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User’s Manual Glossary-9
Glossary
L
L1 cache: Level one cache. Memory cache built into the processor to help
improve processing speed. See also cache memory, L2 cache.
L2 cache: Memory cache installed on the motherboard to help improve
processing speed. It is slower than L1 cache and faster than main
memory. See also cache memory, L1 cache.
LAN: A group of computers or other devices dispersed over a relatively
limited area and connected by a communications link that enables
any device to interact with any other on the network.
Light Emitting Diode (LED): A semiconductor device that emits light
when a current is applied.
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD): Liquid crystal sealed between two sheets
of glass coated with transparent conducting material. The viewing-
side coating is etched into character forming segments with leads
that extend to the edge of the glass. Applying a voltage between the
glass sheets alters the brightness of the liquid crystal.
M
main board: See motherboard.
megabyte (MB): A unit of data storage equal to 1024 kilobytes. See also
kilobyte.
megahertz: A unit of wave frequency that equals 1 million cycles per
second. See also hertz.
memory: Typically refers to the computer’s main memory, where
programs are run and data is temporarily stored and processed.
Memory can be volatile and hold data temporarily, such as RAM, or
it can be nonvolatile and hold data permanently, such as ROM. A
computer’s main memory is RAM. See RAM, ROM.
menu: A software interface that displays a list of options on the screen.
Also called a screen.
microprocessor: A hardware component contained in a single integrated
circuit that carries out instructions. Also called the central
processing unit (CPU), one of the main parts of the computer.
mode: A method of operation, for example, the Shut Down Mode, Sleep
Mode or the Hibernation Mode.
modem: Derived from modulator/demodulator, a device that converts
(modulates) digital data for transmission over telephone lines and
then converts modulated data (demodulates) to digital format where
received.
monitor: A device that uses rows and columns of pixels to display
alphanumeric characters or graphic images. See also CRT.
motherboard: A name sometimes used to refer to the main printed circuit
board in processing equipment. It usually contains integrated
circuits that perform the processor’s basic functions and provides
connectors for adding other boards that perform special functions.