graphics adaptor

hardware, graphics (Or "graphics adapter", "graphics card",

"video adaptor", etc.) A circuit board fitted to a computer,

especially an IBM PC, containing the necessary videomemory and other electronics to provide a bitmap display.

Adaptors vary in the resolution (number of pixels) and

number of colours they can display, and in the refresh rate

they support. These parameters are also limited by the

monitor to which the adaptor is connected. A number of such

display standards, e.g. SVGA, have become common and

different software requires or supports different sets.

(1996-09-16)