Certmaster Learn for A+ Core 1 (Exam 220-1001)

Hardware device capable of small scale manufacturing. 3D printers use a variety of filament media (typically plastic) with different properties.

3D printer

PoE powered devices can draw up to about 13 W over the link. Power is supplied as 350mA@48V and limited to 15.4 W, but the voltage drop over the maximum 100 feet of cable results in usable power of around 13 W.

802.3af

PoE powered devices can draw up to about 25 W. PoE+ allows for a broader range of devices to be powered such as cameras with pan/tilt/zoom capabilities, door controllers, and thin client computers.

802.3at (PoE+)

An external power supply used to power laptops and other portable devices.

AC adapter

Device that feeds media automatically into a scanner or printer.

ADF (Automatic Document Feeder)

A consumer version of DSL that provides a fast downlink but a slow uplink. The upstream rate is between 64 Kbps and 1 Mbps and the downstream rate it 500 Kbps to 8 Mbps.

ADSL

Protocol supporting file sharing on macOS networks. AFP works over TCP port 548.

AFP

A logical interface used by SATA drives to communicate with the bus.

AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface)

A circuit in the CPU that performs integer-based calculations and performs bit-wise logical calculations.

ALU

A device that provides connectivity between wireless devices and a cabled network. APs with Internet connectivity located in public buildings (cafes, libraries, and airports, for instance) are often referred to as hotspots.

AP

A means for Windows clients configured to obtain an address automatically that could not contact a DHCP server to communicate on the local subnet. The host randomly selects an address from the range 169.254.x.y. This is also called a link-local address.

APIPA

Using software and smartphone cameras or headsets to interact with real-world objects and images or change the way they appear in some way.

AR

When two systems communicate using IP, an IP address is used to identify the destination machine. The IP address must be mapped to a device (the network adapter's MAC address). ARP performs the task of resolving an IP address to a hardware address. Each host caches known mappings in an ARP table for a few minutes. It is also a utility used to manage the ARP cache.

ARP

In an inkjet printer, the paper pickup mechanism to feed paper into the printer.

ASF (AutoSheet Feeder)

A standard PC case, motherboard, and power supply specification. Mini, micro-, and flex-ATX specify smaller board designs

ATX

introduced in late 1997, has a size of 9.6 inches by 9.6

ATX

An Android phone feature that allows users to interact with their phone using voice commands and a vehicle's built-in display.

Android Auto

Third-party or custom programs that are installed directly through an APK file, giving users and business the flexibility to install apps directly on Android devices.

Android application package

The online site where Apple users can purchase or get free apps have been submitted to and approved by Apple before they are released to users.

App Store

An iPhone feature that allows users to interact with their phone using voice commands and a vehicle's built-in display.

Apple CarPlay

The latest generation of optical disc technology that uses a 405 mm blue laser for high density storage, with disc capacity of 25 GB per layer. Transfer rates are measured in multiples of 36 MBps.

BD

Firmware that contains programs and information relating to the basic operation of PC components such as drives, keyboard, video display, and ports. It also contains specific routines to allow set-up configuration to be viewed and edited and it contains the self-diagnostic Power-On Self-Test (POST) program used to detect fundamental faults in PC components. BIOS can also be used to secure components not protected by the OS by specifying a supervisor password (to prevent tampering with BIOS settings) and a user password (to boot the PC).

BIOS

A radio-based technology designed for small battery-powered devices that transmit small amounts of data infrequently. BLE is not backwards-compatible with "classic" Bluetooth, though a device can support both standards simultaneously.

BLE

A class of ISDN service that provides two 64 Kbps (B channels) for data and one 16 Kbps (D channel) for link management control signals

BRI

The MAC address of the access point.

BSSID

An optical drive for reading, and if so equipped, writing to Blu-ray disc media. Most drives can also read CD and DVD discs.

Blu-ray drive

Short-range radio-based technology, working at up to 10 m (30 feet) at up to 1 Mbps used to connect peripherals (such as mice, keyboards, and printers) and for communication between two devices (such as a laptop and smartphone).

Bluetooth

Software that makes technical drawings and schematics easier to produce and revise.

CAD

Software that can control machine tools found in manufacturing environments.

CAM

) A type of microchip widely used as a digital image sensor. Each element in a CCD converts light captured by a photodiode into a proportional electric charge, which is then amplified, sampled, and stored as a digital value. The number of elements determines the resolution.

CCD (Charge Coupled Device)

A type of lamp providing a bright, clear light source. CCFLs are used for LCD backlights and scanners.

CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp)

An optical drive consisting of a spindle motor to spin the disc, a laser and lens to read the disc, and a tracking system to move the laser and lens assembly.

CD drive

Compact disks containing a layer with photosensitive dye in which a laser transforms the dye to mimic the pits and lands of a premastered CD.

CD-R

An optical storage technology. The discs can normally hold 700 MB of data or 80 minutes of audio data. Recordable and re-writable CDs (and DVDs) are a popular backup solution for home users. They are also useful for archiving material. Unlike magnetic media, the data on the disc cannot be changed (assuming that the disc is closed to prevent further rewriting in the case of RW media). This makes them useful for preserving tamper-proof records.

CD-ROM

Compact disks containing a heat sensitive compound whose properties can be changed between crystalline and amorphous by a special laser.

CD-RW

Method of multiplexing a communications channel using a code to key the modulation of a particular signal. CDMA is associated with Sprint and Verizon cellular phone networks.

CDMA

Another term for SMB

CIFS

A type of digital imaging sensor. An array of LEDs strobing between red, blue, and green light are used to illuminate an object. The reflected light is captured through a lens onto an image sensor

CIS (Contact Image Sensor)

A type of integrated circuit with a wide range of applications, including static RAM and imaging sensors

CMOS

Another name for the setup program used to configure system firmware settings. Also known as BIOS setup or UEFI setup.

CMOS setup (complementary metal oxide semiconductor setup)

Subtractive color model used by print devices.

CMYK Color Model

The principal microprocessor in a computer or smartphone responsible for running operating system and applications software.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

A sound card component that converts the digital signals generated by the CPU to an analog electrical signal that can drive the speakers.

DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter)

although the main serial port used a 25-pin male D connector, most PC's used this today

DB-9

PCs and most computer components function by using power supplied in the form of direct current. This is normally at low voltage and is produced by stepping down the voltage from the building supply. Direct current, unlike alternating current, does not oscillate between positive and negative states.

DC

A standard for SDRAM where data is transferred twice per clock cycle (making the maximum data rate 64x the bus speed in bps). DDR2/DDR3/DDR4 SDRAM uses lower voltage chips and higher bus speeds.

DDR SDRAM

A networking service that allows a client to request an appropriate IP configuration from a server. The server is configured with a range of addresses to lease. Hosts can be allocated an IP address dynamically or be assigned a reserved IP address, based on the host's MAC address. The server can also provide other configuration information, such as the location of DNS servers. DHCP utilizes UDP ports 67 and 68. It is important to monitor the network to ensure that only valid DHCP servers are running on the network.

DHCP Server

The standard packaging for system memory. There are different pin configurations for different RAM types (DDR SDRAM [184], DDR2/3 SDRAM [240], and DDR4 SDRAM [288]).

DIMM

Mirror-based projector technology developed by Texas Instruments.

DLP (video) (Digital Light Processing)

A private network connected to the Internet must be protected against intrusion from the Internet.

DMZ

A network service that provides names to IP address mapping services on the Internet and large intranets. DNS name servers host the database for domains for which they are authoritative. Root servers hold details of the top-level domains. DNS resolvers perform queries or lookups to service client requests. The DNS protocol utilizes TCP/UDP port 53.

DNS

A global telecommunications standard that enables data to be sent over cable modems in a CATV system.

DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification)

A type of volatile memory that stores each bit of data as a charge within a capacitor. A transistor refreshes the capacitor charge periodically. Standard DRAM is the lowest common denominator of the DRAM types. Modern PCs use a DRAM derivative to store data (Double Data Rate SDRAM).

DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)

A technology for transferring data over voice-grade telephone lines. DSL uses the higher frequencies available in a copper telephone line as a communications channel. The use of a filter prevents this from contaminating voice traffic with noise. There are various "flavors" of DSL, notably S(ymmetric)DSL, A(symmetric)DSL, and V(ery HIgh Bit Rate)DSL.

