Computer Hardware, Firmware, Operating Systems, and Networking

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering computer hardware components, motherboard architectures, storage types, firmware, startup sequences, networking ports, operating system layers, and professional IT terminology.

Hardware

The physical parts of a computer that you can touch.

Software

The programs and instructions used by a computer.

Firmware

Low-level software/instructions stored in nonvolatile memory that help hardware start and operate, which can often be updated.

Peripherals

Connected external devices such as a keyboard, mouse, monitor, or external drive.

Motherboard

The main circuit board that connects all of the computer's components together.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The processor or 'brain' that executes instructions and processes information.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Fast, temporary working memory used for active tasks; it is volatile memory.

Chipset

Motherboard logic that helps components communicate and work together.

Northbridge

An older chipset component that handled high-speed communication between the CPU, RAM, and graphics.

Southbridge

An older chipset component that handled slower I/O connections such as USB and storage.

PCH (Platform Controller Hub)

A modern Intel chipset component handling many I/O connections; many older northbridge functions are now integrated directly into the CPU.

ATX / Micro-ATX

Motherboard form-factor standards describing board size, mounting points, and layout.

Expansion Slots

Physical connectors on the motherboard (such as PCI, PCIe, or AGP) for add-in cards like graphics or network cards.

PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express)

The modern high-speed expansion-bus standard used for graphics, network, and other add-in cards.

PSU (Power Supply Unit)

The hardware component that provides electrical power to the computer's components.

Graphics Card / GPU

A dedicated card that processes graphics and video to display pictures and videos; features its own processor and memory.

HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

Magnetic storage that uses spinning platters and moving parts; generally slower and more sensitive to physical shock.

SSD (Solid-State Drive)

Solid-state flash storage with no moving parts; significantly faster and more shock-resistant than an HDD.

ROM (Read-Only Memory)

Nonvolatile memory used for data that is not normally changed during everyday operation.

Byte

A digital unit equal to 8 bits; denoted by an uppercase B (whereas a lowercase b denotes bits).

PATA / IDE

An older parallel storage interface associated with wide ribbon cables.

SCSI (Small Computer System Interface)

A family of storage and peripheral standards; older parallel SCSI utilized wide multi-wire cables described as 'a ribbon cable on steroids.'

SATA (Serial ATA)

A common storage interface utilizing a much smaller cable than older PATA ribbon cables.

NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express)

A fast storage protocol commonly used by solid-state drives (SSDs) communicating over PCIe.

M.2

A small form factor and connector for drives that can use either SATA or PCIe/NVMe protocols.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

Traditional PC firmware that initializes hardware and starts the computer.

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)

The modern firmware standard that has largely replaced legacy BIOS.

POST (Power-On Self-Test)

Startup hardware checks run by firmware to initialize and test essential hardware before loading the operating system; errors can trigger beep codes or diagnostic lights.

CMOS

A memory technology historically backed by a battery on older PCs to retain firmware settings like date and time.

Boot

The multi-step process of powering on the computer and loading its operating system.

Server

A physical machine or virtual machine running software that provides resources or functions to other computers (clients).

Service

The specific function provided by a server, such as email, web hosting, file sharing, or a database.

Standalone / Tower Server

A server housed inside a case that stands upright on its own.

Rack-Mount Server

A slim form-factor server designed to fit horizontally into an equipment rack alongside other devices.

Blade Server

A compact, modular server unit that slides into a shared chassis, sharing resources like power, cooling, and networking.

Port 25

The default network port used by SMTP for server-to-server email transfer.

Port 80

The default network port used for unencrypted HTTP web traffic.

Port 443

The default network port used for HTTPS web traffic protected with TLS encryption.

Port 1433

The default TCP port for Microsoft SQL Server database installations.

Port 3306

The default network port for MySQL database connections.

Operating System (OS)

Core system software that manages hardware, memory, storage files, users, and applications.

Kernel

The central part of an operating system that manages CPU time, memory allocation, and hardware communication.

System Tools / Utilities

Programs used for administrative and management tasks such as managing files, users, storage disks, and system updates.

Applications / Apps

Programs used by end users to carry out tasks, such as Microsoft 365, Google Docs, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.

Bus

The communication pathway that carries data, memory addresses, or control signals between computer components.

Bus Slot

The physical connector on a motherboard where an expansion card plugs in; it is distinct from the bus itself.

Deprecation / Deprecated

A status indicating that a feature or method is outdated or discouraged and may be removed in a future version, even if it still works currently.

Volatile Memory

Memory that loses all stored data when power is removed (e.g., standard system RAM).

Nonvolatile Memory

Memory or storage that retains its contents even when power is turned off (e.g., SSDs or ROM).

Bastion Host ('Bouncer Server')

A hardened server acting as a strictly controlled entry point into a private network, operating like a bouncer checking who is allowed entry.

Use Case

A description of what a system or feature is designed to achieve for a user or organization.

SOP (Standard Operating Procedure)

Written, repeatable step-by-step instructions designed to ensure tasks are completed consistently.

Hardening

The practice of reducing a system's attack surface by removing unnecessary services, altering default configurations, and applying security settings.

Payload

The actual content transmitted across a network; in malware, the specific part of the code that executes the malicious action.