308 Glossary
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MB/SEC — megabytes per second — One million bytes
per second. This measurement is typically used for data
transfer ratings.
MEMORY — A temporary data storage area inside your
computer. Because the data in memory is not permanent, it
is recommended that you frequently save your files while
you are working on them, and always save your files before
you shut down the computer. Your computer can contain
several different forms of memory, such as RAM, ROM,
and video memory. Frequently, the word memory is used as
a synonym for RAM.
MEMORY ADDRESS — A specific location where data is
temporarily stored in RAM.
MEMORY MAPPING — The process by which the
computer assigns memory addresses to physical locations at
start-up. Devices and software can then identify information
that the processor can access.
MEMORY MODULE — A small circuit board containing
memory chips, which connects to the system board.
MH
Z — megahertz — A measure of frequency that equals
1 million cycles per second. The speeds for computer
processors, buses, and interfaces are often measured in
MHz.
MODEM — A device that allows your computer to
communicate with other computers over analog telephone
lines. Three types of modems include: external, PC Card,
and internal. You typically use your modem to connect to
the Internet and exchange e-mail.
MODULE BAY — A bay that supports devices such as
optical drives, a second battery, or a Dell TravelLite™
module.
MONITOR — The high-resolution TV-like device that
displays computer output.
MOUSE — A pointing device that controls the movement
of the cursor on your screen. Typically you roll the mouse
over a hard, flat surface to move the pointer or cursor on
your screen.
MS — millisecond — A measure of time that equals one
thousandth of a second. Access times of storage devices are
often measured in ms.
N
NETWORK ADAPTER — A chip that provides network
capabilities. A computer may include a network adapter on
its system board, or it may contain a PC Card with an
adapter on it. A network adapter is also referred to as a NIC
(network interface controller).
NIC — See network adapter.
NOTIFICATION AREA — The section of the Windows
taskbar that contains icons for providing quick access to
programs and computer functions, such as the clock,
volume control, and print status. Also referred to as system
tray.
NS — nanosecond — A measure of time that equals one
billionth of a second.
NVRAM — nonvolatile random access memory — A
type of memory that stores data when the computer is turned
off or loses its external power source. NVRAM is used for
maintaining computer configuration information such as
date, time, and other system setup options that you can set.
O
OPTICAL DRIVE — A drive that uses optical technology
to read or write data from CDs, DVDs, or DVD+RWs.
Example of optical drives include CD drives, DVD drives,
CD-RW drives, and CD-RW/DVD combo drives.
P
PARALLEL CONNECTOR — An I/O port often used to
connect a parallel printer to your computer. Also referred to
as an LPT port.
PARTITION — A physical storage area on a hard drive
that is assigned to one or more logical storage areas known
as logical drives. Each partition can contain multiple logical
drives.
PC C
ARD — A removable I/O card adhering to the
PCMCIA standard. Modems and network adapters are
common types of PC Cards.
PCI — peripheral component interconnect — PCI is a
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