CompTIA A+(901, 902) & (Intro)Networking+, Subnet Mask Practice
smart battery
Portable PC battery that tells the computer when it needs to be charged, conditioned, or replaced.
phablet
Portmanteau of "phone" and "tablet." Colloquial term for a large phone. (And yes, I had to look up "portmanteau" as well. Love my editors!)
port forwarding
Preventing the passage of any IP packets through any ports other than the ones prescribed by the system administrator.
The ________________ is the component in laser printers that charges and conditions the internal components.
Primary Corona
network printer
Printer that connects directly to a network.
dot-matrix printer
Printer that creates each character from an array of dots. Pins striking a ribbon against the paper, one pin for each dot position, form the dots. May be a serial printer (printing one character at a time) or a line printer.
dye-sublimation printer
Printer that uses a roll of heat-sensitive plastic film embedded with dyes, which are vaporized and then solidified onto specially coated paper to create a high-quality image.
CNR (communications and networking riser)
Proprietary slot used on some motherboards to provide a sound interference-free connection for modems, sound cards, and NICs.
ARP (Address Resolution Protocol)
Protocol in the TCP/IP suite used with the command-line utility of the same name (arp) to determine the MAC address that corresponds to a particular IP address.
timbre
Qualities that differentiate the same note played on different instruments.
print resolution
Quality of a print image.
Speed of transmission
Queuing delay, Transmission delay, propagation delay, Nodal (processing) delay.
striped volume
RAID 0 volumes. Data is spread across two drives for increased speed.
double-sided RAM
RAM stick with RAM chips soldered to both sides of the stick. May only be used with motherboards designed to accept double-sided RAM. Very common.
SRAM (static RAM)
RAM that uses a flip-flop circuit rather than the typical transistor/capacitor of DRAM to hold a bit of information. SRAM does not need to be refreshed and is faster than regular DRAM. Used primarily for cache.
ECC RAM/DRAM (error correction code DRAM)
RAM that uses special chips to detect and fix memory errors. Commonly used in high-end servers where data integrity is crucial.
positional audio
Range of commands for a sound card to place a sound anywhere in 3-D space.
incident report
Record of the details of an accident, including what happened and where it happened.
dual boot
Refers to a computer with two operating systems installed, enabling users to choose which operating system to load on boot. Can also refer to kicking a device a second time just in case the first time didn't work.
The _______________________ refers to how often a screen can change completely.
Refresh Rate (Usually in Hertz)
UDF (universal data format)
Replaced the ISO-9660 formats, enabling any operating system and optical drive to read UDF formatted disks.
NTFS (New Technology File System)
Robust and secure file system introduced by Microsoft with Windows NT. NTFS provides an amazing array of configuration options for user access and security. Users can be granted access to data on a file-by-file basis. NTFS enables object-level security, long filename support, compression, and encryption.
What type of malware gains admin level access to a machine?
Rootkit
HTTPS (HTTP over Secure Sockets Layer)
Secure form of HTTP used commonly for Internet business transactions or any time when a secure connection is required. Uses port 443.
Types of VPN
Secure, Trusted, Hybrid
access control
Security concept using physical security, authentication, users and groups, and security policies.
VMM (virtual machine manager)
See hypervisor.
SCSI chain
Series of SCSI devices working together through a host adapter.
Explain how I would utilize a multimeter to measure continuity.
Set OHMS to ZERO!
DirectX
Set of APIs enabling programs to control multimedia, such as sound, video, and graphics. Used in Windows Vista and Windows 7 to draw the Aero desktop.
cylinder
Single concentric track passing through all the platters in a hard disk drive. Imagine a hard disk drive as a series of metal cans, nested one inside another; a single can would represent a cylinder.
VRM (voltage regulator module)
Small card supplied with some CPUs to ensure that the CPU gets correct voltage. This type of card, which must be used with a motherboard specially designed to accept it, is not commonly seen today.
module
Small circuit board that DRAM chips are attached to. Also known as a "stick."
ink cartridge
Small container of ink for inkjet printers.
standoffs
Small mechanical separators that screw into a computer case. A motherboard is then placed on top of the standoffs, and small screws are used to secure it to the standoffs.
Gadgets
Small tools, such as clocks or calendars, in Windows Vista and 7 that are placed on the Sidebar.
Performance Logs and Alerts
Snap-in enabling the creation of a written record of most everything that happens on the system.
MAM (mobile application management)
Software enabling a company's IT department to manage mobile apps on employees' mobile devices.
open source
Software environment that is not controlled by a central creator or distributer.
SDK (software development kit)
Software that used to create custom applications or add features to existing applications on your mobile device.
client/server
Relationship in which client software obtains services from a server on behalf of a person.
ipconfig /release
Releases your IP address back into the SCOPE
Data link
Reliable for the transfer between two nodes. Packets become frames for specific network which have a specific source and destination
floppy disk
Removable storage media that can hold between 720 KB and 1.44 MB of data.
SAN
Storage access network, high speed network of storage devices connecting storage devices to servers
interrupt/interruption
Suspension of a process, such as the execution of a computer program, caused by an event external to the computer and performed in such a way that the process can be resumed. Events of this kind include sensors monitoring laboratory equipment or a user pressing an interrupt key.
structured cabling
TIA/EIA standards that define methods of organizing the cables in a network for ease of repair and replacement.
Terminates a process when you supply the process id
Taskkill
Scalable Link Interface (SLI)
Technology for connecting two or more NVIDIA GPUs together in a system.
DTS (Digital Theatre Systems)
Technology for sound reductions and channeling methods, similar to Dolby Digital.
CrossFire
Technology that combines the power of multiple AMD graphics cards in a system.
preboot execution environment (PXE)
Technology that enables a PC to boot without any local storage by retrieving an OS from a server over a network.
RET (resolution enhancement technology)
Technology that uses small dots to smooth out jagged edges that are typical of printers without RET, producing a higher-quality print job.
proprietary
Technology unique to a particular vendor.
PC tech
Someone with computer skills who works on computers.
Aero
The Windows Vista/7 desktop environment. Aero adds some interesting aesthetic effects such as window transparency and Flip 3D.
PCM (pulse code modulation)
Sound format developed in the 1960s to carry telephone calls over the first digital lines.
DVI (Digital Visual Interface)
Special video connector designed for digitalto-digital connections; most commonly seen on PC video cards and LCD monitors. Some versions also support analog signals with a special adapter.
processing
The second step of the computing process, where the CPU completes the tasks that the user's input has given it.
Level 3 (L3) cache
Third RAM cache accessed by the CPU. Much larger and slower than the L1 and L2 caches, and accessed only if the requested program/data is not in the L2 cache.
Fiber optics
This flexible medium sends light signals, each light single is a bit, is the fasted type of transmission wire.
The ____________________ is used in projector technology to describe the size of the image at a certain distance.
Throw
autosensing
Used by better-quality sound cards to detect a device plugged into a port and to adapt the features of that port.
vertices
Used in the second generation of 3-D rendering; have a defined X, Y, and Z position in a 3-D world.
ifconfig
Used to configure network interfaces for LINUX servers and workstations. Also used to view TCP/IP configurations of a system..WIRED CONNECTION
rm
Used to delete directories (REMOVE DIRECTORIES)-Linux
rmdir
Used to delete directories (REMOVE DIRECTORIES)-Windows
counter
Used to track data about a particular object when using the Performance Monitor.
microBTX
Variation of the BTX form factor. MicroBTX motherboards are generally smaller than their BTX counterparts but retain all the same functionality.
This type of printer is NOT a physical piece of hardware. It is used to connect to an operating system AS a printer, but only converts edited documents to image style documents.
Virtual Printers
Documents folder
Windows folder for storing user-created files.
802.11g
Wireless networking standard that operates in the 2.4-GHz band with a theoretical maximum throughput of 54 Mbps and is backward compatible with 802.11b.
802.11ac
Wireless networking standard that operates in the 5-GHz band and uses multiple in/multiple out (MIMO) and multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) to achieve a theoretical maximum throughput of 1 Gbps.
T568A
Wiring standard for Ethernet cable.
What type of malware acts as a carrier vessel and must be willingly installed?
Trojan
Transfer Rate - Cat6
True 1Gbps
CAT 1
UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) Regular analog phone lines—not used for data communications.
scan code
Unique code corresponding to each key on the keyboard, sent from the keyboard controller to the CPU.
Physical layer
connecting different devices on a network, transmitting and receiving bits form from one computer to another.
____________ is used to configure network interfaces for Linux servers and workstations. It is also used to view current TCP/IP configurations of a system.
ifconfig
_________ is used in Linux to configure WIRELESS network interfaces
iwconfig
______ is a command used to delete directories.
rm **"Remove"**
__________ is used to close and safely shutdown a Linux system.
shutdown
__________ is a command that will allow a user to execute a command as a superuser (at the ROOT)!
sudo
Execute ____ from any directory to see the folder structure under that directory.
tree
UTP coupler
used to connect UTP network cables to each others
Fiber adaptors
used to join to different fiber optic connectors tougher
MAC (media access control) address
Unique 48-bit address assigned to each network card. IEEE assigns blocks of possible addresses to various NIC manufacturers to help ensure that the address is always unique. The Data Link layer of the OSI model uses MAC addresses to locate machines.
SID (security identifier)
Unique identifier for every PC that most techs change when cloning.
SCSI ID
Unique identifier used by SCSI devices. No two SCSI devices may have the same SCSI ID.
byte
Unit of 8 bits; fundamental data unit of personal computers. Storing the equivalent of one character, the byte is also the basic unit of measurement for computer storage.
joule
Unit of energy describing (in this book) how much energy a surge suppressor can handle before it fails.
lumens
Unit of measure for amount of brightness on a projector or other light source.
amperes (amps or A)
Unit of measure for amperage, or electrical current.
decibels
Unit of measurement typically associated with sound. The higher the number of decibels, the louder the sound.
spam
Unsolicited e-mails from both legitimate businesses and scammers that account for a huge percentage of traffic on the Internet.
SuperSpeed+ USB
Updated form of SuperSpeed USB providing speeds up to 10 Gbps. Also called USB 3.1.
gpuupdate
Updates local and active directory group policy settings-Windows
mv
Used to move or rename files, can remove file i.e. move files to the trash -i (interactive) prompts you before overwriting a destination file -n (noclobber) will NOT overwrite an existing destination file Linux
standard user account
User account in Windows that has limited access to a system. Accounts of this type cannot alter system files, cannot install new programs, and cannot edit some settings by using the Control Panel without supplying an administrator password.
administrator account
User account, created when the OS is first installed, that is allowed complete, unfettered access to the system without restriction.
Windows Sidebar
User interface feature in Windows Vista that enables users to place various gadgets, such as clocks, calendars, and other utilities, on the right side of their desktop.
command-line interface
User interface for an OS devoid of all graphical trappings.
effective permissions
User's combined permissions granted by multiple groups.
desktop
User's primary interface to the Windows operating system.
RAID 5
Uses block-level and parity data striping. Requires three or more drives.
RAID 0
Uses byte-level striping and provides no fault tolerance.
inkjet printer
Uses liquid ink, sprayed through a series of tiny jets, to print text or images on a piece of paper.
RAID 1
Uses mirroring or duplexing for increased data redundancy.
impact printer
Uses pins and inked ribbons to print text or images on a piece of paper.
social engineering
Using or manipulating people inside the networking environment to gain access to that network from the outside.
termination
Using terminating resistors to prevent packet reflection on a network cable.
I/O addressing
Using the address bus to talk to system devices.
multicore processing
Using two or more execution cores on one CPU die to divide up work independently of the OS.
dual-channel architecture
Using two sticks of RAM (either RDRAM or DDR) to increase throughput.
registration
Usually optional process that identifies the legal owner/user of the product to the supplier.
buffered/registered DRAM
Usually seen in motherboards supporting more than four sticks of RAM, required to address interference issues caused by the additional sticks.
Disk Cleanup
Utility built into Windows that can help users clean up their hard drives by removing temporary Internet files, deleting unused program files, and more.
System Restore
Utility in Windows that enables you to return your PC to a recent working configuration when something goes wrong. System Restore enables you to select a restore point and then returns the computer's system settings to the way they were at that restore point—all without affecting your personal files or e-mail.
Event Viewer
Utility made available in Windows as an MMC snap-in that enables users to monitor various system events, including network bandwidth usage and CPU utilization.
System Monitor
Utility that can evaluate and monitor system resources, such as CPU usage and memory usage.
Device Manager
Utility that enables techs to examine and configure all the hardware and drivers in a Windows PC.
motherboard book
Valuable resource when installing a new motherboard. Normally lists all the specifications about a motherboard, including the type of memory and type of CPU usable with the motherboard.
subnet mask
Value used in TCP/IP settings to divide the IP address of a host into its component parts: network ID and host ID.
nit
Value used to measure the brightness of an LCD display. A typical LCD display has a brightness of between 100 and 400 nits.
attributes
Values in a file that determine the hidden, read-only, system, and archive status of the file.
microATX (μATX)
Variation of the ATX form factor, which uses the ATX power supply. MicroATX motherboards are generally smaller than their ATX counterparts but retain all the same functionality.
Windows 8
Version of Windows noted for the Metro interface. Used for desktop and portable PCs and for mobile devices.
Windows XP
Version of Windows that replaced both the entire Windows 9x line and Windows 2000; does not have a Server version. No longer supported by Microsoft.
Windows 7
Version of Windows; comes in many different editions for home and office use, but does not have a Server edition.
Windows Vista
Version of Windows; comes in many different editions for home and office use, but does not have a Server edition.
CRC (cyclic redundancy check)
Very accurate mathematical method used to check for errors in long streams of transmitted data. Before data is sent, the main computer uses the data to calculate a CRC value from the data's contents. If the receiver calculates from the received data a different CRC value, the data was corrupted during transmission and is re-sent. Ethernet packets use the CRC algorithm in the FCS portion of the frame.
guest account
Very limited built-in account type for Windows; a member of the Guest group.
SD (Secure Digital)
Very popular format for flash media cards; also supports I/O devices.
mini-audio connector
Very popular, 1/8-inch-diameter connector used to transmit two audio signals; perfect for stereo sound.
xD (Extreme Digital) picture card
Very small flash media card format.
worm
Very special form of virus. Unlike other viruses, a worm does not infect other files on the computer. Instead, it replicates by making copies of itself on other systems on a network by taking advantage of security weaknesses in networking protocols.
XGA (extended graphics array)
Video display mode of 1024 × 768.
SXGA
Video display mode of 1280 × 1024.
WXGA
Video display mode of 1280 × 800.
SXGA+
Video display mode of 1400 × 1050.
WSXGA
Video display mode of 1440 × 900.
WSXGA+
Video display mode of 1680 × 1050.
WUXGA
Video display mode of 1920 × 1200.
WQUXGA
Video display mode of 2560 × 1600.
QVGA
Video display mode of 320 × 240.
WVGA
Video display mode of 800 × 480.
SVGA (super video graphics array)
Video display mode of 800 × 600.
3-D graphics
Video technology that attempts to create images with the same depth and texture as objects seen in the real world.
VLAN
Virtual local access network, a group of network devices that are on the same LAN but are more geographically distinct.
VPN
Virtual private network, a network that enables devices to send and receive data across shred public networks as if they were directly connected.
snapshot
Virtualization feature that enables you to save an extra copy of the virtual machine as it is exactly at the moment the snapshot is taken.
polymorph virus
Virus that attempts to change its signature to prevent detection by antivirus programs, usually by continually scrambling a bit of useless code.
stealth virus
Virus that uses various methods to hide from antivirus software.
user interface
Visual representation of the computer on the monitor that makes sense to the people using the computer, through which the user can interact with the computer. This can be a graphical user interface (GUI) like Windows 7 or a command-line interface like the Windows PowerShell or the Recovery Console.
The paper utilized in dot matrix printers is known as ___________________.
"Green Line" or "Tractor Feed"
Ports ranging from 1,024 to 49,151 are part of the "__________________" block.
"Registered ports"
Mac
(Also Macintosh.) Common name for Apple Computers' flagship operating system; runs on Intel-based hardware. CompTIA refers to the operating system as Mac OS X. Apple calls the current operating system OS X, dropping the Mac altogether.
mkdir
(make directory) command in the Unix, DOS, OS/2, and Microsoft Windows operating systems and in the PHP scripting language is used to make a new directory. In DOS, OS/2 and Windows, the command is often abbreviated to md.
Mesh Topology
- Network topology in which all host machines are connected to one another - expensive - mainly used on WAN (Internet) - high redundancy level
Hybrid Topology
- Network topology which combines the use of multiple topology methods. - star bus and star ring are most common
Ring Topology
- Network topology which connects one computer to another in a continuous loop - every computer has 2 neighbors - easy to install and troubleshoot
BNC connector
- common type of RF connector - Bayonet style coaxial cabling connector generally made of nickel plated brass
Fiber coupler
- connect to fiber optic connectors - have to be the same type
MT-RJ
- fiber optic connector - latched push pull connector -small form factor for high packed density - smallest can send and receive fiber at the same time
ST connector
- fiber optic connector - straight tip - single mode fire optic cable -half twisted bayonet type of lock
LC connector
- local connector - fiber optic - commonly used between floors on a building - latch like RJ-11
RJ-45
- most common - connect computers to LAN networks - twisted pair cabling
RS-232
- send data one bit at a time - have a D shape connector - A standard port recommended by the Electronics Industry Association for serial devices.
RJ-11 Connector
- telephone jack - used to connect to modems on a computer - locking tab - resembles RJ-45 but smaller
BNC coupler
- used to connector together 2 coaxial cables with BNC connectors
RJ-48c
- used with shielded twisted pair - used with T1 - wired differently that RJ-45
IEEE 1394
-Firewire - recognized by D shape - attaching peripheral devices such as cameras and printers - video and multimedia devices
Describe TWO characteristics of ext4.
-Used in Linux -Compatible with pretty much anything else! WOOT!
_____ is usually called the help switch, to display detailed information about the command's syntax.
/?
Transfer Rate - USB 1.1
12Mbps
Voltage of the Yellow wire?
12V
What sockets introduced the "i-series" cpus?
1366/1156
How many pins? DDR MICRODIMM in Laptops
144 and 172
How many pins? DDR SODIMM in Laptops (2 answers)
144 pins OR 200 pins!
SATA power connector
15-pin, L-shaped connector used by SATA devices that support the hot-swappable feature.
Unicode
16-bit code that covers every character of the most common languages, plus several thousand symbols.
Resolution of UXGA.
1600 x 1200
What is the IPv4 APIPA address?
169.254.x.x
SATA 3.2Transfer Rate -
16Gbps
Capacity of DVD, double side, double layer?
17.1 GB
What is the range for IPv4 private class b?
172.16.x.x. - 172.31.x.x
How many pins? DDR2 SODIMM in Laptops
200 pins!
How many pins? DDR3 SODIMM in Laptops
204 pins!
Transfer Rate - Thunderbolt 2
20Gbps
How many pins? DDR2 SDRAM in Desktops
240 pins!
How many pins? DDR3 SDRAM in Desktops
240 pins!
CIDR /4
240.0.0
Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP)
2427/2727
CIDR /5
248.0.0.0
Transfer Rate - Bluetooth 3.0
24Mbps
Capacity of standard single layer Blu-ray?
25 GB
CIDR /6
252.0.0.0
CIDR /7
254.0.0.0
CIDR /8
255.0.0.0
CIDR /9
255.128.0.0
CIDR /10
255.192.0.0
CIDR /11
255.224.0.0
CIDR /12
255.240.0.0
CIDR /13
255.248.0.0
CIDR /14
255.252.0.0
CIDR /15
255.254.0.0
CIDR /16
255.255.0.0
CIDR /17
255.255.128.0
CIDR /18
255.255.192.0
CIDR /19
255.255.224.0
CIDR /20
255.255.240.0
CIDR /21
255.255.248.0
CIDR /22
255.255.252.0
CIDR /23
255.255.254.0
CIDR /24
255.255.255.0
CIDR /25
255.255.255.128
CIDR /26
255.255.255.192
CIDR /27
255.255.255.224
CIDR /28
255.255.255.240
CIDR /29
255.255.255.248
CIDR /30
255.255.255.252
CIDR /31
255.255.255.254
CIDR /32
255.255.255.255
multiple desktops
A GUI feature that enables a computer to have more than one desktop, each with its own icons and background. Mac OS X supports multiple Desktops with Spaces. Most Linux distros use multiple desktops, often called workspaces. Microsoft introduced the feature with Windows 10.
RAID 0+1
A RAID 0 configuration created by combining two RAID 1s. Provides both speed and redundancy, but requires at least four disks.
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)
A block cipher created in the late 1990s that uses a 128-bit block size and a 128-, 192-, or 256-bit key size. Practically uncrackable.
Hybrid VPN
A combination of both secure and trusted VPN
Terminal
A command-line interface tool available in Mac OS X and various Linux distros.
bcdedit
A command-line tool that enables you to view the BCD store, which lists the Windows boot options.
tasklist
A command-line version of the Task Manager.
remote network installation
A common method of OS installation where the source files are placed in a shared directory on a network server. Then, whenever a tech needs to install a new OS, he or she can boot the computer, connect to the source location on the network, and start the installation from there.
D-subminiature (D-Sub)
A common type of electrical connector. They are named for their characteristic D-shaped metal shield. When they were introduced, D-subs were among the smallest connectors used on computer systems.
virtual machine (VM)
A complete environment for a guest operating system to function as though that operating system were installed on its own computer.
fully qualified domain name (FQDN)
A complete, bottom-to-top label of a DNS host going from the specific host to the top-level domain that holds it and all of the intervening domain layers, each layer being separated by a dot. FQDNs are entered into browser bars and other utilities in formats like mail.totalseminars.com.
home server PC
A computer built to store files on a small office/home office (SOHO) network.
Web server
A computer that stores and shares the files that make up websites.
F-Type Connector
A connector used to terminate coaxial cable used for transmitting television and broadband cable signals. - used by cable providers
frame
A data unit transferred across a network. Frames consist of several parts, such as the sending and receiving MAC addresses, the data being sent, and the frame check sequence.
set-top box
A device that adds "Smart TV" features, such as Internet streaming and show recording, to normal TVs.
network attached storage (NAS)
A device that attaches to a network for the sole purpose of storing and sharing files.
bridge
A device that connects two networks and passes traffic between them based only on the node address, so that traffic between nodes on one network does not appear on the other network. For example, an Ethernet bridge only looks at the MAC address. Bridges filter and forward packets based on MAC addresses and operate at Level 2 (Data Link layer) of the OSI seven-layer model.
smart camera
A digital camera incorporating the interface and computational features of a mobile device.
data roaming
A feature of cellular data systems that enables the signal to jump from cell tower to cell tower and from your provider to another provider without obvious notice.
toner
A fine powder made up of plastic particles bonded to iron particles, used to create the text and images on a laser printer. Also, generic term for two devices used together—a tone generator and a tone locator (probe)—to trace cables by sending an electrical signal along a wire at a particular frequency. The tone locator then emits a sound when it distinguishes that frequency.
eMMC (embedded MMC)
A form of embedded flash memory widely seen in mobile devices.