DSL

TLS used with UDP applications, such as some VPN solutions.

DTLS

An optical storage technology. DVDs offer higher capacities (4.7 GB per layer) than the preceding CD-ROM format. As with CDs, recordable and re-writable forms of DVD exist, though there are numerous competing formats (notably ±R and ±RW and DVD-RAM).

DVD

A video adapter designed to replace the VGA port used by CRT monitors. The DVI supports digital only or digital and analog signaling.

DVI (Digital Video Interface)

Digital A/V interface developed by VESA. DisplayPort supports some cross-compatibility with DVI and HDMI devices.

DisplayPort

System memory (RAM) with built-in error correction security. It is more expensive than normal memory and requires motherboard support. It is typically only used in servers.

ECC

the software application and GDI quickly produce a partial print job. Control is then released back to the user while spooling continues in the background (GDI and the print driver are called to complete the processing of the job).

EMF (Enhanced MetaFile)

The component in a laser printer that carries the electrical charge to attract toner and then to transfer the toner to the paper.

EP drum

A low-power display using e-ink to create a display that mimics the look of text on paper without using a backlight or glossy surface.

EPD

The release of a charge from metal or plastic when a potential difference is formed between the charged object and oppositely charged conductive object.

ESD

A family of networking technologies that provide connectivity by using Ethernet network adapters, contention-based media access, and twisted pair, coax, or fiber media.

Ethernet

Microsoft Exchange is a client-based email system that allows mobile devices to sync with the server.

Exchange

Basic service sets can be grouped into an extended service set.

Extended Service Set

Encryption of all data on a disk (including system files, temporary files, and the pagefile) can be accomplished via a supported OS, third-party software, or at the controller level by the disk device itself. Used with a strong authentication method, this mitigates against data theft in the event that the device is lost or stolen. The key used to encrypt the disk can either be stored on a USB stick or smart card or in a Trusted Platform Module.

FDE (full disk encryption)

A 3D printing method which lays down each layer of filament at high temperature, and as layers are extruded, adjacent layers are allowed to cool and bond together before additional layers are added to the object.

FFF (fused filament fabrication)

A math co-processor built into the CPU that performs calculations on floating point numbers.

FPU (Floating Point Unit)

The full name of any host which reflects the hierarchy from most specific (the host) to the least specific (the top level domain followed by the root).

FQDN

an adapter or other component that can be replaced easily and quickly by a tech on-site, without the need for repair services.

FRU

A protocol used to transfer files across the Internet. Variants include S(ecure)FTP, FTP with SSL (FTPS and FTPES), and T(rivial)FTP. FTP utilizes ports 20 and 21.

FTP

A fiber optic solution which places the connection on a pole or cabinet at the curb, then coax or twisted pair cables carry the signal from this point to the home or business.

FTTC (Fiber to the Curb/Cabinet)

A fiber optic solution which places the connection inside the home or residence.

FTTH (Fiber to the Home)

A fiber optic solution which places the connection within one mile of customers with the final connections made using existing phone or cable lines.

FTTN (Fiber to the Node)

A fiber optic solution which places the connection inside the premises.

FTTP (Fiber to the Premises)

Means of determining a receiver's position on the Earth based on information received from GPS satellites. The receiver must have line-of-sight to the GPS satellites.

GPS

A modern disk partitioning system allowing large numbers of partitions and very large partition sizes.

GPT (GUID Partition Table)

a Type of microprocessor used on dedicated video adapter cards or within a CPU with integrated graphics capability.

GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

Standard for cellular radio communications and data transfer. GSM phones use a SIM card to identify the subscriber and network provider. 4G and later data standards are developed for GSM.

GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication)

Instruction set extensions (Intel VT-x and AMD-V) that facilitate the operation of virtual machines

HAV

A component allowing storage devices to exchange data with a computer system using a particular interface (PATA, SATA, SCSI, and so on). Motherboards will come with built-in host adapters and more can be added as expansion cards if necessary.

HBA (host bus adapter)

A device providing persistent mass storage for a PC (saving data when the computer is turned off). Data is stored using platters with a magnetic coating that are spun under disk heads that can read and write to locations on each platter (sectors). A HDD installed within a PC is referred to as the fixed disk. HDDs are often used with enclosures as portable storage or as Network Attached Storage (NAS).

HDD

High-specification digital connector for audio-video equipment.

HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface)

A cable Internet connection is usually available along with a cable telephone/television service (Cable Access TV [CATV]). These networks are often described as Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) as they combine a fiber optic core network with coax links to consumer premises equipment, but are more simply just described as "cable." Consumers interface with the service via a cable "modem" (actually functioning more like a bridge).

HFC Cable (Hybrid Fiber Coax cable)

peripherals that enable the user to enter data and select commands

HIDs

Intel CPU architecture implemented on many Pentium 4 models. HT exposes two or more logical processors to the OS, delivering performance benefits similar to SMP.

HT (HyperThreading)

The protocol used to provide web content to browsers. HTTP uses port 80. HTTPS(ecure) provides for encrypted transfers, using SSL/TLS and port 443.

HTTP

A protocol that provides for encrypted transfers, using SSL/TLS and port 443.

HTTPS

Hardware component of the USB subsystem responsible for recognizing when a USB device is attached or removed. monitors the device status, etc.

Host controller

these peripherals have a special area of memory in the range of 0000-ffff set aside to allow data reading and writing

I/0 addresses

a device connection through which data can be sent and received

I/O port

IP-level protocol for reporting errors and status information supporting the function of troubleshooting utilities such as ping.

ICMP

Software or security appliance designed to monitor network traffic (NIDS) or configuration files and logs on a host (HIDS) to record and detect unusual activity. Many systems can automatically take preventive action (Intrusion Prevention System [IPS]). Detection is either signature-based or anomaly-based (or both). IDS software typically requires a lengthy period of configuration and "training" to recognize baseline "normal" activity.

IDS

A series of Wi-Fi standards used to implement Wireless Local Area Networks.

IEEE 802.11

A TCP/IP application protocol providing a means for a client to access email messages stored in a mailbox on a remote server. Unlike POP3, messages persist on the server after the client has downloaded them. IMAP also supports mailbox management functions, such as creating subfolders and access to the same mailbox by more than one client at the same time. IMAP4 utilizes TCP port number 143.

IMAP

A number that uniquely identifies a mobile device on a GSM network.

IMEI number

A number that uniquely identifies a mobile subscriber.

IMSI number

The network (Internet) layer protocol in the TCP/IP suite providing packet addressing and routing for all higher level protocols in the suite.

IP

An international standard to determine how well electrical enclosures are sealed against dust, water, moisture, and other intrusive materials from entering the enclosure. The ratings scale is defined in the British EN60529:1992 and European IEC 60509:1989 standards.

IP scale

Systems that can automatically take preventive action using signature-based or anomaly-based detection. Also known as network IDS (NIDS).

IPS

(Infrared) Infrared Data Association (IrDA) was a wireless networking standard supporting speeds up to about 4 Mbps. Infrared (IR) sensors are used in mobile devices and with IR blasters to control appliances.

IR

a communications channel between a hardware device and system processor.

IRQ

A digital phone/fax/data service used to provide Internet connectivity. There are two classes of ISDN: Basic Rate Interface (BRI) provides two 64 Kbps (B channels) for data and one 16 Kbps (D channel) for link management control signals; Primary Rate Interface (PRI) provides either T1 or E1 capacity levels (23B or 30B) channels, depending on location in the world, and one 64 Kbps D channel.

ISDN

An organization that provides a connection to the Internet and other web- and email-related services. A connection to the ISP's Internet routing equipment can be made using a variety of methods.

ISP

A cloud computing service that enables a consumer to outsource computing equipment purchases and running their own data center.

IaaS

The global network of personal devices (such as phones, tablets, and fitness trackers), home appliances, home control systems, vehicles, and other items that have been equipped with sensors, software, and network connectivity.

IoT

a switch supporting a single set of input and output devices controlling a number of PCs.

KVM swtich

A network in which all the nodes or hosts participating in the network are directly connected with cables or short-range wireless media.

LAN

Small Form Factor version of the SC push-pull fiber optic connector; available in simplex and duplex versions.

