Chapter 1 (1).docx

Motherboard

The main printed circuit board that holds many of the essential components of a computer, including the CPU, RAM, and connectors for other peripherals.

Connector

A device that attaches two components or systems, enabling electronic signals or power to flow between them.

SATA

Serial Advanced Technology Attachment, standard means of connecting internal storage drives to a computer, using 7-pin connectors.

Peripheral Device

Any external device connected to a computer that adds functionality, such as keyboards, mice, and printers.

Expansion Slot

A slot on a motherboard that allows additional cards (like video or sound) to be added to the system.

I/O Ports

Input/Output ports allow peripheral devices to communicate with the computer.

USB (Universal Serial Bus)

A standard for connecting peripherals to a computer, allowing both data transfer and power supply.

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)

A digital video and audio interface used for connecting high-definition devices such as TVs and monitors.

Power On/Off Switch

A button that allows the user to turn the computer on or off.

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

The sudden flow of electricity between two electrically charged objects, which can damage sensitive components like CPUs.

Motherboard Form Factor

The physical size, shape, and layout of a motherboard, which dictates the case and power supply used.

PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express)

A high-speed interface standard for connecting expansion cards in a computer.

CPU Socket

The physical interface on a motherboard that holds the CPU, allowing it to connect to the motherboard.

RAM (Random-Access Memory)

Volatile memory used by the CPU to store data temporarily while a computer is powered on.

Molex Connector

A type of power connector used to supply power to hard drives and optical drives.

DIMM Slot

A socket on the motherboard for installing memory modules (RAM) used in desktop computers.

IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics)

An older interface standard for connecting hard drives and optical drives to a computer.

Thunderbolt

A hardware interface that allows the connection of external peripherals to a computer and supports high-speed data transfer.

Video Card

An expansion card responsible for rendering images to a display.

Sound Card

An expansion card that facilitates audio input and output for a computer system.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

A hardware component that enables a computer to connect to a network.