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Epson 486SX User Manual

Page 206

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Automatic speed

The feature that enables the computer to switch automatically

from high speed to low speed when accessing a diskette drive.

Backup

An extra copy of a program, data file, or disk, that is created in

the event your working copy is damaged or lost.

Base memory

The memory in the computer below 1MB that is available to

MS-DOS and application programs-usually 640KB. Also

called conventional memory or main memory.

Batch file

A type of file that lets you execute a series of commands by

typing one command. In MS-DOS, batch files are text files with

the filename extension .BAT. In a batch file, each command is

entered on a separate line. When you type the filename,

MS-DOS executes all the commands in that file sequentially.

BIOS

Basic Input/Output System. Routines in ROM (Read Only

Memory) that handle basic input/output functions of the

operating system.

Bit

A binary digit (0 or 1). The smallest unit of computer storage.

The value of a bit represents the presence (1) or absence (0) of

an electric charge.

Boot

To load the operating system into the computer’s memory.

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Glossary