LC (Lucent Connector)

A display technology where the image is made up of liquid crystal cells controlled using electrical charges. LCD panels are used on laptops and have replaced CRT monitors as the main type of computer display screen.

LCD panel (Liquid Crystal Display panel)

Standard for accessing and updating information in an X.500-style network resource directory. LDAP uses port 389. Unless secure communications are used, LDAP is vulnerable to packet sniffing and Man-in-the-Middle attacks. It is also usually necessary to configure user permissions on the directory. LDAP version 3 supports simple authentication or Simple Authentication and Security Layer, which integrates it with Kerberos or TLS.

LDAP

Small, low-power lamps used both as diagnostic indicators, LCD backlights, and (as Organic LEDs) in high-quality flat panels.

LED (Light Emitting Diode)

(light emitting diode printer) A type of printer that uses LEDs to print.

LED printer

A CPU form factor used by Intel where the pins that connect the CPU and socket are located on the socket.

LGA (Land Grid Array)

) A packet data communications specification providing an upgrade path for both GSM and CDMA2000 cellular networks. LTE Advanced is designed to provide 4G standard network access.

LTE

is designed to provide 4G standard network access

LTE-A

Rootkit-style software that enables a stolen laptop to be traced or remotely locked down or wiped in the event of theft.

LoJack tracking software

A wireless connection method using ground-based microwave antennas aligned with one another.

LoS

A unique physical hardware address for each Ethernet network adapter that is composed of 12 hexadecimal digits.

MAC address

Applying an access control list to a switch or access point so that only clients with approved MAC addresses can connect to it.

MAC filtering

A Windows messaging interface used primarily by the email client software Outlook to communicate with an Exchange mail server.

MAPI

A sector on a hard disk storing information about partitions configured on the disk.

MBR (Master Boot Record)

A number that uniquely identifies a mobile device on a CDMA network.

MEID

Any device that performs more than one function. This typically refers to either SOHO Internet routers/access points or print devices that can also scan and fax.

MFD

A database used by SNMP in which agents maintain configuration and usage data and identifies what information the managed system offers.

MIB

Allows a computer with a sound card to drive MIDI compatible musical instruments, such as synthesizers, samplers, and drum machines (or [vice versa] for a synthesizer to drive a computer audio application [such as a sampler]).

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)

A protocol specifying Internet mail message formats and attachments.

MIME

Wireless technology used in 802.11n/ac and 4G standards. .

MIMO/MU-MIMO

A category of fiber optic cable. Compared to SMF, MMF is cheaper (using LED optics rather than lasers), but supports shorter distances (up to about 500 m).

MMF (Multimode Fiber)

The rating on a device or component that predicts the expected time between failures.

MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures)

Similar to NAT, it (or PAT or NAT overloading) maps private host IP addresses onto a single public IP address. Each host is tracked by assigning it a random high TCP port for communications.

NAPT

A storage device with an embedded OS that supports typical network file access protocols (TCP/IP and SMB, for instance). These may be subject to exploit attacks (though using an embedded OS is often thought of as more secure as it exposes a smaller attack "footprint"). The unauthorized connection of such devices to the network is also a concern.

NAS

A network service provided by router or proxy server to map private local addresses to one or more publicly accessible IP addresses. NAT can use static mappings but is most commonly implemented as Network Address Port Translation (NAPT) or NAT overloading, where a few public IP addresses are mapped to multiple LAN hosts using port allocations.

NAT

a standard for peer to peer (2-way) radio communications over a very short (around 4") distances, facilitating contactless payment.

NFC

An expansion card that enables a PC to connect to a LAN. Also referred to as a network adapter

NIC

A logical interface used by PCIe-based SSD drives to communicate with the bus.

NVMHCI (Non-Volatile Memory Host Controller Interface specification)

An interface for connecting flash memory devices, such as SSDs, directly to a PCI Express bus. NVMe allows much higher transfer rates than SATA/AHCI.

NVMe (Non-volatile Memory Express)

NetBIOS is a session management protocol used to provide name registration and resolution services on legacy Microsoft networks. WINS provides NetBIOS name resolution. See also NetBEUI

NetBIOS

NetBIOS that was re-engineered to work over the TCP and UDP protocols.

NetBT (NetBIOS over TCP/IP

Software that can identify the shapes of characters and digits to convert them from printed images to electronic data files that can be modified in a word processing program. Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) is an advanced type of OCR, focusing on handwritten text.

OCR (Optical Character Recognition)

A type of LED flat panel display device that uses organic compounds that emit light when subjected to an electric current.

OLED display (organic light emitting diode display)

Display configuration menus that show up on the monitor and that you interact with by using buttons on the monitor case.

OSD

Close range networking (usually based on Bluetooth or NFC) allowing communications between personal devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and printers/peripheral devices.

PAN

) Another term for NAT overloading or NAPT.

PAT

Used to be the main disk interface for PCs. The interface was very commonly called IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) or Enhanced IDE (EIDE). Each PATA adapter supports two devices, commonly called master and slave. A drive is connected to the bus by a 40-pin ribbon cable. The PATA interface has been replaced by SATA.

PATA

introduced in 1995 with the pentium processor, it connects the CPU, memory, peripherals to a 32-bit bus working at 33MHz

PCI bus

an expansion bus standard using serial communications. each device on the bus can create point-to=point link the I/O controller or another device. supports full-duplex transfer rates

PCIe

A CPU socket form factor where pins are located on the bottom of the processor to fit in the matching holes in the motherboard socket. PGA-type sockets are still used by AMD but Intel has switched to Land Grid Array (LGA), where the pins are located on the socket rather than the chip.

PGA (Pin Grid Array)

A TCP/IP application protocol providing a means for a client to access email messages stored in a mailbox on a remote server. The server usually deletes messages once the client has downloaded them. POP3 utilizes TCP port 110.

POP3

A hardware checking routine built into the PC firmware. This test sequentially monitors the state of the memory chips, the processor, system clock, display, and firmware itself. Errors that occur within vital components such as these are signified by beep codes emitted by the internal speaker of the computer. Further tests are then performed and any errors displayed as on-screen error codes and messages.

POST

Parts of a telephone network "local loop" using voice-grade cabling. Analog data transfer over POTS using dial-up modems is slow (33.3 Kbps). DSL technologies make better use of the bandwidth available, but are not accessible over all of the network.

POTS

Dial-up protocol working at layer 2 (Data Link) used to connect devices remotely to networks. Often used to connect to an ISP's routers and out to the Internet. PPPoE (PPP over Ethernet) or PPPoA (PPP over ATM) are used to provide broadband connections (over DSL or cable Internet, for instance).

PPP

A class of ISDN service that provides either T1 or E1 capacity levels (23B or 30B) channels, depending on location in the world, and one 64 Kbps D channel.

PRI

Network switches that provide power through the Ethernet cable to connected devices.

PSE

Symmetric encryption technologies, such as those used for WEP, require both parties to use the same private key. This key must be kept a secret known only to those authorized to use the network. A pre-shared key is normally generated from a passphrase.

PSK

National telecommunications systems have evolved and combined over the years to create a global (and indeed extra-terrestrial) communications network This is referred to as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) but it is capable of carrying more than simply voice-call services. The basis of PSTN is a circuit-switched network, but the infrastructure can also carry packet-switched data services.

PSTN

Transformer that converts AC mains power into 3.3 V, 5 V, and 12 V DC to power components on the motherboard. The type of PSU must match the case and motherboard form factor.

PSU

A cloud computing service that enables consumers to rent fully configured systems that are set up for specific purposes.

PaaS

Specification allowing power to be supplied via switch ports and ordinary data cabling to devices such as VoIP handsets and wireless access points. Devices can draw up to about 13 W (or 25 W for PoE+).

PoE

A 2D barcode created of black and white squares used to store information that can be read using a barcode scanner or the camera on a smartphone that has a barcode scanning app installed.

QR codes

Systems that differentiate data passing over the network that can reserve bandwidth for particular applications. A system that cannot guarantee a level of available bandwidth is often described as Class of Service (CoS).

QoS

Used to manage remote and wireless authentication infrastructure.

RADIUS

A set of vendor-independent specifications for fault-tolerant configurations on multiple-disk systems.

RAID

The principal storage space for computer data and program instructions. RAM is described as being volatile in the sense that once power has been removed or the computer has been rebooted, data is lost.

