 | |
| [Num] [A] [B] [C] [D] [E] [F] [G] [H] [I] [J] [K] [L] [M] [N] [O] [P] [Q] [R] [S] [T] [U] [V] [W] [XYZ] | |
| |
| [Num] [A] [B] [C] [D] [E] [F] [G] [H] [I] [J] [K] [L] [M] [N] [O] [P] [Q] [R] [S] [T] [U] [V] [W] [XYZ] | |
MacBinary
A file format that combines Macintosh Finder information with the data and resource forks unique
to Mac files, forming a single binary file. This prevents the loss of icons, file type, and other vital
information when Mac files are transferred through non-Macintosh computers.
Macintosh
An innovative range of personal computers introduced by Apple Computer in 1984. The Mac uses
icons, folders, windows, pull-down menus, point-and-click, plug-and-play, and many other
features as standard, which have been gradually borrowed by operating systems for the PC.
Rumour has it that the chaps who invented the Mac, actually borrowed the original idea of point
and shoot computing from Xerox, at a demonstration they saw in the seventies.
Mac OS
The operating system used by Apple Macintosh computers.
machine
Often used synonomously with the word computer.
Mailbase
The National Mailbase Service operates mailing lists and other Internet Services for the benefit of
the UK academic and research community.
Mailing List
Two definitions...
Mail server
A program that stores and responds to e-mail messages automatically. Some mail servers are used
primarily to manage mailing lists (eg LISTSERV) whereas others have a role in sending files from
FTP archives by e-mail (eg ftpmail). Mail servers are used by Internet service providers to manage
e-mail for dial-up users.
Megabyte (MB)
A measure of RAM, ROM and hard disk space, equal to 1 048 576 bytes (ie 2 to the power of
20) or approximately 1 million bytes.
Metafile
This is an image file that can contain a mix of bitmapped or raster image data and vector data.
microprocessor
Also known as the CPU or a chip, the electronic circuitry that interprets instructions within a
program, and directs other systems within the computer to perform operations upon the data.
Microsoft
Huge American software corporation, headed by the charismatic Bill Gates. Its products include
MS DOS, MS Windows, Word for Windows, Excel spreadsheet, Access database, VisualBasic
programming language, Encarta encyclopaedia on CD ROM and many more.
Microsoft Windows
A range of point and shoot type operating systems from Microsoft and brings a Macintosh-like
graphical user interface to the PC. Currently available versions include Windows 3.1, Windows for
WorkGroups 3.11 (optimised for networked users), Windows NT (a robust, 32bit system for high
end multi-user computers), and Windows 95 (which is also 32 bit, with loads of features
borrowed from other operating systems ).
MIME
Multi-purpose Internet Mail Extensions.
mirror site
A mirror site is an FTP site that replicates the directory structure and file content of another site.
Mirrors serve to increase the number of users that can have simultaneous access to particular
resources and help reduce congestion on heavily loaded parts of the Internet.
MNP4
An error correction protocol, devised by Microcom.
MNP5
As MNP4, but also functioning as a compression protocol, theoretically halving transmission time.
modem
A device allowing computers to communicate using telephone lines. A modem works by converting
digital information into analogue sound for transmission (MOdulation), which is converted back into
digital information by the receiving modem (DEModulation).
moderator
The person who supervises postings to mailing lists and on-line forums, including Usenet
newsgroups, to ensure that users behave themselves!
modulation protocol
A protocol that is used by both modems in a communications link that governs the basic speed of
the connection. These protocols include V22bis, V32, V32bis, and V34.
mouse
A mechanical device used in conjunction with the keyboard to operate the computer. The
movement of the mouse on a flat space corresponds to the movement of an on-screen pointer.
Mice usually have one or two buttons which may be used to select items on screen.
multimedia
A computer-based application that delivers information of entertainment to the user in the form of
several types of media, including sound, text, graphics, animation, and video. Such applications are
often recorded on CD-ROM.
Multi-purpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME)
A standard for the ASCII encoding of binary files so that they can be sent by e-mail on the
Internet. MIME content types, a special line of text within MIME files, tell programs that recognise
MIME about the type of encoded file (eg movie, graphic).
multiscan
A type of monitor that can handle several different video signal frequency, so that different screen
resolutions may be displayed