Data Recovery and Digital Storage Glossary

• Backup
  To copy files to a second medium (a disk or tape) as a precaution in case the first medium fails. One of the cardinal rules in using computers is back up your files regularly.
  
  Even the most reliable computer is apt to break down eventually. Many professionals recommend that you make two, or even three, backups of all your files. To be especially safe, you should keep one backup in a different location from the others. (More backup tips...)
  
  
• BIOS
  Basic Input/Output System. Your BIOS runs at startup, configures devices, and then boots the operating system. Because the BIOS is so integral to getting your computer started, it's stored on a separate ROM chip, not your hard drive, to isolate it from crashes.
  
  
• Bit
  Binary digit. A binary digit may have one of two values - 1 or 0. This contrasts with a decimal digit, which may have a value from 0 to 9. A bit is one of the logic 1 or logic 0 binary settings that make up a byte of data.
  
  
• Blue Book
  CD specification that describes the CD Extra (Enhanced CD) format.
  
  
• Bootable CD
  An ISO formatted CD specially configured with a boot record and operating system files that the computer can use as a startup volume.
  
  
• Buffer
  A buffer is a reserved segment of memory used to hold data while it is being processed. When a program is in use, buffers are created to hold a certain amount of data from each of the files that will be read or written to. A buffer can also be a small hardware memory bank used for special purposes.
  
  The buffering of data to a CD-R/RW drive is a vital component of the CD mastering process. Data to be written to the CD is stored in a temporary location before being sent to the CD-R/RW drive.
  
  
• Buffer Underrun
  A problem that may occur when writing CDs, especially on slower computers. The CD recorder requires a steady stream of data from the computer. If the stream is interrupted (for example, if the computer is sending files to the CD burner too slowly) and the recorder has used its buffer data, errors may occur. Some CD burners may have special technology to help prevent buffer underruns.