Dual Processor Dual processor refers to a computer with two separate processors. The processors work in tandem to process data using a technique called multiprocessing. Instructions are split between the two processors (or CPUs), allowing the computer to perform faster than a similar machine with only one processor. In theory, two CPUs can process twice …
Dual-Core A dual-core processor is a CPU with two processors or “execution cores” in the same integrated circuit. Each processor has its own cache and controller, which enables it to function as efficiently as a single processor. However, because the two processors are linked together, they can perform operations up to twice as fast as …
Dvorak Keyboard The Dvorak keyboard is a keyboard layout named after its designer, Dr. August Dvorak. He designed the keyboard as alternative to the standard QWERTY keyboard layout, with the goal of improving typing ergonomics. Dvorak developed the new keyboard layout after studying common typing patterns. He determined the QWERTY layout, which was designed for …
E-reader An e-reader, or “e-book reader,” is a portable hardware device designed for reading digital publications. These include e-books, electronic magazines, and digital versions of newspapers. Since textual data does not require a lot of storage space, most e-readers can store thousands of books and other publications. Just like an iPod can store an entire …
Escape Key The Escape key is located in the upper-left corner of a computer keyboard. It typically resides to the left of the Function keys (F1, F2, F3, etc.) and above the tilde (~) key. Most often, is is labeled with the abbreviation “esc.” The Escape key has many purposes, which have evolved over time. …
eSIM An eSIM, short for “embedded SIM,” is SIM chip or “UICC” embedded in a mobile device. It provides the same functionality as a SIM card, but is not removable. What is a SIM? A SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) is a unique number that identifies a device on a cellular network. When you activate a …
Ethernet Ethernet, pronounced “E-thernet” (with a long “e”), is the standard way to connect computers on a network over a wired connection. It provides a simple interface and for connecting multiple devices, such computers, routers, and switches. With a single router and a few Ethernet cables, you can create a LAN, which allows all connected …
Expansion Card An expansion card is a printed circuit board that can be inserted into an expansion slot on a computer’s motherboard to add new functionality. Some expansion cards can improve a computer’s processing capabilities, while others can add extra input and output connections. Most desktop tower computers include several PCI Express expansion slots in …
External Hard Drive An external hard drive is a hard drive in a separate enclosure that can connect to a computer to store and transfer data. They provide extra data storage space when internal drives are nearly full, serve as destinations for system backups, and help transfer large amounts of data between computers. External hard …
Fiber Optic Cable Fiber optic cable is a high-speed data transmission medium. It contains tiny glass or plastic filaments that carry light beams. Digital data is transmitted through the cable via rapid pulses of light. The receiving end of a fiber optic transmission translates the light pulses into binary values, which can be read by …