Glossary-6
M
megabyte
(MB) 1,048,576 bytes.
memory
Electronic storage area in a computer that retains infor-
mation and programs. A computer has two types of
memory — read-only memory (ROM) and random access
memory (RAM).
menu
A video display of programs or options.
microprocessor
A semiconductor central processing unit that is the principal
component of a microcomputer. Usually contained on a
single chip that includes an arithmetic logic unit, control
logic, and control-memory unit.
millisecond
(ms) One-thousandth of one second; 0.001 second.
mode
A method of operation; for example, the system operates in
either normal or power-saving modes.
N
nonvolatile memory
Storage media that retains its data when system power is
turned off. Nonvolatile memory in your system is a com-
plementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chip which
is backed up by an internal battery. The backup battery
preserves the clock/calendar data and system configuration
parameters stored in CMOS. See volatile memory.
O
operating system
Set of programs that manage the overall operation of
the computer.
