GLOSSARY
adapter. An auxiliary device or unit used to extend the
operation of another system.
ASCII. American Standard Code for Information
Interchange. The standard code, using a coded
character set consisting of 7-bit coded characters (8
bits including parity check), used for information
exchange between data processing systems, data
communication systems, and associated equipment. The
ASCII set consists of control characters and graphic
characters.
backup. Duplicating data from a fixed disk drive or
diskette to a diskette which ensures availability of data
in the event of loss or damage to the original.
BASIC. Beginner's all-purpose symbolic instruction
code. A programming language that uses common
English words.
basic input/output system (BIOS). The feature of the
IBM Personal Computer that provides the level control
of the major
II
0 devices, and relieves the programmer
from concern about hardware device characteristics.
binary synchronous communications (BSC). A uniform
procedure, using a standardized set of control
characters and control character sequences for
synchronous transmission of binary-coded data
between stations.
BIOS. Basic input/output system.
Glossary-!