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Glossary
load—To move information from a storage device (such as a
hard disk) into memory for processing.
local area network—See LAN.
logical drive—A section of a disk that is recognized by the
operating system as a separate disk drive. A system’s logical
drives may differ from its physical drives. For example, a
single hard disk drive may be partitioned into two or more
logical drives.
M
memory—Typically refers to the computer’s main memory,
where programs are run and data is temporarily stored and
processed. Memory can be volatile and hold data
temporarily, such as RAM, or it can be nonvolatile and hold
data permanently, such as ROM. A computer’s main
memory is RAM. See also RAM, ROM.
microprocessor—See Central Processing Unit (CPU).
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)—A standard
for connecting musical instruments, synthesizers, and
computers. The MIDI standard provides a way of translating
music into a form computers can use, and vice versa.
motherboard—The computer’s main circuit board that
contains the processor, memory, and other primary
components.
MS-DOS prompt—See system prompt.
multi-function drive—A DVD drive that can read and write to
CD and DVD media.
multimedia—A combination of two or more media, such as
sound, animation, and video in a computer program or
presentation.
Musical Instrument Digital Interface—See MIDI.
N
network—A collection of computers and associated devices
that are connected by communications facilities. A network
allows you to share data and peripheral devices, such as
printers, with other users and to exchange electronic mail.