Computer Hardware and Technical Support Review Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering computer definitions, generations, types, internal architecture, and technician tools based on the lecture notes.

Computer

Electronic devices that can follow instructions to accept input, process that input, and produce information.

Analog Transmission

The transmission of data in continuous wave form.

Digital Transmission

The transmission of data using distinct on and off electrical states.

UNIVAC

The first commercial computer delivered to a business client, the U.S. Census Bureau, in $1951$.

Vacuum Tubes

The primary technology used for circuitry in 1st Generation computers ($1940$-$1956$).

Transistor

Technology used in 2nd Generation computers ($1956$-$1963$) that is superior to vacuum tubes and allows computers to be smaller, faster, and more energy efficient.

Integrated Circuits

Miniaturized transistors placed on silicon chips (semiconductors) used in 3rd Generation computers ($1964$-$1971$).

Microprocessors

The technology of 4th Generation computers ($1971$-Present) that assembles all components of a computer on a single silicon chip, such as the Intel 1404 Chip.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The goal of 5th Generation computing, focusing on devices that respond to natural language input and are capable of self-learning.

Supercomputer

The most powerful type of computer, focusing on few tasks and utilizing parallel processing with many CPUs at the same time.

Mainframe Computer

High-capacity computers used by large organizations for bulk data processing and concurrent operations.

Server Computer

A microcomputer or minicomputer that stores programs and data to be used remotely by other computers on the same network.

Workstation

A high-end, expensive computer intended for one user at a time to perform complex science, math, and engineering calculations.

PC Technician

A professional responsible for identifying, troubleshooting, and resolving hardware, software, and network/Internet issues.

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

The passage of a static electrical charge into a PC or a component (like a RAM stick) that can destroy sensitive parts.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The component that executes most computer processes and manages memory; also known as a microprocessor.

Chipset

A component that relieves the CPU of some processing and provides timing of activities to increase overall speed.

System Memory (RAM)

Temporary storage used by the CPU to process data and instructions; its contents are lost when electricity is turned off.

Cache Memory

Embedded within the CPU or used as primary storage to store frequently used data; comes in three levels (Level $1$, Level $2$, and Level $3$).

System Bus

The communication line that makes a connection between the CPU and the main memory.

I/O Bus (Expansion Bus)

Responsible for connecting peripheral devices to the CPU; examples include ISA, PCI, AGP, and PCI-e.

Flash BIOS

A non-volatile storage medium based on EEPROM technology that can be erased and reprogrammed.

CMOS Chip

A battery-powered chip (Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) used to store configuration information.

Voltage ($V$)

The potential difference in an electrical circuit.

Current (AMP)

Refers to how much electricity is flowing through a circuit.

Resistance (ohm)

Refers to how much a material opposes the flow of electricity.

Power Supply

Converts Alternate Current (AC) from the wall outlet to Direct Current (DC) used by computer components.

Onboard

Hardware components embedded directly into the circuit board, also known as integrated.

Card

A peripheral device added to the computer to enhance its capabilities, such as a graphic card.

FireWire Connectors

Also known as IEEE 1394, these move data at incredibly high speeds and are usually used by video applications.

RJ-11

A connector used for telephone lines.

RJ-45

A connector used for network interface cards (NIC).

Modem

Short for Modulate Demodulate device; used to send digital data over a phone line to access the Internet.

Serial Port

Accepts and transmits serial data using Male DB-9 or DB-25 connectors; largely replaced by USB.

Parallel Port

Used to output data onto paper using female DB-25 connectors.

Hard Drive Interfaces

Types include Parallel AT attachment (PATA), Serial AT attachment (SATA), and Small computer system interface (SCSI).

Optical Media Storage

Standard capacities include $700\,MB$ for CD, $4\,GB$ for DVD, and $25\,GB$ to $50.1\,GB$ for Blu-ray.