M
main board: See motherboard.
megabyte (MB): A unit of data storage equal to 1024 kilobytes. See also
megahertz: A unit of wave frequency that equals 1 million cycles per
menu: A software interface that displays a list of options on the screen.
microprocessor: A hardware component contained in a single integrated
mode: A method of operation, for example, the boot mode, Standby Mode
modem: Derived from modulator/demodulator, a device that converts
monitor: A device that uses rows and columns of pixels to display
motherboard: A name sometimes used to refer to the main printed circuit
MP3: An audio compression standard that enables high-quality
N
non-system disk: A formatted floppy disk you can use to store programs
nonvolatile memory: Memory, usually read-only (ROM), that is capable of
numeric keypad overlay: A feature that allows you to use certain keys on
O
OCR: Optical Character Recognition (reader). A technique or device that
online state: A functional state of a peripheral device when it is ready to
User's Manual
kilobyte.
second. See also hertz.
Also called a screen.
circuit that carries out instructions. Also called the central
processing unit (CPU), one of the main parts of the computer.
or the Hibernation Mode.
(modulates) digital data for transmission over telephone lines and
then converts modulated data (demodulates) to digital format where
received.
alphanumeric characters or graphic images. See also CRT.
board in processing equipment. It usually contains integrated
circuits that perform the processor's basic functions and provides
connectors for adding other boards that perform special functions.
Sometimes called a main board.
transmission and real-time playback of sound files.
and data but you cannot use to start the computer. See system disk.
permanently storing information. Turning the computer's power off
does not alter data stored in nonvolatile memory.
the keyboard to perform numeric entry, or to control cursor and page
movement.
uses laser or visible light to identify characters and input them into a
storage device.
receive or transmit data.
Glossary
Glossary-9