MDM (mobile device management)
A formalized structure that enables an organization to account for all the different types of devices used to process, store, transmit, and receive organizational data.
diskpart
A fully functioning command-line partitioning tool.
self-grounding
A less-than-ideal method for ridding yourself of static electricity by touching a metal object such as a computer case. Alternately, sending yourself to your own room as a form of punishment.
drive letter
A letter designating a specific drive or partition.
DMZ (demilitarized zone)
A lightly protected or unprotected subnet network positioned between an outer firewall and an organization's highly protected internal network. DMZs are used mainly to host public address servers (such as web servers).
profile
A list of settings that a calibration device creates when calibrating monitors and printers.
PRL (Preferred Roaming List)
A list that is occasionally and automatically updated to a phone's firmware by the carrier so that the phone will be configured with a particular carrier's networks and frequencies, in a priority order, that it should search for when it can't locate its home carrier network.
What is used to test the functionality of ports on a NIC?
A loopback plug.
air filter mask
A mask designed to keep users from inhaling particulate matter, as when cutting drywall.
NAT (Network Address Translation)
A means of translating a system's IP address into another IP address before sending it out to a larger network. NAT manifests itself by a NAT program that runs on a system or a router. A network using NAT provides the systems on the network with private IP addresses. The system running the NAT software has two interfaces: one connected to the network and the other connected to the larger network.
equipment rack
A metal structure used in equipment rooms to secure network hardware devices and patch panels. Most racks are 19 inches wide. Devices designed to fit in such a rack use a height measurement called units, or simply U.
network connection
A method for connecting two or more computers together. (See also network.)
liquid cooling
A method of cooling a PC that works by running some liquid—usually water—through a metal block that sits on top of the CPU, absorbing heat. The liquid gets heated by the block, runs out of the block and into something that cools the liquid, and is then pumped through the block again.
Cloud computing
A model for enabling and accessing computing storage and other shared (or not shared) resources on-demand. The "cloud" is based on servicing models that include IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, or hybrid mixtures of these services.
ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode)
A network technology that runs at speeds between 25 and 622 Mbps using fiber-optic cabling or CAT 5 or better UTP.
Extranet
A network that allows contained access for a specific group such as businesses and schools.
hybrid
A network topology that combines features from multiple other topologies, such as the star-bus topology.
Point to MultiPoint Topology
A network topology that consists of multiple devices connecting to single device in order to communicate. - commonly used in wireless outdoor networks
broadcast
A network transmission addressed for every node on the network.
PID
A number used by most operating systems to uniquely identify an active process
Action Center
A one-page aggregation of event messages, warnings, and maintenance messages in Windows 7.
Startup Repair
A one-stop, do-it-all troubleshooting option that performs a number of boot repairs automatically.
patch panel
A panel containing a row of female connectors (ports) that terminate the horizontal cabling in the equipment room. Patch panels facilitate cabling organization and provide protection to horizontal cabling.
disk initialization
A process that places special information on every hard drive installed in a Windows system.
app
A program for a tablet or smartphone. Also, a program written for the Windows 8 Metro interface.
service
A program that runs in the background of a PC but displays no icons anywhere. You can view a list of services in the Windows Task Manager. Also, a program stored in a ROM chip.
command
A request, typed from a terminal or embedded in a file, to perform an operation or to execute a particular program.
proprietary crash screen
A screen, differing between operating systems, that indicates an NMI.
smart TV
A television with network capabilities—both hardware and software—for use with streaming Internet video and audio.
What does the Linux command Vi do?
A text editor! BUT usually used when installing/upgrading software packages.
File Explorer
A tool in Windows 8/8.1/10 that enables users to browse files and folders.
DB-15 connector
A two- or three-row D-sub connector (female) used for 10Base5 networks, MIDI/joysticks, and analog video.
DB-9
A two-row DB connector (male) used to connect the computer's serial port to a serial-communication device such as a modem or a console port on a managed switch.
unattended installation
A type of OS installation where special scripts perform all the OS setup duties without human intervention.
IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity)
A unique number that represents the actual user associated with a particular SIM card. The IMSI is usually available from the carrier, to ensure that stolen phones are not misused. The IMSI number can be used to unlock a phone as well.
System File Checker
A utility in Windows that allows users to scan for corruptions in Windows system files and restore corrupted files.
smart watch
A watch incorporating features of and communicating with a mobile device.
wide area network (WAN)
A widespread group of computers connected using long-distance technologies.
SATA bridge
Adapter that allows PATA devices to be connected to a SATA controller.
EULA (End User License Agreement)
Agreement that accompanies a piece of software, to which the user must agree before using the software. Outlines the terms of use for the software and also lists any actions on the part of the user that violate the agreement.
protocol
Agreement that governs the procedures used to exchange information between cooperating entities. Usually includes how much information is to be sent, how often it is to be sent, how to recover from transmission errors, and who is to receive the information.
instruction set
All of the machine-language commands that a particular CPU is designed to understand.
Secure VPN
All traffic on VPN must be encrypted and authenticated, then is sent along the VPN tunnels
Trusted VPN
All traffic on the VPN relies on the security on the providers network to protect traffic
What is REGSVR32?
Allows a user to manage .DLL files on a workstation.
Site to Site VPN
Allows different locations to connect securely, each side has a VPN gateway(router) and fire wall,VPN is in charge of encryption and authentication of outbound traffic which is sent over the internet to another peer VPN gateway
simple file sharing
Allows users to share locally or across the network but gives no control over what others do with shared files.
CFS (Common File System)
Along with CFS (Command File System), this term is found in the Acronym List of the CompTIA A+ learning objectives, and nowhere else. After diligent research, your intrepid author has not found a satisfactory reference to this alleged technology and believes that your ability to recognize that CFS can stand for Common File System will be sufficient knowledge to pass any exam questions about this topic on the corresponding test. —Mike Meyers
BYOD (bring your own device)
An arrangement in some companies' IT departments where employees are permitted to use their own phones or other mobile devices instead of company-issued ones. Also, a feature of some wireless carriers where you can buy an unsubsidized device and use it to get cheaper wireless rates.
DDOS (distributed denial of service)
An attack on a computer or network device in which multiple computers send data and requests to the device in an attempt to overwhelm it so that it cannot perform normal operations.
DoS (denial of service)
An attack on a computer resource that prevents it from performing its normal operations, usually by overwhelming it with large numbers of requests in an effort to monopolize its resources.
Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI)
An efficient way for motherboards to work with SATA host bus adapters. Using AHCI unlocks some of the advanced features of SATA, such as hot-swapping and native command queuing.
Lightning
An eight-pin connector, proprietary to Apple, that can be inserted without regard to orientation. Used to connect mobile devices to a power or data source.
microphone
An input device for recording audio.
gamepad
An input device specifically designed for playing computer games. These usually consist of one or more thumbsticks, a directional pad, multiple face buttons, and two or more triggers.
AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)
An older 32/64-bit expansion slot designed by Intel specifically for video that ran at 66 MHz and yielded a throughput of at least 254 Mbps. Later versions (2×, 4×, 8×) gave substantially higher throughput.
Thunderbolt
An open standards connector interface that is primarily used to connect peripherals to devices, including mobile devices, if they have a corresponding port.
line of sight
An unobstructed view between two devices. Required for IR communications.
RFI (radio frequency interference)
Another form of electrical interference caused by radio wave-emitting devices, such as cell phones, wireless network cards, and microwave ovens.
directory
Another name for a folder.
file allocation unit
Another term for cluster. (See also cluster.)
full-duplex
Any device that can send and receive data simultaneously.
peripheral
Any device that connects to the system unit.
system fan
Any fan controlled by the motherboard but not directly attached to the CPU.
hot-swappable
Any hardware that may be attached to or removed from a PC without interrupting the PC's normal processing.
resistor
Any material or device that impedes the flow of electrons. Electronic resistors measure their resistance (impedance) in ohms.
authorization
Any method a computer uses to determine what an authenticated user can do.
authentication
Any method a computer uses to determine who can access it.
FRU (field replaceable unit)
Any part of a PC that is considered to be replaceable "in the field," i.e., a customer location. There is no official list of FRUs—it is usually a matter of policy by the repair center.
removable media
Any storage on a computer that can be easily removed. For example, optical discs, flash drives, or memory cards.
Data
Anything in form suitable for use with a computer, such as binary. Information that has been translated into a form that is convenient to move and process
iCloud
Apple cloud-based storage. iCloud enables a user to back up all iPhone or iPad data, and makes that data accessible from anywhere. This includes any media purchased through iTunes and calendars, contacts, reminders, and so forth.
OSI seven-layer model
Architecture model based on the OSI protocol suite that defines and standardizes the flow of data between computers. The seven layers are
print spooler
Area of memory that queues up print jobs that the printer will handle sequentially.
track
Area on a hard drive platter where data is stored. A group of tracks with the same diameter is called a cylinder.
telecommunications room
Area where all the cabling from individual computers in a network converges.
queue
Area where objects wait their turn to be processed. Example: the print queue, where print jobs wait until it is their turn to be printed.
Where is the wireless antenna located in a laptop?
Around the bezel/screen.
PGA (pin grid array)
Arrangement of a large number of pins extending from the bottom of the CPU package. There are many variations on PGA.
4:3, 16:9 and 16:10 are very common ___________________.
Aspect Ratios
Explain Asynchronous v. Synchronous memory.
Asynchronous DRAM, or ADRAM, isn't synchronized to the system clock. Synchronous DRAM, SDRAM, is tied to the system clock.
test the theory
Attempt to resolve the issue by either confirming the theory and learning what needs to be done to fix the problem, or by not confirming the theory and forming a new one or escalating. (Step 3 of 6 in the CompTIA troubleshooting theory.)
archive attribute
Attribute of a file that shows whether the file has been backed up since the last change. Each time a file is opened, changed, or saved, the archive bit is turned on. Some types of backups turn off this archive bit to indicate that a good backup of the file exists on tape.
headphones
Audio output device that sits on top of or in a user's ears.
CD quality
Audio quality that has a sample rate of 44.4 KHz and a bit rate of 128 bits.
CAPTCHA (Completely Automated Public Turing Test to tell Computers and Humans Apart)
Authentication challenge using images, videos, sounds, or other media to be identified by a user. Computers have a much more difficult time discerning the content of these tests than humans, making the challenge useful in determining if a human or a computer is attempting access.
Kerberos
Authentication encryption developed by MIT to enable multiple brands of servers to authenticate multiple brands of clients.
multifactor authentication
Authentication schema requiring more than one unique authentication method. For example, a password and a fingerprint.
PKI (public key infrastructure)
Authentication schema where public keys are exchanged between all parties using digital certificates, enabling secure communication over public networks.
Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP)
Authentication wrapper that EAP-compliant applications can use to accept one of many types of authentication. While EAP is a general-purpose authentication wrapper, its only substantial use is in wireless networks.
APM (Advanced Power Management)
BIOS routines (developed by Intel in 1992 and upgraded over time) that enable the CPU to turn on and off selected peripherals. In 1996, APM was supplanted by Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI).
LCD displays utilize ______________ to illuminate the screen.
Backlights (Usually a CCFL, a Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp)
incremental backup
Backs up all files that have their archive bits turned on, meaning that they have been changed since the last backup. Turns the archive bits off after the files have been backed up.
Necessity of compression
Backups and archiving : saves space with backed up files File transmission : smaller files = faster to download and upload Fills compression and protection : compressed files mean nothing, they are mixed up.
antistatic bag
Bag made of antistatic plastic into which electronics are placed for temporary or long-term storage. Used to protect components from electrostatic discharge.
______________ require a series of codes to be scanned to properly set up.
Bar Code Reader
UPC (Universal Product Code)
Bar code used to track inventory.
hex (hexadecimal)
Base-16 numbering system using ten digits (0 through 9) and six letters (A through F). In the computer world, shorthand way to write binary numbers by substituting one hex digit for a four-digit binary number (e.g., hex 9 = binary 1001).
packet
Basic component of communication over a network. Group of bits of fixed maximum size and well-defined format that is switched and transmitted as a single entity through a network. Contains source and destination address, data, and control information.
POST (power-on self test)
Basic diagnostic routine completed by a system at the beginning of the boot process to make sure a display adapter and the system's memory are installed; it then searches for an operating system. If it finds one, it hands over control of the machine to the OS.
cluster
Basic unit of storage on a floppy or hard disk. Multiple sectors are contained in a cluster. When Windows stores a file on a disk, it writes those files into dozens or even hundreds of contiguous clusters. If there aren't enough contiguous open clusters available, the operating system finds the next open cluster and writes there, continuing this process until the entire file is saved. The FAT or MFT tracks how the files are distributed among the clusters on the disk.
Li-Ion (Lithium-Ion)
Battery commonly used in portable computing devices. Li-Ion batteries don't suffer from the memory effects of Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries and provide much more power for a greater length of time.
Ni-MH (Nickel-Metal Hydride)
Battery used in early portable PCs. Ni-MH batteries had fewer issues with the memory effect than Ni-Cd batteries. Ni-MH batteries in computing devices have been replaced by Lithium-Ion batteries. (See also Ni-Cd, Li-Ion.)
Ni-Cd (Nickel-Cadmium)
Battery used in the first portable PCs. Heavy and inefficient, these batteries also suffered from a memory effect that could drastically shorten the overall life of the battery. (See also Ni-MH, Li-Ion.)
What is the difference between EFS and bitlocker?
Bitlocker = encrypts whole drive EFS = Encrypting File system, Encrypts directory or folder
BD-RE (Blu-ray Disc-REwritable)
Blu-ray Disc equivalent of the rewritable DVD, allows writing and rewriting several times on the same BD. (See Blu-ray Disc.)
BD-R (Blu-ray Disc-Recordable)
Blu-ray Disc format that enables writing data to blank discs.
What Windows command will be used in the recovery console when a tech encounters "BootMGR missing"?
Bootrec /fixboot
streaming media
Broadcast of data that is played on your computer and immediately discarded.
ISDN (integrated services digital network)
CCITT (Comité Consultatif Internationale de Télégraphie et Téléphonie) standard that defines a digital method for communications to replace the current analog telephone system. ISDN is superior to POTS telephone lines because it supports a transfer rate of up to 128 Kbps for sending information from computer to computer. It also allows data and voice to share a common phone line. DSL reduced demand for ISDN substantially. (See alsoPOTS.)
What is an .ISO file and where would I find it?
CD IMAGE! ON a CD!
music CD-R
CD using a special format for home recorders. Music CD-R makers pay a small royalty to avoid illegal music duplication.
______ examines your hard drive for error conditions and reports the total size of the disk, how many files are stored there, and the space remaining.
CHKDSK
To copy a file from one folder to the next ..... the following code can be used: _________
COPY
hyperthreading
CPU feature that enables a single pipeline to run more than one thread at once.
ALU (arithmetic logic unit)
CPU logic circuits that perform basic arithmetic (add, subtract, multiply, and divide).
clock-multiplying CPU
CPU that takes the incoming clock signal and multiples it inside the CPU to let the internal circuitry of the CPU run faster.
dual-core
CPUs that have two execution units on the same physical chip but share caches and RAM.
STP (shielded twisted pair)
Cabling for networks, composed of pairs of wires twisted around each other at specific intervals. Twists serve to reduce interference (also called crosstalk)—the more twists, the less interference. Cable has metallic shielding to protect the wires from external interference.
coaxial cable
Cabling in which an internal conductor is surrounded by another, outer conductor, thus sharing the same axis.
horizontal cabling
Cabling that connects the equipment room to the work areas.
sampling
Capturing sound waves in electronic format.
CAT 6
Category 6 wire; TIA/EIA standard for UTP wiring that can operate at up to 10 Gbps.
CAT 6a
Category 6a wire; augmented CAT 6 UTP wiring that supports 10GbE networks at the full 100-meter distance between a node and a switch.
Describe the function of a MSAU and how it works.
Center of a Ring topology/Dual Ring/Token Ring
directory service
Centralized index that each PC accesses to locate resources in the domain.
northbridge
Chip that connects a CPU to memory, the PCI bus, Level 2 cache, and high-speed graphics. Communicates with the CPU through the frontside bus. Newer CPUs feature an integrated northbridge.
MCC (memory controller chip)
Chip that handles memory requests from the CPU. Although once a special chip, it has been integrated into the chipset or CPU on modern computers.
active PFC (power factor correction)
Circuitry built into PC power supplies to reduce harmonics.
RAMDAC (random access memory digital-to-analog converter)
Circuitry used on video cards that support analog monitors to convert the digital video data to analog.
What class fire extinguisher should we have on a tech bench?
Class C (electrical)
BIOS (basic input/output services) (basic input/output system)
Classically, software routines burned onto the system ROM of a PC. More commonly seen as any software that directly controls a particular piece of hardware. A set of programs encoded in read-only memory (ROM) on computers. These programs handle startup operations and low-level control of hardware such as disk drives, the keyboard, and monitor.
SaaS (Software as a Service)
Cloud-based service to store, distribute, and update programs and applications. The SaaS model provides access to necessary applications wherever you have an Internet connection, often without having to carry data with you or regularly update software. At the enterprise level, the subscription model of many SaaS providers makes it easier to budget and keep hundreds or thousands of computers up to date.
PaaS (Platform as a Service)
Cloud-based virtual server(s). These virtualized platforms give programmers tools needed to deploy, administer, and maintain a web application.
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
Cloud-hosted provider of virtualized servers and networks.
RG-58
Coaxial cabling used for 10Base2 networks.
RG-6
Coaxial cabling used for cable television. It has a 75-ohm impedance and uses an F-type connector.
signature
Code pattern of a known virus; used by antivirus software to detect viruses.
product key
Code used during installation to verify legitimacy of the software.
Control Panel
Collection of Windows applets, or small programs, that can be used to configure various pieces of hardware and software in a system.
File
Collection of any form of data that is stored beyond the time of execution of a single job. A file may contain program instructions or data, which may be numerical, textual, or graphical information.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
Collection of protocols that makes voice calls over a data network possible.
service pack
Collection of software patches released at one time by a software manufacturer.
network
Collection of two or more computers interconnected by telephone lines, coaxial cables, satellite links, radio, and/or some other communication technique. Group of computers that are connected and that communicate with one another for a common purpose.
group
Collection of user accounts that share the same access capabilities.
Run dialog box
Command box in which users can enter the name of a particular program to run; an alternative to locating the icon in older versions of Windows. Run opens a program, folder, document, or website. Supplanted in Windows Vista and later with the Search box.
copy command
Command in the command-line interface for making a copy of a file and pasting it in another location.
xcopy
Command in the command-line interface used to copy multiple directories at once, which the copy command could not do.
md (mkdir)
Command in the command-line interface used to create directories.
del (erase)
Command in the command-line interface used to delete/erase files.
format
Command in the command-line interface used to format a storage device.
move
Command in the command-line interface used to move a file from one location to another.
rd (rmdir)
Command in the command-line interface used to remove directories.
ren (rename)
Command in the command-line interface used to rename files and folders.
dir
Command used in the command-line interface to display the entire contents of the current working directory.
attrib.exe
Command used to view the specific properties of a file; can also be used to modify or remove file properties, such as read-only, system, or archive.
CLI
Command-Line Interpreter, Allow user OR Admin to directly communicate to the operating system Command Prompt for Windows Terminal for Linux and Mac
Recovery Console
Command-line interface boot mode for Windows that is used to repair a Windows XP system suffering from massive OS corruption or other problems.
nslookup
Command-line program in Windows used to determine exactly what information the DNS server is providing about a specific host name.
Windows PowerShell
Command-line tool included with Windows. Offers a number of powerful scripting tools for automating changes both on local machines and over networks.
ipconfig
Command-line utility for Windows servers and workstations that displays the current TCP/IP configuration of the machine. Similar to ifconfig.
sfc (System File Checker)
Command-prompt program (sfc.exe) that scans, detects, and restores Windows system files, folders, and paths.
Wi-Fi
Common name for the IEEE 802.11 wireless Ethernet standard.
CHAP (Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol)
Common remote access protocol; the serving system challenges the remote client, usually by means of asking for a password.
LPT port
Commonly referred to as a printer port; usually associated with a local parallel port.
broadband
Commonly understood as a reference to high-speed, always-on communication links that can move large files much more quickly than a regular phone line.
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)
Communication protocols developed by the U.S. Department of Defense to enable dissimilar computers to share information over a network.
eliciting answers
Communication strategy designed to help techs understand a user's problems better. Works by listening to a user's description of a problem and then asking cogent questions.
thick client
CompTIA's name for a standard desktop computer. Runs desktop applications and meets recommended requirements for selected OS.
Pearson VUE
Company that administers the CompTIA A+ exams.
ISP (Internet service provider)
Company that provides access to the Internet, usually for money.
ISO file
Complete copy (or image) of a storage media device, typically used for optical discs. ISO image files typically have a file extension of .iso.
file server
Computer designated to store software, courseware, administrative tools, and other data on a LAN or WAN. It "serves" this information to other computers via the network when users enter their personal access codes.
Molex connector
Computer power connector used by optical drives, hard drives, and case fans. Keyed to prevent it from being inserted into a power port improperly.
client
Computer program that uses the services of another computer program. Also, software that extracts information from a server; your auto-dial phone is a client, and the phone company is its server. Also, a machine that accesses shared resources on a server.
server
Computer that shares its resources, such as printers and files, with other computers on a network. Example: network file system server that shares its disk space with a workstation that does not have a disk drive of its own.
AnandTech (anandtech.com)
Computer, technology, and Internet news and information site.
expansion slots
Connectors on a motherboard that enable users to add optional components to a system. (See also AGP, PCI, and PCIe.)
IEC-320
Connects the cable supplying AC power from a wall outlet into the power supply.
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)
Consortium of companies that established the UEFI standard that replaced the original EFI standard.
VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association)
Consortium of computer manufacturers that standardizes improvements to common IBM PC components. VESA is responsible for the Super VGA video standard and the VLB bus architecture.
PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association)
Consortium of computer manufacturers who devised the PC Card standard for credit card-sized adapter cards that add functionality in older notebook computers and other computer devices. (See also PC Card.)
user account
Container that identifies a user to an application, operating system, or network, including name, password, user name, groups to which the user belongs, and other information based on the user and the OS being used. Usually defines the rights and roles a user plays on a system.
system tray
Contains icons representing background processes and the system clock. Located by default at the right edge of the Windows taskbar. Accurately called the notification area.
notification area
Contains icons representing background processes, the system clock, and volume control. Located by default at the right edge of the Windows taskbar. Many users call this area the system tray.
taskbar
Contains the Start button, the notification area, the Quick Launch toolbar, and buttons for running applications. Located by default at the bottom of the desktop.
The _________________ describes the difference between the brightest whites and the darkest blacks on a screen.
Contrast ratio
Problem Reports and Solutions
Control Panel applet in Windows Vista that lists all Windows Error Reporting issues (plus a few easy-to-check items like firewall and anti-malware status).
dd
Copies and converts files to enable them to be transferred from one type of medium to another-Linux
printed circuit board (PCB)
Copper etched onto a nonconductive material and then coated with some sort of epoxy for strength.
cp
Copy command in Linux.
kernel
Core portion of program that resides in memory and performs the most essential operating system tasks.
tunneling
Creating an encrypted link between two programs on two separate computers.
