Backup
Taking a copy of important data from computer or server, usually onto secure media such as magnetic tape. Backups can be used to restore lost data
Bandwidth
The capacity of a communications channel, typically an internet connection. The bigger the bandwidth, the more information can be carried in one ‘chunk’
Beta Release
A piece of software that is not finished and thus not ready for general release. Generally software makers release BETA editions of software for high level end users to test and report bugs to them. Use BETA software at your own risk!
BIOS (Basic Input-Output System)
Contains general hardware configuration of the computer and also instructions for the POST (Power-on self test)
Bitmap
A file format used for storing images in an uncompressed format. The uncompressed nature of BMPs results in large file sizes
Blackberry
A brand of hand-held computer, developed by Research in Motion (RIM) that can send and receive e-mails, browse the Internet and make phone calls
Blog
A personal website or webpage maintained by the author in diary form. Articles are displayed in chronological order with the newest articles on the top of the front page and they often feature hyperlinks to other sites of interest to the author
Bluetooth
A wireless technology that allows information transfer between two or more devices in close proximity (approximately 10 metres). The technology is mainly used in mobile phone handsets
Bookmark
A shortcut to a URL stored on your computer for easy and quick access to your most visited websites
Broadband
A broad term used to describe the transmission of data over a high-speed link, usually via copper (ADSL) or fibre optics (Cable)
Bugs
The errors in a piece of software or web page that can result in strange or unexpected results
Burn
Slang term for writing data to a writeable CD or DVD disc
Byte
Smallest unit of measurement of computer data, one byte is roughly the same as one character of text
