Definitions and explanations of computing and networking terms beginning with the letter M. Here we look at such terms as Memory, Microprocessor, Motherboard, and Multitasking.
The Letter M
Megabyte
A unit of information storage equal to 1,048,576 bytes.
Memory
Any component in a computer that stores information for later use.
Memory-Resident Program
A program that stays in memory after it has been loaded, using up more memory than application software. Many viruses are memory resident.
MHz
Stands for Megahertz, a unit of measurement indicating the frequency of one million cycles per second.
Microprocessor
A solid-state CPU like a computer on a chip. It is an integrated circuit that accepts instructions to be executed.
MIDI - Musical Instrument Digital Interface
An interface as well as file format standard for using a musical instrument with a computer and recording and storing the data from it. A MIDI file contains information about recorded notes: what note was played, how long it was held, the volume, and the type of instrument used.
Minitower
A PC system case style that is shorter than a full or mid-sized tower.
Modem
Stands for MOdulator/DEMODulator. A device that transforms electrical signals from a computer into an audible form that can be transmitted over telephone lines, or vice versa.
Motherboard
The main circuit board in a computer. Contains the socket for the CPU, slots for Memory and Expansion Cards, and Connectors for disk drives and peripheral devices. The motherboard determines the type of components that can be used in a computer.
Multimedia
The integration of sound, graphics, animation, video, and text into one environment on a computer. A set of hardware and software technologies that are rapidly evolving computing.
Multisession
A term used with CD-ROM recording to describe a recording event. Multisession capability allows data recording on the disk at different times, essentially, over several recording sessions.
Multitask
In computing, to run several programs, sequences, or applications simultaneously.
Multiuser System
A configuration or computer system in which computer terminals share the same central processing unit. Most commonly seen with super-computers, where several users with terminals can login simultaneously and perform jobs on the centrally housed super computer.
This post is part of the series: Computer and Network Hardware Glossary of Common Terms
Complete glossary of terms and definitions for common computer and network hardware. Learn the meanings of things relevant to your life as a computer user or professional.
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms: Numbers and Symbols
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letter A
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letter B
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letter C
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letter D
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letters E & F
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letters G & H
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letter I
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letters J, K, and L
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letter M
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letters N & O
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letter P
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letters Q & R
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letter S
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letters T & U
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letters V, W, & Z
