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Z94.3 - Computer & Information Systems



MACHINE CODE. (ANSI/ISO) Syn: computer instruction code.


MACROINSTRUCTION. (ANSI/ISO) An instruction in a source language that is to be replaced by a defined sequence of instruction in the same source language and may also specify values for parameters in the replaced instructions. Syn: macro statement.

MAGNETIC DISK. (ANSI/ISO) A flat circular plate with a magnetizable surface layer, on one side or both sides of which data can be stored.

MAGNETIC STORAGE. (ANSI) A storage device that utilizes the magnetic properties of certain materials.

MAINFRAME. (1) A computer that is relatively large and provides the capability to perform applications requiring large amounts of data. These computers are more expensive than microcomputers and minicomputers. Due to the rapid development in computer technology, the specific description of what constitutes a mainframe computer has and will continue to change. (2) (ANSI) A mainframe computer, usually one to which other computers are connected in order to share its resources and computing power.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM (MIS).   (ANSI) The total flow of information within an enterprise that supports the decision-making functions of management at all organizational levels of the enterprise.

MARK SENSING. (ANSI/ISO) The electrical sensing of conductive marks usually recorded manually on a nonconductive data medium.

MASK. (ANSI/ISO) A pattern of characters that is used to control the retention or elimination of portions of another pattern of characters.

MASTER CLOCK. (ANSI/ISO) A clock whose main function is to control other clocks.

MATHEMATICAL MODEL. (ANSI) A mathematical representation of a process, device, or concept.

MATRIX. (1) (ANSI/ISO) A rectangular array of elements, arranged in rows and columns, that may be manipulated according to the rules of matrix algebra. (2) (ANSI) By extension, an array of any number of dimensions. (3) (ANSI) In computers, a logic network in the form of an array of input leads and output leads with logic elements connected at some of their intersections.

MATRIX PRINTER. (ANSI/ISO) Syn: dot matrix printer.

MEAN TIME BETWEEN FAILURES. (MTBF). (ANSI/ISO) For a stated period in the life of a functional  uit, the mean value of the lengths of time between consecutive failures under stated conditions.

MEMORY. (1) (ANSI/ISO) All of the addressable storage space in a processing unit and other internal memory that is used to execute instructions . (2) (ANSI/ISO) Main storage, when used in reference to calculators, microcomputers, and some minicomputers.

MENU. (ANSI) A list of options displayed on video screen from which the user selects an action to be performed.

MERGE. (ANSI/ISO) To combine the items of two or more sets that are each in the same given order into one set in that order.

MICROCOMPUTER. (ANSI) A computer system whose processing unit is a microprocessor. A basic microcomputer includes a microprocessor, storage, and input/output facility, which may or may not be on one chip.

MICROFICHE. (ANSI) A sheet of microfilm capable of containing microimages in a grid pattern, usually containing a title that can be read without magnification.

MICROPROCESSOR. (1) (ANSI/ISO) A processor whose elements have been miniaturized into one or a few integrated circuits. (2) (ANSI) An integrated circuit that accepts coded instructions at one or more terminals, executes the instructions received, and delivers signals describing its status. The instructions may be entered, integrated, or stored internally.


MNEMONIC SYMBOL. (ANSI/ISO) A symbol chosen to assist the human memory, e.g., an abbreviation such as “mpy” for “multiply.”

MODEM. (ANSI/ISO) A functional unit that modulates and demodulates signals. One of the functions of a modem is to enable digital data to be transmitted over analog transmission facilities. Modem is a contraction of modulator-demodulator.

MONITOR. (1) (ANSI/ISO) A functional unit that observes and records selected activities for analysis within a data processing system. Possible uses are to indicate significant departures from the norm, or to determine levels of utilization of particular functional units. (2) (ANSI) Software or hardware that observes, supervises, controls, or verifies the operation of a system.

MOUSE. (ANSI/ISO) In computer graphics, a hand-held locator operated by moving it on a flat surface. A mouse generally contains a control ball or a pair of wheels.

MOVE.  (ANSI/ISO) Syn: transfer.

MULTIPLEXER. (1) (ANSI/ISO) In process control, a device that combines several input signals into a single output signal in such a manner that each of the input signals can be recovered.  (2) (ANSI) A device capable of interleaving the events of two or more activities or capable of distributing the events of an interleaved sequence to the respective activities.

MULTIPROCESSING. (1) (ANSI/ISO) A mode of operation that provides for parallel processing by two or more processors of a multiprocessor. (2) (ANSI) The simultaneous execution of two or more computer programs or sequences of instructions by a computer. (3) Loosely, parallel processing.

MULTIPROGRAMMING. (ANSI/ISO) A mode of operation that provides for the interleaved execution of two or more computer programs by a single processor.

MULTITASKING. (ANSI/ISO) A mode of operation that provides for the concurrent performance, or interleaved execution of two or more tasks.

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