Toshiba Satellite R20 User Manual - Page 290

290 Glossary M memory - Typically refers to the computer's main memory, where programs are run and data is temporarily stored and processed. Memory can be volatile and hold data temporarily, such as RAM, or it can be nonvolatile and hold data permanently, such as ROM. A computer's main memory is RAM. See RAM, ROM. microprocessor - See central processing unit (CPU). MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) - A standard for connecting musical instruments, synthesizers, and computers. The MIDI standard provides a way of translating music into a form computers can use, and vice versa. modem - Short for "modulator/demodulator." A device that converts information from digital to analog and back to digital, enabling information to pass back and forth between digital computers and analog telephone lines. motherboard - The main circuit board in the computer. It contains the processor, memory, and other primary components. MS-DOS prompt - See system prompt. multi-function drive - A DVD drive that can read and write to CD and DVD media. multimedia - A combination of two or more media, such as sound, animation, and video in a computer program or presentation. Musical Instrument Digital Interface - See MIDI. N network - A collection of computers and associated devices that are connected by communications facilities. A network allows you to share data and peripheral devices, such as printers, with other users and to exchange electronic mail. non-interlaced - A method of refreshing a computer screen, in which each pixel of every line is refreshed as the electron beam scans across and down the screen. Compare interlaced. non-system disk - A disk for storing programs and data that cannot be used to start the computer. Compare system disk.