Laptop Hardware - CompTIA A+ 220-1001 - 1.1

CD/DVD-RW (rewritable)

Allows data to be erased and written again several times.

CD/DVD-ROM (read only memory)

Allows for data to only be read

Memory Module

Alternatively referred to as a memory board or memory stick. This is a circuit board that contains DRAM integrated circuits that are installed into the memory slot on a computer motherboard.

DRAM

DRAM is a common type of random access memory (RAM) that is used in personal computers (PCs), workstations, and servers.

DC (direct current)

Type of electricity in which the flow of electrons is in a complete circle in one direction.

Form Factor

Refers to the size, shape, and physical specifications of hardware or hardware components.

AC Adapter (alternating current adapter)

- A device that converts AC to DC - Most outlets provide an AC current - AC voltage cant be stored. Electrical power can only be stored as DC to power electronic devices (which require DC to operate)

Optical Drive

- A hardware device that uses lasers or light to read from, and maybe even write to, CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs. - Often removable

SSD (Solid-State Drive)

- All memory, no moving parts - Silent, fast access time, less latency - 2.5 inch and 1.8 inch form factors

WWAN (wireless wide area network)

- Cellular based wireless connection (used by cellphones to get on the internet) - Means you can have internet everywhere just like your phone

CPUs in laptops

- Designed for mobility (will use as little power as possible since you're using a battery) - Creates low heat because its very difficult to cool - Not very upgradable (can be replaced) - Not as fast as a desktop because of size and heat disadvantages

Hybrid Drive (SSHD)

- Has both spinning components of a traditional hard and solid state components of a SSD - flash memory and hard drive storage - SSD catches the hard drive data

LCD (liquid crystal display)

- Light and Hi-Res - Very fragile - Resolutions are fixed so you need to make sure you're using the native resolution for best possible viewing

Lithium Ion Batteries

- Lighter weight nickel batteries and Hydride batteries. - No "memory effect" which means you can charge it before its depleted - Different form factor for each laptop

Mini PCI Express

- Provide a simple means of adding additional interfaces to a system

802.11

- Refers to a family of specifications developed by the IEEE for wireless LAN (WLAN) technology. - Used to order and organize improvements that boost wireless capabilities, range, use of new frequencies, reduction of power consumption, etc

What kind of memory modules would be in a laptop?

- SO-DIMM - Micro-DIMM

Magnetic disk

- Traditional spinning drive platters

Motherboard in laptops

- Unlike desktops, laptops don't have a very small set of standard sizes - Different models of laptops have very different sizes - Replacement isn't easy and usually need to replace the whole thing if something breaks

Video Card

-Used to control the visual output on a monitor. Also called - Often built into the processor - Usually not upgradable do to the fact they're part of the CPU or motherboard

Motherboard (system board)

A circuit board that contains all of the computer system's main components.

Smart Card Reader

A device that can read a smart card used to authenticate a person onto a network.

Insulator

A material that does not allow heat or electrons to move through it easily.

DC Jack

Connector on a laptop to which an AC adapter connects

Wireless Card

Connects you to a network

Processor

Handles all the basic system instructions, such as mouse and keyboard input and running applications.

Micro-DIMM

Micro dual inline memory module (almost exclusively used in laptops and small devices)

WPAN (wireless personal area network)

Short distance area wireless network for interconnecting devices centered around an individual person's workspace i.e. Bluetooth

SO-DIMM

Small outline dual inline memory module (almost exclusively used in laptops and small devices)

Semiconductor

Substance whose electrical conductivity is intermediate between that of a metal and an insulator

CPU (central processing unit)

The internal operating unit or "brain" of a computer.