Graphics is defined by Webster's as "The art or the science of drawing; esp. of drawing according to mathematical rules, as in perspective, projection, and the like." In practical terms nowadays, however, it almost exclusively used to refer to drawing or representation of images (including moving images) using computer technology. Graphics are typically shown on a computer screen as a raster of small "pixels" (short for picture elements). The continuous image of real-life is thus broken up into a large mesh of close-fitting pixels of varying shades and intensities, but the human eye cannot tell them apart and sees only a seamless image.

A graphics terminal is a kind of computer terminal which can display images (rather than just text) on screen. Most personal computers and workstations nowadays have this capability (which was revolutionary and expensive when first introduced), but not necessarily in case of remote machine logins...