# Data General Dasher > line of Data General terminals **Wikidata**: [Q127594920](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q127594920) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/data-general-dasher ## Summary The Data General Dasher is a line of computer terminals manufactured by Data General. Classified as a type of computer terminal, it serves as an electronic hardware device used for entering data into and displaying data from a computer system. ## Key Facts * **Classification:** Subclass of computer terminal (computer input/output device). * **Manufacturer:** Data General. * **Function:** Electronic hardware used for entering and displaying data from a computing system. * **Core Components:** Like standard terminals, the device class typically includes a keyboard and a monitor. * **Wikidata Description:** Defined specifically as a "line of Data General terminals." * **Wikipedia Presence:** Has a sitelink count of 1, appearing in the Dutch (nl) language edition. ## FAQs ### What is the Data General Dasher? The Data General Dasher is a specific product line of computer terminals produced by the company Data General. It functions as a peripheral hardware device that allows users to input data via a keyboard and view output from a connected computer. ### How is the Dasher classified in computing hardware? The Dasher is classified as a "computer terminal." This categorizes it as an electronic or electromechanical hardware device distinct from the main computer processing unit, serving as the interface for human-computer interaction. ### What are the standard components of the Dasher's device class? As a computer terminal, the Data General Dasher line falls under the broader class of peripherals that typically feature a keyboard for input and a computer monitor for output, though specific models within the line may vary in configuration. ## Why It Matters The Data General Dasher represents a specific implementation of computer terminal technology, a class of device that was fundamental to the evolution of interactive computing. Terminals like the Dasher replaced slower batch-processing methods (such as punched cards) with immediate, bidirectional communication, enabling real-time data entry and debugging. While modern computing has largely shifted to personal computers, devices like the Dasher were critical in environments requiring reliable, dedicated interfaces for mainframe and minicomputer access, facilitating the operational efficiency of industries during the peak of terminal-based architecture. ## Notable For * **Product Line:** Being a distinct line of terminals under the Data General brand. * **Hardware Standard:** Belonging to the "computer terminal" class, which standardizes the interaction between human users and computing systems via input/output peripherals. * **Language Presence:** Being one of the terminal lines specifically cataloged in the Dutch Wikipedia, indicating its recognition in global technical documentation. ## Body ### Definition and Classification The **Data General Dasher** is a line of computer terminals manufactured by **Data General**. It is taxonomically classified as a subclass of **computer terminal**, which is defined as an electronic or electromechanical hardware device. As a member of this class, the Dasher functions as a computer input/output peripheral used for entering data into, and displaying data from, a computer or computing system. ### Context within Computer Terminals As the Dasher is a specific line within the broader category of computer terminals, it shares the fundamental characteristics and history of this device class. #### Core Functionality The primary utility of the Dasher, consistent with all computer terminals, is to serve as a physical interface. * **Input:** It utilizes a keyboard to allow users to type commands or data. * **Output:** It utilizes a display (or historically, a printer) to show the computer's responses. * **Architecture:** Terminals are generally distinct from the computer itself; "dumb" terminals rely entirely on the host for processing, whereas "smart" or "intelligent" terminals may contain embedded microcontrollers for basic editing and screen buffering. #### Historical and Technical Context The development of terminals like the Data General Dasher occurred within a historical timeline that began with electromechanical devices and evolved into sophisticated electronic units. * **Evolution:** The class evolved from hard-copy terminals (such as the DECwriter series, 1970–1982) to CRT-based video terminals. * **Standardization:** The widespread adoption of terminals was driven by standards such as the **VT100** (introduced 1978), which established ANSI terminal standards and escape-sequence conventions for cursor movement and text attributes. * **Types:** The Dasher line exists within an ecosystem that includes various terminal types: * **Dumb terminals:** Rely entirely on the host (e.g., VT52). * **Smart/Intelligent terminals:** Feature local processing (e.g., Hazeltine 2000). * **Graphical terminals:** Capable of bitmap graphics (e.g., VT420, VT520). * **Hard-copy terminals:** Print output on paper. ### Components and Architecture While specific technical specifications for every Dasher model are not detailed in the source, as a computer terminal, the line is built upon standard component architectures: * **Keyboard:** Typically QWERTY layout, potentially including function keys for control sequences. * **Display:** Uses CRT or LCD technology to render text or graphical interfaces. * **Interface:** Connects to host systems via serial connections (RS-232), Ethernet, or proprietary interfaces. ### Related Entities and Identifiers The Data General Dasher is connected to broader technical ontologies and entities: * **Parent Class:** Computer terminal (Q... on Wikidata). * **Manufacturer:** Data General. * **Related Standards:** ANSI escape codes (standardized by VT100), X Window System (used in X terminals). * **Identifiers:** * Wikidata description: "line of Data General terminals." * Wikipedia languages: Dutch (nl). * Sitelink count: 1.