Accelerator (computing)

In computing, an accelerator is an additional unit of hardware to perform some function faster than is possible in software running on the normal CPU. Examples include graphics accelerators and floating-point accelerators. The term is outdated and has been replaced with more descriptive terms like video card or graphics card.

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In computing, the term accelerator is used for the shortcut key which produces the same effect as a pull-down menu entry, for example using CTRL-S instead of the menu "File" and the contained entry "Save".

This article was originally based on material from FOLDOC, used with permission. Update as needed.