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IBM and others have introduced abewildering plethora of graphics and text display standardsfor IBM PCs. The standards are mostly implemented byplugging in a video display board (or "graphics adaptor")and connecting the appropriate monitor to it. Each newstandard subsumes its predecessors. For example, an EGAboard can also do CGA and MDA.With the PS/2, IBM introduced the VGA standard and builtit into the main system board motherboard. VGA is alsoavailable as a plug-in board for PCs from third-party vendors.Also with the PS/2, IBM introduced the 8514 high-resolutiongraphics standard. An 8514 adaptor board plugs into the PS/2,providing a dual-monitor capability.Graphics software had to support the major IBM graphicsstandards and many non-IBM, proprietary standards fordisplays. Either software vendors provided display driversor display vendors provided drivers for the software package.In either case, switching software or switching displaysystems was fraught with compatibility problems. Display Resolution Colours SponsorSystems MDA 720x350 T 2 IBM PC CGA 320x200 4 IBM PC EGA 640x350 16 IBM PC PGA 640x480256 IBM PC Hercules 729x348 2 non-IBMPC MCGA 720x400 T 320x200 G256PS/2 VGA 720x400 T 640x480 G 16 SVGA 800x600 16VESA XVGA 1024x768256(IBM name: 8514)T: text, G: graphics.More colours are available from third-party vendors for somedisplay types.See also MDA, CGA, EGA, PGA, Hercules, MCGA,VGA, SVGA, 8514, VESA.[What were the corresponding "mode" numbers"?]