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BIOS (Basic Input Output System)
firmware used to initialize hardware during booting
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)
a modern firmware interface replacing BIOS
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
the main processor executing instructions in a computer
RAM (Random Access Memory)
volatile memory used for temporary data storage
SSD (Solid State Drive)
a storage device with no moving parts and faster access speeds
HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
a storage device with spinning platters and magnetic heads
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
a specialized processor for rendering graphics
PSU (Power Supply Unit)
converts electricity to usable power for computer components
Motherboard
The main circuit board connecting all components in a computer
Chipset
A collection of integrated circuits managing data flow between CPU, memory, and peripherals
SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment)
an interface for connecting storage devices
NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express)
a protocol for fast SSD communication via PCIe
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
a standard interface for connecting peripherals
Ethernet
A networking technology for wired LAN connections
IP Address
A unique identifier assigned to a device in a network
Subnet Mask
A number defining the range of IP addresses in a network
Gateway
A device that connects different networks, typically a router
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
assigns IP addresses dynamically
Encryption
A process of converting data into a secure format to prevent unauthorized access
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)
encrypted communication over the web
SSL/TLS
Protocols that secure communication between web browsers and servers
Virtualization
Creating virtual versions of physical hardware for efficiency
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)
a data storage virtualization technology
Trojan Horse
Malware disguised as legitimate software to gain access to systems
DoS Attack (Denial of Service attack)
overwhelming a system to make it unavailable
Ipv4 (Internet Protocol version 4)
the most widely used IP addressing system
IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6)
a newer protocol with a larger address space
Switch
A device that connects multiple devices in a network and forwards data
Bandwidth
The maximum data transfer rate of a network connection
Firmware is a
special program code stored in flash memory
Most computers now use : BIOS OR UEFI ?
UEFI
Boot passwords
are security measures used to prevent unauthorized access during the boot process of a computer.
BIOS Password
is a security feature that restricts access to the BIOS setup program and helps secure the system during the boot process.
What are the 4 basic operations the CPU performs on instructions?
Fetch: The control unit fetches the next instruction from system memory.
Decode: The control unit decodes the instruction and prepares it for execution.
Execute: The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) or Floating-Point Unit (FPU) executes the instruction.
Write-back: The result of the executed instruction is written back to a register, cache, or system memory.
What is a register in the context of a CPU?
A register is a temporary storage area within the CPU that operates at the same clock speed as the CPU.
What is a cache and what is its purpose?
A cache is a small, fast block of memory that stores frequently used instructions and data to reduce the time needed to access information from the slower system memory, thereby enhancing performance
What is Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT)?
A technique, known as Hyper-Threading by Intel, that allows a single physical CPU core to act like two virtual cores, processing multiple instruction streams (threads) concurrently to reduce CPU idle time.
What is Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP)
An approach that uses two or more physical CPUs in a single system, allowing an SMP-aware operating system to distribute tasks across all available CPUs.
What is a multicore CPU?
A single chip with multiple processing units (cores), each with its own execution unit and cache, which enables better performance without the complexity of multisocket configurations.
What is virtualization?
A technology that allows a single physical machine to run multiple operating systems (virtual machines or VMs) simultaneously.
What are some hardware-assisted virtualization technologies?
Technologies such as Intel VT and AMD-V, which improve virtualization performance.
What are second-generation virtualization features?
Features like Second Level Address Translation (SLAT), also known as Extended Page Table (EPT) by Intel and Rapid Virtualization Indexing (RVI) by AMD, which are critical for efficient virtual memory management.
What is CPU packaging?
CPU packaging refers to the form factor and connection method between the CPU and motherboard.
What is a Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) mechanism?
A ZIF mechanism allows CPUs to be installed without applying pressure, which reduces the risk of damaging the pins.
What is a key difference between Intel and AMD CPUs regarding motherboards?
Intel and AMD use different pin grid arrays and socket types, meaning their CPUs are not interchangeable with each other's motherboards.
What is a Land Grid Array (LGA) socket?
An LGA socket is a type of CPU socket predominantly used by Intel where the pins are located on the motherboard socket, and the CPU has contact pads.
What is the difference between an LGA 1200 and an LGA 1700 socket?
The LGA 1200 is used for 10th and 11th generation Core processors, while the LGA 1700 is designed for 12th generation Alder Lake CPUs.
What is Turbo Boost technology?
Turbo Boost is a technology in Intel CPUs that dynamically increases the processor's clock speed to enhance performance during demanding tasks.
What is AMD's traditional socket type?
Pin-Grid Array (PGA), where the pins are on the CPU itself
BIOS (Basic Input Output System)
firmware used to initialize hardware during booting
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)
a modern firmware interface replacing BIOS
POST (Power-On Self-Test)
a diagnostic testing sequence run by firmware
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
a specialized processor for rendering graphics
PSU (Power Supply Unit)
converts electricity to usable power for computer components
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
a standard interface for connecting peripherals
Virtualization
Creating virtual versions of physical hardware for efficiency
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)
a data storage virtualization technology
DoS Attack (Denial of Service attack)
overwhelming a system to make it unavailable
IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6)
a newer protocol with a larger address space
Bandwidth
The maximum data transfer rate of a network connection
Firmware is a
special program code stored in flash memory
Most computers now use : BIOS OR UEFI ?
UEFI
What kind of CPU operation does UEFI support?
64-bit CPU operation
What kind of peripheral support does UEFI provide?
GPU with mouse support
What networking advantage does UEFI offer?
