Machine
Language - The code that a computer can understand.
Macro Virus - Infects
documents such as ones created with a word processor or spreadsheets. A
macro is a small program that contains instructions to automate document
production.
Mainframe - Used to describe the central
computer that serves data to nodes or terminals.
Malware - Malicious Software. See virus.
MARS - Multicast Address Resolution
Services
Map Drive - As it applies to networking,
this word refers to "pointing" to a drive that gives the user rights or privileges to
some or all of the data contained therein. Once mapped, the drive will function
just as if was on the local computer. The owner of the drive must "share" the
drive in order to be mapped. In Windows XP, right click on "my computer" then
click on "Map Network Drive" to begin the process. To stop the mapped drive,
right click on "my computer" then click on "Disconnect Network Drive" to stop
the mapped process. See mapping below.
Mapping - This term refers to a network
assignment of a drive. See Map Drive.
MB - Mega Byte. See byte.
MBPS - Mega Bytes Per Second. Used to
measure data transfer speed.
MBR - Master Boot Record.
Medium - The actual hardware on which data
is stored. CD's , Floppies, Hard Drives, and RAM are some examples.
Mega - Abbreviation for one million.
Megahertz - Millions of cycles per second.
This is a measure of how fast a cpu operates. Abbreviated Mhz.
Here is a
good article about CPU performance and explains mhz in more detail.
Menu - A list of functions or commands
that a user can choose from.
Micro - Abbreviation for one millionth.
Also means small.
MIDI - Musical Interface Device.
Milli - Abbreviation for one thousandth.
Millisecond - One thousand of a second.
Mirrored Drives - Two hard drives that
simultaneously write the same data. This is done where data backup is crucial.
In the event one hard drive fails, the other one serves as the backup. See also
RAID.
Modem - An acronym for MOdulator /
DEModulator. The modem is a device that will connect a computer to the
internet over regular telephone lines. Also used in FAX machines and other
various electronics devices.
Modify - To alter a file from its original
state.
Monitor - The video screen on which
computer video output is displayed.
Moore's Law - Intel co-founder Gordon
Moore predicted in 1965 that the number of transistors on a microchip would
double every two years. This observation became known as Moore's Law.
MOS - Metal Oxide Semiconductor.
MOSFET - Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field
Effect Transistor.
Motherboard - This term refers to the main
circuit board in a pc.
Here is
basic information about motherboards.
MRAM - magnetoresistive random-access memory. A new type of 'universal' memory that
retains information by magnetism. Very fast and does not degrade unlike flash
memory. Retains information in the absence of electricity. The possibility of
turning on your computer with no boot up process is just around the corner with
this emerging technology.
Multimeter - A tool used to measure amps,
volts and ohms.
Multitasking - Doing more than one task at
a time. This can apply to software (user input) and hardware (pc operations).
Mute - Silent.
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