Computer Systems Servicing NC II Reviewer

Essential terminology, networking standards, server components, and diagnostic tools covered in the Computer Systems Servicing NC II curriculum.

AD DS (Active Directory Domain Services)

A Windows Server service that manages users, computers, groups, and network resources in a domain.

AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator)

A device that maintains a stable voltage supplied to electrical equipment to protect computers from unstable voltage.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

Firmware that initializes and checks hardware before the operating system starts.

CMD (Command Prompt)

A Windows command-line tool used to execute administrative and network commands such as ipconfig.

CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor)

Memory technology commonly associated with storing system configuration and BIOS settings.

COC (Certificate of Competency)

A TESDA certification showing that a person has demonstrated competence in a specific competency unit.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The main processor responsible for executing instructions and processing data in a computer system.

CSS (Computer Systems Servicing)

A technical field involving installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of computer systems and networks.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)

A network protocol that automatically provides devices with IP addresses and other network configuration settings.

DNS (Domain Name System)

A system that translates human-readable domain names into numerical IP addresses.

HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

A storage device that stores digital data using magnetic disks.

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)

A digital connection interface that carries high-quality video and audio signals between devices.

ICCS (Installing and Configuring Computer System)

Core Competency 1 (COC 1) of the TESDA Computer Systems Servicing NC II curriculum covering assembly, OS setup, and driver installation.

IP (Internet Protocol)

A communications protocol used to identify devices and deliver data packets across a network.

LAN (Local Area Network)

A computer network that interconnects devices within a limited geographical area, such as a school or computer laboratory.

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

A computer network that spans a larger physical area than a LAN, such as an entire city or municipality.

MRCN (Maintaining and Repairing Computer Systems and Networks)

Core Competency 4 (COC 4) of CSS NC II covering preventative maintenance, backups, and diagnostic troubleshooting.

OHS (Occupational Health and Safety)

Mandatory safety policies and practices conducted before servicing to prevent workplace accidents, injuries, and electrical hazards.

OS (Operating System)

System software that manages computer hardware resources and allows application programs to run.

PC (Personal Computer)

An electronic computer designed primarily for individual use by a single operator.

PSU (Power Supply Unit)

A hardware component that converts incoming electrical power into regulated low-voltage power for internal PC components.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Temporary volatile memory that holds data and programs currently being processed by the CPU.

ROM (Read-Only Memory)

Non-volatile memory that permanently retains system firmware and instructions even when the power is turned off.

SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment)

A bus interface used to connect mass storage devices such as hard disk drives and SSDs to the motherboard.

SSD (Solid-State Drive)

A data storage device that utilizes flash memory rather than spinning magnetic platters, having no moving mechanical parts.

SSID (Service Set Identifier)

The technical name assigned to identify a wireless network to client devices.

SUCN (Set Up Computer Network)

Core Competency 2 (COC 2) of CSS NC II, encompassing network cabling, router/AP configuration, and network sharing setup.

SUCS (Set Up Computer Server)

Core Competency 3 (COC 3) of CSS NC II, involving server role configuration, Active Directory domain setup, and folder redirection.

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

An electrical apparatus that provides emergency backup battery power to connected devices when the main power source fails.

USB (Universal Serial Bus)

An industry-standard connection interface used for data communication, peripheral connections, and bootable installer media.

VGA (Video Graphics Array)

An analog video display standard and cable connection used to connect computers to visual display units.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

A telecommunications or computer network that connects geographically dispersed computer networks across broad distances.

T-568A Standard

An RJ-45 pinout wiring standard ordered from Pin 1 to 8: White-Green, Green, White-Orange, Blue, White-Blue, Orange, White-Brown, Brown.

T-568B Standard

An RJ-45 pinout wiring standard ordered from Pin 1 to 8: White-Orange, Orange, White-Green, Blue, White-Blue, Green, White-Brown, Brown.

Network Cable Tester

A handheld testing device into which RJ-45 connectors are plugged end-to-end to verify pin-by-pin continuity through sequential lights 1 to 8.

Crimping Tool

A mechanical tool utilized to permanently compress and secure an RJ-45 modular plug onto the ends of an unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable.

Default Gateway

The IP address of the routing device on the local network (often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) that serves as the access point to other networks.

Folder Redirection

A Windows Server policy feature that redirects targeted user profile folders (such as Desktop, Documents, Music, and Videos) to a central network share on the server.

Group Policy Management

An administrative console used by system administrators to define and deploy centralized configurations and Group Policy Objects (GPOs) across an Active Directory infrastructure.

Organizational Unit (OU)

A container folder within an Active Directory domain used to organize users, groups, and computers for simplified administration and GPO assignment.

Function Discovery Provider Host (FDPHOST)

A Windows networking service that hosts network discovery providers to supply discovery services for SSDP and WS-Discovery protocols.

Function Discovery Resource Publication

A Windows background service that publishes a computer and its shared resources so they can be discovered by other computers across a network.

SSDP Discovery

A network service that scans for and discovers Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) devices and services on a local area network.

UPnP Device Host

A Windows service that permits a computer to host and broadcast Universal Plug and Play device functions to network clients.

gpupdate /force

A command-line syntax used to immediately reapply and enforce updated Group Policy settings without waiting for standard refresh intervals.

File History

A built-in Windows backup utility configured to routinely and automatically back up user personal files to a network storage location.