PC Card
Credit card-sized adapter card that adds functionality in older laptops and other computer devices. PC Cards come in 16-bit and CardBus parallel format and ExpressCard serial format. (See alsoPCMCIA.)
burn-in failure
Critical failure usually associated with manufacturing defects.
system crystal
Crystal that provides the speed signals for the CPU and the rest of the system.
OS X
Current operating system on Apple Macintosh computers. Based on a UNIX core, early versions of OS X ran on Motorola-based hardware; current versions run on Intel-based hardware. The X is pronounced "ten" rather than "ex."
TYPICALLY, the colors of ink used are _____________, Magenta ,yellow and black.
Cyan
DB connectors
D-shaped connectors used for a variety of connections in the PC and networking world. Can be male (with prongs) or female (with holes) and have a varying number of pins or sockets. Also called D-sub, D-subminiature, or D-shell connectors.
DB-25 Connector
D-sub connector (female), commonly referred to as a parallel port connector.
SIMM (single in-line memory module)
DRAM packaging distinguished by having a number of small tabs that install into a special connector. Each side of each tab is the same signal. SIMMs come in two common sizes: 30-pin and 72-pin.
SDRAM (synchronous DRAM)
DRAM that is synchronous, or tied to the system clock. This type of RAM is used in all modern systems.
DVD-Video
DVD format used exclusively to store digital video; capable of storing over two hours of high-quality video on a single DVD.
__________________ are the only impact printer to require a hardware change to change font.
Daisy Wheel
resources
Data and services of a PC.
Lossless compression
Data compression where every bit is conserved when uncompressed. Used for word files.
Lossy compression
Data compression where the files size is reduced permanently. Used with audio and video files
AUP (Acceptable Use Policy)
Defines what actions employees may or may not perform on company equipment, including computers, phones, printers, and even the network itself. This policy defines the handling of passwords, e-mail, and many other issues.
Word
Depends on the CPU (on a 32bit CPU=32 bits) (on a 64bit CPU=64bits)
TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol)
Deprecated encryption standard that provided a new encryption key for every sent packet.
x86
Describes 32-bit operating systems and software.
x64
Describes 64-bit operating systems and software.
catastrophic failure
Describes a failure in which a component or whole system will not boot; usually related to a manufacturing defect of a component. Could also be caused by overheating and physical damage to computer components.
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)
Design architecture for the expansion bus on the computer motherboard that enables system components to be added to the computer. Local bus standard, meaning that devices added to a computer through this port will use the processor at the motherboard's full speed (up to 33 MHz) rather than at the slower 8-MHz speed of the regular bus. Moves data 32 or 64 bits at a time rather than the 8 or 16 bits the older ISA buses supported.
ISA (Industry Standard Architecture)
Design found in the original IBM PC for the slots that allowed additional hardware to be connected to the computer's motherboard. An 8-bit, 8.33-MHz expansion bus was designed by IBM for its AT computer and released to the public domain. An improved 16-bit bus was also released to the public domain. Replaced by PCI in the mid-1990s.
router
Device connecting separate networks; forwards a packet from one network to another based on the network address for the protocol being used. For example, an IP router looks only at the IP network number. Routers operate at Layer 3 (Network) of the OSI seven-layer model.
socket services
Device drivers that support the PC Card socket, enabling the system to detect when a PC Card has been inserted or removed, and providing the necessary I/O to the device.
projector
Device for projecting video images from PCs or other video sources, usually for audience presentations. Available in front- and rearview displays.
POST card
Device installed into a motherboard expansion slot that assists in troubleshooting boot problems by providing a two-digit code indicating the stop of the boot process where the problem is occurring.
memory
Device or medium for temporary storage of programs and data during program execution. Synonymous with storage, although it most frequently refers to the internal storage of a computer that can be directly addressed by operating instructions. A computer's temporary storage capacity is measured in kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), or gigabytes (GB) of RAM (random-access memory). Long-term data storage on hard drives and solid-state drives is also measured in megabytes, gigabytes, and terabytes.
modem (modulator/demodulator)
Device that converts a digital bit stream into an analog signal (modulation) and converts incoming analog signals back into digital signals (demodulation). An analog communications channel is typically a telephone line, and analog signals are typically sounds.
proxy server
Device that fetches Internet resources for a client without exposing that client directly to the Internet. Usually accepts requests for HTTP, FTP, POP3, and SMTP resources. Often caches, or stores, a copy of the requested resource for later use. Common security feature in the corporate world.
switch
Device that filters and forwards traffic based on some criteria. A bridge and a router are both examples of switches. In the command-line interface, a switch is a function that modifies the behavior of a command.
port replicator
Device that plugs into a USB port or other specialized port and offers common PC ports, such as serial, parallel, USB, network, and PS/2. Plugging a laptop into a port replicator can instantly connect the computer to nonportable components such as a printer, scanner, monitor, or full-sized keyboard. Port replicators are typically used at home or in the office with the nonportable equipment already connected.
docking station
Device that provides a portable computer extra features such as a DVD drive or PC Card, in addition to legacy and modern ports. Similar to a port replicator. Also, a charging station for mobile devices.
firewall
Device that restricts traffic between a local network and the Internet.
UPS (uninterruptible power supply)
Device that supplies continuous clean power to a computer system the whole time the computer is on. Protects against power outages and sags.
UART (universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter)
Device that turns parallel data into serial data and vice versa. The cornerstone of serial ports and modems.
S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format)
Digital audio connector found on many sound cards. Users can connect their computers directly to a 5.1/7.1 speaker system or receiver. S/PDIF comes in both a coaxial and an optical version.
DisplayPort
Digital video connector used by Apple Mac desktop models and some PCs, notably from Dell. Designed by VESA as a royalty-free connector to replace VGA and DVI.
A ______________, also known as a "pen tablet", allows users to paint, ink, pencil, or otherwise draw on a computer.
Digitizer
What is DXDIAG?
Direct X Diagnostics, allows a user to view the sound and video options on a pc.
fdisk
Disk-partitioning utility used in DOS and Windows 9x systems.
DLP (digital light processing)
Display technology that reflects and directs light onto a display surface using micromechanically operated mirrors.
IPS (in-plane switching)
Display technology that replaces the older twisted nematic (TN) panels for more accurate colors and a wider viewing angle.
OLED (organic light-emitting diode)
Display technology where an organic compound provides the light for the screen, thus eliminating the need for a backlight or inverter.
_________________ is a term used to describe ink drops being spaced in a specific pattern to create the illusion of different tones.
Dithering (Also known as "half toning" , or... more advanced... "amplitude modulation half toning"
The component that allows a printer to print on both sides of a paper!
Duplexing Assembly
electromagnetic interference (EMI)
Electrical interference from one device to another, resulting in poor performance of the device being interfered with. Examples: Static on your TV while running a blow dryer, or placing two monitors too close together and getting a "shaky" screen.
phosphor
Electro-fluorescent material that coats the inside face of a cathode ray tube (CRT). After being hit with an electron, it glows for a fraction of a second.
laser printer
Electro-photographic printer in which a laser is used as the light source.
chipset
Electronic chips, specially designed to work together, that handle all of the low-level functions of a PC. In the original PC, the chipset consisted of close to 30 different chips; today, chipsets usually consist of one, two, or three separate chips embedded into a motherboard.
hub
Electronic device that sits at the center of a star topology network, providing a common point for the connection of network devices. Hubs repeat all information out to all ports and have been replaced by switches, although the term "hub" is still commonly used.
ohm(s)
Electronic measurement of a cable's impedance.
partitioning
Electronically subdividing a physical hard drive into groups called partitions (or volumes).
firmware
Embedded programs or code stored on a ROM chip. Generally OS-independent, thus allowing devices to operate in a wide variety of circumstances without direct OS support. The system BIOS is firmware.
Standards of construction
Enable compatibility through a common language internationally. Allows a set of rules in order for networks to function properly thought the world
MFT (master file table)
Enhanced file allocation table used by NTFS. (See also FAT.)
PCI-X (PCI Extended)
Enhanced version of PCI, 64 bits wide. Typically seen in servers and high-end systems.
power conditioning
Ensuring and adjusting incoming AC wall power to as close to standard as possible. Most UPS devices provide power conditioning.
Byte
Equal to 8 bits
general protection fault (GPF)
Error code usually seen when separate active programs conflict on resources or data.
non-system disk or disk error
Error that occurs during the boot process. Common causes for this error are leaving a nonbootable floppy disk, CD, USB stick, or other media in the system while the computer is booting.
10BaseT
Ethernet LAN designed to run on twisted pair cabling. 10BaseT runs at 10 Mbps. The maximum length for the cabling between the NIC and the switch (or hub, repeater, etc.) is 100 meters. It uses baseband signaling. No industry-standard naming convention exists, so sometimes it's written 10BASE-T or 10Base-T.
100BaseT
Ethernet cabling system designed to run at 100 Mbps on twisted pair cabling. It uses baseband signaling. No industry-standard naming convention exists, so sometimes it's written 100BASE-T or 100Base-T.
10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE)
Ethernet standard that supports speeds of up to 10 Gbps. Requires CAT 6 or better twisted pair or fiber optic cabling.
Upgrade Advisor
Examines your hardware and installed software (in the case of an upgrade) and provides a list of devices and software that are known to have issues with it. The Upgrade Advisor is available for download at www.microsoft.com for Windows Vista and Windows 7. Windows 8/8.1 offers the Upgrade Assistant for similar purpose. The Get Windows 10 app generates a compatibility report that functions similarly.
NIC (network interface card or controller)
Expansion card or motherboard interface that enables a PC to connect to a network via a network cable. A wireless NIC enables connection via radio waves rather than a physical cable.
sound card
Expansion card that can produce audible tones when connected to a set of speakers.
video card
Expansion card that works with the CPU to produce the images displayed on your computer's display.
What is a riser card and when it is most commonly used?
Expansion that typically offers a 90 degree expansion slot for SFF chassis.
Joliet
Extension of the ISO 9660 format. Most popular CD format to support PC file systems on CD media. Joliet has been supplanted by UDF.
MIDI-enabled device
External device that enables you to input digital sound information in the MIDI format; for example, a MIDI keyboard (the piano kind).
password reset disk
External storage media such as a floppy disk or USB flash drive with which users can recover a lost password without losing access to any encrypted, or password-protected, data. The password reset disk must be created proactively; if a user loses a password and did not already make a reset disk, it will be of no help to create one after the loss.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
Extremely fast protocol used for network file transfers in the WWW environment. Uses port TCP 80.
What is the IPv6 APIPA address?
FE80....
What interface would i use to change options regarding "Associated File Types"??????
FOLDER------------OPTIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Session
Facilitates the starting, handling of connection between nodes. Handles headers to handle sessions. Synchronises related streams of data, like video and audio
distended capacitors
Failed capacitors on a motherboard, which tend to bulge out at the top. This was especially a problem during the mid-2000s, when capacitor manufacturers released huge batches of bad capacitors.
Automatic Updates
Feature allowing updates to Windows to be retrieved automatically over the Internet.
Library
Feature in Windows 7 and later that aggregates folders from multiple locations and places them in a single, easy-to-find spot in Windows Explorer or File Explorer. Default libraries in Windows include Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos.
System Protection
Feature in Windows that enables you to restore any previous version of a file or folder.
geotracking
Feature in cellular phones that enables the cell phone companies and government agencies to use the ID or MAC address to pinpoint where a phone is at any given time.
accelerometer
Feature in smartphones and tablets that rotates the screen when the device is physically rotated.
MIMO (multiple in/multiple out)
Feature of 802.11n devices that enables the simultaneous connection of up to four antennas, greatly increasing throughput. 802.11ac also uses MU-MIMO, which gives a WAP the capability to broadcast to multiple users simultaneously.
event auditing
Feature of Event Viewer's Security section that creates an entry in the Security Log when certain events happen, such as a user logging on.
object access auditing
Feature of Event Viewer's Security section that creates an entry in the Security Log when certain objects are accessed, such as a file or folder.
Remote Assistance
Feature of Windows that enables users to give anyone control of his or her desktop over the Internet.
compatibility modes
Feature of Windows to enable software written for previous versions of Windows to operate in newer operating systems.
chassis intrusion detection
Feature offered in some chassis that trips a switch when the chassis is opened.
quad-channel architecture
Feature similar to dual-channel RAM, but requiring four sticks instead of two.
hotspot
Feature that enables a mobile device connected to a mobile data network to be used as a wireless access point (WAP) for other devices. Often these are stand-alone devices, though many cellular phones and data-connected tablets can be set up to act as hotspots.
_____ ensures that all the system files are digitally signed.
File Signature Verification sigverif
FAT16
File allocation table that uses 16 bits to address and index clusters. Used as the primary hard drive format on DOS and early Windows 95 machines; currently used with smaller-capacity (2 GB or less) flash media devices.
FAT32
File allocation table that uses 32 bits to address and index clusters. Commonly used with USB flash-media drives and versions of Windows prior to XP.
read-only attribute
File attribute that does not allow a file to be altered or modified. Helpful when protecting system files that should not be edited.
hidden attribute
File attribute that, when used, does not allow the dir command to show a file.
container file
File containing two or more separate, compressed tracks, typically an audio track and a moving-picture track. Also known as a wrapper.
autorun.inf
File included on some media that automatically launches a program or installation routine when the media is inserted/attached to a system.
CDFS (compact disc file system)
File structure, rules, and conventions used when organizing and storing files and data on a CD.
Boot Configuration Data (BCD) file
File that contains information about the various operating systems installed on the system as well as instructions for how to actually load (bootstrap) them.
8.3 naming system
File-naming convention that specified a maximum of eight characters for a filename, followed by a three-character file extension. Has been replaced by LFN (long filename) support.
log files
Files created in Windows to track the progress of certain processes.
virus definition or data file
Files that enable the virus protection software to recognize the viruses on your system and clean them. These files should be updated often. They are also called signature files, depending on the virus protection software in use.
EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface)
Firmware created by Intel and HP that replaced traditional 16-bit BIOS and added several new enhancements.
Level 1 (L1) cache
First RAM cache accessed by the CPU, which stores only the absolute most-accessed programming and data used by currently running threads. Always the smallest and fastest cache on the CPU.
DOS (Disk Operating System)
First popular operating system available for PCs. A text-based, single-tasking operating system that was not completely replaced until the introduction of Windows 95.
logon screen
First screen of the Windows interface, used to log on to the computer system.
volume boot sector
First sector of the first cylinder of each partition; stores information important to its partition, such as the location of the operating system boot files.
boot sector
First sector on a PC hard drive or floppy disk, track 0. The boot-up software in ROM tells the computer to load whatever program is found there. If a system disk is read, the program in the boot record directs the computer to the root directory to load the operating system.
LPX
First slimline form factor; replaced by NLX form factor.
I/O base address
First value in an I/O address range.
root keys
Five main categories in the Windows Registry:
Transmission Media
Fiver optics, twisted pair, coaxial cable
motherboard
Flat piece of circuit board that resides inside your computer case and has a number of connectors on it. Every device in a PC connects directly or indirectly to the motherboard, including CPU, RAM, hard drives, optical drives, keyboard, mouse, and video cards.
Public folder
Folder that all users can access and share with all other users on the system or network.
digital certificate
Form in which a public key is sent from a web server to a web browser so that the browser can decrypt the data sent by the server.
dual-channel memory
Form of DDR, DDR2, and DDR3 memory access used by many motherboards that requires two identical sticks of DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 RAM.
tailgating
Form of infiltration and social engineering that involves following someone else through a door as if you belong in the building.
FPU (floating point unit)
Formal term for math coprocessor (also called a numeric processor) circuitry inside a CPU. A math coprocessor calculates by using a floating point numerical system (which allows for decimals). Before the Intel 80486, FPUs were separate chips from the CPU.
SmartMedia
Format for flash media cards; no longer used with new devices.
high-level formatting
Format that sets up a file system on a drive.
computing process
Four parts of a computer's operation: input, processing, output, and storage.
normal backup
Full backup of every selected file on a system. Turns off the archive bit after the backup.
ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line)
Fully digital, dedicated connection to the telephone system that provides average download speeds of 3-15 Mbps and upload speeds of 384 Kbps to 15 Mbps. Asymmetric identifies that upload and download speeds are different, with download usually being significantly faster than upload.
I/O (input/output)
General term for reading and writing data to a computer. "Input" includes data entered from a keyboard, identified by a pointing device (such as a mouse), or loaded from a disk. "Output" includes writing information to a disk, viewing it on a monitor, or printing it to a printer.
USB (universal serial bus)
General-purpose serial interconnect for keyboards, printers, joysticks, and many other devices. Enables hot-swapping of devices.
stick
Generic name for a single physical SIMM or DIMM.
applet
Generic term for a program in the Windows Control Panel.
ROM (read-only memory)
Generic term for nonvolatile memory that can be read from but not written to. This means that code and data stored in ROM cannot be corrupted by accidental erasure. Additionally, ROM retains its data when power is removed, which makes it the perfect medium for storing BIOS data or information such as scientific constants.
swipe
Gesture for mobile devices where you hold your finger on the screen and slide it across the screen, either right to left or top to bottom, depending on the type of application.
1000BaseT
Gigabit Ethernet on UTP.
Ethic of Reciprocity
Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
smart card
Hardware authentication involving a credit card-sized card with circuitry that can be used to identify the bearer of that card.
plug
Hardware connection with some sort of projection that connects to a port.
KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switch
Hardware device that enables multiple computers to be viewed and controlled by a single mouse, keyboard, and screen.
biometric device
Hardware device used to support authentication; works by scanning and remembering a unique aspect of a user's various body parts (e.g., retina, iris, face, or fingerprint) by using some form of sensing device such as a retinal scanner.
FAT (file allocation table)
Hidden table that records how files on a hard disk are stored in distinct clusters; the only way DOS knows where to access files. Address of first cluster of a file is stored in the directory file. FAT entry for the first cluster is the address of the second cluster used to store that file. In the entry for the second cluster for that file is the address for the third cluster, and so on until the final cluster, which gets a special end-of-file code. There are two FATs, mirror images of each other, in case one is destroyed or damaged. Also refers to the 16-bit file allocation table when used by Windows 2000 and later NT-based operating systems.
DSL (digital subscriber line)
High-speed Internet connection technology that uses a regular telephone line for connectivity. DSL comes in several varieties, including asynchronous (ADSL) and synchronous (SDSL), and many speeds. Typical home-user DSL connections are ADSL with faster download speeds than upload speeds.
fiber-optic cable
High-speed cable for transmitting data, made of high-purity glass sealed within an opaque tube. Much faster than conventional copper wire such as coaxial cable.
Wired (wired.com)
Hip Internet news site.
raster line
Horizontal pattern of lines that forms an image on the monitor screen.
file format
How information is encoded in a file. Two primary types are binary (pictures) and ASCII (text), but within those are many formats, such as BMP and GIF for pictures. Commonly represented by a suffix at the end of the filename; for example, .txt for a text file or .exe for an executable.
184 pins
How many pins? DDR SDRAM in Desktops
TrackPoint
IBM's pencil eraser-sized joystick used in place of a mouse on laptops.
Better TFTs use _________________ to create a far wider viewing angle and far better color re-creation.
IPS (In-Plane Switching)
________________ utilize a physical piece of hardware to strike a ribbon to print.
Impact Printers
PATA (parallel ATA)
Implementation that integrates the controller on the disk drive itself. (See also ATA, IDE, SATA.)
Safe mode
Important diagnostic boot mode for Windows that runs only very basic drivers and turns off virtual memory.
Interrupt 13 (INT13) extensions
Improved type of BIOS that accepts EIDE drives up to 137 GB.
charms
In Windows 8 and 8.1, tools located in the hidden Charms bar, such as a search function, a sharing tool, a settings tool, and more.
Storage Spaces
In Windows 8 and later, a software RAID solution that enables users to group multiple drives into a single storage pool.
default gateway
In a TCP/IP network, the nearest router to a particular host. This router's IP address is part of the necessary TCP/IP configuration for communicating with multiple networks using IP.
work area
In a basic structured cabling network, often simply an office or cubicle that potentially contains a PC attached to the network.
system resources
In classic terms, the I/O addresses, IRQs, DMA channels, and memory addresses. Also refers to other computer essentials such as hard drive space, system RAM, and processor speed.
pixel (picture element)
In computer graphics, smallest element of a display space that can be independently assigned color or intensity.
anti-aliasing
In computer imaging, blending effect that smoothes sharp contrasts between two regions—e.g., jagged lines or different colors. Reduces jagged edges of text or objects. In voice signal processing, process of removing or smoothing out spurious frequencies from waveforms produced by converting digital signals back to analog.
Flip 3D
In the Aero desktop environment, a three-dimensional replacement for ALT-TAB. Accessed by pressing the WINDOWS KEY-TAB key combination.
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)
Industry-standard 8-bit characters used to define text characters, consisting of 96 upper-and lowercase letters, plus 32 nonprinting control characters, each of which is numbered. These numbers were designed to achieve uniformity among computer devices for printing and the exchange of simple text documents.
BSoD (Blue Screen of Death)
Infamous error screen that appears when Windows encounters an unrecoverable error.
location data
Information provided by a mobile device's GPS; used for mapping functions as well as for location-aware services, such as finding nearby restaurants or receiving coupons for nearby shops.
SPD (serial presence detect)
Information stored on a RAM chip that describes the speed, capacity, and other aspects of the RAM chip.
keyboard
Input device. Three common types of keyboards exist: those that use a mini-DIN (PS/2) connection, those that use a USB connection, and those that use wireless technology.
multi-touch
Input method on many smartphones and tablets that enables you to use multiple fingers to do all sorts of fun things, such as using two fingers to scroll or swipe to another screen or desktop.
Android application package (APK)
Installation software for Android apps.
MIDI (musical instrument digital interface)
Interface between a computer and a device for simulating musical instruments. Rather than sending large sound samples, a computer can simply send "instructions" to the instrument describing pitch, tone, and duration of a sound. MIDI files are therefore very efficient. Because a MIDI file is made up of a set of instructions rather than a copy of the sound, modifying each component of the file is easy. Additionally, it is possible to program many channels, or "voices," of music to be played simultaneously, creating symphonic sound.
GUI (graphical user interface)
Interface that enables user to interact with computer graphically, by using a mouse or other pointing device to manipulate icons that represent programs or documents, instead of using only text as in early interfaces. Pronounced "gooey."
IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4)
Internet standard protocol that provides a common layer over dissimilar networks; used to move packets among host computers and through gateways if necessary. Part of the TCP/IP protocol suite. Uses the dotted-decimal format—x.x.x.x. Each x represents an 8-bit binary number, or 0-255. Here's an example: 192.168.4.1.
Ars Technica (arstechnica.com)
Internet technology news site.
NMI (non-maskable interrupt)
Interrupt code sent to the processor that cannot be ignored. Typically manifested as a BSoD.
DS3D (DirectSound3D)
Introduced with DirectX 3.0, a command set used to create positional audio, or sounds that appear to come from in front, in back, or to the side of a user. Merged with DirectSound into DirectAudio in DirectX 8. (See also DirectX.)
Windows logo key
Key on a keyboard bearing the Windows logo that traditionally brings up the Start menu, but is also used in some keyboard shortcuts.
The __________ display is being phased out by LED displays, but uses less power than a CRT, while offering better resolution and brightness.
