Glossary “B”

Background processing The automatic execution of lower priority (background) computer programs when higher priority (foreground) programs are not using the system resources. Backup Alternate facilities of programs, data files, hardware equipments, etc., that are used in case the original one is destroyed, lost, or fails to operate. Bandwidth The range of frequencies available for data transmission. The wider the bandwidth of a communications system, the more data it can transmit in a given period of time. Base The total number of digits (symbols) available to represent numbers in a positional number system. BASIC (Beginners All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) An easy-to-learn high-level interactive programming language frequently used with personal computers and in timesharing environments. Batch processing The running of several computer programs one after another without the need of a human operator to run each program individually. This is also known as staked job processing because several jobs are stacked together and processed in groups (batches) for efficient operation. Baud A unit for measuring data transmission speed. It is used to describe the capacity of a carrier. In general usage, baud is identical to bits per second. BCD (Binary Coded Decimal) One of the early coding systems used by computers which is based on the idea of converting each digit of a decimal number into its binary equivalent rather than converting the entire decimal value into a pure binary form. For example, the decimal number 42 is represented by 0100 0010 in 8-4-2-1 BCD notation. Binary A characteristic or property involving a selection, choice, or condition in which there are two possibilities. Binary number system A number system with a base of two. It consists of two digits 0 and 1. Bit Acronym for binary digit, which stands for one binary piece of information. This can be both 0 and 1. Block A group of related items (records, characteristics, etc.) handled as a unit during input and output. A section of program coding treated as a unit. Blocking Factor The number of logical records in a physical record. Boolean algebra An algebra that deals with logical propositions, which are either true or false, and to simplify such propositions. This algebra is suitable for use with binary number system and is very useful in designing logic circuits used by the processors of computer systems. Boolean function A mathematical function in Boolean algebra. For example, w= x+y.z Boolean variable A variable used in Boolean algebra. It can assume a value true or false. Branch statement An instruction that transfers program control to one or more possible paths. Broadband channel The fastest carriers, which have data, transfer rates from 1 million baud (bits per second) or more. These data communication systems handle high volumes of data and are used for high-speed computer-to-computer communication or simultaneous transmission of data to several different devices. Buffer A small storage area used to store information on a temporary bases for compensating the difference in rates of flow of data between various computer devices. For example when data flows from an I/O device to the CPU, it passes through a buffer. Bug An error in a computer program. Bus Circuits that provide a communication path between two or more devices of a digital computer system. For example, the path between a CPU, storage, and peripherals. Byte A fixed number of adjacent bits that represent a particular character of symbol. Normally a byte consists of eight bits.