CompTIA ITF+ Part 5 & 6

Processors

Execute instructions and processes data by performing basic arithmetic, logical, control, and input/output operations

Clock Speed

Measured in Gigahertz (Ghz) to indicate how many instructions a processer can execute in a second

Bus Speed

Refers to how fast a processer can communciate with other components in the system

Hyper-Threading (HT)

Innovative technology implemented in select intel processers, enabling a single processor core to manage multiple threads of execution simultaneously

Virtualization Technology (VT)

Improves the performance of software virtualization solutions, allowing multiple operating systems to run simultaneously on the same machine, each with its own resources

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Specialized processer designed to accelerate rendering images and videos on a devices screen

Integrated GPU

Thery are built into the processer, sharing system memory and resources w/ the CPU

Discrete GPU

Seperate components that can be added to a computer system

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Provides temporary storage for data that the processer needs to access quickly only retains data while on

Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)

It stores each bit of data in a separate capacitor within an integrated circuit

Synchonous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM)

Type of DRAM that synchronizes with the clock speed of the computer, which enhances the overall speed of the system

Fixed Storage

Provides a permanent place to store data and applications, unlike volatile memory like RAM

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Utilizes magnetic storage technology to read and write data, non volatile keeping data even when the power is turned off.

Solid State Drive (SDD)

A type of storage device that uses flash memory to store data permanently.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

Provides a dedicated full time connection to a network translating the data produced by the computer into a format that can be transmitted over the network and vice versa

System Bus

Critical component of a computers architecture, serving as the primary communcation channel the various components of a computer system

Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)

Hardware bus used for attaching peripheral devices to a computer

Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)

Specifically designed to handle the demands of high performance 3D graphics in the mid 90’s.

Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIE)

Uses an serial interface w/ higher data transfer rates that provides a dedication connection between devices

System Cooling

The process of dissipating heat produced by electronic components to keep them within a operating safe temperature

Passive Cooling

Relies on conduction, convection, or radiation to dissipate heat

Active Cooling

Uses power and includes components that move, like fans or pumps to cool down the system

Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)

Initializes the hardware during the booting process and provides runtime services to operating systems and programs

Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)

Operates in either a 32-bit or 64-bit mode, allowing it to access all of the systems memory and enables faster boot times

Optical Disc Drive

A storage device that reads and writes data to optical discs such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs.

Flash Memory

A type of non-volatile storage that retains data even when the power is turned off, commonly used in USB drives and SSDs.

Network Attached Storage (NAS)

Dedicated server connected to a network, designed for storing data in a central location

Storage Area Network (SAN)

High speed network of storage devices that can also be accessed by multiple servers

Tape Storage

Used in enviornments that need to store large amounts of data for longer periods

Flash Arrays

Storage systems exclusively composed of flash memory drives instead of traditional spinnig hard drives

Graphics Devices

Essential Components that transform abstract 1s and 0s into the colorful images and videos that we see on our computer screens

Refresh Rate

Measured in Hertz (Hz) determines how many times your display updates w/ new information per second

Mini-Display Port

Offers high definition video output up to 4K resolution, audio output, and multi-stream transport for daisy-chaining multiple displays.

Firewire

Legacy Connection type that was based on the IEEE 1394 standard SCSI protocol

Universal Serial Bus (USB)

A standard for connecting devices to computers for data transfer and power supply, allowing multiple peripherals to be connected.

Thunderbolt

Technology used on apple desktops and laptops

Bluetooth

Short-range, radio frequency-based technology w/ several classes that allows for wireless communication between devices.

Radio Frequency ID (RFID)

Using specifically encoded tags, RFID allows objects to be identified and scanned

Registered Jack (RJ)

Commonly used for landline telephones and networks over ethernet

Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)

Provides high speed internet access within a particular range, typically around 150 ft but can vary

Near Field Communication (NFC)

Requires devices to be close to each other typically a few inches

Human Interface Devices (HID)

Enables users to enter data and execute commands

Keyboard

Input device that allows users to enter text and commands into a computer system.

Mouse

Pointing device allowing users to interact with a computer's graphical user interface by moving a cursor on the screen.

Scanners

Imaging devices designed to create digital files from physical objects, such as documents or photographs

Digital Camera

Store images on flash memory based cards and offer several methods to transfer these images to a computer

Graphics Tablet

Used primarily by artists and designers to precisely control images instead of using a mouses cursor movement

Track Balls

Input devices that allow users to manipulate a pointer on the screen by rotating a ball with their fingers or palm.

Output Device

Generic term to refer to any piece of computer hardware that communicates the result of data processing carried out by a computer.