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Also known as a graphics card, graphic adapter, video board, video
controller, video adapter is an internal circuit board that allows
a display device, such as a monitor, to display images from the computer. It
operates on similar principles as a sound card or other peripheral devices. The
term is usually used to refer to a separate, dedicated expansion card that is
plugged into a slot on the computer's motherboard.
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Video cards are typically installed in either the PCI, AGP or PCIe slots in the
back of a computer. Most computers come with a video card installed in one of
these slots, which means it can be upgraded at a later time.
Most video cards support the OpenGL and DirectX libraries. These libraries
include commands for manipulating graphics that programmers can include in
their code. Some of these commands may include moving or rotating an object,
morphing polygons, or casting light and creating shadows. By using standard
OpenGL or DirectX functions, it makes it easier for developers to create
graphically-oriented programs. Of course, it also makes it necessary for the
computer to include a supported video card in order for the program to run.
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