A+ Study Guide: Core 1

Who are the two major CPU manufacturers used in modern PCs?

Intel and AMD

What is a key difference between 32-bit and 64-bit processors?

64-bit processors can process more data and use more memory than 32-bit processors.

Why might someone choose an AMD processor over Intel?

AMD processors generally cost less.

What must be compatible when selecting a CPU?

The motherboard and the CPU must be compatible.

What does a 32-bit processor limit compared to a 64-bit one?

It limits the amount of memory the system can use.

What does "multi-core" mean in a CPU?

A CPU with multiple processing cores that can handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Why is Intel more common than AMD in some systems?

Intel has a larger market share.

What varies between different CPU models and manufacturers?

Processor performance and features.

What is one of the biggest advantages of 64-bit processors over 32-bit ones?

The ability to use significantly more memory.

What should you do when selecting a CPU for a system?

Match it with a compatible motherboard or choose a motherboard that supports your chosen CPU.

What is the best way to ensure you get the correct RAM for a system?

Consult the motherboard documentation or use an online system scanner.

What does "memory packaging" refer to?

The physical size and form factor of the memory module, which must match the motherboard.

What happens if you purchase the wrong type of RAM?

It might not fit, or if it does, it may have incompatible voltage requirements.

What memory standards are controlled by packaging?

DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, etc.

What does RAM capacity affect?

How much data the memory can store and process at once.

Besides documentation, where can you check for compatible RAM?

Online tools that scan or list compatible memory types for your system.

What are two key limitations for total RAM capacity in a system?

Number of memory slots and the system’s maximum supported capacity.

What is a typical maximum RAM range in most systems?

Between 3 GB and 16 GB.

What does "maximum module capacity" refer to?

The largest single RAM stick (e.g., 2 GB or 4 GB) the motherboard supports.

What is a potential issue even if incompatible RAM fits in the slot?

It might have different voltage requirements not supported by the motherboard.

What are three alternate names for a motherboard?

System board, logic board, or mainboard

What is a motherboard?

A circuit board that houses or connects to all components operating in a computer.

What are key motherboard specs to consider when buying one?

CPU socket type, memory compatibility, slot count, max memory, onboard devices

What is the function of the CPU socket on a motherboard?

It houses the CPU and matches its pin arrangement and shape.

Why are there different CPU socket types?

To fit different CPU generations with unique configurations.

What onboard devices are commonly found on motherboards?

Video, audio, and network adapters

How can you find the socket type on a motherboard?

By checking the computer's model number and referencing the manufacturer’s specs

What are some characteristics that vary between CPU sockets?

Shape, pin arrangements, and mounting configurations

Why must the socket be compatible with a new CPU?

Because mounting holes and pin arrays must align

What is a multisocket motherboard?

A board that supports dual or quad CPU socket configurations

What input method do tablets use instead of traditional input devices?

A capacitive touchscreen interface

What is a benefit of capacitive touchscreens?

They support multi-touch and gesture input

What operating systems are commonly found on tablets?

iOS, Android, and iPadOS

What accessory is often used with tablets for precise control?

A stylus or pen

What two types of network connections can smartphones use to access the internet?

Wi-Fi and cellular (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE)

Why are mobile devices considered a unique security threat?

They contain sensitive personal data and are easily lost or stolen.

What is the purpose of a screen lock?

To require authentication before accessing the device

What is a swipe lock?

A screen lock with no actual authentication — anyone can unlock it with a swipe

What does biometric authentication use to unlock a device?

Unique physical traits like fingerprints or facial recognition

What is multifactor authentication (MFA)?

Authentication that requires two or more verification methods

How can failed login attempts protect a device?

Devices can lock or wipe data after too many failed attempts

What is an app scanner used for on a mobile device?

To identify problems with installed apps by comparing them to a definitions list

Why is it important to keep the definitions list updated in an app scanner?

So it can detect the most recent known issues

What does a Wi-Fi analyzer help troubleshoot?

Wi-Fi connectivity issues

How can you schedule regular app checks with an app scanner?

By configuring it to automatically scan on a specified schedule

What is the primary output device of a mobile device?

The display

How do LCDs produce images?

By allowing or blocking backlit light through rotating liquid crystals

What role do polarizing filters play in LCD displays?

They control how light passes through the display by working with liquid crystals

What are the three LCD panel technologies?

