CompTIA A+ 1101 Domain 3

Integrated Drive Electronics(IDE)

A 40-pin connector and cable ribbon used to connect older hard drives to older motherboards. A separate Molex power cable is needed.

Serial Advanced Technology Attachment(SATA)

A 7-pin connector and cable frequently used in modern personal computers to connect hard drives to the motherboard. A separate power cable is needed.

PCI Extended(PCI-X)

A PCI design that overcomes PCI bandwidth limitations.

Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory(EEPROM)

A RAM chip that replaced the CMOS chip.

Mobile Virtual Private Network (Mobile VPN)

A VPN that provides mobile devices with secure access to network resources and software applications on their home network. The connection can be wireless or wired.

Storage space

A Windows function that lets you group physical disks into storage pools and create virtual disks from the available capacity.

Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable

A cable generally used for Ethernet cables and telephone wires.

Shielded twisted pair (STP) cable

A cable that provides more EMI protection, but is more expensive than UTP cable.

Category 5e (Cat 5e) cable

A cable that supports gigabit Ethernet.

F type connector

A coaxial cable specification used for CCTV video systems.

RG-6

A coaxial cable specification used for cable TV, satellite TV, and broadband cable internet.

DirectX/(Open Graphics Library (openGL)

A collection of application program interfaces (APIs) that improves graphic, animation, and multimedia creations.

Chipset

A collection of integrated circuits that control the flow of communication between the processor, memory, and external devices.

Interrupt request (IRQ)

A communication method that allows a device to interrupt the CPU and request processing time.

Just a Bunch of Disks(JBOD)

A configuration that places multiple disks in a single logical storage unit.

Peripheral Component Interconnect

A connection slot for a 32-bit computer bus. PCI was developed to replace the obsolete Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) and Video Electronic Standards Association (VESA) bus standards.

Near Field Communication Connector (NFC)

A connector that emulates cryptographic smart card functionalities for RFID tags or memory cards.

RJ-11 connector

A connector with 4 connectors, 2 pairs of wires, and a locking tab; used primarily for telephone wiring.

RJ-45 connector

A connector with 8 connectors, 4 pairs of wires, and a locking tab; used for Ethernet networks.

Input/output (I/O) address

A data address that allows two devices in a computer to send information to each other.

Hot swappable device

A device that can be added and removed without shutting down the computer. For example, thumb drives are hot swappable.

Paper feeder

A device that feeds paper into a printer. Single-cut sheets are fed automatically from a tray in the printer or fed by hand into a paper feeder.

High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection

A digital copy form designed to protect digital media from piracy.

DisplayPort(DP)

A digital display port primarily used to connect to a computer monitor to carry high-quality digital video and audio signals, but not Ethernet data.

Compact disc (CD)

A digital optical disc data storage format with a data capacity of 700 MB.

Optical drive

A disc drive that uses laser light or electromagnetic waves within or near the visible light spectrum as part of the process of reading or writing data to or from optical discs.

RAID

A disk sub-system that combines multiple physical disks into a single logical storage unit.

Scan-to-folder

A feature that makes it easy to share large volume files on a network.

Cross-linked file

A file that claims the same cluster as another file.

Lost cluster

A file that has been deleted from the directory listing, but the file allocation table (FAT) still shows the clusters allocated to the file.

Solid-state drive(SSD)

A flash device with a large storage capacity comparable to a hard disk.

SD card

A flash memory device is often used in digital cameras.

Optical media

A flat, circular disc used to store large amounts of data.

Category 6a (Cat 6a) cable

A gigabit Ethernet cable with 10 Gbps speeds limited to cable length less than 100 meters.

Category 6 (Cat 6) cable

A gigabit Ethernet cable with 10 Gbps speeds limited to cable length less than 55 meters.

Hard disk

A long-term storage device that uses a thick magnetic disk made of several aluminum platters in a protective shell.

Mean time before failure(MTBF)

A measurement of a hardware component's reliability, typically stated in hours or thousands of hours.

Non-Volatile Memory Express(NVMe)

A memory storage device designed to allow access to non-volatile storage media through a PCI express (PCIe) bus.

Tethering

A method that connects one device to another.

Long-Term Evolution (LTE)

A mobile communications standard used by 5G.

