When Windows has finished installing the dial-up networking feature, it displays the

Glossary mail server A central point where the electronic mailboxes are stored. The server may be remote or central to the network. map Network maps describe how a network is put together. Not only does the map show where the computers and peripherals are located, but it also tracks important information about wiring, networking hardware, and even software used throughout your system. mapping a drive A method of reconnecting to a network drive and folder as a shortcut. You assign a drive letter — such as J, K, L, M, N, or other drive not currently in use — to represent the path to the resource. MB See megabytes. Mbps megabits per second A measure of data transmission or network speed equaling 1 million bits or 1,000 kilobits per second. MCA Micro Channel Architecture A 32-bit expansion bus designed for multiprocessing. Expansion boards identify themselves, thus eliminating any conflicts created by manual con- figuration. Used only on IBM PS2s. meg See megabytes. megabit A megabit Mbit equals 1,048,576 binary digits, or bits of data. In general, a megabit is the equivalent of 1 million bits. megabits per second See Mbps. megabytes MB, M, or meg A megabyte MB contains 1,048,576 bytes. Mega- is the prefix for 1 million in the metric system. It is used in representing file size, as well as computer memory and hard disk capacity. megahertz See MHz. mesh topology Represents a wide area network WAN used in large corporations, universities, and government agencies. Mesh uses multiple paths to connect multiple sites or buildings. MHz megahertz One million cycles per second. A unit of measure for frequency. Micro Channel Architecture See MCA. microprocessor The processor chip in a computer. A microprocessor is miniaturized, whereas previous processors were built into integrated circuit boards with many large components. Microsoft Client for NetWare Networks A client that’s created by Microsoft to enable users to connect to a NetWare server over the network. As a NetWare client, Windows can share files, print, and use other resources on the server for which it has permissions. Microsoft Exchange A mail program that supplies a universal inbox for e-mail. You can receive e-mail from a local network or the Internet, among others. MIDI Musical Instrument Digital Interface A MIDI interface enables you to control synthe- sizers and other electronic instruments connected to the computer. MIDI is also a file type. modem MOdulate DEModulate A device connected to the computer, either inside the box internally or externally, that enables the computer to communicate over telephone lines in analog waves with another modem and computer on the other end of the line.