RAM

When applied to a print job, RAW means the job is fully rendered and ready to be passed to the print device without further processing.

RAW

A method of mitigating the risk of using Remote Desktop.

RDPRA Mode

Radio waves propagate at different frequencies and wavelengths. Wi-Fi network products work at 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.

RF

A chip allowing data to be read wirelessly. RFID tags are used in barcodes and smart cards.

RFID

The component responsible for converting instructions in the Page Description Language (PDL) to instructions that control the print engine (an inkjet's ink dispersion nozzles or a laser printer's developer laser, for instance). A PDL might contain instructions for printing vector graphics and fonts; the RIP translates these instructions into a pattern of dots (raster) at the required resolution.

RIP

a connector used for twisted pair cabling.

RJ connector

a serial port that uses a 25-pin male D connector

RS-232

For a wireless signal, an index level calculated from the signal strength level.

RSSI

part of the system chipset that keeps track of date and time

RTC

A Windows remote support feature allowing a user to invite a technical support professional to help them over a network using chat. The user can also grant the support professional control over their desktop. Remote Assistance uses the same RDP protocol as Remote Desktop.

Remote Assistance

The Windows feature that allows a remote user to initiate a connection at any time and sign on to the local machine using an authorized account.

Remote Desktop

Technology designed to alert the user to possible hard disk failures before the disk becomes unusable.

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

Email encryption standard (Cryptographic Message Standard) using PKI (X.509) certificates for confidentiality (digital envelopes) and integrity (digital signatures). S/MIME provides extensions for standard MIME headers.

S/MIME

A high-quality audio port that uses coax cabling with RCA connectors or fiber optic cabling and connectors. S/PDIF supports surround sound speakers.

S/PDIF (Sony/Phillips Digital Interface)

The most widely used interface for hard disks on desktop and laptop computers. It uses a 7-pin data connector with one device per port. There are three SATA standards specifying bandwidths of 1.5 Gbps, 3 Gbps, and 6 Gbps, respectively. SATA drives also use a new 15-pin power connector, though adapters for the old style 4-pin Molex connectors are available. External drives are also supported via the eSATA interface.

SATA

Push/pull connector used with fiber optic cabling.

SC

A legacy expansion bus standard allowing for the connection of internal and external devices.

SCSI

A set of resources provided by a platform vendor for programmers to use when creating software to work with the vendor's platform.

SDK

Application Programming Interfaces (API) and compatible hardware allowing for programmable network appliances and systems.

SDN

A variant on the DRAM chip designed to run at the speed of the system clock, thus accelerating the periodic refresh cycle times. SDRAM can run at much higher clock speeds than previous types of DRAM. Basic SDRAM is now obsolete and has been replaced by DDR/DDR2/3 SDRAM.

SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory)

A small chip card that identifies the user and phone number of a mobile device via an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). A SIM card also provides a limited amount of local storage for contacts.

SIM

(stereolithography) A 3D printing method which uses a resin or photopolymer to create objects which are cured using an ultraviolet laser.

SLA

A feature of virtualization software designed to improve the management of virtual (paged) memory.

SLAT (Second Level Address Translation)

A 3D printing method which fuses layers together using a pulse laser, creating the object from a plastic or metal powder with the model being lowered into a tank as each layer is added.

SLS (selective laser sintering)

A protocol used for requesting files from Windows servers and delivering them to clients. SMB allows machines to share files and printers, thus making them available for other machines to use. SMB client software is available for UNIX-based systems. Samba software allows UNIX and Linux servers or NAS appliances to run SMB services for Windows clients.

SMB

A category of fiber optic cable. SMF is more expensive than MMF (using high quality cable and optics) and supports much longer distances (up to about 70 km).

SMF (Single Mode Fiber)

A condition where two or more physical CPUs that share a common OS and memory execute instructions simultaneously.

SMP

The protocol used to send mail between hosts on the Internet. Messages are sent over TCP port 25.

SMTP

A protocol for monitoring and managing network devices. A management system collates data sent by agents running on each device. The agents maintain a Management Information Base of configuration and usage data. An agent can also generate a trap, alerting the management system of some notable event (such as a printer being out of paper). SNMP works over UDP ports 161 and 162 by default.

SNMP

A sound measurement that is expressed in decibels that compares the signal power with the noise power.

SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio)

Memory that is half the size of DIMMs, are available in 32- or 64-bit data paths, and are commonly found in laptops and iMac systems.

SODIMM (Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module)

A small network that provides connectivity and resource sharing for a small office or home office.

SOHO network

A personal computer storage device that stores data in non-volatile special memory instead of on disks or tape.

SSD

A remote administration and file copy program that is flexible enough to support VPNs too (using port forwarding). SSH runs on TCP port 22.

SSH

Identifies a particular Wireless LAN (WLAN). This "network name" can be used to connect to the correct network. When multiple APs are configured with the same SSID, this is referred to as an E(xtended)SSID.

SSID

A security protocol developed by Netscape to provide privacy and authentication over the Internet. It is application independent (working at layer 5 [Session]) and can be used with a variety of protocols, such as HTTP or FTP. Client and server set up a secure connection through PKI (X.509) certificates (optionally, both client and server can authenticate to one another). The protocol is now being developed as Transport Layer Security (TLS).

SSL

Any authentication technology that allows a user to authenticate once and receive authorizations for multiple services. Kerberos is a typical example of an authentication technology providing SSO.

SSO

Bayonet-style twist-and-lock connector for fiber optic cabling.

ST Connector

A type of network cabling used where protection from interference is required. Insulation is installed around all four pairs of twisted cables.

STP

A variant of the VGA standard that supported 800x600 pixel resolution with 4-bit or 8-bit color.

SVGA

A cloud computing service that enables a service provider to make applications available over the Internet.

SaaS

An ownership model for cloud services where the "something" can refer to infrastructure, network, platform, or software.

SaaS

Motherboards and connectors that are designed to take up less space

Small form factor

Wiring pinouts for twisted pair cabling defined in the ANSI/TIA/EIA 568 Telecommunications Standards. T568A is mandated by the US government but T568B is far more widely deployed. The only commercial rule is not to mix the two on the same network. Wiring a patch cord with both T568A and T568B termination creates a crossover cable.

T568A/T568B

A protocol in the TCP/IP suite operating at the transport layer to provide connection-oriented, guaranteed delivery of packets. Hosts establish a session to exchange data and confirm delivery of packets using acknowledgements. This overhead means the system is relatively slow.

TCP

The network protocol suite used by most operating systems and the Internet. It is widely adopted, industry standard, vendor independent, and open. It uses a 4-layer network model that corresponds roughly to the OSI model as follows: Network Interface (Physical/Data Link), Internet (Network), Transport (Transport), Application (Session, Presentation, Application).

TCP/IP Suite

Mechanism used in the first version of WPA to improve the security of wireless encryption mechanisms, compared to the flawed WEP standard.

TKIP

A security protocol that protects sensitive communication from eavesdropping and tampering by using a secure, encrypted, and authenticated channel over a TCP/IP connection.

TLS

A specification for hardware-based storage of digital certificates, keys, hashed passwords, and other user and platform identification information. Essentially, it functions as a smart card embedded on a motherboard.

TPM (Trusted Platform Module)

Standard "driver" model for interfacing scanner hardware with applications software.

TWAIN

A bare metal hypervisor in which you install directly on the server's hardware.

Type 1 hypervisor

A host-based hypervisor in which you install the host operating system first, then install the hypervisor.

Type 2 hypervisor

A protocol in the TCP/IP suite operating at the transport layer to provide connectionless, non-guaranteed communication with no sequencing or flow control. Faster than TCP, but does not provide reliability.

UDP

A type of system firmware providing support for 64-bit CPU operation at boot, full GUI and mouse operation at boot, and better boot security.

UEFI

A protocol framework allowing network devices to autoconfigure services, such as allowing a games console to request appropriate settings from a firewall.

UPnP

An application-level addressing scheme for TCP/IP, allowing for human-readable resource addressing. For example: protocol://server/file, where "protocol" is the type of resource (HTTP, FTP), "server" is the name of the computer (www.microsoft.com), and "file" is the name of the resource you wish to access.

URL

This is the main type of connection interface used on PCs.