Blu-ray disc (BD)

A newer digital optical disc storage format that is capable of greater storage capacity than DVDs.

Certificate warnings

A notification that the site the user is trying to access doesn't have a valid certificate. It may indicate that the site is malicious.

Hotspot

A physical location where you can obtain wireless internet access using a wireless local area network (WLAN) with a router connected to an internet service provider (ISP).

M.2

A popular solid-state drive often used in portable computing devices.

Infrared port (IR)

A port on a mobile device that enables devices to exchange data without using cables.

Bad sector

A portion of the hard disk that cannot be used.

Wireless printer

A printer that communicates with wireless clients through radio frequency technologies such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Wireless technologies help users to share print resources around an office or building without running cables.

Shared printer

A printer that connects directly to a computer and is configured as shared on the network.

Network printer

A printer that has a network interface card that directly connects it to the network hub or switch.

Local printer

A printer that requires a direct connection to a specific computer. A local printer can be connected by wire, wirelessly, or using Ethernet cable.

Ethernet printer

A printer that uses a network interface card in the computer to attach to an Ethernet router or hub on the network. You can use an Ethernet network for one or more computers and support many printers and systems simultaneously.

File encryption

A process that encrypts the contents of an individual file.

Disk encryption

A process that encrypts the entire contents of a hard drive.

Encryption

A process that makes digital materials accessible only through authorized decryption software or devices.

Overclocking

A process that pushes a CPU beyond its designed specifications.

Data transmission encryption

A process that uses encryption to protect data sent through a network.

Calibration

A process to improve print quality. Modern printers commonly have calibration programs to electronically perform adjustments, but changes to the settings may be done manually.

Multi-core

A processor that has multiple processors within a single processor package.

Driver

A program that enables the operating system to interact with hardware devices.

Lightning

A proprietary computer bus and power connector created by Apple Inc. to replace its previous proprietary 30-pin dock connector.

Unified Extensible Firmware Interface(UEFI)

A publicly available specification that defines a software interface between an operating system and platform firmware.

Cartridge

A reservoir that carries ink or toner and is the main consumable component in a printer.

Video Graphic Array(VGA)

A serial connector that transmits analog video and power to connect external display devices like monitors or projectors. VGA is a DE-15, 15-pin connector in three rows that has been used for many years and is frequently blue.

DB-9

A serial port with 9 pins that's used to connect many different serial devices such as a printer, scanner, router, etc. The D in the name is based on the D shape of the connector.

Serial Attached SCSI(SAS)

A serial protocol that replaces parallel SCSI; it's typically used in enterprise-level storage systems.

Central processing unit (CPU) socket

A series of pins that form electrical connectivity between a processor and the motherboard without soldering. Sometimes called the CPU slot.

Operating system(OS)

A set of programs that manages system functions, the applications that are running on a computer and the computer's hardware

Interference

A signal that corrupts or destroys regular signals. Interference affects signals used by two devices to communicate on a network.

SODIMM

A smaller memory card with unique notch positions that is used in laptops and notebook computers.

Unified Extensible Firmware Interface

A software interface between the operating system and platform firmware. UEFI will eventually replace BIOS.

UEFI

A software program specification that connects firmware to the operating system. UEFI is eventually expected to replace BIOS.

Print queue

A space for print jobs that are waiting to be processed by the print device. Each printer has its own print queue.

Buffered memory

A space in memory that holds memory addresses or data before it is transferred to the memory controller. It is also called registered memory.

Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

A special hardware chip that generates and stores cryptographic keys.

Optical disc

A storage device that records binary information through pits in a reflectively-coated disc. Optical discs use lasers for reading and writing information.

Application

A subclass computer program that is designed for end users.

Mini PCI

A subset of the PCI interface, but with a small form factor.

File Encryption Key (FEK)

A symmetric encryption key used to both encrypt and decrypt a file.

Altered system or files

A symptom of a breach. Altered files or OS settings can mean that the user's system has been accessed for data theft and altered.

No internet

A symptom that a PC might have a virus or greyware running in the background and taking most of the bandwidth. The virus can infect the browser or an application that communicates with the internet.

Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor

A technology for constructing integrated circuits.

Capacity

A term that refers to the storage capacity of the memory module.

DRAM

A type of RAM that stores data using a single transistor for every bit of data.

SRAM

A type of RAM that stores data using four transistors for every bit of data.

