Technical Writers’ Companion

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Navigation: Writing > FAQ: Standard terms and phrases

Hardware

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Use the following terms and phrases. Also, note the given spellings.

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Computer, add-on

Programs run on a computer.

The computer, together with all peripheral devices, accessories, and programs, is the system. Don’t use system to refer to the computer alone. An add-on is an optional hardware device that’s attached to the computer.

Don’t use: PC, machine, client, workstation, unit

Board, card, adapter

Don’t confuse board with card. A board is built in; a card can be removed by the user.

In general, try to avoid the term card. Use adapter to describe hardware that connects a network or a device to a computer. (Reason: Often, adapters can either be cards, or they can be integrated on the main board.) The term card, however, is OK when you make a specific reference to a device that has “card” in its name, such as smart card.

Typical adapters are: graphics adapter, sound adapter, network adapter

Don’t use: graphics card, sound card, network card

Miscellaneous terms

Some frequently used terms are:

▪handheld (one word, no hyphen)

▪touchscreen (one word)

▪touchpad (one word)

▪main board (two words; don’t use: motherboard)

▪keyboard (one word)

▪firmware (one word)

▪power adapter (don’t use: AC adapter)

▪power button (don’t use: power switch)

▪peripheral device

▪onboard … (one word)

▪indicator light (avoid LED if you mean the function rather than the type of electronic component)

Connecting devices

You connect a device to a computer.

You connect computers to a network.

Cables are connected to a device. One device is connected to another device.

Don’t use: to attach, to cable, cabled

A connector can be plugged into a socket, jack, slot, or port.

The part that you plug in is the plug.
Don’t use: male connector

A socket is a receptacle with holes of any type.
Don’t use: female connector

A jack is a small, round, 1-pin socket used in audio and video connections.

A slot is a long, thin socket that allows you to insert cards.

The term port refers to a location for passing data in and out of a device.

Describe connectors in such a way so that even users who don’t know the correct terminology can identify them clearly. Consider adding a picture.