micro USB Definition Micro USB is a miniaturized version of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface developed for connecting compact and mobile devices such as smartphones, MP3 players, GPS devices, photo printers and digital cameras. Micro USB connectors exist or have existed in three forms: micro A, micro B and micro USB 3. USB 3 micro is much like micro B, […]

RFID Definition Stands for “Radio-Frequency Identification.” RFID is a system used to track objects, people, or animals using tags that respond to radio waves. RFID tags are integrated circuits that include a small antenna. The are typically small enough that they are not easily noticeable and therefore can be placed on many types of objects. Like UPC […]

Laptop Definition Laptop computers, also known as notebooks, are portable computers that you can take with you and use in different environments. They include a screen, keyboard, and a trackpad or trackball, which serves as the mouse. Because laptops are meant to be used on the go, they have a battery which allows them to operate […]

ADC Definition Stands for “Analog-to-Digital Converter.” Since computers only process digital information, they require digital input. Therefore, if an analog input is sent to a computer, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is required. This device can take an analog signal, such as an electrical current, and digitize it into a binary format that the computer can understand. A common use for an ADC […]

USB Definition Stands for “Universal Serial Bus.” USB is the most common type of computer port used in today’s computers. It can be used to connect keyboards, mice, game controllers, printers, scanners, digital cameras, and removable media drives, just to name a few. With the help of a few USB hubs, you can connect up […]

USB-C Definition Stands for “Universal Serial Bus Type-C.” USB-C is a type of USB connector that was introduced in 2015. It supports USB 3.1, which means a USB-C connection can transfer data up to 10 Gbps and send or receive up to 20 volts or 100 watts of power. Unlike the previous USB Type-A and USB Type-B ports, the […]

Firewire Definition FireWire is an I/O interface developed by Apple Computer. It is also known as IEEE 1394, which is the technical name standardized by the IEEE. Other names for IEEE 1394 include Sony i.Link and Yamaha mLAN, but Apple’s FireWire name the most commonly used. There are two primary versions of the FireWire interface – FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394a) […]

DVD Definition Stands for “Digital Versatile Disc.” A DVD is a type of optical media used for storing digital data. It is the same size as a CD, but has a larger storage capacity. Some DVDs are formatted specifically for video playback, while others may contain different types of data, such as software programs and computer files. The original “DVD-Video” format was standardized in […]

Host Definition A host is a computer that is accessible over a network. It can be a client, server, or any other type of computer. Each host has a unique identifier called a hostname that allows other computers to access it. Depending on the network protocol, a computer’s hostname may be a domain name, IP address, or simply a unique text string. […]

CRT Definition Stands for “Cathode Ray Tube.” CRT is the technology used in traditional computer monitors and televisions. The image on a CRT display is created by firing electrons from the back of the tube to phosphors located towards the front of the display. Once the electrons hit the phosphors, they light up and are […]