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vice-versa so that computers can communicate over
telephone lines.
Monitor
The high-resolution TV-like device that displays your
computer's output.
ms
Millisecond. A measurement of storage device access
time that equals one thousandth of a second.
MTBF
Mean time between failures. A measurement of
estimated equipment reliability. The higher the
MTBF, the longer the equipment should last. For
example, if the MTBF is 10,000 hours, the equipment
should run, on the average, at least 10,000 hours
before failing.
Network Adapter
An expansion card that connects a computer to other
computers on a network. The network adapter works
with the network OS to transfer information over the
network. See NIC.
NIC
Network Interface Controller. Also referred to as a
network adapter.
NiCad
Nickel cadmium. A chemical composition used in
certain rechargeable batteries.
NiMH
Nickel-metal hydride. A chemical composition used
in certain rechargeable batteries.
Node
In networking and communications, a node is any
computer or device attached to a network.
NVRAM
Non-volatile random-access memory (RAM). Memory
that does not lose its contents when you turn off your
computer. NVRAM is used for maintaining the
system configuration information such as date, time,
and other user-settable system setup options.
On-Board
Usually refers to components that are physically
located on a circuit board. For example, the system
boards of many present-day computers have
integrated video, sound, and/or network controllers.
OS
Operating system. The program that, after being
loaded initially into the computer at start-up,
manages all the other application programs in a
computer. The application programs use the OS by
making requests for services through an API. Often
the OS also allows direct interaction by the user.
oz
Ounce. A measurement of weight that equals 1/16 of
a lb.
Parallel Port
An I/O port on your computer that transfers data
eight bits at a time. It uses a 25-pin, female
subminiature-D connector, typically to connect a
printer. Also referred to as an LPT port.
PBX
Private branch exchange. A telephone system owned
and operated by a private organization rather than the
telephone company. This telephone system switches
calls between users in the organization on internal
lines while allowing users to share a certain number
of external phone lines. The main purpose of a PBX
is to save the cost of requiring a separate telephone
line for each user.
PC
Personal computer. Commonly used to describe an
IBM-compatible computer, as opposed to an Apple
Macintosh computer.