CompTIA A+ 220-1202: Operations and Safety - Last set of Notes

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

The release of static electricity when two objects with different electrical potentials make contact.

ESD Damage Threshold

100 volts or less can damage sensitive computer components.

ESD and Humidity

High humidity above 60% naturally dissipates static charge.

Self-grounding

Touching a bare metal part of the computer chassis to equalize electrical potential.

Anti-static Strap Warning

Never connect an anti-static strap to a building's electrical ground due to electrocution risk.

Anti-static Bag Purpose

To safely store and transport computer components outside of a system.

Circuit Board Handling

Always handle expansion cards and motherboards by their edges.

Capacitor Danger

Capacitors can store dangerous electrical charges even after a device is unplugged.

Electrical Grounding

Safely redirects electricity from electrical faults away from people.

Data Center Fire Suppression

Specialized waterless systems such as FM-200 and carbon dioxide (CO₂).

SDS / MSDS

Safety Data Sheets containing hazard, safety, handling, and disposal information for products.

OSHA

The government agency that requires SDS/MSDS in the workplace.

Standby UPS

A backup power supply that switches to battery power during outages with a short delay.

Online UPS

A backup power supply that continuously runs devices from battery power.

Surge Suppressor Joule Rating

A measure of energy absorption; higher ratings indicate better spike suppression.

UL 1449 Let-through Voltage

The voltage allowed to pass through a surge protector; lower ratings are better.

Chain of Custody

A document tracking everyone who handled, accessed, or changed evidence.

Drive Imaging

Creating a bit-for-bit, exact duplicate copy of a storage drive.

Hardware Write Blocker

A physical device that prevents modification of digital evidence during imaging.

Order of Volatility

The sequence of collecting digital evidence based on how quickly data disappears.

Highly Volatile Data Examples

CPU registers, CPU cache, and system memory (RAM).

Concurrent License

A software license that limits the number of simultaneous active users.

FOSS

Free and Open Source Software, where the source code is publicly accessible.

EULA

End User License Agreement; a legal contract shown during software installation.

NDA

Non-Disclosure Agreement; a contract preventing the sharing of confidential information.

PCI DSS

The security standard governing the safe handling of credit card information.

PII

Personally Identifiable Information; any data that can uniquely identify an individual.

PHI

Protected Health Information; medical records and healthcare history protected by HIPAA.

AUP

Acceptable Use Policy; defines permitted technology and internet usage at work.

Technical Communication Best Practice

Translate technical concepts and acronyms into simple language for non-technical users.

Batch File (.bat)

A scripting file used to automate tasks in Windows command-line environments.

PowerShell (.ps1)

An advanced task automation and configuration management framework for Windows.

Shebang (#!/bin/sh)

The character sequence at the start of a Unix/Linux shell script.

Python (.py)

A general-purpose, cross-platform scripting language popular in cloud computing.

JavaScript (.js)

A scripting language used to add interactivity to web browsers.

Login Script

A script that runs automatically to map drives and configure user environments.

Scripting Risk

Errors in automation can scale problems across many systems very quickly.

RDP Default Port

TCP port 3389.

SSH Port and Security

TCP port 22; provides secure, encrypted terminal access.

Telnet Port and Risk

TCP port 23; insecure because it sends data in plaintext.

RMM

Remote Monitoring and Management; centralized tools used by MSPs to manage clients.

AI Hallucination

An occurrence where an AI confidently produces incorrect or false information.

Public vs. Private AI

Public AI uses internet-wide data; private AI uses secure, proprietary company data.