Interface

A type of computer program that allows the user to interact with the kernel and the utilities.

Error correcting code

A type of memory that detects and corrects common internal data corruption. It is also called parity memory.

Parity resiliency

A type of resiliency that writes parity information across the physical disks using bitwise arithmetic. It requires that you have at least three storage devices and provides fault tolerance against only one failure at a time.

Three-way mirror resiliency

A type of resiliency that writes to three storage devices and requires at least five storage devices. This option provides redundancy for the data if two storage devices fail at one time.

Two-way mirror resiliency

A type of resiliency that writes to two storage devices and requires at least two storage devices. This option protects you from a single storage device failure.

Disk cluster

A unit of disk space allocation for files and directories.

Micro-USB

A very small USB port found on many non-Apple cell phones, tablets, and other portable devices used to transfer power or data.

BitLocker partition

A volume that contains the boot files.

Bluetooth

A wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices and for building personal area networks (PANs).

Unwanted notifications

Alerts configured by an app that is of no value to the user. Unwanted notifications typically display a direct link to a site.

TRIM

An SSD function that configures the operating system to communicate with an SSD device and tell it the blocks of data on the device that are no longer required and can be deleted.

Redirection

An action that takes a user to a different site than the user intended to go.

Carriage

An assembly that carries the printhead(s) back and forth with precise, controlled movement while printing.

Print spooler

An executable file that runs as a service on Windows to manage the printing process. If you turn off this service, you won't be able to print or see printers.

Sound card

An expansion card that manages sound input and output.

External SATA (eSATA)

An extension to the SATA standard that enables SATA drives to attach externally.

Analog input

An input that allows audio to be recorded through the sound card.

Digital versatile disc (DVD)

An optical media standard that can be used to store large amounts of different types of data, such as computer data, video, and audio. Most DVD drives can read and write. Depending on the type of DVD, storage is typically somewhere between 4.7 and 9.39 GB.

Simple data provisioning

An option that adds space from the storage pool to the storage space. When you select the Simple option, all data in the storage space is lost if one of the drives fails.

Thin provisioning

An option that lets you allocate storage spaces larger than the disk space available in the pool.

Duplexing assembly

An optional printer attachment that automatically turns over paper and reroutes it back through the printer for two-sided printing.

Analog output

An output that allows sound to be played through external devices.

Crossover twisted pair cable

Arrange wires in the first connector using T568A standard and the second connector the T568B standard.

Legacy bus

Buses that have been replaced by newer types are considered legacy buses.

Coaxial cable

Carries broadband internet signals.

Fiber optic cable

Carries broadband internet signals.

Inner conductor

Carries data signals in cables.

Central core

Carries the signal.

Direct memory access

Conduits used by high-speed devices to bypass the CPU and communicate directly with RAM.

Desktop alerts

Digital messages such as pop-up notifications that allow the user to respond quickly to high priority messages.

Flash memory

Electronic non-volatile memory that is easy to erase and reprogram.

Sheath

Encases a cable to protect it from external elements.

Plastic sheath

Encases everything and protects the cable.

False alerts

Fake notifications usually pertaining to the OS, browser, and application settings. These alerts typically direct the user to take actions that compromise security.

Orphaned files

Files that exist on the hard drive but are not associated with a directory in the index.

Basic Input Output System

Firmware that controls input and output operations.

BIOS

Firmware that initializes hardware at startup and provides runtime services to the operating system.

DDR

Five generations of RAM synchronized with the system clock including DDR1 through DDR5. Each new generation doubles the data transfer rate.

Braided mesh conductor

Functions as a second physical channel and as a ground.

Category 7 (Cat 7) cable

Has the strictest specifications for crosstalk and noise of the Cat cables.

I/O connectors

Input and output ports located on the back panel of the PC connect to the motherboard and provide a gateway for communication with external devices.

Electromagnetic interference(EMI)

Interference that affects wired network signals.

Cladding

Maintains the signal in the center of the core.

Frequency

Memory frequency (called speed) should be supported by the system bus/memory controller.

Random/frequent pop-ups

Messages that display on web pages to get the user to click embedded links. Typically, they redirect the user to malicious websites.

Extruder

On a 3-D printer, a simple extruder assembly includes stepper motor, nozzle and heater.