USB

this usb standard supports 480 mbps

USB 2.0

This usb standard allows a port to function as either a host or as a device

USB on the Go

this usb standard supports 12 mbps

USb 1.1

All-in-one security appliances and technologies that combine the functions of a firewall, malware scanner, intrusion detection, vulnerability scanner, Data Loss Prevention, content filtering, and so on.

UTM

The type of cabling typically used for computer networking, composed of eight insulated copper wires grouped into four pairs with each pair twisted to reduce interference between wires.

UTP

Hosting user desktops as virtual machines on a centralized server or cloud infrastructure

VDI

A high speed version of DSL with an upstream rate between 1.5 Mbps and 2.5 Mbps and a downstream rate between 50 Mbps and 55 Mbps. VDSL2 is more widespread and allows up to 100 Mbps in both directions.

VDSL

A standard for the resolution and color depth of computer displays. VGA specifies a resolution of 640x480 with 16 colors (4-bit color) at 60 Hz.

VGA

A logically separate network, created using switching technology. Even though hosts on two VLANs may be physically connected to the same cabling, local traffic is isolated to each VLAN so they must use a router to communicate.

VLAN

A guest operating system installed on a host computer using virtualization software (a hypervisor), such as Microsoft Hyper-V or VMware.

VM

A secure tunnel created between two endpoints connected via an unsecure network (typically the Internet). VPNs are typically created using SSL/TLS or IPsec. Encryption software is used to ensure privacy of data as messages transit through the public network.

VPN

a headset worn like goggles to interact with images displayed in the headset

VR headset

A microwave antenna aligned to an orbital satellite that can either relay signals between sites directly or via another satellite.

VSAT

A network that spans multiple geographic locations.

WAN

A mechanism for encrypting data sent over a wireless connection. WEP is considered flawed (that is, a determined and well-resourced attack could probably break the encryption). Apart from problems with the cipher, the use and distribution of a pre-shared key (effectively a password) depends on good user practice. WEP has been replaced by WPA.

WEP

Driver model and API (Application Programming Interface) for interfacing scanner hardware with applications software on Windows PCs.

WIA (Windows Image Acquisition)

An ISP offering Internet access over ground-based Line of Sight (LoS) microwave transmitters.

WISP

An improved encryption scheme for protecting Wi-Fi communications, designed to replace WEP. The original version of WPA was subsequently updated (to WPA2) following the completion of the 802.11i security standard. WPA features an improved method of key distribution and authentication for enterprise networks, though the pre-shared key method is still available for home and small office networks. WPA2 uses the improved AES cipher, replacing TKIP and RC4.

WPA

Mechanism for auto-configuring a WLAN securely for home users. On compatible equipment, users just have to push a button on the access point and connecting adapters to associate them securely.

WPS

A large wireless network, such as a cellular data network or line-of-sight microwave transmission.

WWAN

IEEE standard for wireless networking based on spread spectrum radio transmission in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The standard has five main iterations (a, b, g, n, and ac), describing different modulation techniques, supported distances, and data rates.

Wi-Fi

A Wi-Fi spectrum analyzer used to detect devices and points of interference, as well as analyze and troubleshoot network issues on a WLAN or other wireless networks.

Wi-Fi analyzer

Where a host has a compatible network card, a network server can be configured to transmit a "magic packet" that causes the host to power up.

WoL

A file format based on XML that describes one or more pages and how the information should appear on the page.

XPS (XML Print Specification)

Low-power wireless communications protocol used primarily for home automation

Z-Wave

A processor socket type allowing the chip to be placed in the socket with as little risk of damaging the pins on the processor chip as possible.

ZIF socket (Zero Insertion Force socket)

Low-power wireless communications open source protocol used primarily for home automation. Zigbee uses radio frequencies in the 2.4 GHz band and a mesh topology.

Zigbee

Mobile technology that can determine the orientation of a device with a sensor that measures the acceleration of the device direction.

accelerometer

A temporary network mode in which devices connect to each other directly without an intermediary networking device.

ad-hoc mode

circuit board providing additional functionality to the computer system.

adapter card

A process running on an SNMP compatible network device that sends information to an SNMP manager

agent

Another term for SMB.

agent

A toggle found on mobile devices enabling the user to disable and enable wireless functionality quickly.

airplane mode

A packaging material containing anti-ESD shielding or dissipative materials to protect components from ESD damage

antistatic bag

Made up of a sound card and one or more audio input and output devices.

audio subsystem

The ability of a mobile device to determine connection settings based on the user entering their email credentials.

autodiscover

A problem situation where there are lots of jobs pending but not printing.

backed up print queue

Fluorescent lamp illuminating the image on a flat panel (LCD) screen. If the backlight or inverter fails, the screen image will go very, very dark.

backlight

is a handheld or pen-shaped device designed to scan barcodes. A barcode is a pattern of different sized parallel bars, typically representing a product number, such as an ISBN, EAN, or UPC. The reader uses a sensor mechanism (typically either a photo diode, laser, or CCD) to read the intensity of light reflected back by the barcode. The reader then reports the number back to application software, which links it to a product database.

barcode scanner

Modification of the firmware of a cellular modem.

baseband update

peripherals used to gather biometric data for comparison to data stored in a databse

biometric devices

Metal strips that cover unused adapter slots in the case so that proper air flow is maintained within the system case

blanking plate

can be used to divide an overloaded network into separate segments. Intrasegment traffic (traffic between devices on the same segment) remains within this segment and cannot affect the other segments. A bridge works most efficiently if the amount of intersegment traffic (traffic between devices on different segments) is kept low. Segments on either side of a bridge are in separate collision domains but the same broadcast domain. The function of bridges is now typically performed by switches.

bridge

The technical meaning of broadband is a transmission that divides the available media bandwidth into a number of transmission paths or channels. WAN signaling generally uses this form of transmission and consequently the term is used generally to refer to 2 MBps+ Internet links such as DSL or cable.

broadband

A packet sent to all hosts on the local network (or subnet). Routers do not ordinarily forward broadcast traffic. The broadcast address of IP is one where the host bits are all set to 1; at the MAC layer, it is the address ff:ff:ff:ff:ff:ff.

broadcast address

Are connections between components on the motherboard and peripheral devices attached to the computer.

buses

A small block of high-speed memory that enhances performance by pre-loading (caching) code and data from relatively slow system memory and passing it to the CPU on demand.

cache

The process by which the printer determines the appropriate print density or color balance, or how much toner to use.

calibration (printer)

An electrical component that stores electrical energy and is often used to regulate voltages. It can hold a charge after the power is removed.

capacitor

Connecting to the Internet via the device's cell phone radio and the handset's cellular network provider.

cellular data

Wi-Fi frequency bands are divided into smaller channels to allow multiple networks to operate at the same location without interfering with one another.

channels (Wi-Fi)

this provides communications between different components by implementing various controllers.

chipset

parts such as a blade, roller, or brush that rest on the surface of a laser printer's photosensitive drum that are used to clean excess toner and remove residual charge from the photoconductor

cleaning unit

Any solution designed to run on desktops or workstations in which the user interacts with the virtualization host directly.

client-side virtualization

Any environment where software (Software as a Service and Platform as a Service) or computer/network resources (Infrastructure as a Service and Network as a Service) are provided to an end user who has no knowledge of or responsibility for how the service is provided. Cloud services provide elasticity of resources and pay-per-use charging models. Cloud access arrangements can be public, hosted private, or private (this type of cloud could be onsite or offsite relative to the other business units).

cloud computing

A cloud-based management system that enables registering and monitoring all of the organization's networks, clients, and servers.

cloud-based network controller

Cable type using two separate conductors that share a common axis (hence the term co-axial). Coax cables are categorized using the Radio Grade (RG) "standard". Coax is considered obsolete in terms of LAN applications but is still widely used for CCTV networks and as drop cables for cable TV (CATV).

coaxial cable

A measure of the ratio of luminance (brightness) of whites to blacks, indicating the color performance of a display or scanner. A device supporting a higher contrast ratio is able to display a wider range of colors and deliver "true" black.

contrast ratio

an assembly within a laser printer that contains a wire (the corona wire), which is responsible for applying an electrostatic charge

corona

A twisted pair cable wired as T568A on one end and as T568B on the other end.

crossover cable

a circuit board that connects to the motherboard to provide extra expansion slots or connectors.