A networking boost
What security feature does UEFI provide during boot-up?
Better boot security
Can UEFI boot in legacy and BIOS mode?
Yes, UEFI can boot in legacy and BIOS mode.
Which AMD socket is designed for Threadripper CPUs?
TR4
Which AMD socket is used for EPYC server processors?
SP3
What are two key factors that determine compatibility between a CPU and a motherboard?
The physical socket and the chipset.
What role do motherboard chipsets play in compatibility?
They determine which features are available, such as overclocking, PCIe lanes, or memory support.
What is the difference between an ATX board and a microATX or Mini-ITX board?
ATX boards are larger and typically offer more RAM and PCIe slots, while microATX and Mini-ITX boards are smaller and better suited for compact builds
What is the first step when installing a CPU and motherboard?
Socket Alignment: Ensure the CPU matches the motherboard socket type and align it using the notches or triangle markers.
What is the final step in the installation process described in the text?
Install the Motherboard: Place the motherboard into the case, align it with the standoffs, and secure it with screws.
Why is upgrading a CPU on the same motherboard often limited?
Why is upgrading a CPU on the same motherboard often limited?
What are the two main vendors in the CPU market mentioned in the text?
Intel and AMD.
: What is the difference between single-core and multi-core processing?
Single-core CPUs process one task at a time, while multi-core CPUs can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, improving performance for modern applications and multitasking.
What is Hyper-Threading/Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT)?
These technologies allow each physical core to handle two threads, effectively doubling the number of tasks a CPU can manage at once. This is beneficial for applications like video editing and 3D rendering.
What are the recommended core configurations for gaming, virtualization, and workstations?
Gaming: Fewer, faster cores (e.g., Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5).
Virtualization: Higher core counts and multithreading support (e.g., AMD Ryzen 9, Threadripper, or Intel Core i9).
Workstations: High core counts and multithreading (e.g., AMD Threadripper or Intel Xeon).
What are the key differences between Intel and AMD processors for desktops?
Intel: Offers Core i3/5/7/9 processors (with i3 being entry-level) and also Pentium and Celeron for low-cost options.
AMD: Offers Ryzen 3/5/7/9 (from budget to high-performance) and the high-end Threadripper series for workstations.
What are the recent changes in CPU socket types for Intel and AMD?
Intel: Transitioned to the LGA 1700 socket for its 12th and 13th-gen processors, supporting DDR5 and PCIe 5.0.
AMD: Shifted to the AM5 socket for the Ryzen 7000 series, also supporting DDR5 and PCIe 5.0, transitioning away from the older PGA form factor to LGA.
CPU Sockets
A distinctive square shape on the motherboard that holds the CPU. The motherboard's chipset supports the CPU by managing data transfer between the CPU and various devices. The chipset determines the compatible processors, the type and maximum amount of RAM, and support for integrated interfaces.
Motherboard connectors
CPU Socket, Memory Slots, M.2 Drive Connector, SATA Disk Drive Connectors, Adapter Card Slots, and I/O Ports (USB, video, audio, etc.)
How have RAM technologies evolved?
RAM technologies have evolved through generations like DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5.
DDR5 improved upon previous generations by shifting from a single 64-bit channel per DIMM to dual 32-bit subchannels, offering higher base speeds, and including On-DIMM Power Management Integrated Circuits (PMIC).
What is the x86 architecture?
It is a 32-bit instruction set that was the standard for CPUs through the 1990s. It was limited to accessing less than 4 GB of RAM.
What is the x64 architecture?
It is the 64-bit extension of the x86 architecture. It allows CPUs to handle 64-bit instructions and memory addressing, enabling access to more than 4 GB of RAM.
What is the key difference between 64-bit and 32-bit CPUs regarding software compatibility?
64-bit CPUs can run both 32-bit and 64-bit software, but 32-bit CPUs cannot run 64-bit software.
How has the software industry transitioned from 32-bit to 64-bit?
Modern operating systems and applications are predominantly 64-bit, with 32-bit versions becoming obsolete. An example is Apple's transition, which began with the iPhone 5s and fully dropped support for 32-bit applications in macOS Catalina.
What are the benefits of the x64 architecture?
It offers better performance, increased memory capacity, support for advanced computing tasks, and enhanced security features like Data Execution Prevention (DEP) and hardware-based virtualization.
What are the two primary CPU architectures?
RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) and CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing).
What are the characteristics of RISC architecture?
Uses a small, optimized set of instructions for faster execution and efficiency. It is ideal for high-performance, power-efficient applications like mobile devices and embedded systems.
What are the characteristics of CISC architecture?
Employs a larger instruction set for more complex operations, making it suitable for general-purpose tasks, desktops, and servers.
What is the x86 architecture and who are its primary producers?
The x86 architecture is a CISC design that supports both 32-bit (IA-32) and 64-bit instruction sets. It is primarily produced by Intel and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD).
What are the key internal CPU components mentioned in the text?
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and the Control Unit.
What is the function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)?
It performs arithmetic and logical operations.
What is the function of the Control Unit?
It manages the fetch, decode, and execute cycles.
: What is the primary function of a capture card?
capture video and audio signals
What are the three types of capture cards?
Game Capture Cards, HDMI Capture Cards, and TV Tuner Cards.
What is a Game Capture Card?
Designed to record or stream gameplay footage. It can capture video from PCs or game consoles via HDMI.
What is an HDMI Capture Card?
Records video from various HDMI sources, such as game consoles, camcorders, and security cameras. It is used for live streaming, video production, and content creation.