in base-2, in other words,
either a 1 or a zero. The smallest unit of computerized data. Bandwidth is
usually measured in bits-per-second. |
| bitmapped graphics |
Images which are created with matrices of pixels, or dots. Also
called raster graphics. Contrast to graphics. These files are larger. |
| BITNET |
(Because It's Time NETwork (or Because It’s Their NETwork)) --
A network of educational sites separate from the Internet, but email is freely
exchanged between BITNET and the Internet. Listservs®, the most popular
form of email discussion groups, originated on BITNET. BITNET machines are
usually mainframes running the VMS operating system, and the network is
probably the only international network that is shrinking. |
| BNC |
One of the most popular of the coaxial connectors, the BNC was
developed in the late 1940s. The name BNC sands for Bayonet Neill
Concelman. |
| boolean |
Pertaining to the principles of mathematical logic developed by
George Boole, a nineteenth century mathematician. Boolean algebra is the study
of operations carried out on variables that can have only one of two possible
values; i.e., 1 (true) and 0 (false). (IF statements) |
| Bps |
Bits per second. The speed at which data is sent over a modem
connection, amongst other things. Common modern modem speeds are 14.4 Kbps
(kilobits per second) and 28.8 Kbps. Speeds common on older modems include 300
bps, 1200 bps, 2400 bps and 9600 bps. See also baud rate. |
| Bridge |
A device that enables you to link two networks together. Bridges
are "know" which computers are on which side of the bridge, so they only allow
those messages that need to get to the other side to cross the bridge. This
device improves performance on both sides of the bridge. |
| Broadband |
Refers to a large capacity channel. During the 70s ISDN (64
kbits/s) was considered broadband technology. Nowadays broadband means 2 Mbit/s
or more. Many broadband technologies offer speeds of up to 700 times faster
than the most commonly used dial-up modem. |
| BTW |
(By The Way) -- A shorthand appended to a comment written in an
online forum. |
| Bubble jet printer |
A computer printer that uses ink jet technology to squirt a fine
stream of ink onto the paper. |
| buffering |
Similar to caching, buffering is the process by which streaming
media that is entering the user’s computer at a faster rate than can be
played, is saved as memory without backing up or overloading the Player. |
| bugs |
a glitch in a computer program or process |
| Bus |
A common data pathway for carrying digital data. Only one output
can access a bus at a time, whereas the number of inputs is only restricted by
loading (capacitive and resistive). Outputs are connected onto the bus by a
digitally controlled electronic switch called Tri-State. Buses that carry data
in either direction, like the Data Bus are bidirectional. When data is
restricted to only one direction, like the Control Bus, the bus is
unidirectional. |
| byte |
The amount of space needed to store a single character (number,
letter, or code). A byte generally represents eight binary digits (bits). For
example, if a character requires one byte of storage space, that one byte is
translated to eight bits when processed in the computer. 1024 bytes equals one
kilobyte (K). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
