Archives: Glossary

Joystick

Joystick A joystick is an input device commonly used to control video games. Joysticks consist of a base and a stick that can be moved in any direction. The stick can be moved slowly or quickly and in different amounts. Some joysticks have sticks that can also be rotated to the left or right. Because …

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Jumper

Jumper A jumper is a small metal connector that acts as an on/off switch. Multiple jumpers are often used together to configure settings for a hardware device. Some jumpers are encased in a plastic switch, that can be toggled on or off. Other jumpers are plastic sleeves with metal linings that connect two metallic prongs …

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Keyboard

Keyboard A keyboard is the most common computer input device and is the primary way a computer’s user enters text. Most computers use both a keyboard and a mouse or trackpad for user input, with the keyboard responsible for text input and the mouse or trackpad responsible for moving the cursor and interacting with objects …

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Kindle

Kindle The Kindle is a portable e-reader developed by Amazon.com. It allows you to download and read digital books, newspapers, magazines, and other electronic publications. The Kindle also includes a built-in speaker and headphone jack for listening to audiobooks or background music. The first Kindle was released in November 2007 and several updated versions have …

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Laptop

Laptop A laptop, also known as a notebook, is a portable computer with a built-in LCD screen, keyboard, and trackpad. A laptop’s screen is on a hinge, which allows it to open up when in use and to close like a book to keep it safe when stowed away. A laptop computer also includes a …

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Laser Printer

Laser Printer A laser printer is a type of printer that uses a laser beam to apply powdered ink, called toner, to a sheet of paper. A laser printer can print text and shapes at a high resolution, typically 600 dots per inch (dpi) or more. It can also print documents at significantly higher speeds …

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LiDAR

LiDAR Stands for “Light Detection and Ranging.” LiDAR is a distance detection technology that uses pulses of light to detect surrounding objects. A LiDAR scanner determines the distance of each object by calculating the time each pulse takes to reflect back to the source. Using multiple light pulses, it can generate a 3D depth map …

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Lightning

Lightning Lightning is a proprietary I/O interface designed by Apple for its mobile devices, such as the iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It was first introduced in September, 2012, with the iPhone 5 and new iPod models. It was later added to iPads, beginning with the 4th generation iPad and the first generation iPad mini. The …

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M.2

M.2 M.2 is a form factor for small internal expansion cards that plug directly into a slot on a computer’s motherboard. It is most common in solid-state drives (SSDs) but is also often used to add Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC expansion cards. The specification provides a computer bus interface for up to four PCI Express …

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M1

M1 The M1 is the first Apple silicon chip. Apple launched the M1 in November 2020 with the Mac mini and MacBook Air. Unlike previous Mac chips, the M1 is designed and manufactured by Apple. It is ARM-based, meaning it uses a design similar to the “A-series” chips found in iPhones and iPads, rather than …

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