306 Glossary
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MICROPROCESSOR — A computer chip that interprets and executes program
instructions. Sometimes the microprocessor is referred to as the processor or the
CPU (central processing unit).
M
ODEM — 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.
M
ONITOR — The high-resolution TV-like device that displays your computer’s
output.
M
OUSE — A pointing device that controls the movement of the cursor on your
screen. Typically you roll the mouse along 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.
N
OTIFICATION 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.
P
PARALLEL CONNECTOR — An I/O port often used to connect a parallel printer
to your computer. Also referred to as an LPT port.
P
ARTITION — 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.
PCI — peripheral component interconnect — PCI is a local bus that supports 32-
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