Glossary 17
M
master
Part of a two-sided communication that initiates commands (to
a “slave” that carries out the commands).
megabyte
(MB) 1,048,576 bytes.
memory
Electronic storage area in a computer that retains information
and programs. A computer has two types of memory — read-
only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM).
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.
MIDI
Musical Instrument Digital Interface. An interface for
connecting suitably equipped musical instruments to suitably
equipped computers.
MIF
Management Information File. A file stored on a PC that holds
system data such as a model ID and serial number that can be
manipulated over a network from a centralized location.
MMX
A processor architecture that enhances multimedia and
communications. This technology processes multiple data
elements in parallel, speeding up such things as image
processing, motion video, speech synthesis, telephony, and
3-D graphics.