Twisted Nematic (TN), Vertical Alignment (VA), and In-Plane Switching (IPS)

What is an OLED display?

A display where each pixel emits its own light, offering better contrast and thinner screens

Why are LCDs suitable for mobile devices?

Because they are energy-efficient and work well with batteries

What is a downside of in-plane switching (IPS) panels?

Color distortion during transitions

What advantage does OLED offer in device design?

Flexibility — used in foldable smartphones

What is the function of a Wi-Fi antenna connector in a mobile device?

It connects internal antennas to the wireless communication circuitry

What is a network?

A group of interconnected computers and devices that share information

What are common devices found on a network?

Computers, tablets, phones, gaming consoles, IoT devices, and servers

What are network devices also known as?

Network nodes or hosts

What is a transmission medium in networking?

The material or signal used to connect devices (e.g., twisted pair, fiber optics, wireless)

What does a network interface (NIC) do?

Converts digital data into signals that travel over the transmission medium

What is a key benefit of a network in terms of security and user access?

It allows centralized management of user accounts and security

What is a peer-to-peer (P2P) network?

A network where each host can both access and share resources independently

What are the advantages of a peer-to-peer network?

Easy to implement and inexpensive

What are disadvantages of a peer-to-peer network?

Hard to expand, no centralized control, and difficult to support

What is a client-server network?

A network where dedicated servers provide resources and services to client devices

What is a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)?

A network that spans a city or large urban area, usually owned by a city or utility

What is a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

A group of LANs connected across long distances to form an internetwork

What is a Wireless Mesh Network (WMN)?

A group of wireless nodes that relay data between one another over a wide area

What is a key feature of WMNs?

They allow seamless streaming and coverage across a large space

What is a Storage Area Network (SAN)?

A dedicated network for connecting and accessing data storage devices

What is the internet?

A global public network accessible by anyone, using TCP/IP protocols

How do users and organizations connect to the internet?

Through an Internet Service Provider (ISP)

What is an intranet?

A private network that uses internet technologies but is only accessible to authorized users inside an organization

What is an example of an intranet use case?

A company website only employees can access

What is an extranet?

A private network that allows external, trusted users limited access via internet technologies

What is an example of extranet usage?

A partner company accessing internal resources via secure login

What is a protocol?

A set of rules that define how devices communicate on a network

What is a port in networking?

A logical door that tells the device how and where to route traffic

How many possible network ports are there?

65,536

What does FTP stand for and what are its ports?

File Transfer Protocol — Ports 20 and 21

What is SSH used for and what port does it use?

Secure remote access — Port 22

What is the port number for Telnet?

Port 23

What port does SMTP use for sending email?

Port 25

What is HTTP and what port does it use?

Hypertext Transfer Protocol — Port 80 (not secure)

What is POP3 and its port?

Post Office Protocol v3 — Port 110, used to retrieve email to local clients

What does NetBIOS over TCP/IP use?

Ports 137–139, used in early Windows networks for file and printer sharing

What is IMAP and its port?

Internet Message Access Protocol — Port 143, used to sync and manage email on servers

What is SNMP and which ports does it use?

Simple Network Management Protocol — Ports 161 (queries), 162 (traps)

What does LDAP stand for and what port does it use?

Lightweight Directory Access Protocol — Port 389

What is HTTPS and what port does it use?

Secure HTTP over SSL — Port 443

What is a Wireless Access Point (WAP)?

A device that provides access to a wireless network

What is a patch panel used for?

To organize and terminate network cables from wall ports to RJ-45 jacks

How are Ethernet cables connected in a patch panel?

They are punched down and terminated on the back

What connects the patch panel to a switch?

An Ethernet cable plugged into the RJ-45 port on the patch panel

What is the role of a router in a network?

It connects two networks and directs traffic between them

What is a VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network)?

A virtual network created by assigning switch ports to separate broadcast domains

What are the benefits of VLANs?

Improved efficiency and security by segmenting large networks

What is the main function of a firewall?

To monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic

How can a firewall filter traffic?

By port number, traffic type, or data content

What is Power over Ethernet (PoE)?

A method of delivering power to a device through the same Ethernet cable used for data

Why is PoE useful?

It powers devices in locations without easy access to electrical outlets (e.g., ceiling-mounted WAPs)