Computers: Tools, Equipment, Testing Devices, and Motherboards

This set covers vocabulary and characteristics of computer servicing tools, equipment, testing devices, safety gear, and motherboard types based on the technical lecture notes.

Tools (Characteristics)

Handheld items that are usually small, portable, and operated manually by hand to perform specific tasks like assembling, disassembling, cutting, or tightening.

Screwdriver

A hand tool used for tightening (driving) or loosening (removing) screws, consisting of a handle for grip and a shaft ending in a tip (blade).

Flat-head screwdriver

A type of screwdriver designed for screws with a single straight slot.

Phillips screwdriver

A type of screwdriver designed for screws with a cross-shaped head.

Torx screwdriver

A type of screwdriver designed for star-shaped screws.

Hex/Allen screwdriver

A type of screwdriver designed for hexagonal screws.

Pliers

Hand tools used for gripping, holding, bending, cutting, or twisting objects, particularly wires and small materials.

Combination pliers

A type of pliers used for both gripping and cutting.

Long-nose (needle-nose) pliers

A type of pliers designed for reaching tight spaces.

Cutting pliers

A type of pliers specifically designed for cutting wires.

Wire stripper

A hand tool used for removing the insulation (protective coating) from electrical wires without damaging the metal conductor inside.

Tweezers

Small hand tools consisting of two narrow arms joined at one end, used for gripping or picking up tiny objects difficult to handle with fingers.

Equipment (Characteristics)

Larger or more complex devices, often requiring power, used to assist or perform major tasks such as installation or repair.

Soldering iron

A hand tool with a heated metal tip used to heat and melt solder (a metal alloy) to join electronic components or wires together.

Crimping tool

A hand tool used to join connectors to the ends of cables or wires by compressing (crimping) them together.

Work bench

A sturdy table or workstation designed to provide a stable and organized surface for technical tasks like assembling or maintaining equipment.

Air Duster

Also called a compressed air duster, it releases pressurized air to clean dust and debris from electronic devices without direct contact.

Testing Devices (Characteristics)

Tools or instruments used to check, measure, or diagnose the condition of a system by providing readings or results.

Multimeter (Analog/Digital)

A measuring instrument used to test electrical values such as voltage, current, and resistance; essential for diagnosing electronic components.

LAN tester

A tool used to verify the condition and connectivity of network cables, such as RJ45 Ethernet cables, to ensure proper wiring and function.

Safety Tools (Purpose)

Tools designed to prevent injury, avoid electrical shock or static discharge, and protect sensitive computer parts from damage.

Protective Eyewear

Safety equipment, including safety glasses, goggles, and face shields, worn to protect eyes from dust, debris, chemicals, and harmful light.

Antistatic wrist strap (ESD wrist strap)

A safety device worn on the wrist to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) by safely grounding static electricity from the body to the ground.

Antistatic mat (ESD mat)

A protective surface used to safely dissipate static electricity, commonly placed on a workbench to protect sensitive electronic components.

Safety gloves

Protective hand coverings designed to shield hands from hazards such as cuts, electrical risks, heat, and chemicals.

Motherboard

The main circuit board of a computer that connects all components like the CPU, memory, storage, and peripherals, allowing them to communicate.

ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended)

The most common full-size motherboard with a size of about $12 \times 9.6$ inches, featuring many expansion and RAM slots.

Micro-ATX (mATX)

A smaller version of the ATX motherboard, measuring about $9.6 \times 9.6$ inches, with fewer expansion slots.

Mini-ITX

A very small motherboard form factor, measuring about $6.7 \times 6.7$ inches, typically featuring only 1 PCIe slot and 2 RAM slots.

E-ATX (Extended ATX)

A motherboard larger than a standard ATX, offering more space for extra GPUs, RAM, and advanced cooling features.

Server Motherboards

Motherboards designed for 24/7 operation and high reliability, supporting multiple CPUs and large RAM capacities for data centers.

Laptop Motherboards

Custom-sized boards built specifically for laptops, often featuring compact designs and integrated, soldered components like the CPU.

Workstation Motherboards

Boards designed for professional work like 3D modeling and video editing, featuring very high RAM support and stable performance.

Entry-Level Chipset

A category of motherboards with basic features and lower costs, exemplified by the Intel H-series and AMD A-series.

Latest AMD Platform (2024)

Uses the 800-series chipsets (X870E, X870, B850) paired with the AM5 socket.

Latest Intel Platform (2024)

Uses the 800-series chipsets (Z890 and B860) paired with the LGA1851 socket.