User manual

Glossary
Below is a list of terms with notes on their meaning in the context
of this manual.
16-bit The number of bits of information which can be
dealt with by the hardware at one time.
application A particular set of tasks, or a program designed
to carry them out.
backup Copy information for safekeeping, normally from
one disk to another.
baud rate The rate of information transmission through a
serial interface.
BIOS Basic Input Output System - the interface
software between the hardware and the
operating system.
bus A component which carries signals from one part
of the notebook to another (see also PCI and local
bus).
cache memory High speed RAM hardware which speeds up
memory operations. Newer models have cache
internally in the CPU.
CD-ROM drive A compact disc providing read only information.
chip A flake of crystalline silicon (enclosed in a casing
with metal pins) on which circuits are engraved to
carry, store or process electrical signals
representing data within the notebook.
CMOS CMOS memory (Complementary Metal Oxide
Semiconductor) stores the system parameters,
such as the number and types of disk drives,
options for password protection and other special
features.
compatibility The ability of a notebook or item of hardware to
deal with information or hardware produced for