Hardware and Input/Output Device Practice Flashcards

Flashcards covering hardware management tools, USB standards, video/audio connectors, input devices, and monitor technology based on the MindTap lecture notes.

Device Manager

The primary Windows tool (devmgmt.msc) for managing hardware.

USB4

A version of USB that runs at $40\,Gbps$ and uses cables up to $1\,meter$ long with only USB-C connectors.

USB 3.0

A version of USB that runs at $5\,Gbps$ and uses cables up to $3\,meters$ long; also called SuperSpeed USB.

USB 2.0

A version of USB that runs at $480\,Mbps$ and uses cables up to $5\,meters$ long; also called Hi-Speed USB.

hot-swappable

The ability to plug in or unplug devices without first powering down the system.

mini USB

A smaller version of the regular USB connector; also smaller than microUSB.

micro USB

A smaller version of the regular USB connector.

USB-C

A USB connector that is flat with rounded sides used by smartphones and tablets; required for USB4 and USB 3.2 devices to attain maximum speeds.

DVI-D

A DVI video port that works only with digital monitors.

DVI-I

A DVI video port that supports both analog and digital monitors.

Mini DisplayPort

A smaller version of DisplayPort that is used on laptops or other mobile devices.

HDMI connector

A connector that transmits both digital video and audio and is used on most computers and televisions.

Thunderbolt

A multipurpose connector used for high-end displays, external storage, and power; the latest two versions use the USB-C connector for non-Apple compatibility.

Lightning

An Apple-specific connector and port standard used on Apple iPhones, iPods, and iPads for power and communication.

RS-232

A $9$-pin serial connector used with rack server consoles and older peripherals like dial-up modems.

graphics tablet

An input device used with a stylus to hand draw, also known as a digitizer or drawing pad.

stylus

A device included with a graphics tablet that works like a pencil on the tablet surface.

sound card

An expansion card equipped with sound ports.

capture card

A peripheral device or expansion card used to record and stream content from external devices such as gaming consoles or webcams.

Mini PCI Express (Mini PCIe)

A standard used for internal expansion slots in notebooks that follows PCI Express standards.

LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor

A monitor that uses liquid crystal material made of large, easily polarized molecules; also known as a flat-panel monitor.

pixel

A small spot on a fine horizontal scan line illuminated to create an image on the monitor.

twisted nematic (TN)

A class of LCD monitor with fast response times and high brightness, though it consumes more power and has limited viewing angles.

in-plane switching (IPS)

A class of LCD monitor offering truer color images and better viewing angles at the cost of being expensive and having slower response times.

vertical alignment (VA)

A class of LCD monitor that serves as a compromise between TN and IPS monitors, ideal for general use and televisions.

OLED (organic light-emitting diode)

A monitor technology using a thin LED layer or film between electrode grids that does not require backlighting.

mini-LED

A display technology that improves on LED displays by utilizing smaller LEDs as the backlight source.

projector

A device used to shine light and project a transparent image onto a large screen.

burn-in

A permanent impression left on a monitor when a static image remains on the screen for many hours.

distorted geometry

A condition where images are stretched inappropriately on a monitor.

dead pixel

A non-working pixel on an LCD monitor appearing as a small white, black, or colored spot.

overheat shutdown

Automatic power-off that occurs when a device (such as a projector) reaches excessive temperatures.

ghost cursor

A trail visible on the screen that follows the movement of the mouse.