Control boards send a control signal to the dimmers (and other compatible devices, fixtures, or appliances). Boards vary based on their control protocol, control capacity, and the ability to be programmed (instead of manual operation).
Manual Preset Boards allow one or two scenes to be set with sliders. The operator can then cross-fade between the scenes. There is generally no ability to save scenes, automate playback, or control moving fixtures.
Memory Boards allow scenes to be saved as individual cues. Cues can then be played back automatically in a stack throughout a show. These boards generally have a larger control capacity (can control more dimmers/fixtures simultaneously). More advanced memory consoles can be used with moving lights.
Moving Light Controllers are advanced memory boards which have advanced capabilities to design with moving lights.