| Glossary of Terms |
| All Numbers A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
M
magnetic disk
(See "disk".)
magnetically shielded
The magnets on a device are protected to prevent interference with other devices, such as a monitor.
mailbox
A disk storage area assigned to a network user for receipt of electronic mail messages.
mass storage
A generic term for disk or tape storage of computer data, so called for the large masses of data that can be stored in comparison with computer memory capacity. Optical disk storage is also a form of mass storage.
Massively Parallel Processor (MPP)
A machine which combines many processors working as one unit to provide very high processing power. These machines are needed by software systems which handle large amounts of information, such as data warehousing, networked multi-media, OLTP or CFD.
maximum resolution
The highest quality of output a device can display.
maximum viewing area
The actual maximum viewing area is dependent upon the size of the plastic or bezel around the CRT. Typically, the maximum possible for a "17-inch monitor" is actually 14.75 inches plus or minus � inch. In other words, plus or minus 0.25 inches at the ends of the diagonal measurement.
MB
(See " megabyte (MB)".)
MCA
(See "Micro Channel Architecture (MCA)".)
MDRAM
(See "Multibank Dynamic Random Memory (MDRAM)".)
Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF)
A statistically derived measure of the probable time a device will operate before a hardware failure occurs.
media
A collective word for the physical material, such as paper, disk, and tape, used for storing computer-based information.
megabyte (MB)
A unit of measurement. One megabyte is 1,048,476 bytes.
megahertz (MHz)
A measure of frequency equivalent to 1 million cycles per second.
memory
Circuitry that allows information to be stored and retrieved. In the most general sense, memory can refer to external systems such as disk drives or tape drives; in common usage, it refers only to the fast semiconductor storage (RAM) directly connected to the processor.
menu
A list of options from which a program user can select in order to perform a desired action, such as choosing a command or applying a particular format to part of a document.
message
In communications, a unit of information transmitted electronically from one device to another. A message can be routed directly from sender to receiver through a physical link, or it can be passed, either in whole or in parts, through a switching system that routes it from one intermediate station to another. In software, a piece of information passed from the application or operating system to the user to suggest an action, indicate a condition or inform that an event has occurred.
message queue
An ordered line of messages awaiting transmission, from which they are taken up on a first-in, first-out basis.
message server
A server on the Internet that stores and forwards messages.
MFM
(See "Modified Frequency Encoding (MFM)".)
MHz
(See "megahertz (MHz)".)
Micro Channel Architecture (MCA)
The design of the bus in IBM PS/2 computers (except Models 25 and 30). The Micro Channel is electronically and physically incompatible with the IBM PC/AT bus. Unlike the PC/AT bus, the Micro Channel functions as either a 16-bit or a 32-bit bus. The Micro Channel also can be driven independently by multiple bus master processors.
microcode
The logic built into a processing chip.
microcomputer
Any small computer using a microprocessor as its CPU. In business computing, a PC; in this context, the term is used in contrast to mainframe or mini.
microkernal
A small sub-unit of an operating system which can be joined with others to form a complete operating system. This allows flexibility in operating system configuration.
microprocessor
A central processing unit (CPU) on a single chip. Microprocessors are at the heart of all personal computers. When memory and power are added to a microprocessor, all the pieces—excluding peripherals—required for a computer are present.
microsecond
One-millionth of a second.
Microsoft Encarta 96
Encyclopedia software that contains 26,000 articles, 8000 photos and illustrations, 100 animations and video clips, 800 detailed maps and almost 10 hours of audio.
Microsoft Money
Software that allows users to take control of their finances with on-line banking services and check printing from their PC. Also lets them compare loans, track investments and update their security portfolio.
Microsoft Natural Keyboard™
Keyboard characterized by a split, sloped key arrangement, a built-in palm rest and an ergonomic design.
Microsoft Office Professional 95
Microsoft software that lets users find statistical information in Access®, draft a report in Word, create a chart in Excel, route the report to co-workers via Mail and then turn it into a slide presentation with PowerPoint®--all from the same screen.
Microsoft Publisher
This software includes detailed, step-by-step instructions for brochures, newsletters, fliers, business cards, Web sites and more. Includes clip art, fonts, borders, templates and special effects.
Microsoft Windows® 95
The latest Microsoft operating system. Windows 95 is characterized by an easy-to-use interface, long filenames and one-click access to programs and documents. Allows the user to run multiple programs or perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Provides direct access to e-mail, faxes and the Internet via Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft Network.
