Pronunciation: [tˈɛkst mˈə͡ʊd] (IPA) 
"Text mode" is spelled phonetically as /tɛkst moʊd/. The first part of the word, "text," is pronounced with a short "e" sound, similar to "bed" or "set." The second part, "mode," is pronounced with a long "o" sound, similar to "road" or "load." Thus, the word "text mode" refers to a computer display mode in which characters are displayed on the screen as text, rather than graphics or images.
Text mode refers to a display mode in which a computer system or device presents information solely in the form of text characters. In this mode, text characters are used to represent images, graphics, and user interface elements, instead of more complex graphical elements such as icons or images. The main purpose of text mode is to provide a simple and straightforward way to interact with the system, typically through a command-line interface (CLI).
Text mode allows users to input and receive text commands, type in instructions, and read textual output on the screen. It typically uses a fixed-width font and a limited set of colors to represent information. The display is based on a grid of characters, where each character occupies a specific position on the screen. The characters are arranged horizontally from left to right and vertically from top to bottom.
Text mode is often used in operating systems, programming environments, and software applications that require a more lightweight and resource-efficient interface. It is particularly valuable for systems with limited graphical capabilities, such as early computers or embedded devices. Text mode allows for faster and more efficient processing of textual information and provides a more direct way of interacting with the system through the use of text-based commands and responses.
Some examples of text mode include the MS-DOS command prompt, Unix/Linux terminal, and web-based command-line interfaces.
The word "text" originated from the Latin word "textus", which means "that which is woven". In its English usage, "text" refers to a written or printed material consisting of words, symbols, or characters.
The term "text mode" emerged in the computer industry. It is derived from the concept of interacting with a computer system through text-based interfaces, where the primary means of communication is through the input and output of textual data. In this mode, the display is typically limited to a grid of characters, represented by ASCII or similar character sets. The term "mode" refers to the specific state or configuration of a computer system, emphasizing that it is primarily focused on processing and displaying text-based information.
