Technology

Host A term with meanings in hospitality, religion, computing, biology, psychology, and entertainment, usually referring to something that receives, supports, or presents.

Network host: definition, roles, and practical considerations Host (network) A network host is any device connected to a network that can send or receive data and offer services. This article explains characteristics, history, common uses, addressing, and d…

Household hardware: fixtures, fasteners and common domestic metalwork Household hardware Survey of household hardware: common items (hinges, locks, screws, tools), typical materials, history, uses, selection, safety and basic maintenance guidance.

Human–Computer Interaction: Principles, History, and Applications Human–computer interaction Human–computer interaction (HCI) examines how people use and interact with computers, focusing on interface design, usability, accessibility, and evaluation to create effective int…

Humidex: Canada’s index for perceived heat and humidity Humidex Humidex is a Canadian heat‑index that combines air temperature and moisture (via dew point) to express how hot conditions feel. It guides public warnings and describes discomfort l…

Hybrid drive (SSHD): combined HDD and SSD storage Hybrid drive A hybrid drive (SSHD) combines a traditional hard disk with a small solid‑state cache to deliver larger capacity than SSDs with faster common‑task performance than HDDs, as a cost…

Hydra the Revenge (floorless coaster at Dorney Park) Hydra the Revenge Hydra the Revenge is a B&M steel Floorless Coaster at Dorney Park in Allentown, Pennsylvania, opened in 2005. It replaced the wooden coaster Hercules and is themed after the mythic…

Hydrophone: Underwater Microphone and Acoustic Sensor Hydrophone A hydrophone converts underwater pressure waves into electrical signals. Used in oceanography, marine biology, sonar and industrial monitoring, designs range from simple piezoelect…

IATA Airport Code Three-letter codes assigned by IATA to identify airports and related locations; widely used on tickets, baggage tags and timetables. Distinct from ICAO four-letter codes and someti…

iBook: Apple's consumer and education laptops (1999–2006) iBook The iBook was Apple’s consumer and education laptop family sold from 1999 to 2006. Affordable, user‑friendly notebooks that helped popularize integrated Wi‑Fi and approachable indu…

iCal — Apple’s calendar application for macOS (now called Calendar) iCal iCal was Apple’s personal calendar app for macOS, notable for multiple calendars, WebDAV/CalDAV support and .ics compatibility. It evolved into Calendar and remains a model for des…

iCloud — Apple’s cloud storage and services platform iCloud iCloud is Apple’s suite of cloud storage and synchronization services that keeps data and settings in sync across Apple devices and supports backups, media sharing, and account ser…

IEEE 1394 (FireWire): A high-speed serial bus standard IEEE 1394 IEEE 1394, commonly known as FireWire, is a standardized high-speed serial bus for real-time and bulk data transfer between computers and peripherals, widely used for video, storag…

IEEE 802.1aq (Shortest Path Bridging): overview, function, and uses IEEE 802.1aq IEEE 802.1aq, or Shortest Path Bridging (SPB), is an Ethernet standard that simplifies network design by enabling loop-free multipath forwarding, faster convergence, and large-scal…

iMac — Apple’s all-in-one personal computer iMac Overview of the iMac: design, history, hardware generations, software compatibility, notable models and the transitions between PowerPC, Intel and Apple Silicon architectures.

Image scanner A device that optically captures documents, photographs, film or other visual media and converts them into editable and storable digital images for editing, archiving or OCR.

Image sensor Device that converts incoming light or other radiation into electrical signals for digital imaging; used in cameras, scientific instruments and specialized detectors like X‑ray or…

IMSAI 8080: early S-100 microcomputer and influential Altair-compatible system IMSAI 8080 The IMSAI 8080, introduced in late 1975, was an early microcomputer built around the Intel 8080/8085 and the S‑100 bus. It popularized a clone-compatible design, ran IMDOS (a CP/M…

Incendiary device: history, materials, uses, and legal status Incendiary device An incendiary device (firebomb) is designed to start fires using combustible or pyrotechnic agents. This article explains types, common materials, historical use, military roles, a…

Incubator (egg) A controlled device that simulates brooding conditions to hatch eggs; used in farming, conservation, research and education to maintain temperature, humidity, ventilation and turni…

Inferno (operating system) Inferno is a portable distributed operating system from Bell Labs that treats resources as files, provides per-process namespaces, uses a 9P-derived protocol, and runs Limbo progra…

Information retrieval: principles, components, history, and applications Information retrieval Overview of information retrieval: goals, main components (indexing, retrieval models, ranking), history, practical applications, and distinctions from related fields such as data…

Information security: principles, history, threats, and practical measures Information security Comprehensive overview of information security: core principles (confidentiality, integrity, availability), controls, common threats, risk management, legal and social aspects, sta…

Information systems: concepts, components, history and applications Information systems An overview of information systems: what they are, core components, historical development, common uses, and distinctions from related fields.