Microsoft Word
Software designed for word processing. Includes Spell It, Answer Wizard and AutoFormat. Ideal for composing letters and proposals.
Microsoft Works 4.0
Software that enables users to create documents, letters, address books, spreadsheets, charts, illustrations and databases.
Microsoft Works 4.0 Multimedia Edition
Software that provides all the advantages of MS Works. Gives users access to Encarta, Bookshelf and "show me" movies demonstrating a variety of software functions.
Microsoft® Bookshelf
Software that features seven best-selling reference books.
Millions of Instructions Per Second (MPS)
A measure of the speed of a computer. Unfortunately, each manufacturer uses the interpretation of this Benchmark which favors his own product, making it difficult to assess the true performance of his machine.
Millisecond (Ms or Msec.)
One thousandth of a second.
MIPS
(See "Millions of Instructions Per Second (MIPS)".)
mode
The operational state of a system or a program.
modem (MOdulate/DEModulate)
A communications driver that enables a computer to transmit information over a standard telephone line. Because a computer is digital (works with discrete electrical signals representing binary 1 and binary 0) and a telephone line is analog (carries a signal that can have any of a large number of variations), modems are needed to convert digital to analog and vice versa.
Modified Frequency Encoding (MFM)
A widely used method of storing data on disks. MFM encoding is based on earlier technique called frequency modulation encoding, but improves on its efficiency by reducing the need for synchronizing information and by basing the magnetic coding of each bit on the status of the previously recorded bit.
module
A collection of routines and data structures that performs a particular task or implements a particular abstract data type. Modules usually consist of two parts: an interface, which lists the constants, data types, variables, and routines that can be accessed by other modules or routines; and an implementation, with is private (accessible only to the module) and which contains the source code that actually implements the routines in the module.
moire
A wavy distortion pattern caused by the interference between the dot pitch of the CRT and the picture signal. This distortion pattern may vary depending on the pattern, screen amplitude, contrast, brightness and other characteristics of the input signal.
Money 3.0
(See "Microsoft Money".)
monitor
The device on which images generated by the computer�s video adapter are displayed. The term monitor usually refers to a video display and its housing. The monitor is attached to the video adapter by a cable.
monochrome
In reference to computers, a term applied to a monitor that displays images in only one color. see monochrome display.
monochrome display
A video display capable of rendering only one color. The color displayed depends on the phosphor of the display (often green or amber). The term refers to a display capable of rendering a range of intensities in only one color, as in a gray-scale monitor.
motherboard
The main circuit board containing the primary components of a computer system. This board contains the processor, main memory, support circuitry, and bus controller and connector. Other boards, including expansion memory and input/output boards, may attach to the motherboard via the bus connector.
mouse
A small hand-held device that a user can move across a surface to control positioning of the cursor on the screen or to select menu options. The basic features of a mouse are a casing with a flat bottom, designed to be gripped by one hand; one or more buttons on the top; a multidirectional detection device (usually a ball) on the bottom; and a cable connecting the mouse to the computer.
mouse pointer
An on-screen element whose location changes as the user moves the mouse.
MPR-II
Swedish standard that defines both the electrical and magnetic frequencies.
Ms or Msec.
(See "Millisecond (Ms or Msec.)".)
MS-DOS
Microsoft's DOS
MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure)
(See "Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF)".)
Multibank Dynamic Random Memory (MDRAM)
A memory chip used on video boards that can access several memory banks at one time. It has a short access time and a high bandwidth.
multimedia
The combination of sound, graphics, animation and video.
multimedia kit
A collection of a CD-ROM, sound card and speakers. Some kits also include a microphone and subwoofers.
multiplexor
A device for combining several transmissions onto one telephone line for transmission to the other end of line where a further Multiplexor splits them up again, and routes them to their destinations.
multiport repeater
A repeater, used to connect up to eight ThinWire Ethernet segments.
multiprocessing
A mode of operation in which two or more connected and roughly equal processing units each carry out one or more processes.
multitasking
A mode of operation offered by an operating system in which a computer works on more than one task at a time.
Music Integration Digital Interface (MIDI)
System for coordinating and controlling music-related devices such as sequencers, synthesizers, drum machines, keyboards and lights, and allowing them to communicate with one another in real time, often with a computer acting as the main controller.
Several glossary definitions supplied and copyrighted by:
Microsoft® Corporation. To order the Microsoft Press Computer Dictionary, call Microsoft Press at 800-MSPRESS.
MDA Computing Ltd. For MDA Computing�s complete glossary of terms, go to www.mdagroup.com.
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