I/O Input/Output.
IBM International Business Machines. IBM is credited with the explosion of the home PC after making the desktop PC a common office tool. IBM still retains the "fastest" and "smallest" PC developments due to a robust research department and budget.
IC Integrated Circuit. Many devices include IC's in their design including appliances, automobiles, PC's, phones, etc. An IC is a programmed computer chip capable of performing multiple tasks repetitiously.
ICM Image Color Matching.
IDE Integrated Device Electronics. IDE is a standard interface for hard drives, CD-ROM's, and other internal devices. IDE channels use a 40-pin connector to connect devices to the IDE controller (found integrated on most new mainboards).
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Developed standards for connection of external devices to PC's via cables. IEEE-1284 is a standard cable required by many inkjet printers due to the bi-directional communication requirements of these devices. IEEE-1384 (a.k.a. Firewire) has been integrated as USB.
IP Internet Protocol. This is the language that computers use to communicate via the Internet. IP allows for each individual PC on the Internet at any given time to have its own unique address. This can also be used as a means of communication across an internal network, though NetBeui and IPX are most prominent.
IPO Initial Public Offering. Companies that intend to go public, and sell stock in their company, issue an IPO for potential investors. This is the first offering of stock in a given company.
IPX/SPX Internetwork Packet Exchange / Sequenced Packet Exchange. This is a network protocol used to transfer information from one PC to another.
IR Infrared. Some devices have an infrared interface - the device is cordless. This is the same technology built into remote controls for TV's. Infrared keyboards and mice are common.
IRC Internet Relay Chat.
IRQ Interrupt Request. IRQ's are resources available in your PC for use by different hardware in the PC. IRQ's number 0 through 15, and each device uses an IRQ number (including but not limited to: hard drive controllers, com ports, lpt ports, video devices, multimedia devices, etc.). IRQ conflicts can be elusive and frustrating.
ISDN Integrated Services Digital Network. A dedicated communications network used to transfer information at high speeds. Dual-channel ISDN transmits 128k and receives at 128k, compared to approx. 40-50k via a dial-up modem connection. ISDN is always-on, and doesn't require dialing to connect.
ISP Internet Service Provider. AOL/Time Warner is the largest ISP in the United States. ISP's provide "onramps" for users to access the Internet.
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