LCD
matte
Laptop screen finish that offers a good balance between richness of colors and reflections, but washes out in bright light.
high gloss
Laptop screen finish that offers sharper contrast, richer colors, and wider viewing angles than a matte finish, but is also much more reflective.
OSI Seven-Layer Model -- Layer 2
Layer 2, Data Link layer Identifies devices on the Physical layer. MAC addresses are part of the Data Link layer. Bridges operate at the Data Link layer.
OSI Seven-Layer Model -- Layer 3
Layer 3, Network layer Moves packets between computers on different networks. Routers operate at the Network layer. IP and IPX operate at the Network layer.
OSI Seven-Layer Model -- Layer 4
Layer 4, Transport layer Breaks data down into manageable chunks. TCP, UDP, SPX, and NetBEUI operate at the Transport layer.
OSI Seven-Layer Model -- Layer 5
Layer 5, Session layer Manages connections between machines. NetBIOS and Sockets operate at the Session layer.
OSI Seven-Layer Model -- Layer 6
Layer 6, Presentation layer Can also manage data encryption; hides the differences between various types of computer systems.
OSI Seven-Layer Model -- Layer 7
Layer 7, Application layer Provides tools for programs to use to access the network (and the lower layers). HTTP, FTP, SMTP, and POP3 are all examples of protocols that operate at the Application layer.
IEEE (Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers)
Leading standards-setting group in the United States.
tiers
Levels of Internet providers, ranging from the Tier 1 backbones to Tier 3 regional networks.
certification
License that demonstrates competency in some specialized skill.
CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamp)
Light technology used in LCDs and flatbed scanners. CCFLs use relatively little power for the amount of light they provide.
Xeon
Line of Intel CPUs designed for servers.
vi
Linux and Mac OS X command-line tool for editing text files.
passwd
Linux command for changing a user's password.
sudo
Linux command for gaining root access.
apt-get
Linux command for installing or updating a program using the advanced packaging tool. Will allow a superuser to change permission for a file, stands for Aptitude Package Checker
ps
Linux command for listing all processes running on the computer.
iwconfig
Linux command for viewing and changing wireless settings.
grep
Linux command to search through text files or command outputs to find specific information or to filter out unneeded information.
chown
Linux command used to change the owner and the group to which a file or folder is associated.
ls
Linux equivalent of the dir command, which displays the contents of a directory.
boot sequence
List containing information telling the bootstrap loader in which order to check the available storage devices for an OS. Configurable in CMOS setup.
Users group
List of local users not allowed, among other things, to edit the Registry or access critical system files. They can create groups, but can only manage the groups they create.
Administrators group
List of members with complete administrator privileges.
local user account
List of user names and their associated passwords with access to a system, contained in an encrypted database.
definition file
List of virus signatures that an antivirus program can recognize.
LAN
Local access network, a network containing a small number of nodes and a small geographical area
Recycle Bin
Location to which files are moved when they are deleted from a modern Windows system. To permanently remove files from a system, they must be emptied from the Recycle Bin.
setuplog.txt
Log file that tracks the complete installation process, logging the success or failure of file copying, Registry updates, and reboots.
setupapi.log
Log file that tracks the installation of all hardware on a system.
network ID
Logical number that identifies the network on which a device or machine exists. This number exists in TCP/IP and other network protocol suites.
What is the BEST method for logical data destruction?
Low level formatting (usually done at the manufacturer)
______________ are used to describe the brightness of a projector bulb.
Lumens
A __________ port will allow you to connect special sound equipment and instruments directly to a PC.
MIDI
Utilities
Mac OS X folder that contains tools for performing services on a Mac beyond what's included in System Preferences, including Activity Monitor and Terminal.
Time Machine
Mac OS X full backup tool that enables you to recover some or all files in the event of a crash; it also enables you to restore deleted files and recover previous versions of files.
pinwheel of death
Mac OS X indicator that is the equivalent of a Windows unresponsive application; in this case, a spinning rainbow wheel.
Keychain
Mac OS X password management and storage service that saves passwords for computer and non-computer environments. Also, the iCloud Keychain adds synchronization among any OS X and iOS devices connected to the Internet for a user account.
Finder
Mac OS X's file and folder browser.
dedicated server
Machine that is not used for any client functions, only server functions.
formatting
Magnetically mapping a disk to provide a structure for storing data; can be done to any type of disk, including a floppy disk, hard disk, or other type of removable disk.
system unit
Main component of the PC, in which the CPU, RAM, optical drive, and hard drive reside. All other devices—the keyboard, mouse, and monitor—connect to the system unit.
SMTP (Simple Mail Transport Protocol)
Main protocol used to send electronic mail on the Internet. Uses port 25.
Award Software
Major brand of BIOS and UEFI software for motherboards. Merged with Phoenix Technologies.
encryption
Making data unreadable by those who do not possess a key or password.
verify full system functionality
Making sure that a problem has been resolved and will not return. (Step 5 of 6 in the CompTIA troubleshooting theory.)
static IP address
Manually set IP address that will not change.
dual-scan passive matrix
Manufacturing technique for increasing display updates by refreshing two lines at a time.
EIDE (Enhanced IDE)
Marketing concept of hard drive-maker Western Digital, encompassing four improvements for IDE drives, including drives larger than 528 MB, four devices, increase in drive throughput, and non-hard drive devices. (See ATAPI, PIO mode.)
Describe what MS, SL, and CS indicate on a PATA drive.
Master, slave, cable select.
consumables
Materials used up by printers, including paper, ink, ribbons, and toner cartridges.
Group Policy
Means of easily controlling the settings of multiple network clients with policies such as setting minimum password length or preventing Registry edits.
MMC (Microsoft Management Console)
Means of managing a system, introduced by Microsoft with Windows 2000. The MMC enables an administrator to customize management tools by picking and choosing from a list of snap-ins. Available snap-ins include Device Manager, Users and Groups, and Computer Management.
shared memory
Means of reducing the amount of memory needed on a video card by borrowing from the regular system RAM, which reduces costs but also decreases performance.
frequency
Measure of a sound's tone, either high or low.
convergence
Measure of how sharply a single pixel appears on a CRT; a monitor with poor convergence produces images that are not sharply defined.
dpi (dots per inch)
Measure of printer resolution that counts the dots the device can produce per linear (horizontal) inch.
signal-to-noise ratio
Measure that describes the relative quality of an input port.
resolution
Measurement for monitors and printers expressed in horizontal and vertical dots or pixels. Higher resolutions provide sharper details and thus display better-looking images.
bps (bits per second)
Measurement of how fast data is moved from one place to another. A 56K modem can move ~56,000 bits per second.
wattage (watts or W)
Measurement of the amps and volts needed for a particular device to function.
volts (V)
Measurement of the pressure of the electrons passing through a wire, or voltage.
VIS (viewable image size)
Measurement of the viewable image that is displayed by a CRT rather than a measurement of the CRT itself.
optical zoom
Mechanical ability of most cameras to "zoom" in as opposed to the digital ability.
head actuator
Mechanism for moving the arms inside a hard drive on which the read/write heads are mounted.
fuser assembly
Mechanism in laser printers that uses two rollers to fuse toner to paper during the print process.
IMC (integrated memory controller)
Memory controller circuitry built into the CPU that enables faster control over things like the large L3 cache shared among multiple cores.
RAM (random access memory)
Memory that can be accessed at random—that is, memory which you can write to or read from without touching the preceding address. This term is often used to mean a computer's main memory.
volatile
Memory that must have constant electricity to retain data. Alternatively, any programmer six hours before deadline after a nonstop, 48-hour coding session, running on nothing but caffeine and sugar.
SO-DIMM (small-outline DIMM)
Memory used in portable PCs because of its small size.
DRAM (dynamic random access memory or dynamic RAM)
Memory used to store data in most personal computers. DRAM stores each bit in a "cell" composed of a transistor and a capacitor. Because the capacitor in a DRAM cell can only hold a charge for a few milliseconds, DRAM must be continually refreshed, or rewritten, to retain its data.
System Tools
Menu containing tools such as System Information and Disk Defragmenter, accessed by selecting Start | Programs or All Programs | Accessories | System Tools.
Advanced Startup Options menu
Menu that can be reached during the boot process that offers advanced OS startup options, such as to boot to Safe Mode or boot into Last Known Good Configuration.
e-mail (electronic mail)
Messages, usually text, sent from one person to another via computer. Can also be sent automatically to a group of addresses (mailing list).
hierarchical directory tree
Method by which Windows organizes files into a series of folders, called directories, under the root directory. (See also root directory.)
RAID (redundant array of independent [or inexpensive] disks)
Method for creating a fault-tolerant storage system. RAID uses multiple hard drives in various configurations to offer differing levels of speed/data redundancy.
disk striping with parity
Method for providing fault tolerance by writing data across multiple drives and then including an additional drive, called a parity drive, that stores information to rebuild the data contained on the other drives. Requires at least three physical disks: two for the data and a third for the parity drive. This provides data redundancy at RAID levels 5, 10, and 0+1 with different options.
daisy-chaining
Method of connecting several devices along a bus and managing the signals for each device.
parity
Method of error detection where a small group of bits being transferred is compared to a single parity bit set to make the total bits odd or even. Receiving device reads the parity bit and determines if the data is valid, based on the oddness or evenness of the parity bit.
MAC address filtering
Method of limiting wireless network access based on the physical, hard-wired address of the wireless NIC of a computing device.
CFS (Central File System)
Method to unify all storage devices within a network or organization to facilitate a single management point and to provide user access to any file or data within the organization.
Windows Update
Microsoft application used to keep Windows operating systems up to date with the latest patches or enhancements. (See Automatic Updates.)
Windows 7 Compatibility Center
Microsoft web page that lists the hardware and software that work with Windows 7.
IPsec (Internet Protocol security)
Microsoft's encryption method of choice for networks consisting of multiple networks linked by a private connection, providing transparent encryption between the server and the client.
Windows Hardware Certification Program
Microsoft's rigorous testing program for hardware manufacturers, which hardware devices must pass before their drivers can be digitally signed.
MS-CHAP
Microsoft's variation of the Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol that uses a slightly more advanced encryption protocol. Windows Vista uses MS-CHAP v2 (version 2), and does not support MS-CHAP v1 (version 1).
The laser assembly consists of a laser, lens and ____________________.
Mirror.
Wi-Fi calling
Mobile device feature that enables users to make voice calls over a Wi-Fi network, rather than a cellular network.
swipe lock
Mobile device feature that uses a swipe gesture to unlock the mobile device.
passcode lock
Mobile device security feature that requires you to type in a series of letters, numbers, or motion patterns to unlock the mobile device each time you press the power button.
e-reader
Mobile electronic device used for reading e-books.
NFC (near field communication)
Mobile technology that enables short-range wireless communication between mobile devices. Now used for mobile payment technology such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet.
airplane mode
Mode for mobile devices that disables all wireless and cellular communication for use on airplanes.
AT (Advanced Technology)
Model name of the second-generation, 80286-based IBM computer. Many aspects of the AT, such as the BIOS, CMOS, and expansion bus, have become de facto standards in the PC industry. The physical organization of the components on the motherboard is called the AT form factor.
touchscreen
Monitor with a type of sensing device across its face that detects the location and duration of contact, usually by a finger or stylus.
S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology)
Monitoring system built into hard drives.
Phillips-head screwdriver
Most important part of a PC tech's toolkit.
flatbed scanner
Most popular form of consumer scanner; runs a bright light along the length of the tray to capture an image.
4G
Most popularly implemented as Long Term Evolution (LTE), a wireless data standard with theoretical download speeds of 300 Mbps and upload speeds of 75 Mbps.
BTX (Balanced Technology eXtended)
Motherboard form factor designed as an improvement over ATX.
slimline
Motherboard form factor used to create PCs that were very thin. NLX and LPX were two examples of this form factor.
FlexATX
Motherboard form factor. Motherboards built in accordance with the FlexATX form factor are very small, much smaller than microATX motherboards.
MPEG-4
Moving Pictures Experts Group standard of video and audio compression offering improved compression over MPEG-2.
MPEG-2
Moving Pictures Experts Group standard of video and audio compression offering resolutions up to 1280 × 720 at 60 frames per second.
migration
Moving users from one operating system or hard drive to another.
pinch
Multi-touch gesture that enables you to make an image bigger or smaller.
A __________ is an electronic media devices used to store and experience multimedia content.
Multimedia Device
HD (Hi-Definition)
Multimedia transmission standard that defines high-resolution images and 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 sound.
What Windows command is used to view all incoming and outgoing traffic on a workstation?
NETSTAT
____________is a mode on dot matrix printers indicating that the letters are clearer and less jagged than a typical dot matrix printout.
NLQ (Near Letter Quality)
inheritance
NTFS feature that passes on the same permissions in any subfolders/files resident in the original folder.
filename
Name assigned to a file when the file is first written on a disk. Every file on a disk within the same folder must have a unique name. Filenames can contain any character (including spaces), except the following: \ / : * ? "< > |
Ethernet
Name coined by Xerox for the first standard of network cabling and protocols. Based on a bus topology.
DE (desktop environment)
Name for the various user interfaces found in Linux distributions.
Pentium
Name given to the fifth and later generations of Intel microprocessors; original had a 32-bit address bus, 64-bit external data bus, and dual pipelining. Also used for subsequent generations of Intel processors—the Pentium Pro, Pentium II, Pentium III, and Pentium 4. Currently used as a budget label for Intel CPUs.
Athlon
Name used for a series of CPUs manufactured by AMD.
code names
Names that keep track of different variations within CPU models.
peer-to-peer network
Network in which each machine can act as both a client and a server.
domain-based network
Network that eliminates the need for logging on to multiple servers by using domain controllers to hold the security database for all systems.
client/server network
Network that has dedicated server machines and client machines.
ring
Network topology where the computers form a circle and all data flows in one direction only.
star topology
Network topology where the computers on the network connect to a central wiring point, usually called a hub.
CSMA/CD (carrier sense multiple access/collision detection)
Networking scheme used by Ethernet devices to transmit data and resend data after detection of data collisions.
CSMA/CA (carrier sense multiple access/collision avoidance)
Networking scheme used by wireless devices to transmit data while avoiding data collisions, which wireless nodes have difficulty detecting.
cellular wireless networks
Networks that enable cell phones, smartphones, and other mobile devices to connect to the Internet.
bit depth
Number of colors a video card is capable of producing. Common bit depths are 16-bit and 32-bit, representing 65,536 colors and 16.7 million colors (plus an 8-bit alpha channel for transparency levels), respectively.
hang time
Number of seconds a too-often-hung computer is airborne after you have thrown it out a second-story window.
binary numbers
Number system with a base of 2, unlike the number systems most of us use that have bases of 10 (decimal numbers), 12 (measurement in feet and inches), and 60 (time). Binary numbers are preferred for computers for precision and economy. An electronic circuit that can detect the difference between two states (on-off, 0-1) is easier and more inexpensive to build than one that could detect the differences among ten states (0-9).
grayscale depth
Number that defines how many shades of gray the scanner can save per dot.
IP address
Numeric address of a computer connected to the Internet. An IPv4 address is made up of four octets of 8-bit binary numbers translated into their shorthand numeric values. An IPv6 address is 128 bits long. The IP address can be broken down into a network ID and a host ID. Also called Internet address.
multiboot installation
OS installation in which multiple operating systems are installed on a single machine.
fragmentation
Occurs when files and directories get jumbled on a fixed disk and are no longer contiguous. Can significantly slow down hard drive access times and can be repaired by using the defrag utility included with each version of Windows. (See also defragmentation.)
Backup or Restore Wizard
Older Windows utility that enables users to create system backups and set system restore points.
TN (twisted nematic)
Older technology for LCD monitors. TN monitors produce a decent display for a modest price, but they have limited viewing angles and can't accurately reproduce all the color information sent by the video card.
Password Authentication Protocol (PAP)
Oldest and most basic form of authentication. Also the least safe, because it sends all passwords in clear text.
host
On a TCP/IP network, single device that has an IP address—any device (usually a computer) that can be the source or destination of a data packet. In the mainframe world, computer that is made available for use by multiple people simultaneously. Also, in virtualization, a computer running one or more virtual operating systems.
active partition
On a hard drive, primary partition that contains an operating system.
baud
One analog cycle on a telephone line. In the early days of telephone data transmission, the baud rate was often analogous to bits per second. Due to advanced modulation of baud cycles as well as data compression, this is no longer true.
Certified Cisco Network Associate (CCNA)
One of the certifications demonstrating a knowledge of Cisco networking products.
NVIDIA Corporation
One of the foremost manufacturers of graphics cards and chipsets.
POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3)
One of the two protocols that receive e-mail from SMTP servers. POP3 uses TCP port 110. While historically most e-mail clients used this protocol, the IMAP4 e-mail protocol is now more common.
voice coil motor
One of two methods used to move actuator arms in a hard drive. (See also stepper motor.)
stepper motor
One of two methods used to move actuator arms in a hard drive. (See also voice coil motor.)
OpenGL
One of two popular APIs used today for video cards. Originally written for UNIX systems but now ported to Windows and Apple systems. (See also DirectX.)
theory of probable cause
One possible reason why something is not working; a guess.
mini connector
One type of power connector from a PC power supply unit. Supplies 5 and 12 volts to peripherals. Also known as a floppy connector.
Linux
Open-source UNIX-clone operating system.
gpedit
Opens Group Policy, which provides centralized management and configuration of operating systems, applications, and user settings in an Active Directory environment-Windows
image deployment
Operating system installation that uses a complete image of a hard drive as an installation media. Helpful when installing an operating system on a large number of identical PCs.
How do you tell which side of a chassis should be opened to access the motherboard?
Opposite the I/O
DVD (digital versatile disc)
Optical disc format that provides for 4-17 GB of video or data storage.
Blu-ray Disc (BD)
Optical disc format that stores 25 or 50 GB of data, designed to be the replacement media for DVD. Competed with HD DVD.
Last Known Good Configuration
Option on the Advanced Startup Options menu that enables your system to revert to a previous configuration to troubleshoot and repair any major system problems.
multimedia extensions (MMX)
Originally an Intel CPU enhancement designed for graphics-intensive applications (such as games). It was never embraced but eventually led to improvements in how CPUs handle graphics.
CD (compact disc)
Originally designed as the replacement for vinyl records, has become the primary method of long-term storage of music and data.
CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor)
Originally, the type of nonvolatile RAM that held information about the most basic parts of your PC, such as hard drives, floppies, and amount of DRAM. Today, actual CMOS chips have been replaced by flash-type nonvolatile RAM. The information is the same, however, and is still called CMOS—even though it is now almost always stored on Flash RAM.
printer
Output device that can print text or illustrations on paper. Microsoft uses the term to refer to the software that controls the physical print device.
40-pin ribbon cable
PATA cable used to attach EIDE devices (such as hard drives) or ATAPI devices (such as optical drives) to a system. (See PATA.)
80-wire ribbon cable
PATA cable used to attach fast EIDE devices (such as ATA/100 hard drives) or ATAPI devices (such as optical drives) to a system. (See PATA.)
webcam
PC camera most commonly used for Internet video.
IDE (integrated drive electronics)
PC specification for small- to mediumsized hard drives in which the controlling electronics for the drive are part of the drive itself, speeding up transfer rates and leaving only a simple adapter (or "paddle"). IDE only supported two drives per system of no more than 504 MB each, and has been completely supplanted by Enhanced IDE. EIDE supports four drives of over 8 GB each and more than doubles the transfer rate. The more common name for PATA drives. Also known as intelligent drive electronics. (See PATA.)
globally unique identifier (GUID) partition table (GPT)
Partitioning scheme that enables you to create more than four primary partitions without needing to use dynamic disks.
virus shield
Passive monitoring of a computer's activity, checking for viruses only when certain events occur.
strong password
Password containing at least eight characters, including letters, numbers, and non-alphanumeric symbols.
thermal compound
Paste-like material with very high heat-transfer properties. Applied between the CPU and the cooling device, it ensures the best possible dispersal of heat from the CPU. Also called heat dope or thermal paste.
persistence
Phosphors used in CRT screens continuing to glow after being struck by electrons, long enough for the human eye to register the glowing effect. Glowing too long makes the images smeary, and too little makes them flicker.
hardware
Physical computer equipment such as electrical, electronic, magnetic, and mechanical devices. Anything in the computer world that you can hold in your hand. A hard drive is hardware; Microsoft Word is not.
volume
Physical unit of a storage medium, such as tape reel or disk pack, that is capable of having data recorded on it and subsequently read. Also, a contiguous collection of cylinders or blocks on a disk that are treated as a separate unit.
bandwidth
Piece of the spectrum occupied by some form of signal, such as television, voice, or fax data. Signals require a certain size and location of bandwidth to be transmitted. The higher the bandwidth, the faster the signal transmission, allowing for a more complex signal such as audio or video. Because bandwidth is a limited space, when one user is occupying it, others must wait their turn. Bandwidth is also the capacity of a network to transmit a given amount of data during a given period.
_________________ technology utilizes a vibrating crystal to force ink out of a nozzle.
Piezoelectric
The _______________ describes the distance between a print head and the paper.
Platen Gap
Name the internal components of a standard HHD.
Platter, spindle, read/write head, actuator, arm.
USB connector
Plugs into USB port to transfer data between computer and external device
flux reversal
Point at which a read/write head detects a change in magnetic polarity.
trackball
Pointing device distinguished by a ball that is rolled with the fingers.
optical mouse
Pointing device that uses light rather than electronic sensors to determine movement and direction the mouse is being moved.
Quality of Service (QoS)
Policies that control how much bandwidth a protocol, PC, user, VLAN, or IP address may use.
ATX (Advanced Technology Extended)
Popular motherboard form factor that generally replaced the AT form factor.
UTP (unshielded twisted pair)
Popular type of cabling for telephone and networks, composed of pairs of wires twisted around each other at specific intervals. The twists serve to reduce interference (also called crosstalk). The more twists, the less interference. Unlike its cousin, STP, UTP cable has no metallic shielding to protect the wires from external interference. 1000BaseT uses UTP, as do many other networking technologies. UTP is available in a variety of grades, called categories, as follows:
desktop replacement
Portable computer that offers the same performance as a full-fledged desktop computer; these systems are normally very heavy to carry and often cost much more than the desktop systems they replace.
FCS (Frame Check Sequence)
Portion of an Ethernet frame used for error checking, most commonly with the CRC algorithm.
page file
Portion of the hard drive set aside by Windows to act like RAM. Also known as virtual memory or swap file.
ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface)
Power management specification that far surpasses its predecessor, APM, by providing support for hotswappable devices and better control of power modes.
throttling
Power reduction/thermal control capability allowing CPUs to slow down during low activity or high heat build-up situations. Intel's version is known as SpeedStep, AMD's as PowerNow!.
single rail
Power supply configuration where all power is supplied along a single pathway.
SCSI (small computer system interface)
Powerful and flexible peripheral interface popularized on the Macintosh and used to connect hard drives, optical drives, tape drives, scanners, and other devices to PCs of all kinds. Normal SCSI enables up to seven devices to be connected through a single bus connection, whereas Wide SCSI can handle 15 devices attached to a single controller.
robocopy
Powerful command-line utility for copying files and directories, even over a network.
subwoofer
Powerful speaker capable of producing extremely low-frequency sounds.
What's a PXE, and in what situation would I use it!?
