mainframe
computer
A high-level computer designed for the
most intensive computational tasks. Mainframe computers are
often shared by multiple users connected to the computer by
terminals.
macro
A macro is a list of actions to be performed that is saved
under a short key code or name. The software program can then
carry out the instructions of the macro whenever the user
calls on the macro by typing its short key code or specifying
the macro name. Macros can be created using the Record Macro
feature of a program or by writing them in Visual Basic for
Applications (VBA).
mass
storage
A generic term for disk, tape, or
optical disc storage of computer data. The name refers to the
large masses of data that can be stored (in comparison with
the capacity of computer memory or RAM).
MB,
megabyte
1,048,576 bytes (220),
though often interpreted as 1 million bytes.
media
The physical material, such as paper, disk and tape, used
for storing computer-based information. Media is
plural; medium is singular.
memory
Memory generally refers to
the fast semiconductor storage (RAM) directly connected to the
processor that is dependent on electrical power for
activation. Memory is often differentiated from computer
storage (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, CD-ROM disks) that is
not dependent on electricity and is therefore a more permanent
means for holding data.
memory
chip
An integrated circuit devoted to memory
storage. The memory storage can be volatile and hold
data temporarily, such as RAM, or nonvolatile and hold
data permanently, such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM or PROM.
microcomputer
A computer that is
built around a microprocessor. Less powerful than
minicomputers and mainframe computers, microcomputers have
nevertheless evolved into very powerful machines capable of
complex tasks. Technology has progressed so quickly that
state-of-the-art microcomputers are as powerful as mainframes
of only a few years ago, at a fraction of the cost.
microprocessor
A central processing
unit (CPU) on a single chip. A modern microprocessor can have
more than one million transistors in an integrated-circuit
package that is roughly one inch square. Microprocessors are
at the heart of all personal computers.
modem
A communications device that enables a computer to
transmit information over a standard telephone line. Because a
computer is digital (works with discrete electrical signals
representing binary numbers 1 and 0) and a telephone line is
analog (carries a signal that can have any of a large number
of variations), modems are needed to convert digital to analog
and vice versa. The term is short for MOdulator/DEModulator.
monitor
The device on which images
generated by the computer's video adapter are displayed. The
term usually refers to a video display and its housing. The
monitor is attached to the video adapter by a cable.
motherboard
The main circuit board
containing the primary components of a computer system. This
board contains the processor, main memory, support circuitry,
bus controller and connector. Other boards, including
expansion memory and input/output boards, may attach to the
motherboard via the bus connector.
MS-DOS
Acronym for Microsoft Disk
Operating System. A single-tasking, single-user operating
system with a command-line interface that was released in 1981
for IBM PCs and compatibles. MS-DOS, like other operating
systems, oversees operations such as disk input and output,
video support, keyboard control and many internal functions
related to program execution and file maintenance.
MS-DOS
shell
A shell environment based on a command
line prompt that allows a user to interact with MS-DOS or an
MS-DOS-emulating operating system.
