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Glossary-10
GLOSSARY
N
non-system disk: A formatted diskette
(floppy disk) you can use to store
programs and data but you cannot use
to start the computer. See system disk.
nonvolatile memory: Memory, usually
read-only (ROM), that is capable of
permanently storing information.
Turning the computer’s power off
does not alter data stored in nonvola-
tile memory.
numeric keypad overlay: A feature
that allows you to use certain keys on
the keyboard to perform numeric entry,
or to control cursor and page move-
ment.
O
OCR: Optical Character Recognition
(reader). A technique or device that
uses laser or visible light to identify
characters and input them into a
storage device.
online state: A functional state of a
peripheral device when it is ready to
receive or transmit data.
operating system: A group of
programs that controls the basic
operation of a computer. Operating
system functions include interpreting
programs, creating data files, and
controlling the transmission and
receipt (input/output) of data to and
from memory and peripheral devices.
microprocessor
microprocessor: A hardware compo-
nent contained in a single integrated
circuit that carries out instructions.
Also called the central processing unit
(CPU), one of the main parts of the
computer.
mode: A method of operation, for
example, the boot mode, standby mode
or the hibernation mode.
modem: Derived from modulator/
demodulator, a device that converts
(modulates) digital data for transmis-
sion over telephone lines and then
converts modulated data (demodu-
lates) to digital format where received.
monitor: A device that uses rows and
columns of pixels to display alphanu-
meric characters or graphic images.
See also CRT.
motherboard: A name sometimes
used to refer to the main printed circuit
board in processing equipment. It
usually contains integrated circuits
that perform the processor’s basic
functions and provides connectors for
adding other boards that perform
special functions. Sometimes called a
main board.
MP3: An audio compression standard
that enables high-quality transmission
and real-time playback of sound files.