PreBoot ExecutioÑ Environment! *********USED TO LOAD SOFTWARE OR AN OPERATING SYSTEM --->OVER A NETWORK<---!!!!!!!!!!
mega-
Prefix that stands for the binary quantity 1,048,576 (220) or the decimal quantity of 1,000,000. One megabyte is 1,048,576 bytes. One megahertz, however, is a million hertz. Sometimes shortened to Meg, as in "a 286 has an address space of 16 Megs."
tera-
Prefix that usually stands for the binary number 1,099,511,627,776 (240). When used for mass storage, it's often shorthand for 1 trillion bytes.
external data bus (EDB)
Primary data highway of all computers. Everything in your computer is tied either directly or indirectly to the external data bus. (See also frontside bus and backside bus.)
system BIOS
Primary set of BIOS stored on an EPROM or flash ROM chip on the motherboard. Defines the BIOS for all the assumed hardware on the motherboard, such as keyboard controller, floppy drive, basic video, and RAM.
The ____________ contains the hardware that is utilizes to apply an image to paper.
Print Head
PCL (printer control language)
Printer control language created by Hewlett-Packard and used on a broad cross section of printers.
thermal printer
Printer that uses heated printheads to create high-quality images on special or plain paper.
solid ink printers
Printer that uses solid sticks of nontoxic "ink" that produce vibrant color documents with much less waste than color laser printers.
XPS (XML Paper Specification) print path
Printing subsystem in Windows. Has enhanced color management and good print layout fidelity.
handshaking
Procedure performed by modems, terminals, and computers to verify that communication has been correctly established.
degauss
Procedure used to break up the electromagnetic fields that can build up on the cathode ray tube of a monitor; involves running a current through a wire loop. Most monitors feature a manual degaussing tool.
stream loading
Process a program uses to constantly download updated information.
disk striping
Process by which data is spread among multiple (at least two) drives. Increases speed for both reads and writes of data. Considered RAID level 0 because it does not provide fault tolerance.
disk mirroring
Process by which data is written simultaneously to two or more disk drives. Read and write speed is decreased, but redundancy in case of catastrophe is increased.
firmware upgrade
Process by which the BIOS of a motherboard can be updated to reflect patched bugs and added features. Performed, usually, through CMOS, though some motherboard manufacturers provide a Windows program for performing a firmware upgrade.
activation
Process of confirming that an installed copy of a Microsoft product (most commonly Windows or a Microsoft Office application) is legitimate. Usually done at the end of software installation.
calibration
Process of matching the print output of a printer to the visual output of a monitor.
multitasking
Process of running multiple programs or tasks on the same computer at the same time.
compression
Process of squeezing data to eliminate redundancies, allowing files to use less space when stored or transmitted.
A/V sync
Process of synchronizing audio and video.
burn
Process of writing data to a writable optical disc, such as a DVD-R.
autodetection
Process through which new disks are automatically recognized by the BIOS.
escalate
Process used when person assigned to repair a problem is not able to get the job done, such as sending the problem to someone with more expertise.
pipeline
Processing methodology where multiple calculations take place simultaneously by being broken into a series of steps. Often used in CPUs and video processors.
FM synthesis
Producing sound by electronic emulation of various instruments to more or less produce music and other sound effects.
CMOS setup program
Program enabling you to access and update CMOS data. Also referred to as the System Setup Utility or BIOS setup.
shareware
Program protected by copyright; holder allows (encourages!) you to make and distribute copies under the condition that those who adopt the software after preview pay a fee to the holder of the copyright. Derivative works are not allowed, although you may make an archival copy.
browser
Program specifically designed to retrieve, interpret, and display web pages.
virus
Program that can make a copy of itself without your necessarily being aware of it. Some viruses can destroy or damage files. The best protection is to back up files regularly.
Trojan horse
Program that does something other than what the user who runs the program thinks it will do. Used to disguise malicious code.
device driver
Program used by the operating system to control communications between the computer and peripherals.
regedit.exe
Program used to edit the Windows Registry.
bug
Programming error that causes a program or a computer system to perform erratically, produce incorrect results, or crash. The term was coined when a real bug was found in one of the circuits of one of the first ENIAC computers.
TWAIN (technology without an interesting name)
Programming interface that enables a graphics application, such as a desktop publishing program, to activate a scanner, frame grabber, or other image-capturing device.
ODBC Data Source Administrator
Programming tool for configuring the Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) coding standard. Data Source Administrator enables you to create and manage entries called Data Source Names (DSNs) that point OBDC to a database. DSNs are used by ODBC-aware applications to query ODBC to find their databases.
Component Services
Programming tools in Windows for the sharing of data objects between programs.
rearview projector
Projector that shoots an image onto a screen from the rear. Rearview projectors are usually self-enclosed and very popular for TVs, but are virtually unheard of in the PC world.
IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6)
Protocol in which addresses consist of eight sets of four hexadecimal numbers, each number being a value between 0000 and FFFF, using a colon to separate the numbers. Here's an example: FEDC:BA98:7654:3210:080 0:200C:00CF:1234.
NNTP (Network News Transfer Protocol)
Protocol run by news servers that enable newsgroups. TCP 119
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
Protocol that enables client hosts to request and receive TCP/IP settings automatically from an appropriately configured server.
IrDA (Infrared Data Association) protocol
Protocol that enables communication through infrared devices, with speeds of up to 4 Mbps.
NetBIOS (Network Basic Input/Output System)
Protocol that operates at the Session layer of the OSI seven-layer model. This protocol creates and manages connections based on the names of the computers involved.
Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP)
Protocol used by many operating systems and applications to access directories.
Remote Desktop Protocol
Protocol used for Microsoft's Remote Desktop tool. Uses port 3389.
P8 and P9 connectors
Provide power to old, AT-style motherboards.
P4 power connector
Provides additional 12-volt power for the CPU to motherboards that support Pentium 4 and later processors.
Network
Provides addressing across the internet. Used for determine paths of data where the segments become packets by addressing the source of the IP
msinfo32
Provides information about hardware resources, components, and the software environment. Also known as System Information.
P1 power connector
Provides power to ATX motherboards; 20-pin with original ATX motherboards, 24-pin on current units.
power supply unit
Provides the electrical power for a PC. Converts standard AC power into various voltages of DC electricity in a PC.
Application
Provides the interface to application programs. Uses SMTP commands to tell the server how to handle data (when sending email)
unbuffered RAM
RAM without a buffer chip; in other words, normal, consumer-grade RAM.
What will allow a user to change binary files of Windows?
REGEDIT
What is a 6P2C?
RJ-11 !
_____ is designed for reliable copy or mirroring while maintaining the permissions, attributes, owner information, timestamps and properties of the objects copied.
ROBOCOPY
system ROM
ROM chip that stores the system BIOS.
Flash ROM
ROM technology that can be electrically reprogrammed while still in the PC. Overwhelmingly the most common storage medium of BIOS in computers today, as it can be upgraded without a need to open the computer on most systems.
transfer rate
Rate of data transferred between two devices, especially over the expansion bus.
gain
Ratio of increase of radio frequency output provided by an antenna, measured in decibels (dB).
aspect ratio
Ratio of width to height of an object. Standard television has a 4:3 aspect ratio. High-definition television is 16:9. Desktop computer monitors tend to be either 16:9 or 16:10.
CD-ROM (compact disc/read-only memory)
Read-only compact storage disc for audio or video data. CD-ROMs are read by using CD-ROM drives and optical drives with backward compatibility, such as DVD and Blu-ray Disc drives.
mirroring
Reading and writing data at the same time to two drives for fault tolerance purposes. Considered RAID level 1. Also called drive mirroring.
multisession drive
Recordable CD drive capable of burning multiple sessions onto a single recordable disc. A multisession drive also can close a CD-R so that no further tracks can be written to it.
document findings, actions, and outcomes
Recording each troubleshooting job: what the problem was, how it was fixed, and other helpful information. (Step 6 of 6 in the CompTIA troubleshooting theory.)
rd
Remove Directory-Windows
remediation
Repairing damage caused by a virus.
terminator
Resistor that is plugged into the end of a bus cable to absorb the excess electrical signal, preventing it from bouncing back when it reaches the end of the wire. Terminators are used with coaxial cable and on the ends of SCSI chains. RG-58 coaxial cable requires resistors with a 50-ohm impedance. Also, a humanoid robot from the future designed by Skynet to destroy all human life. He'll be back.
native resolution
Resolution on an LCD monitor that matches the physical pixels on the screen.
Transport
Responsible for controlling data flow between systems or hosts. Data is broken into segments and sent to the network layer.
NTFS permissions
Restrictions that determine the amount of access given to a particular user on a system using NTFS.
USB Type-C (connector)
Reversible USB type cable that supports USB SuperSpeed+ USB 3.1 with a top speed of 10 Gbps.
DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung)
Round connector shell with pins or holes that was standardized by the German national standards body. Largely obsolete, DIN and mini-DIN connectors have been used by keyboards, mice, video systems, and other peripherals attached to computers.
path
Route the operating system must follow to find an executable program stored in a subfolder.
port triggering
Router function that enables a computer to open an incoming connection to one computer automatically based on a specific outgoing connection.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
Rules that enable two computers to talk to one another during a file transfer. Protocol used when you transfer a file from one computer to another across the Internet. FTP uses port numbers TCP 20 and TCP 21.
A ___________ is a special connector that allows you to connect your sound card directly to a 5.1 speaker system or receiver with a single port.
S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface)
______ is used to verify the integrity of the Windows system files
SFC ... System File Checker sfc /scannow
A ________ is a user program or it's environment provided for user interaction.
SHELL (Basically a fancy word for a program's GUI in Linux)
What is the BEST method of physical data destruction?
SHREDDDDDDDDER
Two types of HYPERVISORS we discussed in class.
SOFTWARE ---- HARDWARE
NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express)
SSD technology that supports a communication connection between the operating system and the SSD directly through a PCIe bus lane, reducing latency and taking full advantage of the speeds of high-end SSDs. NVMe SSDs come in a couple of formats, such as an add-on expansion card and a 2.5-inch drive, like the SATA drives for portables. NVMe drives are a lot more expensive currently than other SSDs, but offer much higher speeds.
sfc
SYSTEM FILE CHECKER. For attacking errors in WINDOWS SYSTEM FILES sfc /scannow will scan entire system for Windows file errors and repair them-Windows
Help
Same as /?, but put BEFORE command
emergency repair disk (ERD)
Saves critical boot files and partition information and is the main tool for fixing boot problems in older versions of Windows. Newer versions of Windows call this a system repair disc (Windows Vista/7) or recovery drive (Windows 8/8.1 and 10).
data storage
Saving a permanent copy of your work so that you can come back to it later.
data structure
Scheme that directs how an OS stores and retrieves data on and off a drive. Used interchangeably with the term file system. (See also file system.)
file system
Scheme that directs how an OS stores and retrieves data on and off a drive; FAT32 and NTFS are both file systems. Used interchangeably with the term "data structure." (See also data structure.)
monitor
Screen that displays data from a PC. Can use either a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display (LCD) to display images.
What does the Linux command GREP do?
Searches for a string of text
Level 2 (L2) cache
Second RAM cache accessed by the CPU. Much larger and often slower than the L1 cache, and accessed only if the requested program/data is not in the L1 cache.
sidebanding
Second data bus for video cards; enables the video card to send more commands to the northbridge while receiving other commands at the same time.
NLX
Second form factor for slimline systems. Replaced the earlier LPX form factor. (NLX apparently stands for nothing; it's just a cool grouping of letters.)
partition
Section of the storage area of a hard disk. Created during initial preparation of the hard disk, before the disk is formatted.
logical drives
Sections of an extended partition on a hard drive that are formatted and (usually) assigned a drive letter, each of which is presented to the user as if it were a separate drive.
partition boot table
Sector of a partition that stores information important to its partition, such as the location of the OS boot files. Responsible for loading the OS on a partition.
LoJack
Security feature included in some BIOS/UEFI that enables a user to track the location of a stolen PC, install a key logger, or remotely shut down the stolen computer.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)
Security protocol used by a browser to connect to secure websites.
share-level security
Security system in which each resource has a password assigned to it; access to the resource is based on knowing the password.
bootstrap loader
Segment of code in a system's BIOS that scans for an operating system, looks specifically for a valid boot sector, and, when one is found, hands control over to the boot sector; then the bootstrap loader removes itself from memory.
sector
Segment of one of the concentric tracks encoded on the disk during a low-level format. A sector holds 512 bytes of data.
ping
Sends a specific amount of packets to a destination in order to VERIFY CONNECTIVITY
If a printer repeatedly reports a paper jam, but no paper is present, a technician should check the ________________.
Sensors
rails
Separate DC voltage paths within an ATX power supply.
eSATA
Serial ATA-based connector for external hard drives and optical drives.
COM port(s)
Serial communications ports available on a computer. COMx is used to designate a uniquely numbered COM port such as COM1, COM2, etc.
PCIe (PCI Express)
Serialized successor to PCI and AGP that uses the concept of individual data paths called lanes. May use any number of lanes, although a single lane (×1) and 16 lanes (×16) are the most common on motherboards.
SATA (serial ATA)
Serialized version of the ATA standard that offers many advantages over PATA (parallel ATA) technology, including thinner cabling, keyed connectors, and lower power requirements.
beep codes
Series of audible tones produced by a motherboard during the POST. These tones identify whether the POST has completed successfully or whether some piece of system hardware is not working properly. Consult the manual for your particular motherboard for a specific list of beep codes.
program/programming
Series of binary electronic commands sent to a CPU to get work done.
OS (operating system)
Series of programs and code that creates an interface so users can interact with a system's hardware; for example, Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
PIO (programmed I/O) mode
Series of speed standards created by the Small Form Factor Committee for the use of PIO by hard drives. Modes range from PIO mode 0 to PIO mode 4.
ATAPI (ATA Packet Interface)
Series of standards that enables mass storage devices other than hard drives to use the IDE/ATA controllers. Popular with optical drives. (See EIDE.)
bus
Series of wires connecting two or more separate electronic devices, enabling those devices to communicate. Also, a network topology where computers all connect to a main line called a bus cable.
maintenance kits
Set of commonly replaced printer components provided by many manufacturers.
algorithm
Set of rules for solving a problem in a given number of steps.
Syntax
Set of rules that defines the combinations of symbols that are considered to be correctly structured document or fragment language. The EXACT words or characters you enter to get a response from the CLI
code
Set of symbols representing characters (e.g., ASCII code) or instructions in a computer program (a programmer writes source code, which must be translated into executable or machine code for the computer to use).
expansion bus
Set of wires going to the CPU, governed by the expansion bus crystal, directly connected to expansion slots of varying types (PCI, AGP, PCIe, etc.).
address bus
Set of wires leading from the CPU to the memory controller chip (traditionally the northbridge) that enables the CPU to address RAM. Also used by the CPU for I/O addressing. On current CPUs with built-in memory controllers, the address bus refers to the internal electronic channel from the microprocessor to RAM, along which the addresses of memory storage locations are transmitted. Like a post office box, each memory location has a distinct number or address; the address bus provides the means by which the microprocessor can access every location in memory.
Backside Bus
Set of wires that connects the CPU to Level 2 cache. First appearing in the Pentium Pro, all modern CPUs have a backside bus. Some buses run at the full speed of the CPU, whereas others run at a fraction. Earlier Pentium IIs, for example, had backside buses running at half the speed of the processor. (See also frontside bus and external data bus.)
user profiles
Settings that correspond to a specific user account and may follow users regardless of the computers where they log on. These settings enable the user to have customized environment and security settings.
front-view projector
Shoots the image out the front and counts on you to put a screen in front at the proper distance.
patch cables
Short (2 to 5 feet) UTP cables that connect patch panels to a switch or router.
MP3
Short for MPEG Audio Layer 3, a type of compression used specifically for turning high-quality digital audio files into much smaller, yet similar-sounding, files.
CAB files
Short for cabinet files. These files are compressed and most commonly used during OS installation to store many smaller files, such as device drivers.
heads
Short for read/write heads used by hard drives to store data.
cd (chdir)
Shorthand for "change directory." Enables you to change the focus of the command prompt from one directory to another.
Task Manager
Shows all running programs, including hidden ones, and is accessed by pressing CTRL-SHIFT-ESC. You can use the Task Manager to shut down an unresponsive application that refuses to close normally.
shutdown (Linux)
Shutdown a Linux system
IRQ (interrupt request)
Signal from a hardware device, such as a modem or a mouse, indicating that it needs the CPU's attention. In PCs, IRQs are sent along specific IRQ channels associated with a particular device. IRQ conflicts were a common problem in the past when adding expansion boards, but the plug-and-play specification has removed this headache in most cases.
differential backup
Similar to an incremental backup. Backs up the files that have been changed since the last backup. This type of backup does not change the state of the archive bit.
duplexing
Similar to mirroring in that data is written to and read from two physical drives, for fault tolerance. Separate controllers are used for each drive, both for additional fault tolerance and for additional speed. Considered RAID level 1. Also called disk duplexing or drive duplexing.
copy
Simple copy command from one directory to another-Windows
bit
Single binary digit. Also, any device that can be in an on or off state.
clock cycle
Single charge to the clock wire of a CPU.
software
Single group of programs designed to do a particular job; always stored on mass storage devices.
HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface)
Single multimedia connection that includes both high-definition video and audio. One of the best connections for outputting to television. Also contains copy protection features.
laser
Single-wavelength, in-phase light source that is sometimes strapped to the head of sharks by bad guys. Note to henchmen: Lasers should never be used with sea bass, no matter how ill-tempered they might be.
3.5-inch floppy drive
Size of all modern floppy disk drives; the format was introduced in 1986 and is one of the longest surviving pieces of computer hardware.
throw
Size of the image a projector displays at a certain distance from the screen. Alternately, what you do with a computer that you just can't seem to get working.
ping (packet Internet groper)
Slang term for a small network message (ICMP ECHO) sent by a computer to check for the presence and aliveness of another. Used to verify the presence of another system. Also, the command used at a prompt to ping a computer.
mini-DIN
Small connection most commonly used for keyboards and mice. Many modern systems implement USB in place of mini-DIN connections. Also called PS/2.
traces
Small electrical connections embedded in a circuit board.
power supply fan
Small fan located in a system power supply that draws warm air from inside the power supply and exhausts it to the outside.
icon
Small image or graphic, most commonly found on a system's desktop, that launches a program when selected.
context menu
Small menu brought up by right-clicking on objects in Windows.
texture
Small picture that is tiled over and over again on walls, floors, and other surfaces to create the 3-D world.
patch
Small piece of software released by a software manufacturer to correct a flaw or problem with a particular piece of software.
Tablet PC
Small portable computer distinguished by the use of a touchscreen with stylus and handwriting recognition as the primary modes of input.
connectors
Small receptacles used to attach cables to a system. Common types of connectors include USB, PS/2, DB-25, RJ-45, HDMI, DVI, HD15, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt.
snap-ins
Small utilities that can be used with the Microsoft Management Console.
PAN (personal area network)
Small wireless network created with Bluetooth technology and intended to link computers and other peripheral devices.
netbook
Small, low-power laptop used primarily for web browsing.
mini USB
Smaller USB connector often found on digital cameras.
thread
Smallest logical division of a single program.
Android
Smartphone and tablet OS created by Google.
Disk Management
Snap-in available with the Microsoft Management Console that enables techs to configure the various disks installed in a system; available in the Computer Management Administrative Tool.
telephone scams
Social engineering attack in which the attacker makes a phone call to someone in an organization to gain information.
ZIF (zero insertion force) socket
Socket for CPUs that enables insertion of a chip without the need to apply pressure. Intel promoted this socket with its overdrive upgrades. The chip drops effortlessly into the socket's holes, and a small lever locks it in.
API (application programming interface)
Software definition that describes operating system calls for application software; conventions defining how a service is invoked.
antivirus program
Software designed to combat viruses by either seeking out and destroying them or passively guarding against them.
emulator
Software or hardware that converts the commands to and from the host machine into an entirely different platform.
codec (compressor/decompressor)
Software that compresses or decompresses media streams.
terminal emulation
Software that enables a computer to communicate with another computer or network as if the computer were a specific type of hardware terminal.
hypervisor
Software that enables a single computer to run multiple operating systems simultaneously.
freeware
Software that is distributed for free, with no license fee.
closed source
Software that is solely controlled by its creator or distributor.
spyware
Software that runs in the background of a user's PC, sending information about browsing habits back to the company that installed it onto the system.
network protocol
Software that takes the incoming data received by the network card, keeps it organized, sends it to the application that needs it, and then takes outgoing data from the application and hands it to the NIC to be sent out over the network.
digital zoom
Software tool to enhance the optical zoom capabilities of a digital camera.
DUN (Dial-up Networking)
Software used by Windows to govern the connection between the modem and the ISP.
What is the difference between a software RAID and hardware RAID?
Software=motherboard Hardware = Raid controller card.
___________________ utilize SOLID ink.
Solid Ink Printers
LED (light-emitting diode)
Solid-state device that vibrates at luminous frequencies when current is applied.
Memory Stick
Sony's flash memory card format; rarely seen outside of Sony devices.
AC'97
Sound card standard for lower-end audio devices; created when most folks listened to stereo sound at best.
5.1 speaker system
Speaker setup consisting of four satellite speakers plus a center speaker and a subwoofer.
7.1 speaker system
Speaker setup consisting of six satellite speakers (two front, two side, two rear) plus a center speaker and a subwoofer.
2.1 speaker system
Speaker setup consisting of two stereo speakers combined with a subwoofer.
SMM (System Management Mode)
Special CPU mode that enables the CPU to reduce power consumption by selectively shutting down peripherals.
riser card
Special adapter card, usually inserted into a special slot on a motherboard, that changes the orientation of expansion cards relative to the motherboard. Riser cards are used extensively in slimline computers to keep total depth and height of the system to a minimum. Sometimes called a daughterboard.
cache (disk)
Special area of RAM that stores the data most frequently accessed from the hard drive. Cache memory can optimize the use of your systems.
antistatic wrist strap
Special device worn around the wrist with a grounding connection designed to equalize electrical potential between a technician and an electronic device. Used to prevent electrostatic discharge.
dynamic disks
Special feature of Windows that enables users to span a single volume across two or more drives. Dynamic disks do not have partitions; they have volumes. Dynamic disks can be striped, mirrored, and striped or mirrored with parity.
CDDA (CD-Digital Audio)
Special format used for early CD-ROMs and all audio CDs; divides data into variable-length tracks. A good format to use for audio tracks but terrible for data because of lack of error checking.
Function (fn) key
Special key on many laptops that enables some keys to perform a third duty.
Take Ownership
Special permission allowing users to seize control of a file or folder and potentially prevent others from accessing the file/folder.
cache (L1, L2, L3, etc.)
Special section of fast memory, usually built into the CPU, used by the onboard logic to store information most frequently accessed by the CPU.
ECC (error correction code)
Special software, embedded on hard drives, that constantly scans the drives for bad sectors.
antistatic mat
Special surface on which to lay electronics. These mats come with a grounding connection designed to equalize electrical potential between a workbench and one or more electronic devices. Used to prevent electrostatic discharge.
Mini-PCI
Specialized form of PCI designed for use in laptops.
Mini-PCIe
Specialized form of PCIe designed for use in laptops.
