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168 Glossary
MHz — megahertz — A measure of frequency that equals 1 million cycles per second.
The speeds for computer processors, buses, and interfaces are often measured in MHz.
Mini PCI — A standard for integrated peripherals with an emphasis on
communications such as such as modems and NICs. Mini PCI is a small card that is
functionally equivalent to a standard PCI expansion card.
modem — A device that allows your computer to communicate with other computers
over analog telephone lines. Three types of modems include: external, PC Card or
ExpressCard, and internal. You typically use your modem to connect to the Internet
and exchange e-mail.
module bay — A bay that supports devices such as optical drives.
monitor — The high-resolution TV-like device that displays computer output.
mouse — A pointing device that controls the movement of the cursor on your screen.
Typically you roll the mouse over a hard, flat surface to move the pointer or cursor on
your screen.
ms — millisecond — A measure of time that equals one thousandth of a second.
Access times of storage devices are often measured in ms.
N
network adapter — A chip that provides network capabilities. A computer may
include a network adapter on its system board, or it may contain an PC Card with an
adapter on it. A network adapter is also referred to as a NIC (network interface
controller).
NIC — See network adapter.
notification area — The section of the Windows taskbar that contains icons for
providing quick access to programs and computer functions, such as the clock, volume
control, and print status. Also referred to as system tray.
ns — nanosecond — A measure of time that equals one billionth of a second.
NVRAM — nonvolatile random access memory — A type of memory that stores data
when the computer is turned off or loses its external power source. NVRAM is used for
maintaining computer configuration information such as date, time, and other system
setup options that you can set.
O
optical drive — A drive that uses optical technology to read or write data from CDs,
DVDs, or DVD+RWs. Example of optical drives include CD drives, DVD drives,
CD-RW drives, and CD-RW/DVD combo drives.
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