macro A series of keystrokes that you define to automate one or more actions.
magnetic disk The most commonly used type of secondary storage for computer programs and data files.
magnetic tape In secondary storage, a sequential, high-capacity mass storage and backup medium.
magneto-optical disk An erasable disk that combines magnetic particles used on tape and disk with new optical technology.
mail merge A utility that draws information from a database and incorporates that information into a form document to create multiple copies of the document.
mainframe computer A multiuser computer designed to meet the computing needs of a large corporation.
maintenance Support required to keep a computer system running properly.
management information system (MIS) A computer-based system that supports the information needs of different levels of management.
massively parallel processors In a supercomputer, a processor containing hundreds of processors so that the supercomputer can perform hundreds of tasks simultaneously.
master file A file containing all the current data relevant to an application.
master page A page showing the way you want the final document to look.
MEDLINE A computer database developed by the National Library of Medicine, with a memory bank of references to 6 million articles from 3,500 medical journals worldwide.
megabyte (M) A measurement of storage capacity equal to approximately 1 million bytes.
megaflop One million floating-point arithmetic operations per second.
megahertz A unit of measurement equal to 1 million cycles per second, commonly used to compare the clock speeds of computers.
membrane-switch keyboard A reliable and durable keyboard that is resistant to hazards like liquids or grease because the keyboard is covered by a protective film.
memory Temporary workspace in a computer.
memory chip A chip located on a computer's motherboard.
microcomputer Any single-user computer with its arithmetic-logic unit and control unit contained on one integrated circuit (the microprocessor); often called a personal computer or PC.
microcomputer specialist A computer specialist who often works with end users by helping them purchase, install, and use their microcomputers.
microfiche A sheet of microfilm that stores reduced images of text or graphic material; provides a fast and cost-effective form of storage for computer output.
microfilm A film that stores reduced images of text or graphic material; provides a fast and cost-effective form of storage for computer output.
microprocessor An integrated circuit containing the arithmetic-logic unit (ALU) and control unit of a computer's central processing unit (CPU).
microwave An electromagnetic radio wave that has a very short frequency.
microwave transmission The use of microwaves to transmit data; used by telephone companies and computer networking utilities.
minicomputer A multiuser computer designed to meet the needs of a small organization or a department in a large organization.
MIPS Millions of instructions per second.
mobile data terminal (MDT) The remote terminal that has access to a mainframe computer at the law enforcement agency's headquarters; the mainframe has a database containing vehicle and driver's license information, including outstanding warrants and criminal records.
modem A hardware accessory needed to link two computers through a telephone system.
modular Top-down program design; the programmer starts thinking generally and then works down to specifics.
modulation The conversion of a digital signal to its analog equivalent, especially for the purposes of transmitting signals using telephone lines.
modulation protocol The standards used to govern the speed by which a modem sends and receives information over the telephone lines.
module A box in a structure chart that indicates a major task the program must accomplish.
molecular manufacturing Research in computer technology based on devices that use atom switches; also called nanotechnology.
monitor The complete device that produces an on-screen display; a TV-like display showing the resulting data output.
monochrome A monitor display that shows one color against a black or white background.
monospaced font A typeface in which the width of every character is the same; produces output similar to typed characters.
morphing A special animated graphics technique in which one image appears to change and become something entirely different.
motherboard A large circuit board containing the computer's central processing unit, microprocessor chips, RAM, and expansion slots; also called a mainboard.
Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) A group that developed standards for video compression to improve the quality of the video on a monitor.
mouse A palm-size input device with a ball built into the bottom; used to move a pointer to draw, select options from a menu, modify or move text, and issue commands.
multimedia The presentation of information using graphics, video, sound, animation, and text.
multimedia games Computer games that usually include text, graphics, and sound and that emphasize interactivity.
multimedia system A computer system that includes specialized audio devices, such as microphones, CD-ROM drives, cassette tape drives, and music keyboards.
multiplex central wiring A continuous-wire system in which one wire makes a complete circle throughout the machine, with separate addresses for every function.
multiplexor A device that combines input signals from many computers and sends the combined signal along the communication channel.
multiprocessing The use of multiple processors so that a computer system, workstation, or network server can execute more than one instruction, or process more than one program, at the same time.
multiprogramming The capability to process many programs concurrently for multiple users. Memory is divided and then allocated to the programs being processed concurrently.
multitasking The capability of an operating system to switch between tasks.
multithreading The capability to run different parts of one program on different processors.
Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) A standard for both cabling and communication between computers and digital musical instruments.