Updated 03/29/01 Copyright 2001, J.Graham; All rights reserved.
Machine Language Program: A program in machine language. Only machine language programs can be executed by the CPU.
Machine Learning: Techniques which allow a computer system to learn.
Macintosh: The only popular microcomputers which are not IBM Compatible. They are made by Apple Computer.
Macro Language: Programming languages provided with applications packages to allow the user to make their own programs. A macro language may consist mostly of the software package's usual commands. The macro language allows the user to program a list of commands that can be executed in sequence by giving one command. Book suggestion: Writing Excel Macros.
Macro Virus: A virus written in a macro language.
Magnetic Disk: A storage media where the data is stored in magnetized dots on a disk which rotates as the data is read or written.
Magnetic Storage Media: Storage media where magnetized dots are used to represent data.
Mainframe: Powerful multiuser computers used by large organizations for certain tasks that the minicomputer is not powerful enough for. More powerful than the supercomputer. For more information about mainframes, click here.
Management Information System: A system designed to provide management with information to be used for decision making. Book suggestion: Business @ the Speed of Thought : Using a Digital Nervous System by Bill Gates, Collins Hemingway.
MarkUp Language: A language which contols how a document is formatted and presented to the user.
MD5: A method of making sure that files have not been altered or corrupted. Similar to checksum. For technical information on MD5, click here.
Megabyte:1,048,576 bytes.
Memory: Containers for programs and data which operate are completely
solid state (no moving parts) and therefore can be accessed very rapidly. Programs must be loaded into memory before they can be run. For information on memory and how to purchase it, click here.
Microcode: Programming which is internal to the CPU. It is at a lower level than machine language.
Microcomputer: Single user computer, including tower, desktop, laptop, notebook, and palmtop computers, whose CPU is a microprocessor.
Microprocessor: A CPU which consists of a microscopic circut engraved on a silicon wafer.
Minicomputer or Midrange Computer: A small multiuser computer, which is larger and more powerful than a microcomputer, but less powerful than a mainframe. For examples of minicomputers, click here.
Model: A smaller or less complete immitation of a real object. Information Technology uses a wide range of models. A model may be a plan, a computer simulation, or a system which performs many, but not all functions of the real one.
MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System): The first operating system for IBM Compatible Microcomputers.
Multiprogramming: The ability of a computer to work on
more than one program at the same time. The CPU may switch back and forth between multiple programs that are in memory.
Multitasking: The ability of a computer system to hold more than one program or task in memory at the same time, and have the CPU switch back and forth between them.
Multithreading: Multitasking within one program. The same program has multiple tasks happening at the same time. An example would be when a web browser downloads multiple pictures at the same time.
Natural Language: The type of languages that people normally speak and write. Languages which have evolved naturally as opposed to languages such as computer languages which were constructed deliberately.
Net: Short for Internet.
Network: Two of more computers connected together in order to share resources and/or facilitate communication. Book suggestion:
Newton's Telecom Dictionary : The Official Dictionary of Telecommunications Networking and Internet
Object: Programmers combine data fields and procedures to create objects. The objects that the programmer creates may represent real-world objects.
Object Oriented Language: A programming language used
for Object Oriented Programming.
Object Oriented Programming (OOP): Programming where the programmer thinks in terms of objects.
Object Program: A program in machine language. NOT to be confused with
Object Oriented Programming in which the word "object" has a different meaning.
Open System: A system designed so that it can be added to by products from various vendors instead of just one.
Operating System: A program of system of programs that performs the following functions: 1. Starts and stops other programs; 2. Helps conduct input and output; 3. Provides Utilities.
Optical Storage Media: Storage Media which can be read and/or written with light in the form of a laser beam. This includes the
Oracle: A company that makes database packages for machines of all sizes.
Output: (verb) To get information out of a system or (noun) information coming out of a system.
Password Sniffer: A program which searches for user's passwords and sends them to a third party without the password owner's knowledge or authorization. Book suggestion:
Hacking Exposed: Network Security Secrets and Solutions.
Patent: The legal protection over the ownership of inventions. A patent must be registered with the U.S. government's patent office. Book suggestion:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0873375637/newyorstarwebad">
Patent It Yourself
Pentium: A series of CPUs which are popular for use in IBM Compatible microcomputers. For information on the Pentium 4 processor, chick here.
Peripheral: A device connected to a computer.
PGP (Pretty Good Privacy): A popular encryption system. For more information on PGP click here.
Pixel: A dot on a computer monitor screen. The words and pictures on a screen are comprised of lighted or darkened pixels.
Platform: A combination of a specific type of computer and a specific operating system.
Procedure: A pre-planned activity which produces a desired output or outcome.
Program: An ordered list of instructions that the computer can follow. Software means the same as "programs".
Programmer: Person who writes programs.
Programming: (v) The process of writing programs; (n) The collection of programs available on one computer or system.
Programming Language: A language in which computer programmers write computer programs.
PROLOG: A programming language used for artificial intelligence applications.
Protocol: A set of rules used for communication.
Protocol Stack: Multiple protocols at different levels being used together.
Public Domain: Intellectual creations which are not owned by anyone. Writings and programs can be in public domain either because the copyright has expired or because the copyright owner has made them public domain.
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