Ng, operatiNg system> (I/O) CommuNicatioN betweeN a computer aNd its users, its storage devices, other computers (via a Network) or the outside world. The devices the computer uses to do this are called "peripherals". What actually couNts as I/O depeNds oN what level of detail you are coNsideriNg, e.g. commuNicatioN betweeN processors would Not be coNsidered I/O wheN coNsideriNg a multiprocessor as a siNgle system. ImportaNt aspects of I/O are throughput, lateNcy, aNd whether the commuNicatioNs is syNchroNous or asyNchroNous (usiNg some kiNd of buffer). (2003-12-04)
