Specifications

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MIPS - Millions of Instructions Per Second – a term used to compare the execution
speed of two CPUs.
MIPS Processor - A CPU or microprocessor made by the MIPS Technologies, Inc.
MMX - Matrix Multiply eXtensions - a set of instruction set extensions incorporated into
later versions of x86 Pentium-level and higher microprocessors, enabling direct high-
speed processing of multimedia data, including voice, audio, and video.
Moire - An interference pattern which usually results in distortion of an image, caused by
overlaying the dots of different separation colors, or by printing a higher-resolution
image (e.g. 400 dpi or 600 dpi) on a lower-resolution printer (e.g. 300 dpi).
Motherboard - The main board of the computer or controller which houses the CPU. It
distributes signals to and receives information and power from plug-in (‘daughter’)
boards, such as a power supply and LAN interface.
MSDOS - A version of DOS written by the Microsoft Corporation for x86 computers.
Multitasking - The term used to describe the feature of some operating systems where
the computer may have several programs open and operating simultaneously.
Nanoseconds - 1x10
-9
seconds, or one-billionth of a second in time.
NetBEUI - NetBIOS Extended User Interface - a network transfer protocol that defines
the network layer of Microsoft and IBM local area networks.
NetWare - A proprietary NOS manufactured by Novell for local area networks.
Network - The term used to describe the connecting of two or more computers together
for the purpose of sharing data and common resources such as printers and disk
drives.
Network Address - A unique number that identifies a physical network node.
Network Drop - The physical port where a connection to a LAN by a computer may be
made. A functioning network drop is usually attached to a hub.
NIC - Network Interface Controller – a board or card that connects to the motherboard of
the computer or controller, providing the necessary electrical interface to
communicate over a LAN.
NIC Utility - A software program design to assist the user in setting up and managing the
NIC.
Node - Any network station or component with a unique network address.
Node Address - A unique number that identifies a device on a network
Non-parity - The situation where parity checking is not done (see Parity).
NOS – Network Operating System - the software providing a computer access to LAN
resources.
Novell - The software manufacturer that invented, develops and distributes NetWare.
NT - New Technology – applied to Microsoft Windows, is the name for the non-
threading technology used to implement the multitasking feature.