Client-Server Basics, Computer Types, and System Architecture

Vocabulary practice flashcards defining key client-server concepts, computer categories, internal system hardware components, and the OS boot sequence based on the lecture notes.

ARPANET, CYCLADES, NPL, and NSFNET

Early precursor computer networks that paved the way for the modern internet by interconnecting systems to facilitate information exchange and resource sharing.

Client

The system or browser that initiates a request for webpages or resources from a server.

Server

A system that receives requests from a client and serves the requested resources or webpages over a network.

Protocol

A defined set of rules governing client-server communication, specifying supported commands, request structures, syntax, and responses to valid or faulty requests.

Port

A numeric identifier used to distinguish a specific service running on a computer system, enabling multiple services to run on a single server simultaneously.

DNS (Domain Name Service)

A service that resolves human-readable system names (such as website domain names) into server location coordinates called IP addresses.

IP Address

An Internet Protocol address that represents the unique location coordinates of a computer system on a network.

HTTP(S)

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (Secure), a stateless client-server protocol used for data transmission across the World Wide Web.

Stateless Protocol

A network protocol in which each request is processed independently without the server retaining information about previous requests.

HTTP Methods

The core commands used in HTTP requests, which include GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, PATCH, HEAD, OPTIONS, CONNECT, and TRACE.

Scheme

The part of a web request that specifies which protocol was used, such as HTTP or HTTPS.

Response Header

The portion of a server's response that contains metadata about the response.

Response Body

The portion of a server's response that contains the actual requested content.

Mainstream Computer Types Overview

A summary breakdown of Laptop, Desktop, Workstation, and Server computer types, comparing their screen and keyboard inclusion and main purpose.

Portable and Specialized Computing Devices Overview

A breakdown comparing Smartphones, Tablets, IoT devices, and Embedded computers by definition and examples.

Laptop

A portable computer equipped with an integrated screen and keyboard designed for everyday computing.

Desktop

A computer with a screen and keyboard designed to deliver sustained performance at a fixed location.

Workstation

A high-performance computer with a screen and keyboard built for precision and reliability during demanding professional tasks.

Server

A computer operating without a screen and keyboard designed to provide services to many users over a network.

Smartphone

A pocket-sized computer optimized for battery life and connectivity, such as an iPhone or Android phone.

Tablet

A touch-first computer featuring a larger screen, such as an iPad or drawing tablet.

IoT Device (Internet of Things)

A single-purpose device connected to a network to report data or receive commands, such as a smart thermostat, smart doorbell, or fitness tracker.

Embedded Computer

A computer built directly into another machine to perform tasks internally, such as a coffee maker controller, automatic door sensor, or lamp dimmer chip.

Motherboard

The main circuit board that acts as the skeleton and nerves of a computer system, connecting and managing communication between all hardware components.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Volatile short-term memory that holds data temporarily for rapid CPU access while the computer is powered on.

PSU (Power Supply Unit)

The component that draws power from an electrical outlet and distributes electrical power to all internal computer components.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The central processor that executes instructions and performs calculations using one or multiple processing cores.

Graphics Card (GPU)

The hardware component responsible for processing visual information and outputting image data to external displays via PCI Express slots.

SSD (Solid State Drive)

A long-term storage device using memory chips with no moving parts, delivering faster data read and write speeds.

HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

A long-term storage device utilizing mechanical moving parts to provide high-capacity permanent data storage at low cost.

Network Adapter

A wired or wireless interface card (often built-in or added via PCI Express slots) that enables a computer to communicate across networks.

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)

Modern system firmware that initializes computer hardware components and manages the operating system boot process, replacing legacy BIOS.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

Legacy system startup firmware that performs essential hardware checks before being largely replaced by UEFI.

POST (Power-On Self Test)

A diagnostic routine executed by UEFI/BIOS during boot to verify that all required hardware components are present, configured correctly, and functioning properly.

Bootloader

A program stored on the boot device that transfers the Operating System into RAM and hands over hardware control to the OS.