daughter board

The default gateway is an IP configuration parameter that identifies the location of a router on the local subnet that the host can use to contact other networks.

default gateway

a strip that removes the charge to prevent paper curl in a laser printer

detac corona

a magnetized roller to which toner adheres during the printing process.

developer roller

Assembly that applies toner to areas of the photoconductor where charge has been removed by the laser. The main components are a toner hopper, transfer roller, waste toner hopper, a screw or blade to stir the toner, and a doctor blade to ensure the correct level of toner on the developer roller.

developer unit

A remote network access method that utilizes the local telephone line (Plain Old Telephone System [POTS]) to establish a connection between two computers fitted with modems. Dial-up is a legacy method of Internet access. It may still be deployed for special administrative purposes or as an emergency backup connection method. Configuration is generally a case of setting the telephone number, username, and password.

dial-up

A voice interface designed to respond to natural language commands and queries.

digital assistant

A version of a 35mm film camera where the film is replaced by light-sensitive diodes (an array of CCDs [Charge Coupled Devices]) and electronic storage media (typically a flash memory card). The sensitivity of the array determines the maximum resolution of the image, measured in megapixels.

digital camera

As part of a touchscreen assembly, the digitizer is a touch-sensitive glass panel covering the LCD. The panel converts touch events to digital signals that can be interpreted as different types of input.

digitizer

When a mobile device has the backlightset to its lowest setting and the automatic light adjustment is disabled, or the phone is set to conserve power by auto-dimming the light.

dim display

A thermal printer that uses heated pins to form images directly onto specially coated thermal paper.

direct thermal printer

occurs when a data file is not saved to contiguous sectors on a disk. This decreases performance by making the disk read/write heads move between fragments. Defragmentation is a software routine that compacts files back into contiguous areas of the disk. The process can be run from a command-line using the defrag utility, but it is more often run from Windows.

disk defragmentation

A disk array access pattern where data is written in stripes to two or more disks sequentially, improving performance. Note that a RAID 0 striped volume provides no redundancy, and if any of the physical disks in the set fails, the whole volume will be lost.

disk striping

A state in which the main memory is filled up, pages are swapped in and out of virtual memory—which needs to be written to the hard disk—in rapid succession, leading to possible early drive failure.

disk thrashing

A sophisticated type of port replicator designed to provide additional ports (such as network or USB) and functionality (such as expansion slots and drives) to a portable computer when used at a desk.

docking station

The unique and officially registered name that identifies a company, organization, or individual.

domain name

A type of impact printer that uses a set of pins to strike the ribbon to create printed characters and images using combinations of dots.

dot matrix printer

32 bit addresses displayed in human readable format using base-10 numbering.

dotted decimal notation

The controller is the circuitry in the disk unit that allows it to put data on the bus, which the HBA shuttles to the CPU or RAM.

drive controller

An external case that holds one or more disks and typically connects to the computer through USB or Thunderbolt ports.

drive enclosure

The entire contents of the drive (or volume), including system files and folders, are encrypted.

drive encryption

software taht creates an interface between a device and the operating system. It may also include tools for configuring and optimizing the device

driver

Memory controller with two pathways through the bus to the CPU so that 128 bits of data can be transferred per transaction.

dual-channel memory

A device that enables a printer or scanner to use both sides of a page automatically.

duplexing assembly

Micro-encapsulated black and white particles, electronically manipulated to create images and text on an e-reader.

e-ink

A tablet-sized device designed for reading rather than general-purpose computing.

e-reader

an external interface for SATA connections, enabling you to connect external SATA drives to PCs

eSATA

A computer system that is designed to perform a specific, dedicated function, such as a microcontroller in a medical drip or components in a control system managing a water treatment plant.

embedded system

Scrambling the characters used in a message so that the message can be seen but not understood or modified unless it can be deciphered. Encryption provides for a secure means of transmitting data and authenticating users. It is also used to store data securely. Encryption uses different types of cipher and one or more keys. The size of the key is one factor in determining the strength of the encryption product.

encryption

A specific piece of information that is used with an algorithm to perform encryption and decryption in cryptography. Endpoint Management Server Facilitates the defense in depth process by identifying computing devices running on the network and ensuring that they are securely configured. This can include applying OS and antivirus updates automatically, cataloging software applications installed on each device, applying security policies, retrieving and analyzing log files, and monitoring performance and other status alerts.

encryption key

The external bus that allows additional components to be connected to the computer

expansion bus

a printed circuit board that is installed in a slot on a system board to provide special functions for customizing or extending a computer's capabilties.

expansion cards

connection slots on the motherboard in which adapter cards can be installed to extend the rage of functions the computer can perform

expansion slots

A network of semi-trusted hosts, typically representing business partners, suppliers, or customers. Hosts must authenticate to join the extranet.

extranet

Roller that works with a separation roller or pad to feed just one sheet of paper (or other media) into the printer mechanism.

feed roller

In 3D printing, the spool of plastic or other material used to create the three-dimensional object.

filament

Hardware or software that filters traffic passing into or out of a network.

firewall

this is software instructions stored semi-permanently on a hardware device

firmware

similar to a ROM chip in that it retains information even when power is removed, but it adds flexibility in that it can be reprogrammed with new contents quickly. Flash memory is used in USB thumb drives and memory cards for removable storage and in Solid State Drives (SSDs), designed to replicate the function of hard drives.

flash memory

The display and word processing programs can make use of any typeface designs (fonts) installed on the local system. Most Windows fonts are OpenType (replacing the earlier TrueType) but some design programs and printers also use Adobe Type 1 fonts.

fonts

In a laser printer, the unit that exposes and processes all of the data received from the computer and coordinates the steps needed to produce the finished page.

formatter board

The number of times the image in a video stream changes per second. This can be expressed in Hertz or Frames per Second (fps).

frame rate

The part of a laser printer that fixes toner to media. This is typically a combination of a heat and pressure roller, though non-contact flash fusing using xenon lamps is found on some high-end printers.

fuser assembly

a controller containing multiple buttons and toggles, each of which controls a different action in a video game or program

game pad

The process of identifying the real-world geographic location of an object, often by associating a location such as a street address with an IP address, hardware address, Wi-Fi positioning system, GPS coordinates, or some other form of information.

geolocation

an equipment ground provides a safe path for electrical current to flow away in the event that a device or cable is faulty

grounded

Tactile response on a touchscreen device, typically a slight vibration of the surface, although the entire device can vibrate in certain responses.

haptic feedback

A method of creating volumes from an array of physical disks by using a plug-in controller card or the motherboard, independently of the installed OS.

hardware RAID solution

In a car, the unified hardware interface for the audio system and related components.

head unit

A device that combines headphones and microphone in a single device.

headset

A sealed tube containing water or ethanol coolant. The liquid close to the heat source evaporates then condenses at a cooler point in the pipe and flows back towards the heat source.

heat pipe

A passive heat exchanger that dissipates heat from a source such as a CPU and transfers it, normally via an enlarged surface area, to another medium such as air or water.

heat sink

Monitoring technique that allows dynamic pattern matching based on past experience rather than relying on pre-loaded signatures.

heuristic

The description name assigned to a computer.

host name

a device that can be added or removed without having to restart the operating system

hot swappable

A location served by some sort of device offering Internet access via Wi-Fi.

hotspot

A layer 1 (Physical) network device used to implement a star network topology on legacy Ethernet networks. Hubs may also be known as "multiport repeaters" or concentrators. They are the central points of connection for segments and act like repeaters so that every segment receives signals sent from any other segment.

hub

A drive in which a portion is SSD, which functions as a large cache, containing frequently accessed data and a magnetic disk portion which is only spun up when non-cached data is accessed.

hybrid drive

Typically, a dot matrix printer, this uses pressure to transfer ink from a ribbon onto paper in a particular pattern, similar to the mechanism of a typewriter.

impact printer

something that is not normal and disrupts regular operations in the computing enviroment

incident

Wi-Fi network configuration in which each client device or station is configured to connect to the network via an access point.

infrastructure mode

In an inkjet printer, a cartridge containing an ink reservoir and sensors to detect the amount of remaining ink, typically with separate cartridges for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink. Most ink cartridges also contain the print head for the printer.

