Bandwidth – In simple terms, bandwidth represents the speed at which data is transferred across a path (a network or the Internet). Technically speaking, it is the numerical difference between upper and lower frequencies of the electronic signal transmitted across a specific medium. In a digital system, bandwith is measured in bits per second (bps). A 56K modem can transfer data at a maximum bandwidth of 56 Kbps (Kilobits per second). Some data types require a higher bandwidth than others in order to transfer the information in the same amount of time. For example, picture and audio files require significantly higher bandwidth than text files.

Beta software – Software that is released by the manufacturer before the full and complete version is made available. It is used for testing purposes and to get feedback from the users on functionality. It can consist of many bugs and usually expires after a period of time.

Binary – A numbering scheme that contains only two digits: 1 and 0. It is represented by a digital switch that is set to either off (0) or on (1). At its lowest level, all data stored on a computer is represented by binary digits.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) - A small program that resides in a computer’s memory and is responsible for starting the computer. It also translates information passed between your OS (Operating System) and the computer's hardware devices such as hard drives, CD drives, video and audio cards.

Bit (Binary digit) –A single binary value is known as a bit and has a value of either 0 or 1.

Bitmap – A "map" that defines the colour for each bit in a particular display area.

Browser – A program that is used to access Internet sites. It interprets hypertext language and links and allows you to navigate from one Internet site to the next. Examples of browsers are Internet Explorer, and Netscape Navigator.

Buffer – A buffer is a holding area used to store data being transferred between software programs and/or hardware components that operate at different speeds. The buffer will allow both components to operate normally without having to wait for the other one. The effectiveness of a buffer is related to the amount of space allocated to it. Some applications will allow you to set the buffer size manually. Increasing these settings can improve the overall performance of the program. Be careful, these settings can also hinder other programs that may be running.

Bus - A bus is a data connection that joins a processor to memory and other components in the computer and to other buses.

Byte – A string of eight bits used as the basic unit of data in most computers. Most characters are represented by one byte. Bytes can also be linked together to form complex instructions for the system.