Computer bidding, based on the provided definition, is an attempt to gain control over a line in order to transmit data. This process is typically associated with network environments where multiple devices or terminals share a single communication line using a method called contention.
In this context, when several terminals need to send data over the same line, they "bid" for control of that line. It's a competition among devices to get permission to transmit their information.
Understanding Computer Bidding in Networking
When we talk about "computer bidding" in the technical sense derived from the reference, we are primarily discussing a concept related to data communication and network access.
- What is a "Bid"? According to the reference, a bid is fundamentally "An attempt to gain control over a line in order to transmit data".
- Context: This usually occurs in a "contention" style of sharing. Contention happens when multiple devices try to access a shared resource (like a communication line) simultaneously.
- Why Bid? Because the line can only handle one transmission at a time, devices must "bid" or compete to use it. The mechanism of bidding ensures an orderly (though sometimes inefficient) way for devices to take turns or resolve conflicts when trying to send data.
- In Practice: This concept is foundational to understanding early networking protocols or certain types of shared bus architectures where access to the shared medium needs to be managed.
Think of it like multiple people wanting to talk on a single phone line – only one person can talk at a time. Computer bidding is the method computers use to decide who gets to "talk" (transmit data) on a shared line at any given moment.
Another Meaning of "Bid" (Vendor Proposal)
The reference also mentions a second definition of "bid": "A vendor's proposal to win a contract." While computers are heavily used in creating and submitting these proposals (hence possibly related to "computer bidding" in a broader business sense), this definition is about a business transaction rather than the technical process of gaining control of a communication line for data transmission.
| Context | Definition from Reference | Relation to "Computer Bidding" (based on the reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Data Transmission | An attempt to gain control over a line in order to transmit data | Directly relevant - describes a computer/network action |
| Business/Contracts | A vendor's proposal to win a contract | Related - Computers used in process, but not the core action described for "bidding" in the technical sense |
Therefore, based specifically on the provided reference connecting "bid" to transmitting data over a line, the primary meaning of "computer bidding" is related to network access contention.
