Operating instructions

buffer Electronic storage, usually DRAM, that holds data moving between
two devices. Buffers are used in situations where one device may send or receive
data faster or slower than the other device with which it is in communication.
buffer underrun The inability of a source device to provide a CD-burner with
a constant stream of data while burning a CD-R or CD-RW.
bug A programming error that causes a program or a computer system to
perform erratically, produce incorrect results, or crash. The term was coined
when a real bug was found in one of the circuits of one of the first ENIAC
computers.
burn The process of writing data to a writable CD or DVD.
bus A series of wires connecting two or more separate electronic devices,
enabling those devices to communicate.
bus topology A configuration wherein all computers connect to the network
via a central bus cable.
byte A unit of eight bits, the fundamental data unit of personal computers.
Storing the equivalent of one character, the byte is also the basic unit of mea-
surement for computer storage.
CAB files Short for cabinet files. These files are compressed and most com-
monly used during OS installation to store many smaller files, such as device
drivers.
cable modem A network device that enables a PC to connect to the Internet
using RG-6 coaxial cabling (i.e., the same coax used for cable television). Capa
-
ble of download speeds up to 1.5 megabits per second.
cable tester Device that tests the continuity of cables. Some testers also test
for electrical shorts, crossed wires, or other electrical characteristics.
cache (disk) A special area of RAM that stores the data most frequently
accessed from the hard drive. Cache memory can optimize the use of your
systems.
cache memory A special section of fast memory, usually built into the
CPU, used by the onboard logic to store information most frequently ac
-
cessed from RAM.
Passport / Mike Meyers‘ A+ Certification Passport / Meyers / 226308-3 / Glossary
12 MIKE MEYERS’ A+ CERTIFICATION PASSPORT
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