IEC to develop symbols for computing equipment
An
IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Jul 11, 2006
IEC Subcommittee 3C is developing new symbols for equipment in the computer area.
Symbols speak to everyone - they are not restricted by language and their impact is immediate.
This has been recognized in worldwide highway codes.
Drivers often don't have time to take their eyes off the road for long enough to read text - far better to have pictorial information to warn of any road hazards: it is immediate and non-ambiguous.
And so it is with symbols.
IEC Subcommittee 3C is developing new symbols for equipment in the computer area.
Soon, the same easy recognition that operates instantly for traffic signs will be accessible for understanding computer equipment.
Please be aware that symbols are subject to change and the examples below are, for the time being, purely illustrative.
Symbols being developed include: Computer network - To identify the computer network and to indicate the connecting terminals of the computer network.
Hard disk - To identify the hard disk and to indicate that the hard disk is being accessed.
Telephone line - To identify the terminals for any communication equipment to be connected to the telephone line.
Mouse - To identify a small device that is moved by hand across a surface to control the movement of the cursor on a computer screen and to indicate the terminals of the device.
Keyboard - To identify a device as the set of keys for operating a computer and to indicate the terminals of the device.
Locking, numerals; num-lock - To identify a key of the keyboard for locking and unlocking for typing numerical characters and to indicate locking and unlocking status.
Locking, capitals; caps-lock - To identify a key of the keyboard for locking and unlocking for typing capital letters and to indicate locking and unlocking status.
Locking, scroll; scroll lock - To identify a key of the keyboard for locking and unlocking for scrolling windows on a computer screen and to indicate locking and unlocking status.
The IEC created subcommittee 3C (Graphical symbols for use on equipment) in 1969.
The secretariat is held by the Japanese National Committee of the IEC.
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