Information technology: concepts, components, history, and applications Information technology Concise encyclopedia entry on information technology (IT): definitions, core components, history, uses, governance, security concerns, education and major trends shaping the field.

Ingot: cast metal bars — production, types and uses Ingot An overview of ingots: solid metal bars formed by pouring purified molten metal into molds. Explains materials, manufacturing methods, common formats, uses, history and distinguish…

Ink cartridge An ink cartridge is a replaceable container for printer ink used in inkjet devices. This article explains types, parts, history, usage, compatibility, and environmental considerati…

Inkjet printer: technology, uses, maintenance, and comparisons Inkjet printer Overview of inkjet printers: how they work, inks and media, typical uses, maintenance challenges, industrial variants, and comparisons with laser printing.

Inkscape — free vector graphics editor Inkscape Inkscape is an open-source vector graphics editor focused on the SVG standard. It runs on multiple platforms and provides drawing, path editing, text, layers, and export features f…

Innovation: concept, types, history and economic importance Innovation An overview of innovation: definitions, key characteristics, types, historical development, examples, and its role in economic growth and policy.

Input (information, computing, and signals) Input Input is data or signals introduced into a system—human, mechanical, or electronic—to produce a response, measurement, or output in contexts from daily life to computing.

Input device Hardware used to provide data and control signals to a computer. Covers types, components, history, common examples and distinctions such as combined input/output devices.

Software installation (computer programs) Installation (computer programs) How software is placed, configured, and prepared to run on a device: processes, components, history, methods, common issues and best practices.

Instant camera A camera that produces a finished photographic print within minutes of exposure, popularized by Polaroid and later revived by other makers; valued for immediate, tangible images an…

Instruction (computer science): definition, formats, encoding, and execution Instruction (computer science) A processor instruction is a single operation defined by an instruction set. This article explains formats, operands, encoding, addressing modes, execution models, history, and pra…

Instruction cycle (fetch–decode–execute) Instruction cycle The instruction cycle is the repeating process a CPU follows to run programs: fetching an instruction from memory, decoding it into actions, executing those actions and handling re…

Integrated circuit: design, fabrication, types, and impact Integrated circuit An integrated circuit (IC) is a compact electronic circuit formed on a semiconductor substrate. This article explains its structure, fabrication, classifications, packaging, histor…

Integrated development environment (IDE): overview, features, history and uses Integrated development environment A concise guide to integrated development environments (IDEs): definition, main components, evolution, common features, types, and why developers use them.

Intel 4004: the first commercial microprocessor (1971) Intel 4004 The Intel 4004 is the first commercially produced microprocessor, released in 1971. A 4-bit CPU designed for calculators, it launched the microprocessor era and formed the MCS-4 ch…

Intel Atom processor family Intel Atom A family of low‑power x86/x86‑64 microprocessors introduced by Intel for netbooks, tablets, embedded systems and low‑power servers; designed for energy efficiency over raw throughp…

Intel Core (original mobile processors and brand evolution) Intel Core Overview of the original Intel Core mobile processors (Solo/Duo), their architecture, history, and legacy, and how the Core brand developed into later Intel CPU families.

Intel Core 2: overview of the Core 2 processor family Intel Core 2 Summary of Intel's Core 2 microprocessor family: architecture, main models (Solo, Duo, Quad, Extreme), history, typical uses, and how it differed from earlier and later Intel desig…

Intel Core i5: Mid-range processors for desktops and laptops Intel Core i5 Overview of Intel Core i5 processors: design goals, key features such as Turbo Boost and integrated graphics, historical development from Lynnfield and Arrandale, and typical use c…

Intel Core i7 — high-performance consumer processors Intel Core i7 Overview of the Intel Core i7 family: its purpose, key technologies (cores, Hyper-Threading, Turbo Boost), generation history, model variants, common uses, and how it differs from…

Intel Core i9 processors Intel Core i9 High-performance desktop and mobile CPUs in Intel's Core family, designed for gaming, content creation, and workstation tasks. Variants differ by core counts, cache, power and feat…

Intellivision: Mattel's 1980 Home Video Game Console and Legacy Intellivision Home video game console introduced by Mattel Electronics in 1980, known for numeric-keypad controllers, a voice synthesis module, and a catalogue of sports and strategy titles; now…

Intellivision Amico A family-oriented home video game console from Intellivision Entertainment, announced in 2018. It emphasizes simple controllers, local multiplayer and family-friendly games; develo…

Interactive whiteboard: digital, collaborative display for classrooms and meetings Interactive whiteboard An interactive whiteboard is a large touch-sensitive display that links a computer and projector, enabling direct control, annotation, and collaboration in education, business, and…