The full form of VDT is Video Display Terminal.
A Video Display Terminal (VDT), also commonly referred to as a computer terminal, is an electronic device with a screen for displaying text and graphics, and a keyboard or other input device for user interaction. It essentially serves as an interface between a user and a computer system.
VDTs were particularly prevalent in the era of mainframe and minicomputer systems, where users would access the central computing resources through these terminals. While standalone personal computers (PCs) have largely replaced the need for dedicated VDTs in many contexts, the concept of a terminal emulator remains relevant for accessing remote servers and systems via protocols like SSH.
Key components of a VDT typically include:
- Display Screen: Displays the output from the computer. Historically, these were CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) displays, but modern VDTs usually employ LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or other flat-panel technologies.
- Keyboard: Used for inputting data and commands.
- Communication Interface: Enables communication with the host computer, often via serial communication (e.g., RS-232) or network connections (e.g., Ethernet).
While the term "VDT" might seem somewhat dated in today's computing landscape, the fundamental principle of interacting with a computer system through a display and input device remains central to modern computing. Modern computers, laptops, tablets, and even smartphones can be viewed as advanced evolutions of the original Video Display Terminal concept.