GPU (graphics processing unit)
Specialized processor that helps the CPU by taking over all of the 3-D rendering duties.
MMX (multimedia extensions)
Specific CPU instructions that enable a CPU to handle many multimedia functions, such as digital signal processing. Introduced with the Pentium CPU, these instructions are used on all ×86 CPUs.
DNS domain
Specific branch of the DNS name space. First-level DNS domains include .com, .gov, and .edu.
DPMS (display power-management signaling)
Specification that can reduce monitor power consumption by 75 percent by reducing/eliminating video signals during idle periods.
clock speed
Speed at which a CPU executes instructions, measured in MHz or GHz. In modern CPUs, the internal speed is a multiple of the external speed. (See also clock-multiplying CPU.)
system bus speed
Speed at which the CPU and the rest of the PC operates; set by the system crystal.
ppm (pages per minute)
Speed of a printer.
form factor
Standard for the physical organization of motherboard components and motherboard size. Most common form factors are ATX, microATX, and Mini-ITX.
VGA (video graphics array)
Standard for the video graphics adapter that was built into IBM's PS/2 computer. It supports 16 colors in a 640 × 480 pixel video display.
dipole antennas
Standard straight-wire antennas that provide the most omnidirectional function.
MSDS (material safety data sheet)
Standardized form that provides detailed information about potential environmental hazards and proper disposal methods associated with various computing components.
V standards
Standards established by CCITT for modem manufacturers to follow (voluntarily) to ensure compatible speeds, compression, and error correction.
troubleshooting theory (6 Steps)
Steps a technician uses to solve a problem. CompTIA A+ defines six steps: identify the problem; establish a theory of probable cause; test the theory to determine cause; establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement a solution; verify full system functionality and if applicable implement preventive measures; and document findings, actions, and outcomes.
register
Storage area inside the CPU used by the onboard logic to perform calculations. CPUs have many registers to perform different functions.
nonvolatile memory
Storage device that retains data even if power is removed; typically refers to a ROM or flash ROM chip, but also could be applied to hard drives, optical media, and other storage devices.
EFS (encrypting file system)
Storage organization and management service, such as NTFS, that has the capability of applying a cipher process to the stored data.
vendor specific
Stores that only sell products from one manufacturer, like the Apple store.
CAT 7
Supports 10-Gbps networks at 100-meter segments; shielding for individual wire pairs reduces crosstalk and noise problems. CAT 7 is not a TIA/EIA standard.
object
System component that is given a set of characteristics and can be managed by the operating system as a single entity.
floppy drive
System hardware that uses removable 3.5-inch disks as storage media.
WWW (World Wide Web)
System of Internet servers that supports documents formatted in HTML and related protocols. Can be accessed by applications that use HTTP and HTTPS, such as web browsers.
data classification
System of organizing data according to its sensitivity. Common classifications include public, highly confidential, and top secret.
DLP (data loss prevention)
System or set of rules designed to stop leakage of sensitive information. Usually applied to Internet appliances to monitor outgoing network traffic.
restore point
System snapshot created by the System Restore utility that is used to restore a malfunctioning system. (See also System Restore.)
What Windows command will be used to find the PID for running processes?
TASKLIST
POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3)
TCP 110
IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)
TCP 143 UDP 143
Telnet (used primarily before SSH)
TCP 23
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
TCP 25
RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol)
TCP 3389
SLP (Service Location Protocol)
TCP 427 UDP 427
Secure HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
TCP 443
SMB
TCP 445 UDP 445
DNS (Domain Name System)
TCP 53 UDP 53
Apple Filing Protocol
TCP 548
DNS (domain name service)
TCP/IP name resolution system that translates a host name into an IP address.
_________________ is a lightweight powdered pigment that is physically attracted to -100V.
TONER
Name one specific cryptoprocessor we discussed in class.
TPM
Processes
Tab in Task Manager that lists all running processes on a system. Frequently a handy tool for ending buggy or unresponsive processes.
Performance
Tab in Task Manager that tracks PC performance.
Services
Tab in Windows Task Manager that lists all running services on a system.
partition table
Table located in the boot sector of a hard drive that lists every partition on the disk that contains a valid operating system.
disk cloning
Taking a PC and making a duplicate of the hard drive, including all data, software, and configuration files, and transferring it to another PC. (See image installation.)
memory addressing
Taking memory address from system RAM and using it to address non-system RAM or ROM so the CPU can access it.
View a list of running processes
Tasklist
DMA (direct memory access) modes
Technique that some PC hardware devices use to transfer data to and from the memory without using the CPU.
wave table synthesis
Technique that supplanted FM synthesis, wherein recordings of actual instruments or other sounds are embedded in the sound card as WAV files. When a particular note from a particular instrument or voice is requested, the sound processor grabs the appropriate prerecorded WAV file from its memory and adjusts it to match the specific sound and timing requested.
passive matrix
Technology for producing colors in LCD monitors by varying voltages across wire matrices to produce red, green, or blue dots.
Dolby Digital
Technology for sound reductions and channeling methods used for digital audio.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Technology that enables a mobile device to determine where you are on a map.
NX bit
Technology that enables the CPU to protect certain sections of memory. This feature, coupled with implementation by the operating system, stops malicious attacks from getting to essential operating system files. Microsoft calls the feature Data Execution Prevention (DEP).
face lock
Technology that enables use of facial features to unlock a mobile device or personal computer.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Technology that provides power and data transmission through a single network cable.
S/MIME (Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions)
Technology used to configure digital signature settings for e-mail, and contacts from a corporate address book, depending on how the corporate e-mail server is set up.
Remote access VPN
Telecommuter such as mobile users and extranet are able to access company network securely, Host and client have VPN software, Data sent by host is encapsulated and encrypted before being sent to the VPN gateway
Define TKIP and when it was first used.
Temporal Key Integrity Protocol. First used in WPA.
permission propagation
Term to describe what happens to permissions on an object when you move or copy it.
megapixel
Term used typically in reference to digital cameras and their ability to capture data.
Telnet
Terminal emulation program for TCP/IP networks that allows one machine to control another as if the user were sitting in front of it. Uses port TCP 23.
SSH (Secure Shell)
Terminal emulation program similar to Telnet, except that the entire connection is encrypted. Uses port 22(UDP, TCP).
Explain the difference between "tethering" and "hotspot" technologies.
Tethering = with a cable Hotspot = converts 4g to 802.11
boot.ini
Text file used during the boot process that provides a list of all OSs currently installed and available for ntldr (NT Loader). Also tells where each OS is located on the system. Used in Windows XP and earlier Microsoft operating systems.
command prompt
Text prompt for entering commands.
In PC3-10600 (DDR3 1333) what does the "10600" indicate?
The Bandwidth, or MAXIMUM throughput of 10600 MB.
In laser printers, the stage that prepares internal components with the correct voltage is called ___________________.
The Conditioning Stage
In laser printers, the stage that produces a latent image on the drum is called ___________________.
The Development Stage
In laser printers, the stage that applies heat (350 degrees Fahrenheit) and pressure is called ___________________.
The Fusing Stage
In laser printers, the stage that places the latent image onto the paper is called ___________________.
The Transferring Stage
Live DVD
The Windows installation media, which loads the Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE) directly from disc into memory and doesn't access or modify a hard drive or solid-state drive.
phishing
The act of trying to get people to give their usernames, passwords, or other security information by pretending to be someone else electronically.
tethering
The act of using a cellular-network-connected mobile device as a mobile hotspot.
VRR (vertical refresh rate)
The amount of time it takes for a CRT to draw a complete screen. This value is measured in hertz, or cycles per second. Most modern CRTs have a VRR of 60 Hz or better.
Tiles
The building blocks of Windows 8's Modern UI, as potentially "smart" app shortcuts, capable of displaying dynamic and changing information without even opening the app.
NetBIOS Extended User Interface (NetBEUI)
The default networking protocol for early versions of Windows.
Data compression
The encoding of information using fewer bits that the original representation
Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE)
The installation program for Windows.
Mini-ITX
The largest and the most popular of the three ITX form factors. At a miniscule 6.7 by 6.7 inches, Mini-ITX competes with microATX and proprietary small form factor (SFF) motherboards.
Charms bar
The location in Windows 8 and 8.1 of the charms tools. Accessed by moving the cursor to the upper-right corner of the screen.
Mini Secure Digital (MiniSD)
The medium-sized form factor of the SD flash memory standard.
110 block
The most common connection used with structured cabling, connecting horizontal cable runs with patch panels.
VPN protocol
The needs for a public access network so two systems can connect.
SATA Express (SATAe)
The newest version of SATA that ties capable drives directly into the PCI Express bus on motherboards. Each lane of PCIe 3.0 is capable of handling up to 8 Gbps data throughput. A SATAe drive grabbing two lanes, therefore, could move a whopping 16 Gbps through the bus.
iOS
The operating system of Apple mobile devices.
RAID 10
The opposite of RAID 0+1, two mirrored RAID 0 configurations. Also provides both speed and redundancy, and also requires four disks.
Metro UI
The original name for the Windows 8 user interface. Due to legal concerns, it was rebranded the "Modern UI."
%SystemRoot%
The path where the operating system is installed.
touch interface
The primary user interface on modern mobile devices where keys are replaced with tactile interaction.
Packet switching
The process of breaking down into packers so easier to send. Each packet is transmitted separately with specific routes.
sync
The process of keeping files on mobile devices up to date with the versions on desktop computers or over the Internet.
syntax
The proper way to write a command-line command so that it functions and does what it's supposed to do.
CIFS (Common Internet File System)
The protocol that NetBIOS uses to share folders and printers. Still very common, even on UNIX/Linux systems.
When referring to Expresscard 34/54, what does the 34/54 indicate?
The size (in mm) of the card
Micro Secure Digital (MicroSD)
The smallest form factor of the SD flash memory standard. Often used in mobile devices.
digitizer
The touchscreen overlay technology that converts finger and stylus contact into input data for the device to use.
U (Units)
The unique height measurement used with equipment racks; 1 U equals 1.75 inches.
Internet
The unlimited wide area network spanning over the globe with a vast connection of smaller networks
electric potential
The voltage differential between any two objects, one of which is frequently ground or earth, resulting in a degree of attraction for the electrons to move from one of the objects to the other. A large difference between a person and a doorknob, for example, can lead to a shocking experience when the two touch. (See electrostatic discharge (ESD).)
topology
The way computers connect to each other in a network.
________________ technology utilizes a rapidly heated plate to force ink out of a nozzle.
Thermal Bubble
There are two types of thermal printers, direct thermal and ______________________.
Thermal Wax Transfer
Describe the two inkjet technologies and how they work!
Thermal bubble and piezoelectric*
If I were to choose a type of printer that I would not use for archival documents, it would surely be a ______________________.
Thermal printer
Necessity of Protocols
They are required to send or communicate over a network. Allow organised communication allowing different devices to communicate with another.
transfer corona
Thin wire, usually protected by other thin wires, that applies a positive charge to the paper during the laser printing process, drawing the negatively charged toner particles off of the drum and onto the paper. Newer printers accomplish the same feat using a transfer roller that draws the toner onto the paper.
Ultrabook
Thin, powerful laptop powered by Intel processors and built according to the Intel design specification. Competes directly with the Apple Mac Air.
_______________ is a port that taps into the PCIe to improve performance.
Thunderbolt
Propagation delay
Time required for a digital signal to travel from inputs of a logical gate to output. D/S S= propagation speed D= length of the packet
MBR (master boot record)
Tiny bit of code that takes control of the boot process from the system BIOS.
shunt
Tiny connector of metal enclosed in plastic that creates an electrical connection between two posts of a jumper.
microdrive
Tiny hard drives using the CompactFlash form factor. (See also CompactFlash (CF).)
sub-pixels
Tiny liquid crystal molecules arranged in rows and columns between polarizing filters used in LCDs.
archive
To copy programs and data onto a relatively inexpensive storage medium (drive, tape, etc.) for long-term retention.
debug
To detect, trace, and eliminate errors in computer programs.
dumpster diving
To go through someone's trash in search of information.
boot
To initiate an automatic routine that clears the memory, loads the operating system, and prepares the computer for use. Term is derived from "pull yourself up by your bootstraps." Computers must do that because RAM doesn't retain program instructions when power is turned off. A cold boot occurs when the PC is physically switched on. A warm boot loads a fresh OS without turning off the computer, lessening the strain on the electronic circuitry. To do a warm boot, press the CTRL-ALT-DELETEkeys twice in rapid succession (the three-fingered salute).
identify the problem
To question the user and find out what has been changed recently or is no longer working properly. Step 1 of 6 in the CompTIA troubleshooting theory.
overclocking
To run a CPU or video processor faster than its rated speed.
Local Users and Groups
Tool enabling creation and changing of group memberships and accounts for users.
Performance Options
Tool enabling users to configure CPU, RAM, and virtual memory settings.
Windows Memory Diagnostic
Tool found in Windows 7 and later that can automatically scan a computer's RAM when encountering a problem.
Display applet
Tool in Windows XP and Windows 7 used to adjust display settings, including resolution, refresh rate, driver information, and color depth. (See Personalization applet for the comparable tool in Windows Vista.)
Parental Controls
Tool to enable monitoring and limiting of user activities; designed for parents to control the content their children can access.
bar code reader
Tool to read Universal Product Code (UPC) bar codes.
tech toolkit
Tools a PC tech should never be without, including a Phillips-head screwdriver, a pair of tweezers, a flat-head screwdriver, a hemostat, a Torx wrench, a parts retriever, and a nut driver or two.
address space
Total amount of memory addresses that an address bus can contain.
bank
Total number of DIMMs that can be accessed simultaneously by the chipset. The "width" of the external data bus divided by the "width" of the DIMM sticks. Specific DIMM slots must be populated to activate dual-, triple-, or quad-channel memory.
tap
Touchscreen gesture where you press a spot on the screen to start an app or interact with a running app.
______ is a tool for displaying the route and measuring transit delays of packets across an Internet Protocol network.
Tracert
TIA/EIA (Telecommunications Industry Association/Electronic Industries Alliance)
Trade organization that provides standards for network cabling and other electronics.
laptop
Traditional clamshell portable computing device with built-in LCD monitor, keyboard, and trackpad.
Presentation
Translated data from application format to network format. vice versa. Specifies format for images, and provides encryption and compression.
LBA (logical block addressing)
Translation (algorithm) of IDE drives promoted by Western Digital as a standardized method for breaking the 504-MB limit in IDE drives. Subsequently universally adopted by the PC industry and standard on all EIDE drives.
sector translation
Translation of logical geometry into physical geometry by the onboard circuitry of a hard drive.
WHAT IS TCP?!
Transmission Control Protocol... Remember, TCP **VERIFIES* packets are sent and received!
CRT (cathode ray tube)
Tube of a monitor in which rays of electrons are beamed onto a phosphorescent screen to produce images. Also, a shorthand way to describe a monitor that uses CRT rather than LCD technology.
Coaxial cable
Two concentric copper cables covered in special shielding = faster than twisted pair.
Twisted pair
Two copper wires twisted and coated, the cheapest transmission of media
stripe set
Two or more drives in a group that are used for a striped volume.
satellites
Two or more standard stereo speakers to be combined with a subwoofer for a speaker system (i.e., 2.1, 5.1, 7.1, etc.).
extension
Two, three, four, five, or more letters that follow a filename and identify the type of file. Common file extensions are .zip, .exe, .doc, .java, and .xhtml.
DIMM (dual inline memory module) 32- or 64-bit
Type of DRAM packaging with the distinction that each side of each tab inserted into the system performs a separate function. DIMMs come in a variety of sizes, with 184-, 240-, and 288-pin being the most common on desktop computers.
DDR SDRAM (double data rate SDRAM)
Type of DRAM that makes two processes for every clock cycle. (See also DRAM.)
16-bit (PC Card)
Type of PC Card that can have up to two distinct functions or devices, such as a modem/network card combination.
DDR4 SDRAM
Type of SDRAM that offers higher density and lower voltages than DDR3, and can handle faster data transfer rates. Maximum theoretical capacity of DDR4 DIMMs is up to 512 GB.
DDR2 SDRAM
Type of SDRAM that sends 4 bits of data in every clock cycle. (See also DDR SDRAM.)
DDR3 SDRAM
Type of SDRAM that transfers data at twice the rate of DDR2 SDRAM.
copy backup
Type of backup similar to a normal or full backup, in that all selected files on a system are backed up. This type of backup does not change the archive bit of the files being backed up.
fingerprint lock
Type of biometric device that enables a user to unlock a mobile device using a fingerprint.
34-pin ribbon cable
Type of cable used by floppy disk drives.
disk duplexing
Type of disk mirroring using two separate controllers rather than one; faster than traditional mirroring.
LCD (liquid crystal display)
Type of display commonly used on portable computers. LCDs have also replaced CRTs as the display of choice for desktop computer users. LCDs use liquid crystals and electricity to produce images on the screen.
AC (alternating current)
Type of electricity in which the flow of electrons alternates direction, back and forth, in a circuit.
DC (direct current)
Type of electricity in which the flow of electrons is in a complete circle in one direction.
ATA (AT Attachment)
Type of hard drive and controller designed to replace the earlier ST506 and ESDI drives without requiring replacement of the AT BIOS—hence, AT attachment. These drives are more popularly known as IDE drives. (See IDE.) The ATA/33 standard has drive transfer speeds up to 33 MBps; the ATA/66 up to 66 MBps; the ATA/100 up to 100 MBps; and the ATA/133 up to 133 MBps. (See Ultra DMA.)
active matrix
Type of liquid crystal display (LCD) that replaced the passive matrix technology used in most portable computer displays. Also called TFT (thin film transistor).
adware
Type of malicious program that downloads ads to a user's computer, generating undesirable network traffic.
extended partition
Type of nonbootable hard disk partition. May only have one extended partition per disk. Purpose is to divide a large disk into smaller partitions, each with a separate drive letter.
auto-switching power supply
Type of power supply able to detect the voltage of a particular outlet and adjust accordingly.
dual-voltage
Type of power supply that works with either 110- or 220-volt outlets.
resistive touchscreen
Type of touchscreen that responds to the pressure applied to the screen.
capacitive touchscreen
Type of touchscreen that uses electrical current in your body to determine movement of your fingers across the screen.
optical disc/media
Types of data discs (such as DVDs, CDs, BDs, etc.) that are read by a laser.
installation disc
Typically a CD-ROM or DVD that holds all the necessary device drivers.
TV tuner
Typically an add-on device that allows users to watch television on a computer.
I/O advanced programmable interrupt controller (IOAPIC)
Typically located in the southbridge, acts as the traffic cop for interrupt requests to the CPU.
What interface will a user encounter when an action requires an elevation of permissions?
UAC- User Account Controls
NTP (Network Time Protocol)
UDP 123
BOOTP (Bootstrap) and DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
UDP 67, 68 ***BOOTP was just the older version of DHCP.. same functionality.**
secure boot
UEFI feature that secures the boot process by requiring properly signed software. This includes boot software and software that supports specific, essential components.
__________ is the newest generation of this technology we've discussed. The transfer rate is 10 Gbps.
USB 3.1
A ______________________ is an integrated circuit that is usually built into the chipset that controls every USB device connected to it.
USB Host Controller
A _________________ is a device that expands one USB port to two or more USB ports.
USB Hub
Thunderbolt 3 uses a ___________ connector.
USB Type-C
micro USB
USB connector commonly found on Android phones.
Low-Speed USB
USB standard that runs at 1.5 Mbps. Also called USB 1.1.
Full-Speed USB
USB standard that runs at 12 Mbps. Also known as USB 1.1.
Hi-Speed USB
USB standard that runs at 480 Mbps. Also referred to as USB 2.0.
CAT 3
UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) Supports speeds up to 16 Mbps.
CAT 4
UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) Supports speeds up to 20 Mbps.
CAT 2
UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) Supports speeds up to 4 Mbps.
RJ (registered jack) connector
UTP cable connector, used for both telephone and network connections. RJ-11 is a connector for four-wire UTP; usually found in telephone connections. RJ-45 is a connector for eight-wire UTP; usually found in network connections.
electrostatic discharge (ESD)
Uncontrolled rush of electrons from one object to another. A real menace to PCs, as it can cause permanent damage to semiconductors.
Resolution of text is measured in ______.
dpi (Dots Per Inch)
Displays a list of all drivers on your PC.
driverquery (driverquery -v will do the same, AND display a file path for you! WOOT.)
Renew your IP address
ipconfig /renew
______ lists information about files in the current directory (by default) or a specified directory.
ls
_______ is used to rename files.
mv ***Note some important options for this command are -i and -n. -i (interactive) prompts you before overwriting a destination file. -n (noclobber) will NOT overwrite an existing destination file.
Troubleshoot NetBIOS over TCP/IP. For example, you can view a remote NetBIOS name table using ________.
nbtstat
Display TCP/IP protocol statistics and connection information. Can be used to see who is connected to your system; what ports are open; and if you use an -o switch, what the process ID is of the program that opened the port.
netstat
Troubleshoot DNS problems. For example, you can get a listing of all the records in DNS using ______.
nslookup
HKEY_CURRENT_USER
often abbreviated as HKCU, is one of a half-dozen or so registry hives, a major part of the Windows Registry. HKCU contains configuration information for Windows and software specific to the currently logged in user.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
often abbreviated as HKLM, is one of several registry hives that make up the Windows Registry. This particular hive contains the majority of the configuration information for the software you have installed, as well as for the Windows operating system itself.
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
often shortened as HKCR, is a registry hive in the Windows Registry and contains file extension association information, as well as a programmatic identifier (ProgID), Class ID (CLSID), and Interface ID (IID) data.
______ is used to change a users password.
passwd
____ is useful when one or more routers exist between hosts. It sends a series of packets to each router that's in the path to the destination host in an effort to determine whether the router is performing slowly or dropping packets.
pathping E.g.... pathping 192.168.1.1
Send four test messages to the IP address or host name you specify; verify whether the other system is up and running.
ping <IP address> or ping <host name>
A __________ is the endpoint of a logical connection. The __________ is a 16-bit unsigned integer, thus ranging from 0 to 65535.
port
_____ will build a detailed power consumption report for your PC, which is output to a directory indicated after the command finishes.
powercfg /energy (MUST BE USING CMD AS ADMIN>!)
The speed of printers is measured in _____.
ppm
_______ shows the name of the current directory.
pwd ****pwd stands for "print working directory", NOT "PASSWORD"****
pwd
show the name of the current directory, stands for print working directory NOT PASSWORD-Linux
HKEY_USERS
sometimes seen as HKU, is one of many registry hives in the Windows Registry. HKU contains user-specific configuration information for all currently active users on the computer.
HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG
sometimes shortened to HKCC, is a registry hive that's a part of the Windows Registry. It doesn't store any information itself, but instead acts as a pointer, or a shortcut, to a registry key that keeps information about the hardware profile currently being used.
regsvr32 In contrast with regedit.exe
the regsvr32 command can modify the Registry in only one way, adding (or registering) dynamic link library (DLL) files as command components in the Registry.
_____________ is a command that acts as a text editor.
vi
shutdown (Windows)
will shutdown a computer /s shutdown /m shutdown a specific computer on a network /t set a timer for shutdown Windows
virtual assistant
Voice-activated technology that responds to user requests for information. Virtual assistants can be used to search the Internet, make reminders, do calculations, and launch apps.
