
18 Glossary
modem
MOdulator-DEModulator. A device that links computers over
a telephone line.
MPC
Multimedia Personal Computer, a software and hardware
standard developed by a consortium of computer firms led by
Microsoft. There are three MPC standards, called MPC,
MPC2, and MPC3, respectively. Each specifies a minimum
hardware configuration for running multimedia software.
MPEG
Motion Pictures Expert Group. Audio/Video technology that
allows for better than VHS quality video and almost CD
quality audio by utilizing advanced compression techniques.
MPEG files allow for more realistic motion with a smaller file
size than earlier formats, making it a popular format for digital
full-length movies. Files in the MPEG format have an .MPG
extension.
N
nonvolatile memory
Storage media that retains its data when system power is turned
off. Nonvolatile memory is a complementary metal oxide
semiconductor (CMOS) chip that 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.