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Glossary of Computer Terms
Terms starting with alphabet 'B'
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Bandwidth | Bandwidth is the quantum of data that can be sent through a network or modem connection. |
| BASIC | BASIC is acronym for 'Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code' and is a computer programming language. |
| Batch File | A Batch (.bat) file is a script containing list of commands to automate the processes of repeating nature. |
| Baud | Baud is a measure of electric signals sent per second and is used for measuring speed of modems. |
| Beta Software | A beta version software is for testing of bugs, errors, inconsistencies and other problems in the software before release of its final version. |
| Binary | Binary is two digit ('0' and '1') number system understood by computers to store and process data. |
| Binary file | A binary file is a file containing data in computer readable language/format. |
| Biometric | Biometric is the technology of comparing unique characteristics such as fingerprint, voice recordings, heat patterns, facial images etc. of a person or living being against previously recorded images/data for the purpose of recognition. |
| BIOS | BIOS is acronym for 'Basic Input/Output System'. BIOS is a small program to start the computer. BIOS is loaded before the operating system is loaded. It checks for all hardware connections and other devices and if everything is found OK, the operating system is loaded. Please see "Know Your Computer Hardware" for details. |
| Bit | A Bit is a single binary digit '0' or '1'. Bit unit is primarily used for measuring bandwidth in bps (bits per second). |
| Bitmap | Bitmap is a image formed by a map of dots stored as digital bits. Bitmap images (.bmp) when zoomed look blocky. |
| Bitrate | It is the speed at which bits travel along a communication path. The units of measurement are bps (bits per second), kbps (kilobits per second) and mbps (megabits per second). |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth is technology for short range wire less communication between computers/laptops, digital cameras, mobile phones etc. |
| Boot | Booting a computer is turning on or starting a computer. The booting involves loading and execution of start up instructions from the computer ROM followed by loading of the operating system. |
| Boot Disk | Boot disk (or boot device) is a hard disk or floppy disk or CD/DVD or any other storage device used for booting the computer. |
| Bot | A Bot is an automated program used mostly in internet related search, chat rooms etc. A search engine bot searches millions of web pages and prepares catalogue of contents of searched sites/pages for the search engine results. |
| Broadband | Broadband refers to high speed multiple data transmission on a cable/telephone line enabling transmission of computer data alongwith TV signals/voice frequencies simultaneously. |
| Browser | A Web Browser or a Browser is a software program used to view web pages. It interprets web HTML codes and various scripts and languages used on web pages and displays a nicely formatted page. |
| Buffer | Buffer is a temporary location of data in transit from one location to another, usually in RAM, right before its use. For example, when an audio or video clip file is downloaded from the Internet, it may load a portion of it into a buffer and then begin to play. While the clip plays back, the computer continually downloads the rest of the clip and stores it in the buffer. Because the clip is being played from the buffer and not directly from the Internet, there are less chances of the clip to stall or skip due to network congestion. |
| Burn | Burn refers to writing data on a CD/DVD. The process results in engraving of thousands of binary characters ('1' and '0') in the shape of "pits" and "lands" on the CD/DVD by CD/DVD writer laser. |
| Bus | A bus in computer is collection of wires through which data is transmitted from one part of a computer to another. Buses connect all the internal computer components to the CPU and main memory. All buses consist of two parts, an address bus and a data bus. The data bus transfers actual data whereas the address bus transfers information about destination of data. The size of a bus (known as its width) determines size of data that can be transmitted at one time. The clock speed of a bus is measured in MHz. A fast bus allows fast transfer of data enabling applications run faster. |
| Byte | A byte is a set of 8 bits and represents a single character in computer memory. One kilobyte is not equal to 1000 bytes but 1024 bytes. The data is usually measured in kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes and tetrabytes. |
| Buttons | Buttons are objects that when clicked cause some action. |