microprocessor
GLOSSARY
microprocessor: A hardware compo- nent contained in a single integrated circuit that carries out instructions.
Also called the central processing unit (CPU), one of the main parts of the computer.
mode: A method of operation, for example, the boot mode, standby mode or the hibernation mode.
modem: Derived frommodulator/ demodulator, a device that converts (modulates) digital data for transmis- sion over telephone lines and then converts modulated data (demodu- lates) to digital format where received.
monitor: A device that uses rows and columns of pixels to display alphanu- meric characters or graphic images.
See also CRT.
motherboard: Anamesometimes 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.
MP3: An audio compression standard that enables
N
nonvolatile memory: Memory,usually
numeric keypad overlay: Afeature that allows you to use certain keys on the keyboard to perform numeric entry, or to control cursor and page move- ment.
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.
online 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.
