YouTube YouTube is a video sharing service that allows users to watch videos posted by other users and upload videos of their own. The service was started as an independent website in 2005 and was acquired by Google in 2006. Videos that have been uploaded to YouTube may appear on the YouTube website and can …
Zone File A zone file is a plain text file stored on a name server that contains information about the domains within that name server’s zone. It includes contact information about that name server’s administrator and lists each domain and subdomain alongside its corresponding IP address. Zone files are a critical part of the Domain …
3D Printer A 3D printer is a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) device that creates three-dimensional objects. Like a traditional printer, a 3D printer receives digital data from a computer as input. However, instead of printing the output on paper, a 3D printer builds a three-dimensional model out of a custom material. 3D printers use a process …
Accelerometer An accelerometer is a sensor that measures vibration or acceleration forces on an object. An accelerometer can detect both static forces, like gravity, and dynamic forces, like vibrations and changes in acceleration and direction. Small accelerometers are integrated into smartphones, fitness trackers, game controllers, and other electronic devices to help them to detect movement …
Access Point An access point is a device, such as a wireless router, that allows wireless devices to connect to a network. Most access points have built-in routers, while others must be connected to a router in order to provide network access. In either case, access points are typically hardwired to other devices, such as …
Active-Matrix Active-matrix is a technology used in LCD displays, such as laptop screens, and flat screen monitors. It uses a matrix of thin film transistors (TFTs) and capacitors to control the image produced by the display. The brightness of each pixel is controlled by modifying the electrical charge of the corresponding capacitors. Each pixel’s color …
Adapter An adapter is a device that allows a specific type of hardware to work with another device that would otherwise be incompatible. Examples of adapters include electrical adapters, video adapters, audio adapters, and network adapters. An electrical adapter, for instance, may convert the incoming voltage from 120V to 12V, which is suitable for a …
Apple Silicon Apple silicon is a series of Mac processors developed by Apple. For several decades, Apple built Macintosh computers with CPUs from third-party manufacturers, including Motorola, IBM, and Intel. On June 22, 2020, Apple announced it would be transitioning its Mac lineup to “Apple silicon,” a proprietary processor technology. Similar to Apple-developed processors found …
Architecture The word “architecture” typically refers to building design and construction. In the computing world, “architecture” also refers to design, but instead of buildings, it describes the design of computer systems. Computer architecture is a broad topic that includes everything from the relationship between multiple computers (such as a “client-server” model) to specific components inside …
ARM ARM is a family of 32- and 64-bit RISC processor architectures designed by Arm Ltd. and licensed to other companies to customize and produce. They are less expensive to manufacture than x86 processors, require less power, and produce less heat, making them ideal for compact devices. While they have historically been less powerful than …