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macro: A named sequence of instructions within a programming language or application.
A macro may be predefined in the language or application, or you may define
your own macros for procedures you use frequently. The macro name enables
you to call up the sequence of instructions when you need them.
main board: See motherboard.
math coprocessor: A special processor that performs arithmetic calculations on
exponential numbers. Since a computer's main processor calculates with
integers, a math coprocessor can greatly improve system speed if you work
with large spreadsheets or some graphics programs. Some processor chips
include a built-in math coprocessor.
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.
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