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M
main memory Physical memory chips (RAM) inside the computer. Every pro- gramme you launch and every file you open must be copied from a storage disk, disc, or diskette into main memory. The amount of main memory in your computer determines how many programmes you can run and how much data you can proc- ess at one time. Memory is measured in megabytes (1 million bytes or characters) of information. Most personal computers come with a minimum of 32 megabytes of main
See 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,
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 programme 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 programme to an icon on the taskbar. Clicking the icon redisplays the programme 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 programme is displayed. Click the icon for the programme you want.)
MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) (pronounced middy).
An interface that allows the computer to record sounds created by a synthesiser and then manipulate the data to produce new sounds, such as changing the key of a composition. See 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,
minimise To shrink a running programme window into an icon on the Windows taskbar. Click the icon to restore the programme window.
See Microsoft Windows.
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