Buffers.What are they?

[CorvetteDude427]

So I've just started learning to work with C++ I/O streams and I came across the term 'buffer'. The book I've been reading doesn't do a very good job of explaining what it is, so a good, thorough (and maybe even dumbed-down) explanation would be MUCH appreciated!

[TarikNeaj]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=c%2B%2B+buffer

[obscure]

http://www.cplusplus.com/forum/beginner/2503/