main memory – the minimum recommendation for Windows programs. You can insert extra memory. (Visit the following website for more information: www.compaq.com/my presario).
See also RAM. See also byte.
microprocessor A silicon chip inside your computer that processes the instructions and data from input devices (such as the keyboard and mouse) and communicates them to output devices (such as the monitor, speakers, and printer).
Microsoft Internet Explorer A Web browser developed by the Microsoft Corporation. See browser.
Microsoft Windows The most popular computer operating system in the world. It is characterised by the use of windows and icons. Each running program and open file has its own window. Instead of memorising commands, you click icons to communicate with the computer. Clicking the minimise button shrinks a program to an icon on the taskbar. Clicking the icon redisplays the program as a window. You can have several windows open at the same time and toggle from one to another by using Alt+Tab. (Press and hold down the Alt key, press the Tab key, and then release both keys. A palette with an icon for each program is displayed. Click the icon for the program you want.)
MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) (pronounced middy). An
interface that allows the computer to record sounds created by a synthesiser and
GLOSSARY-8
then manipulate the data to produce new sounds, such as changing the key of a composition. See also interface. See also digital.
MIDI connector A connector on the back of the computer for plugging in a synthesiser keyboard.
MIDI format A file format used to store electronic music sounds. It can be identified by the file extension .mid. A sound card that supports MIDI files allows the computer to generate the synthesised musical sounds found in games,
minimize To shrink a running program window into an icon on the Windows taskbar. Click the icon to restore the program window. See Microsoft Windows.
modem A device in the computer that converts data from digital format to analogue format so that it can be transferred through a standard telephone line to another computer. The modem in the receiving computer converts the data back to digital format. See digital.
mouse A device that you move across the top of your desk (or a mousepad) to move the pointer or cursor on the screen. Click to select an item,
mouse pointer The arrow on the screen that moves with the mouse.
MP3 The file extension for MPEG, audio layer 3, sound files. This format compresses sound data from a stereo music
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