|
Background
|
Part
of the Macintosh's multitasking capability. A
program in the background continues to operate
while you are working in another
program.
|
|
Backup
|
A
copy of a file or disk that you make for archiving
purposes or for safety in case the original is
damaged or lost.
|
|
Balloon
Help
|
System
7's method of on-line help.
|
|
Baud
Rate
|
An
expression of the data transfer speed of a modem;
it is usually (and incorrectly) defined in bits per
second, such as 14,000 baud or 28,800 baud. An
expression of the data transfer speed of a
modem.
|
|
BBS
|
Acronym
for bulletin board system - akin to an on-line
service reachable by modem, but often run locally
by an individual. You can use it to exchange
messages or files with other users
|
|
Beta
Testing
|
The
process of testing software or hardware for bugs
and other problems before final release.
|
|
Bezier
curves
|
In
drawing programs the lines that are generated by
mathematical computation. They consist of four
control points to allow for precise
manipulation.
|
|
Binary
|
A
number system used by computers. Base two. Not base
ten that people use.
|
|
Bit
|
The
smallest piece of computer information. In computer
language a zero or a one.
|
|
Bit
map
|
An
image that the computer stores as a specific
arrangement of screen dots.
|
|
Bit
mapped font
|
A
font in which the computer stores each character as
a specific arrangement of individual screen dots,
used most often for screen display.
|
|
Bomb
|
A
system crash, or a bomb-shaped signal that appears
on the screen to let you know a crash has
occurred.
|
|
Boot
|
To
start a computer.
|
|
BPS
|
Bits
per second. The true measurement of a modems
speed.
|
|
Browse
|
In
ClarisWorks™ database the browse mode is the
mode (or window) where you enter information into
fields in a database.
|
|
Browser
|
A
browser is a program that you use to view the web.
There are several different browsers on the market.
The two biggest are Netscape and Internet Explorer.
Most browsers see sites the same way. But not all
browsers support all types of programming
languages.
|
|
Bug
|
A
programming mistake that causes a program to behave
in some unexpected way.
|
|
Bus
|
An
electronic pathway through which data is
transmitted between components on a
computer.
|
|
Button
|
On
your Mac screen. A small rectangle, circle or oval
you click to activate a command or make a
selection.
|
|
Byte
|
A
piece of computer information made up of eight
bits. See Bit.
|
|
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|
