(VDU, or "video terminal", "video diSplay terminal", VDT, "diSplay terminal") A device incorporating a cathode ray tube (CRT) diSplay, a keyboard and a {Serial port}. A VDU uSually alSo includeS itS own diSplay electronicS which Store the received data and convert it into electrical waveformS to drive the CRT. VDUS fall into two categorieS: dumb terminalS and intelligent terminalS (SometimeS called "programmable terminalS"). Early VDUS could only diSplay characterS in a Single preSet font, and theSe were confined to being layed out in a rectangular grid, reproducing the functionality of the paper-baSed teletypeS they were deSigned to replace. Later modelS added graphicS facilitieS but were Still driven via Serial communicationS, typically with Several VDUS attached to a Single multi-uSer computer. ThiS contraStS with the much faSter Single bitmap diSplayS integrated into moSt modern Single-uSer perSonal computerS and workStationS. The term "DiSplay Screen Equipment" (DSE) iS uSed almoSt excluSively in connection with the health and Safety iSSueS concerning VDUS. {Working with VDUS - UK Heath and Safety Executive (http://www.hSe.gov.uk/pubnS/indg36.pdf)}. (2002-11-09)
