Glossary

modem: Derived from modulator/demodulator, a device that converts (modulates) digital data for transmission over telephone lines and then converts modulated data (demodulates) to digital format where received.

monitor: A device that uses rows and columns of pixels to display alphanumeric characters or graphic images. See CRT.

motherboard: A name sometimes used to refer to the main printed circuit board in processing equipment. It usually contains integrated circuits that perform the processor’s basic functions and provides connectors for adding other boards that perform special functions. Sometimes called a main board.

MPEG: Moving picture coding expert group is an industry standard architecture for compression of video signals.

MP3: An audio compression standard that enables high-quality transmission and real-time playback of sound files.

N

non-system disk: A formatted diskette (floppy disk) you can use to store programs and data but you cannot use to start the computer. See system disk.

non-volatile memory: Memory, usually read-only (ROM), that is capable of permanently storing information. Turning the computer’s power off does not alter data stored in non-volatile memory.

numeric keypad overlay: A feature that allows you to use certain keys on the keyboard to perform numeric entry, or to control cursor and page movement.

O

OCR: Optical Character Recognition (reader). A technique or device that uses laser or visible light to identify characters and input them into a storage device.

OCR wand: A device that reads, using an optical device, hand written or machine printed symbols into a computer. See also OCR.

on-line state: A functional state of a peripheral device when it is ready to receive or transmit data.

operating system: A group of programs that controls the basic operation of a computer. Operating system functions include interpreting programs, creating data files, and controlling the transmission and receipt (input/output) of data to and from memory and peripheral devices.

output: The results of a computer operation. Output commonly indicates data 1) printed on paper, 2) displayed at a terminal, 3) sent through the serial port of internal modem, or 4) stored on some magnetic media.

Satellite A30 Series

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