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Glossary Glossary-11
memory
The place where data and instructions are stored for use by the processor. There are
several different types of memory that include the following:
❖ Random-access memory (RAM) is the space where programs and data are stored
as they are used.
❖ Read-only memory (ROM) is the space where data needed to run the computer is
stored. The computer can access but not change this data.
❖ Virtual memory is the use of hard disk file space to extend the capability of
random-access memory.
MHz
See megahertz.
microprocessor
An integrated circuit on the system board that contains the entire central processing
unit. May be considered the brain of the computer. The speed of a microprocessor is
measured in megahertz. See hertz, megahertz.
Microsoft
Internet
Explorer
A Web browser developed by the Microsoft Corporation; used to view hypertext
documents on intranet web sites as well as documents on the World Wide Web.
Microsoft
Windows
The family of GUI-based computer operating systems developed by the Microsoft
Corporation.
Microsoft
Windows
Explorer
A browser program used to access and view the contents of data storage drives
available to the computer.
MIDI
See Musical Instrument Digital Interface.
MIDI/Gameport
connector
A receptacle that accepts a gamepad, joystick, or similar device to permit more
realistic game play than is possible with a mouse or touchpad.
modem
(modulator/
demodulator)
A device that converts data from a digital to analog format at the originating
computer so that it can be transmitted over standard telephone lines. The modem at
the receiving end of the transmission then converts the data from analog back to
digital format so that the receiving computer can read it. See analog, digital.
motherboard
See system board.
Moving Picture
Experts Group
(MPEG)
A working group of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO),
responsible for generating data compression standards for digital video and audio
data. A family of standards used for coding audio-visual information (e.g., movies,
video, music) in a digital compressed format.