Input, Output, and Secondary Storage Reviewer

Vocabulary flashcards covering monitor types, ergonomics, monitor specifications, optical storage, and optical disc formats based on class materials.

Monitor

An output device that presents visual images of text and graphics.

Flat-panel monitors

Monitors that are widely used, thin, portable, and relatively power-efficient.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

A type of monitor common in older displays that is typically less expensive.

LED (Light-Emitting Diode)

A type of monitor that uses more advanced backlighting, making it slimmer and more power-efficient.

OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode)

A type of monitor that uses a thin organic layer that produces light without requiring a separate backlight.

Ergonomics

The study of human factors related to things people use.

Eyestrain and headache

Taking a 15-minute break every hour, keeping viewed items at the same distance, and cleaning the screen periodically.

Back and neck pain

Using adjustable equipment and supportive chairs, positioning the monitor at eye level or slightly below, and using a footrest if needed.

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) and carpal tunnel syndrome prevention

Using an ergonomically correct keyboard, taking frequent short breaks, and gently massaging hands.

Resolution

The number of pixels forming an image on a monitor; more pixels generally produce a clearer image.

Dot (pixel) pitch

The distance between pixels on a monitor; a lower dot pitch produces clearer images.

Contrast ratio

A monitor feature that compares the brightest white with the darkest black, where a higher ratio is better.

Size / active display area

The diagonal length of the monitor viewing area.

Aspect ratio

The relationship between the width and height of a monitor, such as $4:3$ and $16:9$.

Optical discs

A form of secondary storage where a laser reads reflected light from the surface of the disc.

Lands

The flat areas on an optical disc.

Pits

The bumpy areas on an optical disc.

CD (Compact Disc)

An optical disc with a capacity of $700\text{ MB}$ in the summary table, typically used for music.

DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)

An optical disc with a capacity of $4.7\text{ GB}$ in the summary table, typically used for movies and software.

BD (Blu-ray Disc)

An optical disc with a capacity listed as $25\text{ GB}$ in the summary table (and $50\text{ GB}$ for a typical disc in the detailed paragraph), typically used for high-definition video and newer video games.

ROM (Read Only Memory)

An optical disc format that cannot be written on or erased by the user.

R (Recordable)

An optical disc format that can be written once, then read many times.

RW (Rewritable)

An optical disc format that can be recorded and changed again.