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A VDU, or Visual Display Unit, is a computer term for a screen or monitor that shows information from a computer. It's an output device that converts digital signals into images, text, and graphics for a user to see. The term is also sometimes used interchangeably with video display terminal (VDT) or is a British English term for a computer monitor.

Function: A VDU receives signals from a computer's graphics card and translates them into a visual format on its display panel.

Components: Modern VDUs include a display panel (like LCD or LED), a backlight to illuminate the screen, and electronic circuitry to process the data.

Types: VDUs can be a standalone device connected to a computer or a part of a larger system like a terminal. They can also include a keyboard for input, as in early terminals.

Modern equivalent: While the term VDU is still used, it's most commonly understood today as a computer monitor, screen, or display.