ink cartridge

Better known as inkjets, this is a type of printer where colored ink is sprayed onto the paper using microscopic nozzles in the print head. There are two main types of ink dispersion system: thermal shock (heating the ink to form a bubble that bursts through the nozzles) and piezoelectric (using a tiny element that changes shape to act as a pump).

ink dispersion printer

A PSU setting to set North American power supplies to 115 V and UK power supplies to 240 V.

input voltage

A graphics adapter built into the motherboard or the CPU.

integrated GPU (integrated graphics processing unit)

A network designed for information processing within a company or organization. An intranet uses the same technologies as the Internet but is owned and managed by a company or organization.

intranet

Removing manufacturer restrictions on a device to allow other software, operating systems, or networks to work with a device. Typically refers to iPhone devices.

jailbreaking

A variation in the time it takes for a signal to reach the recipient. Jitter manifests itself as an inconsistent rate of packet delivery. If packet loss or delay is excessive, then noticeable audio or video problems (artifacts) are experienced by users.

jitter

a pivoting stick or lever attached to a base that is used to control movement on a device

joystick

a small plastic clip containing a metal conductor that fits over two contacts to complete a circuit that configures the motherboard or adapter one way or another

jumper

the oldest PC input device and still fundamental to operating a computer.

keyboard

A portable computer offering similar functionality to a desktop computer. Laptops come with built-in LCD screens and input devices (keyboard and touchpad), and can be powered from building power (via an AC adapter) or by a battery.

laptop

A type of printer that develops an image on a drum using electrical charges to attract special toner then applying it to paper. The toner is then fixed to the paper using a high-heat and pressure roller (fuser). The process can be used with black toner only or four color toner cartridges (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) to create full-color prints. Monochrome laser printers are the "workhorses" of office printing solutions.

laser printer

The time it takes for a signal to reach the recipient.

latency

A computer system that is no longer supported by its vendor and so no longer provided with security updates and patches.

legacy system

propriety connector and interface for apple products

lightning ports

Addresses used by IPv6 for network housekeeping traffic.

link-local address

A special connector used for diagnosing network transmission problems that redirects electrical signals back to the transmitting system.

loopback plug

A "proper" low level format creates cylinders and sectors on the disk. This can generally only be done at the factory. The disk utilities just clean data from each sector; they don't re-create the sector layout.

low level format

The perceived brightness of a display screen, measured in candelas per square meter (cd/m²).

luminance

A set of replacement feed rollers, new transfer roller, and a new fuser unit for a laser printer.

maintenance kit

Works as an unmanaged switch out-of-the-box but an administrator can connect to it over a management port, configure security settings, and then choose options for the switch's more advanced functionality.

managed switch

Non-volatile storage devices that are able to hold data when the system is powered off.

mass storage device

A provider's ability to control and bill a customer's use of resources such as CPU, memory, disk, and network bandwidth through metering.

measured service

Flash drives typically used for digital cameras and smartphones; typically small and flat.

memory card

Each switch port is a separate collision domain. In effect, the switch establishes a point-to-point link called a virtual circuit between any two network nodes.

microsegmentation

this has a maximum size of 6.7 inches by 6.7 inches

mini-ITX

Mirroring is a type of RAID (RAID 1) using two hard disks, providing the simplest way of protecting a single disk against failure. Data is written to both disks and can be read from either disk.

mirroring

Copying data back and forth between a mobile device and another device such as another mobile device, tablet, laptop, PC, or cloud service to keep the information up-to-date on all of the devices.

mobile device synchronization

A network device that is used to interface a computer with the telephone network for data and fax communications, modulating digital data for transmission as an analog signal and demodulating incoming analog transmissions. Broadband modems are used to transmit signals over telephone (DSL) or cable TV networks.

modem

A power connector that is used to supply to Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment (PATA) drives, optial drives, and SCSI drives.

molex connector

this provides basic foundation for all of the computer's hardware, including the processor, RAM, firmware, and expansion cards

motherboard

the essential device to implement a WIMP GUI, a mouse simply controls the movement

mouse

An electrical meter capable of measuring voltage, resistance, and current. Voltage readings can be used to determine whether, for example, a power supply unit is functioning correctly. Resistance readings can be used to determine whether a fuse or network cable is functioning correctly.

multimeter

One service accepts the credentials from another service. Also known as federated identity management.

mutual authentication for multiple services

Manually setting the CPU and chipset to run at a faster speed than advised by the manufacturer. Some CPUs are better suited to overclocking than others and the system will generally need a better cooling system to cope with the increased thermal output.

overclocking

A type of firewall that inspects the headers of IP packets and can perform filtering on IP address, protocol type, and port numbers.

packet filtering

A high-level computer language used to describe the contents and the layout of the information to be printed on a page through PDL commands.

page description language (PDL)

Occurs when paper does not feed through the printer properly, resulting in pages that are stuck within the paper feed mechanism, often crumpled or torn.

paper jam

An error checking method where each byte of data in memory is accompanied by a ninth bit used to check for corrupted data.

parity checking

A CPU generates a large amount of heat that must be dissipated to prevent damage to the chip. Generally, a CPU will be fitted with a heatsink (a metal block with fins) and fan. Thermal compound is used at the contact point between the chip and the heatsink to ensure good heat transfer. The PSU also incorporates a fan to expel warm air from the system. Modern motherboards have temperature sensors that provide warning of overheating before damage can occur. Very high performance or overclocked systems or systems designed for quiet operation may require more sophisticated cooling systems, such as liquid cooling. Cooling systems that work without electricity are described as passive; those requiring a power source are classed as active.

passive cooling device

Ink delivery system in an inkjet printer that uses a tiny element that changes shape to act as a pump used in Epson printers.

piezoelectric printing

The smallest discrete element on a display. A single pixel is composed of a red, a blue, and a green dot.

pixel

An air handling space, including ducts and other parts of the HVAC system in a building.

plenum

A grade of cable that does not give off noxious or poisonous gases when burned. Unlike PVC cable, plenum cable can be run through the plenum and firebreak walls.

plenum cable

when a hardware device is added or removed, the operating system detects change and automatically install the appropriate drivers

plug and play

In TCP and UDP applications, a port is a unique number assigned to a particular application protocol (such as HTTP or SMTP). The port number (with the IP address) forms a socket between client and server. A socket is a bi-directional pipe for the exchange of data. For security, it is important to allow only the ports required to be open (ports can be blocked using a firewall).

port (network)

a hardware connection interface on a personal computer that enables devices to be connected to the computer

port (physical)

Port forwarding means that a router takes requests from the Internet for a particular application (say, HTTP/port 80) and sends them to a designated host on the LAN.

port forwarding

The number between 0 and 65535 assigned to each type of network application so that the transport layer can identify it.

port number

A simple device to extend the range of ports (for example, USB, DVI, HDMI, Thunderbolt, network, and so on) available for a laptop computer when it is used at a desk.

port replicator

is used to configure access through a firewall for applications that require more than one port. Basically, when the firewall detects activity on outbound port A destined for a given external IP address, it opens inbound access for the external IP address on port B for a set period.

port triggering

Used when an existing switch does not support PoE. When a device is connected to a port on a PoE switch, the switch goes through a detection phase to determine whether the device is PoE-enabled. If not, it does not supply power over the port and therefore does not damage non-PoE devices. If so, it determines the device's power consumption and sets the supply voltage level appropriately.

power injector

The maximum power output available from a PC power supply, measured in watts, calculated as voltage multiplied by current.

power rating

A type of meter designed to test PC Power Supply Units.

power supply tester

The output produced by an application and passed to the printer, and then to the print device via a print monitor and port.

print job

An output device that produces text and images from electronic content onto physical media such as paper or transparency film. Also the term used to describe the software object representing a print device in an operating system.

printer

A filter to fit over a display screen so that it can only be viewed straight-on.

privacy filter

IP addresses in ranges defined by RFC1928 which are not allowed to route traffic over the Internet, with those addressed being confined to private LANs.

private address

a method of identifying, prioritizing, and establishing ownership of incidents

problem management

Rules and formats enabling systems to exchange data. A single network will involve the use of many different protocols. In general terms, a protocol defines header fields to describe each packet, a maximum length for the payload, and methods of processing information from the headers.

protocol

A server that mediates the communications between a client and another server. The proxy server can filter and often modify communications as well as provide caching services to improve performance.

