Router Definition This is a hardware device that routes data (hence the name) from a local area network (LAN) to another network connection. A router acts like a coin sorting machine, allowing only authorized machines to connect to other computer systems. Most routers also keep log files about the local network activity.

Swift Definition Swift is a high-level programming language developed by Apple and made available in 2014. It is designed for writing apps for Apple platforms, including macOS, iOS, tvOS, and watchOS. The Swift language is based on Objective-C, which was used for NeXTSTEP development in the 1980s, and later macOS and iOS. Swift has similar syntax and maintains the object-oriented features of Objective-C, but provides a more simplified programming experience. For example, Swift code is easier to...

Inkjet Definition Inkjet printers are the most common type of consumer printers. The inkjet technology works by spraying very fine drops of ink on a sheet of paper. These droplets are "ionized" which allows them to be directed by magnetic plates in the ink's path. As the paper is fed through the printer, the print head moves back and forth, spraying thousands of these small droplets on the page. While inkjet printers used to lack the quality and speed of laser printers, they have become almost ...

Laser Printer Definition A laser printer is a printer that uses a focused beam or light to transfer text and images onto paper. Though contrary to popular belief, the laser does not actually burn the images onto the paper. Instead, as paper passes through the printer, the laser beam fires at the surface of a cylindrical drum called a photoreceptor. This drum has an electrical charge (typically positive), that is reversed in areas where the laser beam hits it. By reversing the charge in certain a...

Printer Definition A printer is an output device that prints paper documents. This includes text documents, images, or a combination of both. The two most common types of printers are inkjet and laser printers. Inkjet printers are commonly used by consumers, while laser printers are a typical choice for businesses. Dot matrix printers, which have become increasingly rare, are still used for basic text printing. The printed output produced by a printer is often called a hard copy, which is the p...

Plug and Play Definition Plug and Play, sometimes, abbreviated PnP, is a catchy phrase used to describe devices that work with a computer system as soon as they are connected. The user does not have to manually install drivers for the device or even tell the computer that a new device has been added. Instead the computer automatically recognizes the device, loads new drivers for the hardware if needed, and begins to work with the newly connected device. For example, if you connect a Plug-and-Pl...

UICC Definition Stands for "Universal Integrated Circuit Card." A UICC is a "smart card" designed to operate with 3G and 4G wireless technologies, including LTE. It can be used for multiple applications, but is commonly used as a SIM card in mobile phones. UICCs have mostly replaced ICCs (Integrated Circuit Cards), which were used with 2G and early 3G systems. A UICC is a tiny card, smaller than a thumbnail, that includes an integrated circuit. This circuit contains a processor, non-volatile me...

Escape Key Definition 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. Most uses share the common action of exiting or "escaping" an operation. The Escape key is often used to quit, cancel, or abort a process that is running on a computer. Some specif...

Molex Connector Definition A Molex connector is a common type of connector used to power internal computer components. The name comes from the Molex Connector Company, which pioneered the two-piece electrical connectors that became standard in computers and other electronics. Since Molex makes dozens of different connectors, there is no single connector technically called a "Molex connector." However, the term "Molex connector" has become a generic way to describe the Molex 4-pin 8981 power con...

Cable Management Definition Cable management is the organization of cables connected to electrical devices. This includes power cables, network cables, audio/video cables, and many others. Managing cables is a key aspect of a clean and safe home or work environment. Electrical devices often require multiple cables. For example, a desktop computer may require a power cord, Ethernet cable, and multiple USB cables for peripheral devices. A home theater system may include multiple power cables, as ...