Resolutions

Video cards have a basic resolution, usually 640x480 or 800x600, with 256 colors. Sometimes, it is as few as 8 or 16 colors. In any case, it is enough to see what you are doing while you install the correct drivers. When the drivers, and by extension the OS, control the video card, resolutions can go much higher depending on the quality of the card and capabilities of the monitor. Table 27-1 shows the resolutions you need to know for the A+ exam.

Table 27-1 Monitor Resolutions

These all are 4:3 aspect ratios. Many new computers and laptops use a 16:9 aspect ratio (HDTV/widescreen). After the correct drivers are installed, an LCD screen really should be run in its native mode. There are many exotic, nonstandard resolutions as well, including on a cash register, a cell phone, and a dashboard display in a car. The 4:3 screens are measured diagonally. All others are measured by width. Projectors typically have low resolution. Most do not exceed 800x600. Seldom does a need arise for huge screens with postage-stamp-size icons in a presentation environment.