Microprocessor

A small version of a CPU contained on one semiconductor chip. See also CPU.

Modem

A device that allows a computer to transmit signals over telephone lines so it can send and receive data. Modem stands for MOdulator/DEModulator.

Monitor

The piece of hardware that contains the screen and displays information.

Monochrome monitor

A monitor that displays in only one color, such as green or amber, as opposed to a color monitor which can display in multiple colors.

Mouse

A hand-held pointing device with one or more buttons. When you slide the mouse over a flat surface in a certain direction, the cursor moves in the same direction on the screen.

MS-DOS

Microsoft Disk Operating System. The operating system most commonly used with your computer. See also Operating system.

Network server

The master computer in a network which provides storage space for the other computers connected to it. The network server can write files to and read files from the other computers in the network.

12Glossary