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Article: Graphic Devices
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- Computer Sciences
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CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 The Gale Group Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Graphic Devices
Data output through graphic devices on computer systems is made possible through techniques that use video generation modules to display images. This differs from text mode output, for which the computer generates horizontal lines of
alphanumeric
symbols. Although the technical requirements of both systems overlap, graphic devices use an approach that assumes that every dot on the screen is separately accessible. By contrast, in text mode, the smallest screen element is actually a group of points that together all define a character
—
a letter, a numeral, or a punctuation mark.
A graphic display is composed of a screen or panel that is made up of a large number of ...