Protective layer

Prevents the cladding and central core from breaking.

Print preferences

Printing preferences are settings such as orientation, page order, and paper source. You can also set preferences for options supported by a printer such as collating or stapling.

Recommend Standard 232(RS-232)

RS-232 was commonly used in computer serial ports. It has mostly been replaced with USB ports.

Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology(S.M.A.R.T.)

S.M.A.R.T. is a monitoring system that detects drive errors. If S.M.A.R.T. detects the number of errors that indicate a complete hard disk failure is imminent, a warning is displayed during system boot.

Radio frequency interference(RFI)

Signals caused by cordless phones, microwave ovens, and wireless devices that interfere with wireless networking.

Virtual memory

Simulated memory that is implemented as a page file on a hard drive.

Firmware

Software that is permanently stored on the motherboard in integrated flash memory.

Form factors

Standards for overall design and functionality that help ensure computer components can be interchanged among vendors and generations of technology.

ST, SC, and LC connectors

Straight tip, Subscriber connector, and Lucent connector--various fiber optic connector types.

Insulator

Surrounds inner cable conductor and keeps signal separated from the mesh conductor.

Virtualization

The ability to install and run multiple operating systems simultaneously on a single physical machine.

Multi-GPU

The ability to link video cards together. This allows you to share the graphic processing load between the two GPUs

Printhead

The component in the printer that transfers ink to paper. Different printers may use different types of printheads. The printhead is usually mounted on the carriage assembly that moves back and forth.

Disk thrashing

The condition where the physical memory is so insufficient that data must be continuously moved from physical RAM to disk and back again.

Printer port

The connection point for the print device to connect to a computer. Modern printers use USB connectivity and are configured as plug-and-play devices.

PCI Express

The connector that replaced PCI, PCI-X and AGP.

Kernel

The core of the operating system that is loaded into memory when the system boots.

Paper rollers

The cylindrical devices that tightly pinch the paper and move it through the printing process. A stepper motor advances the rollers.

Central processing unit (CPU)

The electronic circuitry that executes instructions comprising a computer program. The CPU performs basic arithmetic, logic, control, and input/output operations specified by the instructions in the program.

Utilities

The features or programs included with an operating system that perform system-related tasks.

Basic input/output system(BIOS)

The firmware that provides runtime services for operating systems and programs. It also performs hardware initialization during the boot process.

Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA

The latest generation of standards for hard disk and other storage devices.

Printer

The logical entity that is made up of the print device, the print driver, and the print spooler.

Motherboard

The main circuit board that is either connected to or houses all of the components operating in the computer. Motherboards adhere to design specifications called form factors.

Input/output operations per second(IOPS)

The measurement of the number of input/output operations that can be performed per second.

Sampling rate

The number of analog signal samples taken over a period of time.

Print device

The physical, peripheral device connected to a computer that prints the output.

PrintDevice

The physical, peripheral device connected to a computer. The print device is where the printed page output happens.

Platen roller

The platen roller moves material through the printer. It is made of rubber to grab and push the paper.

Throttling

The process of modifying the operating characteristics of a processor based on current conditions.

Paging

The process of moving data from RAM to hard disk and back again. This process is also called swapping.

Defragmentation

The process of moving or rewriting parts of a file to contiguous sectors on the hard disk drive. Defragmentation increases the speed of data access and retrieval.

Print driver

The software that the computer uses to communicate with the print device. A print driver is specific to the printer make and model. Be sure the print driver is up to date.

Print bed

The surface of a 3-D printer where the filament is deposited for building an object.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning(HVAC)

The system installed within buildings to control temperature by supplying heat and air conditioning.

Direct current(DC direct)

The type of current used inside a computer.

Virtual Memory Manager(VMM)

The utility that manages swapping data between physical memory and the hard disk.

Orientation

The way the document is positioned on the paper. In portrait orientation, the long edge of the paper is vertical. In landscape orientation, the long edge of the paper is horizonal.

Single mode cable

Transfers data using a single light ray.

Multi-mode

Transfers data using multiple light rays.

Patch twisted pair cable

Uses the same wire configuration on each connector end.

USB4

ourth generation of USB industry standards introduced in 2019 that provides a data transfer speed up to 40 Gbps. Also called USB4 Gen3x2 or USB4 40 Gbps.