Display standards and resolution comparison: Which monitor standard from the list below would generally provide the highest display performance (resolution and color capabilities) for desktop use among the given choices?

Introduction / Context:
Monitor “performance” in classic PC terminology commonly refers to supported resolution and color depth under standard video modes. Understanding the historical standards helps technicians quickly assess capability when faced with older equipment labels like CGA, VGA, SVGA, and XGA.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• CGA, VGA, SVGA, and XGA are being compared as baseline standards.
• Higher typical resolution and color capability imply “higher performance.”
• We are not considering later standards such as SXGA, UXGA, or modern widescreen modes.

Concept / Approach:

The standards evolved in capability: CGA offered very low resolution and limited colors; VGA improved both; SVGA extended resolutions beyond VGA (commonly 800 x 600 and higher); XGA standardized 1024 x 768 with better refresh and color. Therefore, within the given list, XGA represents the highest commonly supported resolution and thus the highest performance tier.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Consulting historical VESA and IBM graphics mode tables confirms the progression from CGA to XGA, with XGA offering higher resolution than SVGA and VGA. Field experience also aligns: systems labeled XGA generally drive monitors at 1024 x 768 or better.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• CGA: earliest and least capable; low resolution and colors.
• VGA: better than CGA but below SVGA and XGA.
• SVGA: an improvement over VGA but typically below XGA’s 1024 x 768 baseline.
• None of the above: incorrect because XGA fits the criterion.

Common Pitfalls:

Assuming “SVGA” always equals or exceeds XGA; while SVGA is a broader term, in baseline comparisons XGA’s 1024 x 768 exceeds the common 800 x 600 associated with SVGA-era hardware.

Final Answer:

XGA