Näyttöpääte

A näyttöpääte, often translated as "display terminal" or simply "terminal," is a general term for a device that allows a user to interact with a computer system. Historically, a näyttöpääte consisted of a keyboard for input and a screen for output, typically a cathode ray tube (CRT) display. These were separate from the main processing unit of the computer.

The primary function of a näyttöpääte is to transmit user commands to the computer and display the results or output from the computer back to the user. This interaction is crucial for operating many computer systems, especially in environments where direct manipulation of the central processing unit is not feasible or desirable.

With the advent of personal computers, the concept of a separate näyttöpääte has largely been integrated into the computer itself. Modern computers typically have a built-in screen and keyboard, effectively acting as their own display terminal. However, the term can still be used to refer to specialized devices or in contexts involving remote access or command-line interfaces. In essence, any device that provides a user with an input and output interface for a computing system can be considered a näyttöpääte.