proxy server

The ability to scale cloud computing resources quickly to meet peak demand and just as quickly remove resources if they are not currently needed.

rapid elasticity

A bitmap image of a page for printing

raster

The picture displayed on a CRT monitor is updated (by vertical refreshing) many times per second. The more times the image is refreshed, the more stable and flicker-free the picture. On flat panels, there is no flicker as each pixel is not redrawn but only updated. Flat panels can suffer from motion blur and ghosting, however, and better refresh rates can reduce these issues.

refresh rate

A storage device that can be removed from the computer, or the removable media that can be inserted in a drive, to store portable data.

removable storage

is a layer 1 device that takes a signal and repeats it to the devices that are connected to it. Repeaters can be used to maintain signal integrity and amplitude across a connection or a network.

repeater

A measure of the number of picture elements (pixels) that imaging devices (displays and printers) can use to sample or display an image.

resolution

A cloud provider's data center hardware is not dedicated or reserved for a particular customer account, allowing the provider to provision more resources through management software rather than physically altering hardware to allocate or deallocate resources for a customer.

resource pooling

The time taken for a pixel to change color, measured in milliseconds (ms).

response rate

A space-saving feature of some motherboards. Puts PC's expansion slots on a separate board installed.

riser card

A virtual machine that has been installed without authorization.

rogue VM

Gaining privileged level or root level access to an Android device to enable modifying code or installing software not intended for the device.

rooting

A network device that links dissimilar networks and can support multiple alternate paths between locations based upon the parameters of speed, traffic loads, and cost. A router works at layer 3 (Network) of the OSI model. Routers form the basic connections of the Internet. They allow data to take multiple paths to reach a destination (reducing the likelihood of transmission failure). Routers can access source and destination addresses within packets and can keep track of multiple active paths within a given source and destination network. TCP/IP routers on a LAN can also be used to divide the network into logical subnets.

router

A type of photocopier that can convert the image of a physical object into an electronic data file. The two main components of a scanner are the lamp, which illuminates the object, and the recording device, an array of CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices). There are flatbed and sheet-fed versions, with sheet-fed versions typically being incorporated with a printer and fax machine into a multifunction device. Scanners can output images directly to a printer or to a suitable file format (such as JPEG, PNG, or TIFF). Scanners can also interface with applications software using one of several interfaces (TWAIN, WIA, SANE, or ISIS).

scanner

The regularly sized subdivision of a drive track. During low-level formatting, the size and position of the sectors is written to the disk so that the data can be placed into uniform spots that the drive head can easily access.

sector

A security system offered by UEFI that is designed to prevent a computer from being hijacked by malware.

secure boot

manual dissipation of static buildup by touching a grounded object prior to touching any electronic equipment

self-grounding

A stationary pad in a paper tray that pushes the stack of paper back, allowing only a single sheet of paper to be fed into the printer.

separation pad

A roller in a paper tray that pushes the stack of paper back, allowing only a single sheet of paper to be fed into the printer.

separation roller

asynchronous serial transmission (RS-232) is one of the oldest PC bus standards.

serial port

Creating horizontal layers to use in 3D modeling and 3D printers

slicing

a card with a chip containing data on it. typically used for authentication.

smart card

Any type of persistent digital storage technology that does not use mechanical parts.

solid state storage

An add-on card or built-in adapter to process audio signals and provide interfaces for connecting audio devices.

sound card

A business computer that performs most or all computing functions on its own. Also referred to as a thick client or a fat client.

standard client

Used to firmly attach the motherboard to the case, ensuring no other part of the motherboard touches the case

standoffs

The use of patch cords, permanent links, and patch panels

structured cabling system

An IP address consists of a Network ID and a Host ID. The subnet mask is used in IPv4 to distinguish these two components within a single IP address. The typical format for a mask is 255.255.0.0. Classless network addresses can also be expressed in the format 169.254.0.0/16, where /16 is the number of bits in the mask. IPv6 uses the same /nn notation to indicate the length of the network prefix.

subnet mask

placement of multiple speakers positioned around the listener to provide a cinematic audio experience

surround sound

Ethernet switches are at the heart of most local networks. A switch receives incoming data into a buffer, then the destination MAC address is compared with an address table. The data is then only sent out to the port with the corresponding MAC address. In a switched network, each port is in a separate collision domain (microsegmentation). Advanced switches perform routing at layers 3 (IP), 4 (TCP), or 7 (Application). Switches routing at layer 4/7 are referred to as load balancers and content switches.

switch

Used in UNIX and Linux, log files that allow for centralized collection of events from multiple sources.

syslog

a plastic and metal box that houses components such as motherboard, CPU, memory, adapter cards, disk drivers, and power supply unit.

system case

The computer's timing mechanism that synchronizes the operation of all parts of the computer and provides the basic timing signal for the CPU

system clock

low-level code to allow the computer components to be initialized and load the main operating system software

system firmware

the main storage area for programs and data when the computer is running

system memory

settings that enable a device to communicate with the CPU and memory without the device conflicting with other devices

system resources

TCP/IP application protocol supporting remote command-line administration of a host (terminal emulation). Telnet is unauthenticated and has therefore been superseded by SSH or graphical remote configuration utilities. Telnet runs over TCP port 23.

telnet

Using the cellular data plan of a mobile device to provide Internet access to a laptop or PC. The PC can be tethered to the mobile by USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi (a mobile hotspot).

tethering

A type of printer that uses a thermal (high heat) print head to fuse or transfer wax-based ink onto paper or selectively heats specially treated paper to form the image. Most thermal printers are handheld devices used for printing labels or receipts.

thermal printer

A business computer that performs most or all computing functions on its own. Also referred to as a standard client or a fat client.

thick client

A business computer that relies heavily on another system, typically a server, to run most of its programs, processes, and services.

thin client

A stream of instructions generated by a software application. Most applications run a single process in a single thread.

thread

Technology that allows the CPU to slow down if thermal output reaches a critical level or to improve power performance. Intel's throttling technology is called SpeedStep; AMD's is called PowerNow!.

throttling

This can be used as a display interface and as a general peripheral interface. The latest version uses USB-C connectors

thunderbolt

The tone generator is an electronic device that sends an electrical signal through one set of UTP cables. The tone probe (or tone locator) is an electronic device that emits an audible tone when it detects a signal sent by the tone generator in a set of wires.

tone generator and probe

Specially formulated compound to impart dye to paper through an electrographic process (used by laser printers and photocopiers). The key properties of toner are the colorant (dye), ability to fuse (wax or plastic), and ability to hold a charge. There are three main types of toner, distinguished by the mechanism of applying the toner to the developer roller: dual component (where the toner is mixed with a separate magnetic developer), mono-component (where the toner itself is magnetic), and non-magnetic mono-component (where the toner is transferred using static properties).

toner

input device used on most laptops to replace the mouse.

touchpad

A display screen combined with a digitizer that is responsive to touch input.

touchscreen

Roller, corona wire, or belt assembly that applies a charge to the media (paper) so that it attracts toner from the photoconductor. A detac strip then removes the charge to prevent paper curl. On a color laser printer, the transfer unit is usually a belt.

transfer unit

A packet addressed to a single host. If the host is not on the local subnet, the packet must be sent via one or more routers.

unicast addressing

Performs microsegmentation without requiring any sort of configuration

unmanaged_switch

this USB standard supports 5gbps

usb 3.0

this USB standard supports 10 gbps deliver 4.5 Watts of power

usb 3.1

The digital equivalent of a business card.

vCard

Provides the interface between the graphics components of the computer and the display device. A number of connectors may be provided for the display, including VGA, DVI, and HDMI. Most adapters come with their own processor (Graphics Processing Unit [GPU]) and onboard memory.

video card

A large format display in which the image is projected onto a screen or wall using a lens system.

video projector

Software allowing a single computer (the host) to run multiple "guest" operating systems (or Virtual Machines [VMs]). The VMs are configured via a hypervisor or VM Monitor (VMM). VMs can be connected using virtual networks (vSwitch) or leverage the host's network interface(s). It is also possible for the VMs to share data with the host (via shared folders or the clipboard, for instance). VT is now used as major infrastructure in data centers as well as for testing and training.

virtualization

A webcam can be used to stream and record video. There are many types, from devices built into laptops to standalone units. While early devices were only capable of low resolutions, most webcams are now HD-capable.

webcam