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megabyte (MB): A unit of data storage equal to 1024 KB. Although
mega means million, one megabyte is actually 1,048,576 bytes
(1024 x 1024 bytes).
memory: Chips the computer uses for temporary information storage.
Information in memory is available to the computer for processing.
Two types of memory are Random Access Memory (RAM) and
Read-Only Memory (ROM). See Random Access Memory and
Read-Only Memory.
menu: A list of options on the screen, from which you can choose.
microphone: An input device that converts sound into electronic signals
that can be recorded or amplified.
microprocessor: A single integrated circuit ("chip") that executes
instructions, and monitors and controls functions. One such chip
forms the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer.
MIPS (Millions of Instructions Per Second): A means of measuring a
computer processor's performance.
mode: An operational state or method of operation, for example, Sleep
Mode.
modem: A device for transmitting computer information over telephone
lines. A modem converts (modulates) digital information for
transmission and also converts (demodulates) information it
receives back to digital format. Many modems also interpret and
execute commands received from the computer.
monitor: An external device that uses rows and columns of pixels to
display alphanumeric characters or graphical images. A cathode ray
tube (CRT) is a common type of monitor.
motherboard: The main printed circuit board in the computer. It contains
the processor chip, memory, and other major system components.
Sometimes called the main board.
MPC (Multimedia PC): A specification developed by Tandy and
Microsoft for the minimum platform capable of running multimedia
software. PCs carrying the MPC logo can run any software that also
displays the MPC logo.
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Glossary
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