Glossary
load - To copy information from a storage device, such as a diskette or a hard disk drive,
into internal memory of the computer. Also called download
loop - A series of instructions or one instruction in a program that is repeated a prescribed
number of times, followed by a branch instruction that exits the program from the loop.
main directory - The primary directory of a diskette or a hard disk drive. Also called a
root directory.
math coprocessor - An auxiliary processing unit used to speed up the processing of
mathematical calculations.
MB - An abbreviation for megabyte; used to designate the memory capacity of a computer
or the storage capacity of a storage device.
megabyte - 1,024 kilobytes.
microprocessor - A central processing unit assembled on a single silicon integrated-
circuit chip.
modem - A device, separate from or installed in your computer, that allows it to use
telephone lines to communicate with other devices such as computers.
monitor - A view screen to which a computer sends graphics or text data you can see.
mouse - A device, manipulated by hand, that moves a cursor or pointer in the same
direction as the movement created when the mouse is moved.
multitasking - The concurrent execution of two or more programs.
10 Glossary