| A | B |
|---|
| ball mouse | Input device that enables users to manipulate a cursor on the screen by using a ball and sensors that detect the movement and direction of the ball. |
| bar code reader | Tool to read Universal Product Code (UPC) bar codes. |
| biometric device | Hardware device used to support authentication; works by various body parts (e.g., retina, iris, face, or fingerprint) by using some form of sensing device such as a retinal scanner |
| color depth | Term to define a scanner’s ability to produce color, hue, and shade. |
| digital camera | Camera that simulates film technology electronically |
| digital zoom | Software tool to enhance the optical zoom capabilities of a digital camera. |
| FireWire | Interconnection standard to send wide-band signals over a serialized, physically thin connector system. Serial bus developed by Apple and Texas Instruments; enables connection of 63 devices at speeds up to 800 megabits per second. |
| flatbed scanner | Most popular form of consumer scanner; runs a bright light along the length of the tray to capture an image. |
| Full-Speed USB | USB standard that runs at 12Mbps. |
| grayscale depth | Number that defines how many shades of gray the scanner can save per dot. |
| Hi-Speed USB | USB standard that runs at 480 Mbps. |
| IEEE 1394a | FireWire standard that runs at 400 Mbps. |
| IEEE 1394b | FireWire standard that runs at 800 Mbps. |
| keyboard, video, mouse (KVM) switch | Hardware device that enables multiple computers to be viewed and controlled by a single mouse, keyboard, and screen. |
| Low-Speed USB | USB standard that runs at 1.5 Mbps. |
| megapixel | Term used typically in reference to digital cameras and their ability to capture data. |
| optical mouse | Pointing device that uses light rather than electronic sensors to determine movement and direction the mouse is being moved. |
| optical resolution | Resolution a scanner can achieve mechanically. Most scanners use software to enhance this ability. |
| optical zoom | Mechanical ability of most cameras to “zoom” in as opposed to the digital ability. |
| RS-232 | standard port recommended by the Electronics Industry Association for serial devices. |
| serial port | Common connector on a PC. Connects input devices (such as a mouse) or communications devices (such as a modem). |
| touch screen | Monitor with a type of sensing device across its face that detects the location and duration of contact, usually by a finger or stylus. |
| TWAIN | technology without an interesting name. Programming interface that enables a graphics application, such as a desktop publishing program, to activate a scanner, frame grabber, or other image-capturing device. |
| universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) | Device that turns serial data into parallel data. The cornerstone of serial ports and modems. |
| Universal Product Code (UPC) | Bar code used to track inventory. |
| USB host controller | Integrated circuit that is usually built into the chipset and controls every USB device that connects to it. |
| USB hub | Device that extends a single USB connection to two or more USB ports, almost always directly form one of the USB ports connected to the root hub. |
| USB root hub | Part of the host controller that makes they physical connection to the USB ports. |
| webcam | PC camera most commonly used for Internet video. |
