departmental computing, midsized business general processing,
server in client/server applications, Web server, file server, local
area network server, and specific tasks such as office automation,
computer-aided design, and graphics. See alsoWorkstation,
Minicomputer.
Minicomputer A category of computer systems that has now
been subsumed into the midrange systems category, these “small
mainframes” were just like the larger mainframe machines,
except that they were less powerful and less expensive; applica-
tions included departmental computing, specific tasks such as
office automation, server in client/server applications, and mid-
sized business general processing. See alsoMidrange system,
Superminicomputer.
MIPS An acronym for millions of instructions per second
executed by the control unit of a computer; a commonly used
maximum speed rating for computers.
Modem An abbreviation for modulator/demodulator, a device
that converts data from digital form to analog form so that it can
be sent over the analog telephone network and reconverts data
from analog to digital form after it has been transmitted.
Module A self-contained unit of software that performs one or
more functions. Ideally it has well-defined interfaces with the
other modules in the program so that changes in a module affect
the rest of the program only through the outputs from that
module.See alsoSubsystem.
MP3 A standard coding scheme for compressing audio signals
into a very small file (about one-twelfth the size of the original
file) while preserving the original level of sound quality when it
is played. MP3 is the most popular Internet audio format that
allows users to download music from the Internet.
MRP SeeMaterial requirements planning.
MRP II SeeManufacturing resources planning.
Multiprocessing The method of processing when two or more
CPUs are installed as part of the same computer system; all CPUs
are under control of a single operating system.
Multiprocessor A computer configuration in which multiple
processors (CPUs) are installed as part of the same computer
system, with all CPUs under control of a single operating
system. The multiple processors may be manufactured as part
of a single chip, or they may be physically separate chips located
in the same box (called a chassis). SeeMassively parallel pro-
cessor, Parallel processor, Quad-core processor, Symmetric
multiprocessor.
Multiprogramming A procedure by which the operating
system switches back and forth among a number of programs, all
located in memory at the same time, to keep the CPU busy while
input/output operations are taking place; more specifically, this is
called event-driven multiprogramming.
Multitasking The terminology used for microcomputers to
describe essentially the same function as multiprogramming on
larger machines. In preemptive multitasking, the operating system
allocates slices of CPU time to each program (the same as time-
driven multiprogramming); in cooperative multitasking, each
Glossary 681program can control the CPU for as long as it needs it (the same as
event-driven multiprogramming). See alsoMultiprogramming.
Multithreading Almost the same as multitasking except that
the multiple threads (threadis short for thread of execution) are
different parts of the same program that are being executed
near simultaneously, with the operating system controlling the
switching back and forth among threads of the single program.
See alsoMultitasking.
Natural language A computer language in which the user
writes a program in ordinary English (or something very close to
it); little or no training will be required to use a natural language.
At present, there are no true natural languages, but some restricted
natural language products have been developed that can be used
with a variety of DBMSs and fourth generation languages.
.NET A platform for application development on the Web,
using the OOP paradigm, created by Microsoft. .NET program-
ming can be done in a variety of languages, including VB.NET,
C#, and J#, but can only be run on a Windows platform.
Netbook The newest variation of a PC is a stripped-down,
smaller laptop priced in the $300–$500 range. Netbooks rarely
have a CD/DVD reader/writer or other extra features; they are
designed for use on the Internet and are being marketed both by
computer vendors and by wireless phone carriers.
Network interface card (NIC) In general, a specialized card
that must be installed in a computer to permit it to access a partic-
ular type of network, usually a local area network. For wireless
LANs, the NIC is a short-range radio transceiver that can send
and receive radio signals.
Network operating system (NOS) SeeServer operating sys-
tem.
Network protocol An agreed-upon set of rules or conventions
governing communication among elements of a network, or,
more specifically, among layers or levels of a network.
Networking The electronic linking of geographically dispersed
devices.
Neural networks The branch of artificial intelligence con-
cerned with recognizing patterns from vast amounts of data by a
process of adaptive learning; named after the study of how the
human nervous system works, but in fact uses extensive statistical
analysis to identify meaningful patterns from the data.
NIC SeeNetwork interface card.
Nonprocedural language SeeFourth generation language.
Normalization The process of creating simple data structures
from more complex ones; this process consists of a set of rules
that yields a data structure that is very stable and useful across
many different requirements.
NOS SeeNetwork operating system.
Notebook PC The type of personal computer that can easily be
carried by the user; this type of PC is similar in size to a student’s
notebook, and it typically weighs no more than 5 or 6 pounds.
The terms “laptop” and “notebook” PC are now used almost
interchangeably, although the notebook PC originally was a
smaller machine than a laptop.