User's Manual

Glossary 205
backup
A copy of a program or data file. As a precaution, back up your computer's hard
drive on a regular basis. Before changing the configuration of your computer, back
up important start-up files from your operating system.
baud rate
A measurement of data transmission speed. For example, modems are designed
to transmit data at one or more specified baud rate(s) through the COM (serial)
port of a computer.
BGA
Abbreviation for Ball Grid Array, an IC package that uses an array of solder balls,
instead of pins, to connect to a PC board.
binary
A base-2 numbering system that uses 0 and 1 to represent information. The
computer performs operations based on the ordering and calculation of these
numbers.
BIOS
Acronym for basic input/output system. Your computer's BIOS contains programs
stored on a flash memory chip. The BIOS controls the following:
• Communications between the microprocessor and peripheral devices, such as
the keyboard and the video adapter
• Miscellaneous functions, such as system messages
bit
The smallest unit of information interpreted by your computer.
BMC
Abbreviation for baseboard management controller, which is a controller that
provides the intelligence in the IPMI structure.
boot routine
When you start your computer, it clears all memory, initializes devices, and loads
the operating system. Unless the operating system fails to respond, you can reboot
(also called
warm boot ) your computer by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>;
otherwise, you must perform a cold boot by pressing the reset button or by turning
off the computer and then turning it back on.