Explain volatile v. nonvolatile memory.
Volatile= Loses content when power is lost. Nonvolatile= Does NOT lose content when powered off.
simple volume
Volume created when setting up dynamic disks. Acts like a primary partition on a dynamic disk.
mirrored volume
Volume that is mirrored on another volume. (See also mirroring.)
15 pin VGA (DB-15)
WHAT IS THIS!?
19-pin HDMI
WHAT IS THIS!?
20-pin DisplayPort
WHAT IS THIS!?
24 pin Main ATX power
WHAT IS THIS!?
39 pin IDE (PATA) Connector
WHAT IS THIS!?
7 Pin Sata Data
WHAT IS THIS!?
9 Pin Serial Port (Also known as DB-9 or DE-9)
WHAT IS THIS!?
A. PCIe x16 B. PCIe x1 C. PCI
WHAT IS THIS!?
AGP
WHAT IS THIS!?
Audio ports on I/O (I/o = input/output)
WHAT IS THIS!?
CMOS battery
WHAT IS THIS!?
CPU Socket
WHAT IS THIS!?
CPU cooler
WHAT IS THIS!?
Centronics plug. (NOW rare, but once used for printers)
WHAT IS THIS!?
DIMM slots (RAM goes here!)
WHAT IS THIS!?
DVI-A
WHAT IS THIS!?
DVI-D
WHAT IS THIS!?
DVI-I
WHAT IS THIS!?
Fiber FC
WHAT IS THIS!?
Fiber LC
WHAT IS THIS!?
Fiber SC
WHAT IS THIS!?
Fiber ST
WHAT IS THIS!?
Floppy Drive Port (data)
WHAT IS THIS!?
Front Side Panel Connectors (This is where you attach the cables from the actual chassis to the motherboard, to allow the USB ports/power switch/reset switch/lights to communicate with the MOBO)
WHAT IS THIS!?
Heatsink
WHAT IS THIS!?
IEEE1394a (Firewire400) OR IEEE1394b (Firewire800)
WHAT IS THIS!?
Mini DisplayPort
WHAT IS THIS!?
Modular PSU (Modular means that each type of power connector is removable, allowing the user to utilize only what is needed [to improve airflow/cable management])
WHAT IS THIS!?
PCI
WHAT IS THIS!?
PCIe SSD
WHAT IS THIS!?
PCIe x16
WHAT IS THIS!?
PS/2 ports (OLD Mouse and Keyboard)
WHAT IS THIS!?
Parallel Port (DB-25)
WHAT IS THIS!?
RJ11 ports (Phone jacks) *Remember, RJ45's (ethernet cable) have 8 pins, RJ11's have 4 pins!
WHAT IS THIS!?
RJ45 Ports (Ethernet Ports)
WHAT IS THIS!?
S/PDIF (Coaxial on the left, Optical on the Right)
WHAT IS THIS!?
Thunderbolt!
WHAT IS THIS!?
USB
WHAT IS THIS!?
USB Headers
WHAT IS THIS!?
m.2 PCIe (USUALLY used for m.2 SSD PCIe drives!!!)
WHAT IS THIS!?
mSATA
WHAT IS THIS!?
A. ATX B. Micro-ATX C. Mini-ITX D. Nano-ITX E. Pico-ITX
WHAT IS THIS!? (What are the *form factors* for A, B, C, D, E?)
What is the BEST wireless encryption?
WPA2-AES
glasses
Wearable computing device that enables a user to perform some computing functions via a pair of glasses.
20 pin ATX Power Connector
What is THIS?
24 pin ATX Power Connector
What is THIS?
24 pin Power Connector
What is THIS?
3 pin Fan Connector
What is THIS?
4 pin Floppy Berg Connector Used to POWER floppy drives! Think they're used OFTEN? (-_____-)
What is THIS?
4 pin Molex Connector NOW.. do not be confused with this term "Molex". Molex is a general term used to describe most power supply connectors. Molex is actually the company that created most power connectors. THIS 4 pin Molex is found on EVERY PSU, and when someone JUST says "molex connector", they're usually referring to this one! http://www.molex.com/
What is THIS?
4/8 pin Power Connector *NOTE: The 4 pin power connector to the motherboard supplies extra power to the CPU VOLTAGE REGULATOR !!!!!
What is THIS?
PCIe 6 pin Connector REMEMBER*** 99% of the time, this 6 pin power connector will add additional power to a Graphics Card (a GPU)
What is THIS?
RJ-11
What is THIS?
Sata Connector! Specifically, a 15 pin Sata Power Connector.
What is THIS?
Voltage Selection Switch
What is THIS?
parallel execution
When a multicore CPU processes more than one thread.
tree
Will GRAPHICALLY display a directory and subfolders-Windows
chmod
Will allow a super-user to change permissions for a file-Linux
regedit
Will allow and Admin to alter Window Registries. DO NOT USE UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING. WILL DECIMATE YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM-Windows
ipconfig/ flushdns
Will clear your DNS resolver cache.
taskkill
Will end a process by using the PID number-Windows
exit
Will exit Command Prompt-Windows
expand
Will expand or EXTRACT one or more compress files from a .cab file-Windows
chkdsk
Will scan for logical errors on HDD chkdsk /f will scan and fix errors-Windows
ipconfig /renew
Will select your new IP address from the SCOPE
netstat
Will show inbound and outbound traffic in a specific WORKSTATION-Windows
In what Windows OS was XP Mode introduced?
Windows 7 Professional
navigation pane
Windows 7's name for the Folders list in Windows Explorer.
offline files
Windows 7/8/8.1/10 feature that enables storing a local, duplicate copy of files and folders on a hard drive. When the laptop connects to a network, Windows automatically syncs those offline files with the files and folders on a file server or other PC.
bootmgr
Windows Boot Manager for Vista and later versions.
Programs and Features
Windows Control Panel applet; enables uninstalling or changing program options and altering Windows features.
ntldr (NT Loader)
Windows NT/2000/XP boot file. Launched by the MBR or MFT, ntldr looks at the boot.ini configuration file for any installed operating systems.
Reset your PC
Windows RE option in Windows 8 and later that nukes the system—deleting all apps, programs, user files, and user settings—and presents a fresh installation of Windows. Use Reset as the last resort when troubleshooting a PC. And back up data first, if possible.
Refresh your PC
Windows RE option in Windows 8 and later that rebuilds the OS, but preserves all user files and settings and any applications purchased from the Windows Store. Note well: Refresh deletes every other application on a system.
Personalization applet
Windows Vista applet with which users can change display settings such as resolution, refresh rate, color depth, and desktop features. The Windows 7 version focuses on managing themes, desktop icons, mouse pointers, and account pictures. (For other options, seeDisplay.)
Reliability and Performance Monitor
Windows Vista's extended Performance applet.
Backup and Restore Center
Windows Vista/7's backup utility (Windows 7 drops "Center" from the name). It offers two options: create a backup or restore from a backup.
ASR (Automated System Recovery)
Windows XP tool designed to recover a badly corrupted Windows system; similar to the ERD in Windows 2000.
shutdown
Windows and Linux command for shutting down the computer.
hostname
Windows command for displaying the name of a computer.
gpresult
Windows command for listing group policies applied to a user.
gpupdate
Windows command for making immediate group policy changes in an individual system.
tracert
Windows command-line utility used to follow the path a packet takes between two hosts. Called traceroute in Mac OS X and Linux.
User's Files
Windows default location for content specific to each user account on a computer. It is divided into several folders such as Documents, Pictures, Music, and Video.
ReadyBoost
Windows feature enabling the use of flash media as dedicated virtual memory.
ICS (Internet Connection Sharing)
Windows feature that enables a single network connection to be shared among several machines.
power options
Windows feature that enables better control over power use by customizing a balanced, power saver, or high-performance power plan.
UAC (User Account Control)
Windows feature that enables standard accounts to do common tasks and provides a permissions dialog box when standard and administrator accounts do certain things that could potentially harm the computer (such as attempt to install a program).
Error-checking
Windows graphical tool that scans and fixes hard drive problems. Often referred to by the name of the executable, chkdsk, or Check Disk. The Mac OS X equivalent is the Disk Utility, and Linux offers a command-line tool called fsck.
pinned application
Windows method of attaching programs to the taskbar. A pinned application gets a permanent icon displayed on the taskbar.
Windows Easy Transfer
Windows method of transferring files and settings to a new PC.
Shared Documents
Windows premade folder that is accessible by all user accounts on the computer.
MPA (Microsoft Product Activation)
Windows process to enable support of a Microsoft program by registering a unique code within the program with a Microsoft authorization server. Microsoft Product Activation prevents unauthorized use of Microsoft's software.
AutoPlay
Windows setting, along with autorun.inf, enabling Windows to detect media files automatically and begin using them. (See autorun.inf.)
file association
Windows term for the proper program to open a particular file; for example, the file association for opening or .mp3 files might be Winamp.
Performance Monitor
Windows tool for observing a computer's performance.
Sysprep (System Preparation Tool)
Windows tool that makes cloning of systems easier by making it possible to undo portions of the installation.
Remote Desktop
Windows tool used to enable a local system to graphically access the desktop of a remote system.
Local Security Policy
Windows tool used to set local security policies on an individual system.
Task Scheduler
Windows utility enabling users to set tasks to run automatically at certain times.
Windows Explorer
Windows utility that enables you to manipulate files and folders stored on the drives in your computer. Rebranded as File Explorer in Windows 8, 8.1, and 10.
primary corona
Wire that is located near the photosensitive drum in a laser printer and is charged with extremely high voltage to form an electric field, enabling voltage to pass to the photosensitive drum, thus charging the photosensitive particles on the surface of the drum. Also called the primary charge roller.
IEEE 802.11
Wireless Ethernet standard more commonly known as Wi-Fi.
WLAN
Wireless access network, a communication network that provides connectivity to s device over a small geographical area
WAN
Wireless access network, connects two or more LAN's over a potentially large geographical network
GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)
Wireless data standard for mobile devices.
infrastructure mode
Wireless networking mode that uses one or more WAPs to connect the wireless network nodes to a wired network segment.
802.11n
Wireless networking standard that can operate in both the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands and uses multiple in/multiple out (MIMO) to achieve a theoretical maximum throughput of 100+ Mbps.
802.11b
Wireless networking standard that operates in the 2.4-GHz band with a theoretical maximum throughput of 11 Mbps.
802.11a
Wireless networking standard that operates in the 5-GHz band with a theoretical maximum throughput of 54 Mbps.
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)
Wireless security protocol that uses a standard 40-bit encryption to scramble data packets. Does not provide complete end-to-end encryption and is vulnerable to attack.
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)
Wireless security protocol that uses encryption key integrity-checking/TKIP and EAP and is designed to improve on WEP's weaknesses. Supplanted by WPA 2.
WPA 2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2)
Wireless security protocol, also known as IEEE 802.11i. Uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and replaces WPA.
Bluetooth
Wireless technology designed to create small wireless networks preconfigured to do specific jobs, but not meant to replace full-function networks or Wi-Fi.
frontside bus
Wires that connect the CPU to the main system RAM. Generally running at speeds of 66-133 MHz. Distinct from the expansion bus and the backside bus, though it shares wires with the former.
T568B
Wiring standard for Ethernet cable.
What type of malware will specifically self propagate over a network?
Worm
____ will copy both files and folders from a directory path, as opposed to "COPY" that will only copy the files in the root folder indicated.
XCOPY
AOL
You've got mail!
What is ZIF?
Zero insertion force.
su
________ allows regular users to run programs with the security privileges of the specified user.
______________ is used to install or upgrade packages through the internet.
apt-get ("Aptitude Package Manager")
Troubleshoot ARP. For example, you can use arp -a to view your Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) cache.
arp
___________ is a command that will allow a superuser to change permissions for a file.
chmod ("Change/Modify permissions")
__________ is a command that wil change the group, change the owner, or BOTH for a directory.
chown ("Change Owner")
Client Server Topology
- All data on one machine - Computers can access all the data on that one machine
Bus Topology
- Each devise is connected to a single cable - uses BNC or T connectors - cheap and easy to implement
Star Topology
- Most common - Network topology which requires each computer to connect to a central point such as a hub or switch. - Each computer has own cable connection - Has single point of failure
SC connector
- push pull - fiber optic - common used between floors
Transfer Rate - 802.11ac
1.0 Gbps
What is the capacity of a high density floppy disk?
1.44MB
Transfer Rate - SATA 1.0
1.5Gbps
Transfer Rate - CAT 7
10 Gbps + (Higher performance, but still TECHNICALLY labeled as 10Gbps)
Capacity of quad-layer Blu-ray?
100 GB
What is the capacity of a QUAD layer Blu-Ray?
100GB
Transfer Rate - CAT5
100Mbps
Kilobyte
1024 Bytes, or 2^10 bytes
Terabyte
1024 GB, or 2^40 bytes
Megabyte
1024 KB, or 2^20 bytes
Gigabyte
1024 MB, or 2^30 bytes
Resolution of XGA.
1024 x 768
Maximum throughput of DDR3-1333?
10600 MBps
Transfer Rate - Thunderbolt 1
10Gbps
Transfer Rate - USB 3.1
10Gbps
Transfer Rate - Cat3
10Mbps
Transfer Rate - 802.11 b
11Mbps
A USB host controller can support __________ devices.
127
What is the range for IPv4 public class b?
128 - 191
CIDR /1
128.0.0.0
Resolution of SXGA .
1280 x 1024
Maximum throughput of DDR3-1600?
12800 MBps
H.323 (Video)
1720
BGP
179
BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)
179
CIDR /2
192.0.0.0
Resolution of WUXGA.
1920 x 1200
Transfer Rate - Cat5e
1Gbps
CIDR /3
224.0.0.0
How many pins? DDR4 SODIMM in Laptops?
260 pins!
How many pins? DDR4 SDRAM in Desktops?
288 pins!
Transfer Rate - SATA 2.0
3.0Gbps
Voltage of the Orange wire?
3.3V
What are the two form factors of hard drives we discussed? (HDDs and SSDs)
3.5" and 2.5"
Transfer Rate - 802.11 n
300Mbps
CardBus
32-bit PC cards that can support up to eight devices on each card. Electrically incompatible with earlier PC cards (3.3 V versus 5 V).
LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol)
389
Nibble
4 bits
Capacity of DVD, single side, single layer?
4.7 GB
Transfer Rate - IEEE 1394a
400Mbps
Transfer Rate - Thunderbolt 3
40Gbps
Maximum throughput of DDR2-533?
4200 MBps
Transfer Rate - Lightning
480 Mbps
Transfer Rate - USB 2.0
480Mbps
How much RAM can a 32-bit OS recognize?
4GB
Transfer Rate - USB 3.0
5.0Gbps
What is the form factor of a standard optics drive?
5.25"
Capacity of standard dual-layer Blu-ray?
50 GB
Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP)
5004/5005
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)
5060/5061
Maximum throughput of DDR2-667?
5300 MBps
Transfer Rate - 802.11 a
54Mbps
Transfer Rate - 802.11 g
54Mbps
Voltage of the RED wire?
5V
Transfer Rate - SATA 3.0
6.0Gbps
Firewire can daisy chain __________ devices in series.
63
Maximum throughput of DDR2-800?
6400 MBps
Maximum throughput of DDR3-800?
6400 MBps
Capacity of DVD, single side, double layer?
8.5 GB
What is the capacity of DVD, single side, double layer?
8.5GB
Transfer Rate - IEEE 1394b
800Mbps
Maximum throughput of DDR3-1066?
8500 MBps
Dot Matrix printers will utilize a ___ or 24 pin print head.
9
Vi
A "text editing" command-Linux
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity)
A 15-digit number used to uniquely identify a mobile device, typically a smartphone or other device that connects to a cellular network.
Pico-ITX
A 3.8- by 2.8-inch version of the ITX form factor.
Nano-ITX
A 4.7 inch by 4.7 inch variation of the ITX form factor.
FAT64 (exFAT)
A Microsoft-proprietary file system that breaks the 4-GB filesize barrier, supporting files up to 16 exabytes (EB) and a theoretical partition limit of 64 zettabytes (ZB). Envisioned for use with flash media devices with a capacity exceeding 2 TB.
If a technician needs more USB ports on a system, they have the option to use ________________________.
A USB expansion card.
HomeGroup
A Windows 7 feature that connects a group of computers using a common password—no special user names required. Each computer can be a member of only one homegroup at a time. Homegroups enable simple sharing of documents and printers between computers.
Jump List
A Windows 7 menu that shows context-sensitive information about whatever is on the taskbar.
bootrec
A Windows Recovery Environment troubleshooting and repair tool that repairs the master boot record, boot sector, or BCD store. It replaces the fixboot and fixmbr Recovery Console commands used in Windows XP and earlier operating systems.
Windows XP Mode
A Windows XP virtual machine that ships with Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions of Windows 7 to enable users to run programs that don't work on Windows 7.
dock
A bar at the bottom of the Mac OS X desktop where application icons can be placed for easy access.
stranded core
A cable that uses a bundle of tiny wire filaments to transmit signals. Stranded core is not quite as good a conductor as solid core, but it will stand up to substantial handling without breaking.
solid core
A cable that uses a single solid (not hollow or stranded) wire to transmit signals.
protective cover
A case or sleeve that protects a mobile device from physical damage.
smartphone
A cell phone enhanced to do things formerly reserved for fully grown computers, such as web browsing, document viewing, and media consumption.
prompt
A character or message provided by an operating system or program to indicate that it is ready to accept input.
triple-channel architecture
A chipset feature similar to dual-channel RAM, but requiring three matched sticks instead of two.
access control list (ACL)
A clearly defined list of permissions that specifies what actions an authenticated user may perform on a shared resource.
Packet
A collection of data that can be used by a computer which needs to communicate with each other. Messages sent between two network devices are often divided into packets of hardware and software. They include headers (destination information), the body of containing the message data, and sometimes a footer (signal of the end).
chain of custody
A documented history of who has been in possession of a system.
digitally signed driver
A driver designed specifically to work with Windows that has been tested and certified by Microsoft to work stably with Windows.
ITX
A family of motherboard form factors. Mini-ITX is the largest and the most popular of the ITX form factors but is still quite small.
SuperSpeed USB
A fast form of USB, with speeds up to 5 Gbps. Also called USB 3.0.
Mission Control
A feature of Mac OS X that enables switching between open applications, windows, and more.
subfolder
A folder located inside another folder.
Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
A hardware platform for the acceleration of cryptographic functions and the secure storage of associated information.
HTPC
A home theater PC designed to attach to a TV or projector for movie and TV viewing.
star bus
A hybrid network topology where the computers all connect to a central bus—a switch—but otherwise take the form of a star topology.
CMOS clear
A jumper on the motherboard that, when set, will revert CMOS settings to the factory defaults.
tablet
A mobile device consisting of a large touchscreen, enabling the user to browse the Web, view media, and even play games.
multi rail
A power supply configuration where the current is split into multiple pathways, each with a maximum capacity and its own Over Current Protection circuitry. CompTIA calls two-rail versions of this technology "dual rail."
network technology
A practical application of a topology and other critical standards to provide a method to get data from one computer to another on a network. It defines many aspects of a network, from the topology, to the frame type, to the cabling and connectors used.
What are "jumpers?"
A series of pins that allow different functions when a jumper block is attached.
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
A set of standards for communication with devices connected to a TCP/IP network. Examples of these devices include routers, hubs, and switches. Uses port 161(TCP, UDP).
workgroup
A simple, decentralized network that Windows PCs are configured to use by default.
run
A single piece of installed horizontal cabling.
virtual machine manager (VMM)
A software program that enables the creation, management and governance of virtual machines (VM) and manages the operation of a virtualized environment on top of a physical host machine. VMM is also known as Virtual Machine Manager and Hypervisor.
TFT (thin film transistor)
A special kind of field-effect transistor made by depositing thin films of an active semiconductor layer as well as the dielectric layer and metallic contacts over a supporting (but non-conducting) substrate. Type of LCD screen.
Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
A special set of tools in the Windows setup that enables you to access troubleshooting and repair features.
clock (CLK) wire
A special wire that, when charged, tells the CPU that another piece of information is waiting to be processed.
punchdown tool
A specialized tool for connecting UTP wires to a punchdown block.
crimper
A specialized tool for connecting twisted pair wires to an RJ-45 connector. Also called a crimping tool.
distribution (distro)
A specific variant of Linux.
crossover cable
A standard UTP cable with one RJ-45 connector using the T568A standard and the other using the T568B standard. This reverses the signal between sending and receiving wires and thus simulates the connection to a switch.
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)
A standard included on many WAPs and clients to make secure connections easier to configure.
DFS (distributed file system)
A storage environment where shared files are accessed from storage devices within multiple servers, clients, and peer hosts.
thin client
A system designed to handle only very basic applications with an absolute minimum amount of hardware required by the operating system. Meets minimum requirements for selected OS.
transistor-transistor logic (TTL)
A type of digital circuit found in early digital monitors.
mirror set
A type of mirrored volume created with RAID 1. (See also mirroring.)
64-bit processing
A type of processing that can run a compatible 64-bit operating system, such as Windows 7, 8, 8.1, or 10, and 64-bit applications. 64-bit PCs have a 64-bit-wide address bus, enabling them to use more than 4 GB of RAM.
microprocessor
"Brain" of a computer. Primary computer chip that determines relative speed and capabilities of the computer. Also called CPU.
CPU (central processing unit)
"Brain" of the computer. Microprocessor that handles primary calculations for the computer. CPUs are known by names such as Core i5 and Phenom II.
Ports ranging from 49,152 to 65,535 are part of the "__________________" block.
"Dynamic" or "Private Ports"
Ports ranging from 0 to 1,023 are part of the "__________________" block.
"Well-known ports"
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)
ASCII-based, script-like language for creating hypertext documents such as those on the World Wide Web.
Describe the term "Hot swappable"
Able to remove without interrupting system functionality.
Fast User Switching
Account option that is useful when multiple users share a system; allows users to switch without logging off.
Newer LCD's utilize ___________________, adding a transistor to every pixel to create a better picture.
Active TFT (Thin Film Transistor)
What is ARP, and what does it do?
Address Resolution protocol, and it correlates MAC addresses to IP addresses.
administrative shares
Administrator tool to give local admins access to hard drives and system root folders.
USMT (User State Migration Tool)
Advanced application for file and settings transfer of multiple users.
Power Users group
After Administrator/Administrators, the second most powerful account and group type in Windows. Power users have differing capabilities in different versions of Windows.
establish a plan of action and implement the solution
After establishing and testing a theory about a particular problem, techs solve the problem. (Step 4 of 6 in the CompTIA troubleshooting theory.)
establish a theory of probable cause
After identifying a problem, techs question the obvious to determine what might be the source of the problem. (Step 2 of 6 in the CompTIA troubleshooting theory.)
