glossary of internet terms - b

A COMPLETE LIST OF DEFINITIONS OF THE TERMS USED THROUGHOUT OUR WEBSITE

Use the letters below to jump to a particular section or scroll down through the definitions.

misc A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Back up - The process of copying your important computer files and documents from your hard disk to removable media (such as Zip or CD-RW discs) or another computer, to protect against loss of the originals.

Banding - Noticeable stripes appearing on a print-out ? usually only a problem with inkjet printers.

Bandwidth - In computing terms, a measure of the maximum amount of data that can be transferred over a connection at any one time. For example, if you connect to the internet using a modem, then the bandwidth is likely to be up to 56Kbps (or 56,000 bits of data per second).

Beta - Version of a software application or system still in development. Companies make beta versions available to selected testers for evaluation, testing and feedback.

Bi-directional - Refers to an ability for two-way communication. Most printer cables, for example, are bi-directional, so the computer can send data to the printer and the printer is able to respond with print-job progress information.

Binaries - Newsgroup postings of encoded files (photographs, sound files, video clips and so on), rather than plain text. These are frowned upon except in certain groups, such as those beginning 'alt. binaries. '.

Binary - A coding system used by computers and other digital devices to store data as a series just two digits ? 0 and 1.

Bioemtrics - The use of measurable physical characteristics for idenitification purposes, such as fingerprinting.

BIOS - Basic Input Output System. Software built into all PCs, to control the basic operation of devices such as the screen, hard disk and keyboard. When a PC is switched on, the BIOS automatically kicks in, and looks for a drive (like the hard disk) from which the operating system proper can be launched.

Bit - A contraction of binary digit, which is the smallest unit of computer data. A bit can hold one of two values ? 1 or 0. Consecutive bits combine together to form larger units of information. There are eight bits in a 'byte'.

Bitmap (BMP) - A type of graphic image recorded as many tiny dots (or pixels). Scanned photographs and similar images are often stored in this form. If you use an image-editing application to zoom in on a bitmap image, the pixels will gradually become distinct. BMP image files tend to be quite large, so other types are more popular.

Blanking plates - Plastic or metal plates on the back and front of a PC, fitted by manufacturers to cover unused expansion bays. Blanking plates can be easily removed when new devices are fitted.

Blend - In image editing, the combining of one or more graphic layers.

Bluetooth - A technology that allows devices (computers, phones, printers, etc. ) to communicate with each other wirelessly.

Blu-Ray - A new format that will deliver high-definition on DVD-sized discs.

Body text - Text makes up the bulk of a story, article or chapter, rather than the headings or footnotes.

Bookmark - A way of flagging favourite websites in your web browser for later reference, much like marking a page in a book.

Boolean - Logical propositions, such as AND, OR and IF, often used to refine searches or filter computer data. Named after Boole, a 19th century.. English mathematician.

Boot - The process a PC goes through after it is switched on ? performing a quick self-test, loading Windows, and so on.

Boot disk - A disk containing the operating system components essential for getting a PC up and running. Usually, the boot disk is the computer's hard disk but in times of strife, a suitably-prepared floppy disk can be used to kick-start a PC.

Boot sector - Area of a disk containing instructions enabling a computer to launch an operating system (such as Windows). These instructions are executed every time the computer starts up.

Bps - Bits per second. Measure of computer data transmission speed. For example, a 56Kbps modem can receive up to 56,000 bits of computer data per second.

Broadband - Refers to high-bandwidth internet connections, such as ADSL.

Browse - Using a web browser application to look at websites on the net.

Browser - The short name for a web browser ? an application that lets you view pages on the internet. Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator are the two most popular browsers.

Brush - Image-editing tools offer a selection of brushes for 'painting' on the screen. Some act like thick marker pens while others create an aerosol-like effect.

Bubblejet - Canon's trademarked name for its own inkjet printing technology.

Buffer - A small amount of memory used as a reservoir for data that's provided (usually in spurts) from a source.

Burn-proof - Technology used by some CD-RW drives to ensure error-free and foolproof disc creation.

Bus - In computer terminology, a bus is the data path on the motherboard that devices use to communicate with the processor.

Bus mastering PCI - A technology which reduces the burden on the processor when transferring data to and from the hard disk and other devices.

Byte - a unit of computer storage that can hold a single character. 1024 bytes make a kilobyte, or 1Kb.
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