GLOSSARY FROM " M "

Ø Metadata:A collection of data that summarizes other data. This data is formatted to describe certain aspects of a web page, such as:

-Name
-Description
-Title
-Author

The metadata information is used by the search engines to define a web page. This information is not viewable on the web page.
 

Ø Microcomputer:A category of computer that is generally used for personal computing, for small business computing, and as a workstation attached to large computers or to other small computers on a network. 
 

Ø Microprocessor:A silicon chip that contains a CPU. In the world of personal computers, the terms microprocessor and CPU are used interchangeably. At the heart of all personal computers and most workstations sits a microprocessor. Microprocessors also control the logic of almost all digital devices, from clock radios to fuel-injection systems for automobiles.

Three basic characteristics that differentiate microprocessors:

-Instruction set: The set of instructions that the microprocessor can execute. 
-Bandwidth: The number of bits processed in a single instruction. 
-Clock Speed: Given in megahertz (MHz), the clock speed determines how many instructions per second the processor can execute.

In both cases, the higher the value, the more powerful the CPU. For example, a 32-bit microprocessor that runs at 50MHz is more powerful than a 16-bit microprocessor that runs at 25MHz.

In addition to bandwidth and clock speed, microprocessors are classified as being either RISC (reduced instruction set computer) or CISC (complex instruction set computer).
 

Ø MIDI:Stands for Music Instrument Digital Interface. It allows a computer to store and replay a musical instrument's output.
 

Ø MIFARE:A leading communication protocol for contactless and dual interface smart cards. MIFARE technology is used to transmit data between a card and a reader device. MIFARE technology is most widely used in the transportation industry where a person with a preprogrammed card would wave the card over a reader device to speed the ticketing process.
 

Ø MIME:
Multi-purpose Internet Mail Extensions. A standard that allows for the attachment of files such as images, sounds and animations to electronic mail messages. This preset information is preloaded in to the Web server and the Internet browser software. In order for this to work, both the sender and receiver of the e-mail message must be MIME compatible.
 

Ø Minicomputer:A nearly obsolete term used to describe an older computer usually around the size of a refrigerator. This computer was used by businesses for processing transactions, accessing databases and running reports. These minicomputers typically accommodated between 10 - 300 users simultaneously.
 

Ø Minislot:Basic timeslot unit used for upstream data bursts in the DOCSIS standard.
 

Ø Mirror:In computing. this means to make an identical copy something. Usually, web sites use this to provide multiple sources of the exact same information giving its audience reliable access to large downloads at multiple locations called Mirror Sites.
 

Ø Modem:This is a word created out of the beginning letters of two other words: MOdulation and DEModulation. The words mean the changing of data from digital (computer language) to analog (phone line language) and then back again.
 

Ø Mosaic:The first Web browser to have a consistent interface for the Macintosh, Windows, and Unix environments. It was created at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA). The success of this browser is really responsible for the expansion of the Web.
 

Ø Motherboard:The main circuit board of a microcomputer. The motherboard contains the connectors for attaching additional boards. Typically, the motherboard contains the CPU, BIOS, memory, mass storage interfaces, serial and parallel ports, expansion slots, and all the controllers required to control standard peripheral devices, such as the display screen, keyboard, and disk drive. Collectively, all these chips that reside on the motherboard are known as the motherboard's chipset.

On most PCs, it is possible to add memory chips directly to the motherboard. You may also be able to upgrade to a faster CP by replacing the CPU chip. To add additional core features, you may need to replace the motherboard entirely.
 

Ø MP3:Stands for MPEG (Moving Picture Expert Group) Audio Layer 3. This is a compression standard that was developed to create a small audio file size while keeping a high quality sound. The small file size allows the sound to be streamed or downloaded over the Internet with ease.
 

Ø MP4:Stands for MPEG (Moving Picture Expert Group) - 4. Finalized toward the end of 1998, this became an International Standard in the beginning of 1999. This was developed to provide low bandwidth multimedia applications.
 

Ø MPEG:Stands for Motion Picture Experts Group. A format to make, view, and transfer both digital audio and digital video files.
 

Ø MSO:Multiple Service Operator. A cable TV service provider that also provides other services such as data and/or voice telephony.

Ø Multiplexer:This is a piece of hardware that allows one item to take the place of several. An example would be using a multiplexer to allow 10 computers to attach where only one could before.