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Octet A traditional term for each of the four 8-bit numbers that make up an IP address. For example, the IP address 206.96.103.114 has four octets.

ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) A standard promulgated by Microsoft that allows databases created by various database management programs-such as DBASE, Microsoft Access, Microsoft FoxPro, and Oracle to be accessed using a common interface independent of the database file format. By relying on ODBC, one can write an application that uses the same code to read records from a DBASE file or a FoxPro file. Internally, ODBC drivers use a form of SQL to carry out database operations. See also SQL and WOSA.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) A company which develops, produces and sells computer and consumer hardware.

Ohms The standard unit of measurement for electrical resistance. Resistors are rated in ohms.

OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) An industry-standard method for inserting an object into a document. The document retains a connection, or link, with its original program so that double-clicking on the object in the document opens the object's original program. See also DLL.

On-board BIOS Basic input /output system services found on a supporting circuit board such as a controller card.

Online/Offline When connected to another computer via modem and telephone lines, a modem is said to be online. When disconnected, it is offline.

Operating system Programs that control the computer's input and output operations, such as saving files and managing memory. MS-DOS, Windows, Windows XP, OS/2, Mac OS, and Unix are operating systems.

Operating system format A high-level format. See High-level format.

OS (Operating System) The software controlling the overall operation of a multipurpose computer system, including such tasks as memory allocation, input and output distribution, interrupt processing, and job scheduling.

Oscilloscope A test instrument that displays electronic signals (waves and pulses) on a screen. It creates its own time base against which signals can be measured, and display frames can be frozen for visual inspection.

OSI (Open System Interconnect) A seven-layer (Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Data Link, Physical) model of communications supported by a network. Refers to software and firmware only.

OSR (OEM Service Release) A version of Windows 95 incorporating bug fixes and new functionality released to PC vendors for bundling with new PCs. Not available as an upgrade to older versions of Windows 95..

OS/2 (Operating System/2) An operating system developed by IBM and Microsoft for use with Intel's microprocessors. Unlike its predecessor, DOS, OS/2 is a multitasking operating system. This means many programs can run at the same time.

OS/2 Extended Edition IBM's proprietary version of OS/2; it includes built-in communications and database-management facilities.

Out-of-band signaling The type of signaling used by hardware flow control, which sends a message to pause transmission by using channels (or bands) not used for data.