CFS (Command File System)
Along with CFS (Common File System), this term is found in the Acronym List of the CompTIA A+ learning objectives, and nowhere else. After diligent research, your intrepid author has not found a satisfactory reference to this alleged technology and believes that your ability to recognize that CFS can stand for Command File System will be sufficient knowledge to pass any exam questions about this topic on the corresponding test. —Mike Meyers
ATA/ATAPI-6
Also known as ATA-6 or "Big Drive." Replaced the INT13 extensions and allowed for hard drives as large as 144 petabytes (144 million GB).
option ROM
Alternative way of telling the system how to talk to a piece of hardware. Option ROM stores BIOS for the card in a chip on the card itself.
photosensitive drum
Aluminum cylinder coated with particles of photosensitive compounds. Used in a laser printer and often contained within the toner cartridge.
integrity
Always doing the right thing.
latency
Amount of delay before a device may respond to a request; most commonly used in reference to RAM.
impedance
Amount of resistance to an electrical signal on a wire. Relative measure of the amount of data a cable can handle.
Queuing delay
Amount of time a packet is waiting in the queue (buffer) before it can be pushed on the link
HRR (horizontal refresh rate)
Amount of time it takes for a monitor to draw one horizontal line of pixels on a display.
Transmission delay
Amount of time necessary to push all the bits on the link. L/R L= packet length (bits) R = bandwidth (internet speeds)
Nodal (processing) delay
Amount of time used to process packet headers, check for bit errors and determine the destination of the host.
link light
An LED on NICs, hubs, and switches that lights up to show good connection between the devices.
activity light
An LED on a NIC, hub, or switch that blinks rapidly to show data transfers over the network.
URL (uniform resource locator)
An address that defines the location of a resource on the Internet. URLs are used most often in conjunction with HTML and the World Wide Web.
Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)
An advanced IT certification specifically covering Microsoft products.
IMAP4 (Internet Message Access Protocol version 4)
An alternative to POP3 that retrieves e-mail from an e-mail server, like POP3; IMAP uses TCP port 143.
My Computer
An applet that enables users to access a complete listing of all fixed and removable drives contained within a system and to view/manage configuration properties of the computer. Also, an aspect of Windows Explorer.
plug and play (PnP)
Combination of smart PCs, smart devices, and smart operating systems that automatically configure all necessary system resources and ports when you install a new peripheral device.
sectors per track (sectors/track)
Combined with the number of cylinders and heads, defines the disk geometry.
net
Command in Windows that enables users to view a network without knowing the names of the other computers on that network.
serial port
Common connector on older PC. Connects input devices (such as a mouse) or communications devices (such as a modem). Also referred to as a COM port.
machine language
Binary instruction code that is understood by the CPU.
A ________________ utilizes human biology to authenticate a user.
Biometrics
image file
Bit-by-bit image of data to be burned on CD or DVD—from one file to an entire disc—stored as a single file on a hard drive. Particularly handy when copying from CD to CD or DVD to DVD.
BD-ROM (Blu-ray Disc-Read Only Media)
Blu-ray Disc equivalent of a DVD-ROM or CD-ROM. (See Blu-ray Disc.)
ISO-9660
CD format to support PC file systems on CD media. Supplanted by the Joliet format and then the UDF format.
CD-R (CD-recordable)
CD technology that accepts a single "burn" but cannot be erased after that one burn.
CD-RW (CD-rewritable)
CD technology that accepts multiple reads/writes like a hard drive.
Boot Camp
Apple tool used to install and boot to versions of Windows on a Mac OS X computer.
App Store
Apple's mobile software storefront, where you can purchase apps for your smartphone, tablet, or other Apple products.
Add or Remove Programs
Applet allowing users to add or remove a program manually to or from a Windows system.
User Accounts applet
Applet in Control Panel that enables you to make changes to current accounts (local or global), and gives you access to the Settings charm (or app in Windows 10) when you opt to add a new account.
Computer Management
Applet in Windows' Administrative Tools that contains several useful snap-ins, such as Device Manager and Disk Management.
Performance Information and Tools
Applet that provides a relative feel for how your computer stacks up against other systems using the Windows Experience Index.
disk quota
Application allowing network administrators to limit hard drive space usage.
Communication layers
Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Data link, and Physical
DAC (Discretionary Access Control)
Authorization method based on the idea that there is an owner of a resource who may at his or her discretion assign access to that resource. DAC is considered much more flexible than mandatory access control (MAC).
DriveLock
CMOS program enabling you to control the ATA security mode feature set. Also known as drive lock.
digital camera
Camera that simulates film technology electronically.
controller card
Card adapter that connects devices, such as a drive, to the main computer bus/motherboard.
printhead
Case that holds the printwires in a dot-matrix printer.
CAT 5
Category 5 wire; a TIA/EIA standard for UTP wiring that can operate at up to 100 Mbps.
CAT 5e
Category 5e wire; TIA/EIA standard for UTP wiring that can operate at up to 1 Gbps.
cd (Windows)
Change Directory-Windows (Do not be fooled on the test when asked to CREATE a Directory, that is md)
cd (Linux)
Change the working directory to a specified directory-Linux
wildcard
Character used during a search to represent search criteria. For instance, searching for *.docx will return a list of all files with a .docx extension, regardless of the filename. The * is the wildcard in that search.
soft power
Characteristic of ATX motherboards, which can use software to turn the PC on and off. The physical manifestation of soft power is the power switch. Instead of the thick power cord used in AT systems, an ATX power switch is little more than a pair of small wires leading to the motherboard.
VPN Evaluation
Cheap WAN security, Support for authorisation and authentication, Point to point (PPTP) or Two layer protocol (2LTP), saves costs of long distance cellular services and hardware associated with internet
Registry
Complex binary file used to store configuration data about a particular Windows system. To edit the Registry, users can use the applets found in the Control Panel or regedit.exe or regedt32.exe.
high-voltage anode
Component in a CRT monitor that has very high voltages of electricity flowing through it.
RIP (raster image processor)
Component in a printer that translates the raster image into commands for the printer.
erase lamp
Component inside laser printers that uses light to make the coating of the photosensitive drum conductive.
GDI (graphical device interface)
Component of Windows that utilizes the CPU rather than the printer to process a print job as a bitmapped image of each page.
video capture
Computer jargon for the recording of video information, such as TV shows or movies.
compliance
Concept that members of an organization must abide by the rules of that organization. For a technician, this often revolves around what software can or cannot be installed on an organization's computer.
recimg
Configures a recovery image from which Windows can refresh the computer-Windows
future-proofing
Configuring a PC so that it will run programs (especially games) released in the coming years.
parallel port
Connection for the synchronous, high-speed flow of data along parallel lines to a device, usually a printer.
PCIe 6/8-pin power connector
Connector on some power supplies for powering a dedicated graphics card.
HBA (host bus adapter)
Connects SATA devices to the expansion bus. Also known as the SATA controller.
expansion bus crystal
Controls the speed of the expansion bus.
SSD (solid-state drive)
Data storage device that uses flash memory to store data.
HDD (hard disk drive)
Data-recording system using solid disks of magnetic material turning at high speeds to store and retrieve programs and data in a computer.
hard drive
Data-recording system using solid disks of magnetic material turning at high speeds to store and retrieve programs and data in a computer. Abbreviated HDD for hard disk drive.
touchpad
Flat, touch-sensitive pad that serves as a pointing device for most laptops.
In PC3-10600 (DDR3 1333) what does the "1333" indicate?
Front side bus speed of 1333 MHz!!
ad hoc mode
Decentralized wireless network mode, otherwise known as peer-to-peer mode, where each wireless node is in meshed contact with every other node.
hardware protocol
Defines many aspects of a network, from the packet type to the cabling and connectors used.
Protocol
Defines the format and the order that messages exchanged between two or more communicating entities. Defines the actions taken to send on the transmutation and or the recipe of the message.
SHELL
Definition not a command....A user program or it's environment provided for user interaction-Linux
UNC (Universal Naming Convention)
Describes any shared resource in a network using the convention \\<server name>\<name of shared resource>.
monaural
Describes recording tracks from one source (microphone) as opposed to stereo, which uses two sources.
stereo
Describes recording tracks from two sources (microphones) as opposed to monaural, which uses one source.
credit card reader
Device that can be attached to mobile phones and tablets to take credit card payments.
gyroscope
Device that can detect the position of the tablet or phone in 3-D space.
WAP (wireless access point)
Device that centrally connects wireless network nodes.
USB hub
Device that extends a single USB connection to two or more USB ports, almost always directly from one of the USB ports connected to the root hub.
analog
Device that uses a physical quantity, such as length or voltage, to represent the value of a number. By contrast, digital storage relies on a coding system of numeric units.
loopback plug
Device used during loopback tests to check the female connector on a NIC.
inverter
Device used to convert DC current into AC. Commonly used with CCFLs in laptops and flatbed scanners.
multimeter
Device used to measure voltage, amperage, and resistance.
static charge eliminator
Device used to remove a static charge.
card reader
Device with which you can read data from one of several types of flash memory.
Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) devices
Devices that connect to a home network, discover each other, and share media. In theory, DLNA devices should work with minimal setup or fuss, even if sourced from different manufacturers.
fitness monitor
Devices that encourage physical fitness by counting steps using accelerometers, registering heart rate through sensors, using GPS to track exercise, and offering vibration tools to remind the user to get moving. Fitness trackers fit into one of two type: fobs that clip to the body and more sophisticated fitness bands or watches.
ATAPI-compliant
Devices that utilize the ATAPI standard. (See ATAPI.)
dxdiag (DirectX Diagnostics Tool)
Diagnostic tool for getting information about and testing a computer's DirectX version.
resistance
Difficulty in making electricity flow through a material, measured in ohms.
driver signing
Digital signature for drivers used by Windows to protect against potentially bad drivers.
A ____________ is just another word used to describe a folder, or a specific point of a filepath.
Directory
root directory
Directory that contains all other directories.
RAID 6
Disk striping with extra parity. Like RAID 5, but with more parity data. Requires five or more drives, but you can lose up to two drives at once and your data is still protected.
bootable disk
Disk that contains a functional operating system; can also be a floppy disk, USB thumb drive, or optical disc.
BitLocker Drive Encryption
Drive encryption software offered in high-end versions of Windows. BitLocker requires a special chip to validate hardware status and to ensure that the computer hasn't been hacked.
mount point
Drive that functions like a folder mounted into another drive.
optical drive
Drive used to read/write to optical discs, such as CDs or DVDs.
unsigned driver
Driver that has not gone through the Windows Certification Program to ensure compatibility. The Windows Certification Program was formerly known as the Windows Hardware Quality Labs and the Microsoft Windows Logo Program.
terminal
Dumb device connected to a mainframe or computer network that acts as a point for entry or retrieval of information.
Explain Static v. Dynamic memory.
Dynamic RAM, or DRAM, is memory that must refresh hundreds of times per second. Static Ram, or SRAM, doesn't need to be refreshed.
Directory
Fancy word for folder
APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing)
Feature of Windows that automatically assigns an IP address to the system when the client cannot obtain an IP address automatically.
USB thumb drive
Flash memory device that uses the standard USB connection.
amplitude
Loudness of a sound card.
Celeron
Lower-cost brand of Intel CPUs.
AMI (American Megatrends, Inc.)
Major producer of BIOS and UEFI software for motherboards, as well as many other computer-related components and software.
Phoenix Technologies
Major producer of BIOS software for motherboards.
md
Make Directory-Windows
page fault
Minor memory-addressing error.
Applications
Name of the tab in Task Manager that lists running applications.
Core
Name used for the family of Intel CPUs that succeeded the Pentium 4, such as the Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7.
The _____________________ will be the highest possible resolution on a display.
Native Resolution.
printwires
Grid of tiny pins in a dot-matrix printer that strike an inked printer ribbon to produce images on paper.
Administrative Tools
Group of Control Panel applets, including Computer Management, Event Viewer, and Reliability and Performance Monitor.
LAN (local area network)
Group of computers connected via cabling, radio, or infrared that use this connectivity to share resources such as printers and mass storage.
triad
Group of three phosphors—red, green, blue—in a CRT.
domain
Groupings of users, computers, or networks. In Microsoft networking, a domain is a group of computers and users that share a common account database and a common security policy. On the Internet, a domain is a group of computers that share a common element in their hierarchical name. Other types of domains exist—e.g., broadcast domain, etc.
display adapter
Handles all the communication between the CPU and the monitor. Also known as a video card.
Blue/green/purple wires are for .....
Negative or test voltages
What is NAT and what does it do?
Network Address Translation, and it converts many private IP addresses to one public address.
WHAT IS A SUBNET?
Network ID portion of an IP address.
chkdsk (CheckDisk)
Hard drive error detection and, to a certain extent, correction utility in Windows, launched from the command-line interface. Originally a DOS command (chkdsk.exe); also the executable for the graphical Error-checking tool.
basic disk
Hard drive partitioned in the "classic" way with a master boot record (MBR) and partition table. (See also dynamic disks.)
Ultra DMA (Direct Memory Addressing)
Hard drive technology that enables drives to use direct memory addressing. Ultra DMA mode 3 drives—called ATA/33—have data transfer speeds up to 33 MBps. Mode 4 and 5 drives—called ATA/66 and ATA/100, respectively—transfer data at up to 66 MBps for mode 4 and 100 MBps for mode 5. Mode 6 pushed the transfer rate to 133 MBps. Modes 4, 5, and 6 require an 80-wire cable and a compatible controller to achieve these data transfer rates.
disk thrashing
Hard drive that is constantly being accessed due to lack of available system memory. When system memory runs low, a Windows system will utilize hard disk space as "virtual" memory, thus causing an unusual amount of hard drive access.
mass storage
Hard drives, optical discs, removable media drives, etc.
single-sided RAM
Has chips on only one side as opposed to double-sided RAM.
/?
Help command. When placed after a command, will give a list of switches for that command
IEEE 1284
IEEE standard governing parallel communication.
_______________, an older technology than USB, contains 4, 6, or 9 pins.
IEEE1394
What is the Windows command to see basic netowork information, as well as DNS server information and MAC address?
IPCONFIG /ALL
mouse
Input device that enables users to manipulate a cursor on the screen to select items.
pen-based computing
Input method used by many PDAs that combines handwriting recognition with modified mouse functions, usually in the form of a pen-like stylus.
upgrade installation
Installation of Windows on top of an earlier installed version, thus inheriting all previous hardware and software settings.
clean installation
Installing an operating system on a fresh drive, following a reformat of that drive. Often it's the only way to correct a problem with a system when many of the crucial operating system files have become corrupted.
USB host controller
Integrated circuit that is usually built into the chipset and controls every USB device that connects to it.
MCH (Memory Controller Hub)
Intel-coined name for what is now commonly called the northbridge.
HDA (High Definition Audio)
Intel-designed standard to support features such as true surround sound with many discrete speakers. Often referred to by its code name, Azalia.
FireWire (IEEE 1394)
Interconnection standard to send wide-band signals over a serialized, physically thin connector system. Serial bus developed by Apple and Texas Instruments; enables connection of 63 devices at speeds up to 800 Mbps.
bus topology
Network configuration wherein all computers connect to the network via a central bus cable.
mesh topology
Network topology where each computer has a dedicated line to every other computer, most often used in wireless networks.
toner cartridge
Object used to store the toner in a laser printer.
hang
Occurs when a computer or program stops responding to keyboard commands or other input; a computer or program in such a state is said to be 'hung.'
component failure
Occurs when a system device fails due to a manufacturing or some other type of defect.
ICH (I/O Controller Hub)
Official name for southbridge chip found in Intel's chipsets.
SWITCH
Optional command given after main command to do something specific. i.e. /?,
The _______________on a laser printer should be changed on schedule with the page count.
Ozone Filter
The ________________ determines when scheduled maintenance should occur.
Page Count
jumper
Pair of small pins that can be shorted with a shunt to configure many aspects of PCs. Often used in configurations that are rarely changed, such as master/slave settings on IDE drives.
SSID (service set identifier)
Parameter used to define a wireless network; otherwise known as the network name.
_____ is the method used to detect loss of memory in bits of data stored in memory.
Parity.
jack (physical connection)
Part of a connector into which a plug is inserted. Also referred to as a port.
port (physical connection)
Part of a connector into which a plug is inserted. Physical ports are also referred to as jacks.
southbridge
Part of a motherboard chipset; handles all the inputs and outputs to the many devices in the PC.
actively listen
Part of respectful communication involving listening and taking notes without interrupting.
HAL (hardware abstraction layer)
Part of the Windows OS that separates system-specific device drivers from the rest of the operating system.
USB root hub
Part of the host controller that makes the physical connection to the USB ports.
primary partition
Partition on a Windows hard drive that can store a bootable operating system.
raster image
Pattern of dots representing what the final product should look like.
P2P
Peer to Peer, interconnected nodes (peers) share resources among each other without the use of centralised administrative system
stylus
Pen-like input device used for pen-based computing.
PAN
Personal area network, a computer network that is used for data transmission among devices such as phones and computers
pop-up
Irritating browser window that appears automatically when you visit a website.
Other than transfer rate, what does IEEE1394b offer that IEEE1394a does not?
It can carry voltage!
A ______________ is usually utilized on a standard A+ tech bench. It allows a technician to use ONE set of peripherals for multiple PC's.
KVM Switch
password
Key used to verify a user's identity on a secure computer or network.
Types of networks
LAN, VLAN, WAN, SAN, WLAN, Internet, Extranet, VPN, PAN, P2P
What is ext4 and where would I find it?
LLLINNNUUXXX
PostScript
Language defined by Adobe Systems, Inc., for describing how to create an image on a page. The description is independent of the resolution of the device that will actually create the image. It includes a technology for defining the shape of a font and creating a raster image at many different resolutions and sizes.
What is a PCMCIA card?
Laptop expansion card, much like Expresscard 34/Expresscard 54
TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol)
UDP 69
IEEE 1394a
FireWire standard that runs at 400 Mbps.
IEEE 1394b
FireWire standard that runs at 800 Mbps.
mode
Any single combination of resolution and color depth set for a system.
system disk
Any storage device with a bootable operating system.
AMD (Advanced Micro Devices)
CPU and chipset manufacturer that competes with Intel. Produces FX, A-Series, Phenom II, Athlon, Sempron, and Opteron CPUs and APUs. Also produces video card processors under its ATI brand.
Super I/O chip
Chip specially designed to control low-speed, legacy devices such as the keyboard, mouse, and serial and parallel ports.
bus mastering
Circuitry allowing devices to avoid conflicts on the external data bus.
______ utility arranges the clusters of data on the hard drive to achieve better performance by placing all of the clusters for a given file together in a contiguous order.
DEFRAG
DVD-ROM
DVD equivalent of the standard CD-ROM.
NLQ (near-letter quality)
Designation for dot-matrix printers that use 24-pin printheads.
pin 1
Designator used to ensure proper alignment of floppy drive and hard drive connectors.
______ allows your computer to not only detect that an error has occurred, but also to correct that error.
E.C.C. (Error Code Correction)
parity RAM
Earliest form of error-detecting RAM; stored an extra bit (called the parity bit) to verify the data.
PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol)
Enables a computer to connect to the Internet through a dial-in connection and enjoy most of the benefits of a direct connection.
Quick Launch toolbar
Enables a user to launch commonly used programs with a single click in Windows.
region code
Encoding that restricts you from playing DVD or Blu-ray Disc movies on a player that doesn't share the same region code.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Encrypted connection over the Internet between a computer or remote network and a private network.
ARM
Energy-efficient processor design frequently used in mobile devices.
msconfig (System Configuration utility)
Executable file that runs the Windows System Configuration utility, which enables users to configure a system's boot files and critical system files. Often used for the name of the utility, as in "just run msconfig."
Information Technology (IT)
Field of computers, their operation, and their maintenance.
audio interface
High-end external sound device used by audio engineers and recording artists.
DLT (digital linear tape)
High-speed, magnetic tape storage technology used to archive and retrieve data from faster, online media such as hard disks.
DVD-RW/DVD+RW
Incompatible rewritable DVD media formats.
Define the purpose of the "one pin" on a CPU.
Indicates the correct corner that should align in the socket.
update
Individual fixes for Windows that come out fairly often, on the order of once a week or so.
surge suppressor
Inexpensive device that protects your computer from voltage spikes.
Raspberry Pi
Latest generation of ultra-small, ARM-based computer motherboards with support for many operating systems and peripherals.
OSI Seven-Layer Model -- Layer 1
Layer 1, Physical layer Defines hardware connections and turns binary into physical pulses (electrical or light). Repeaters and hubs operate at the Physical layer.
Microsoft System Configuration Utility
MSCONFIG
Which Windows command will allow a user to troubleshoot rogue malware?
MSCONFIG
System Preferences
Mac OS X tool containing many administrative functions.
interface
Means by which a user interacts with a piece of software.
assertive communication
Means of communication that is not pushy or bossy but is also not soft. Useful in dealing with upset customers as it both defuses their anger and gives them confidence that you know what you're doing.
polygons
Multisided shapes used in 3-D rendering of objects. In computers, video cards draw large numbers of triangles and connect them to form polygons.
Which Windows command will specifically be used to map a network drive or resource?
NET USE
ntdetect.com
One of the critical Windows NT/2000/XP startup files.
CompactFlash (CF)
One of the older but still popular flash media formats. Its interface uses a simplified PC Card bus, so it also supports I/O devices.
backlight
One of three main components used in LCDs to illuminate an image.
The _______ is a number used by most operating system (Linux, Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows) to uniquely identify an active process.
PID Process ID (Process I.D. number)
Which Windows command will verify connectivity between two nodes?
PING
remnant
Potentially recoverable data on a hard drive that remains despite formatting or deleting.
hibernation
Power management setting in which all data from RAM is written to the hard drive before the system goes into Sleep mode. Upon waking up, all information is retrieved from the hard drive and returned to RAM.
defragmentation (defrag)
Procedure in which all the files on a hard disk drive are rewritten on disk so that all parts of each file reside in contiguous clusters. The result is an improvement in disk speed during retrieval operations.
DMA controller
Resides between the RAM and the devices and handles DMA requests.
The ______________ is identified as the number of horizontal pixels times the number of vertical pixels.
Resolution
optical resolution
Resolution a scanner can achieve mechanically. Most scanners use software to enhance this ability.
Play Store
Storefront where Android users can purchase and download apps and digital media.
color depth
Term to define a scanner's ability to produce color, hue, and shade.
In laser printers, the stage that removes excess toner from the drum is called ___________________.
The Cleaning Stage
segment
The connection between a computer and a switch.
ExpressCard
The high-performance serial version of the PC Card that replaced PC Card slots on laptop PCs over the past decade. ExpressCard comes in two widths: 34 mm and 54 mm, called ExpressCard/34 and ExpressCard/54.
response rate
Time it takes for all of the sub-pixels on the panel to go from pure black to pure white and back again.
WHAT IS UDP!?
UDP, User Datagram Protocol, just sends packets without verifying or checking for errors.
Point to Point Topology
Which topology consists of a permanent link between two endpoints? It is a very popular WAN topology.
_______ is a search tool for locating text within a file or a file within a directory.
grep
_____ is used to change the working directory to a specified directory.
cd
ipconfig /all
command tool to see basic network connections plus IPv6, MAC ADDRESS, IP address leases, and DHCP connection info
__________ is used to copy files on a Linux system.
cp
_______ copies and converts files to enable them to be transferred from one type of medium to another.
dd
del
delete-Windows
Display basic TCP/IP configuration, such as IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway.
ipconfig
Display TCP/IP settings, including your Media Access Control (MAC) address, domain name system (DNS) server, and lease information.
ipconfig /all
Release your IP address
ipconfig /release
