Untitled Flashcards Set

ESD Strap

A device that protects people from static electricity.

Chassis

A framework that supports the construction and function of a manufactured object.

Loopback Plug

A plug that tests the functionality of network interfaces and communication features.

Motherboard

Holds and allows communication between many of the important electrical components of a system in a computer.

Processor

Responds to and processes the basic instructions that drive a computer.

Fan

It helps maintain a computer’s performance by preventing overheating.

Heatsink

Transfers the heat generated by the computer into air or a liquid coolant, where it is dissipated away from the device.

Hard Drive

A physical data storage device that stores digital information.

Memory (DIMM)

The electronic holding place for instructions and data a computer needs, basically the main storage or RAM.

Power Supply

Converts electric current from a source to the correct voltage, current, and frequency to power the load.

Expansion Card

A hardware component inserted into a computer to enhance its functionality.

PCIe Slot

Allows the motherboard to connect with critical components, providing key functionality.

SATA Cable

A computer bus interface that connects a computer’s motherboard to storage devices.

SSDs

Storage devices that store persistent data on solid-state flash memory.

Computer Bus Interface

A communication system that transfers data between components inside a computer or between computers.

VGA Port

A standard connector that allows computers to output videos onto monitors, projectors, and TVs.

ZIF

Zero Insertion Force, used to safely insert and remove electronic components in a computer.

Optical Drive

Uses laser light and electromagnetic waves to read and write data to optical discs.

PS2 Ports

Used for connecting keyboards and mice to a PC-compatible computer system.

DVI Port

Connects a video source to a display device.

HDMI Port

Sends high-resolution digital video, sound, and device commands through HDMI.

Display Port

Transmits video and audio signals from a computer to an external display.

USB Port

A mechanism used to connect peripheral devices to computers.

Firewire Port

Connects peripheral devices to a computer, similar to a USB Port.

SPDIF Port

Provides quality digital audio instead of analog audio.

Audio Jack

Connects audio devices like headphones and speakers to a computer.

Ethernet Port (RG45)

Allows you to connect your computer to the internet or router.

Serial Port

A physical communication interface for transferring data between devices.

Parallel Port

An interface used for connecting various peripherals.

Thunderbolt 3 Port

Supports high-speed data transfers and up to 100W of power supply.

RJ11 Port

Connects phones and modems to telecommunication lines.

Throttling

A process that limits or controls the speed or bandwidth of a system.

TPM (Trusted Platform Module)

Enhances the effectiveness of manufacturing equipment by reducing accidents.

Bitlocker Encryption

A Windows security feature that encrypts data to protect it from theft.

Virtual Machine

A computer file that behaves like an actual computer.

Device Driver

Software enabling communication between an operating system and hardware.

Flashing Bios

The process of updating or reprogramming the computer's operating software.

Jumper

A small device that changes settings or configurations of a component.

Field Replaceable Unit

A component designed to be easily replaced without extensive expertise.

CMOS Battery

A small battery that powers the CMOS chip on a motherboard.

CMOS Chip

Stores important system information like date and hardware settings.

Case Standoffs

Small metal devices used to secure components in a computer case.

North Bridge

Controls RAM, PCIe, CPU, and Video components.

South Bridge

Controls USB, PS2, SATA, and Audio components.

Molex

An electronic connector used to connect older hard drives.

IDE Hard Drive

An old standard interface used to connect hard drives to a motherboard.

Riser Card

Allows a motherboard to have additional expansion slots.

4 Types of Motherboards

EATX, ATX, micro-ATX, mini-IT.

Chipset

A set of memory chips on the motherboard working with the processor.

Socket

Rectangular pads that connect the processor to the motherboard.

Traces

Metal lines on a motherboard that enable data transfer between components.

Buses

A system of pathways used for data communication within a computer.

Protocol

Rules and standards used for communication between entities.

PCI Express

Slots used to add additional components to the computer.

Onboard Ports

Ports coming directly off the motherboard for various connections.

I/O Shield

A plate installed in the computer case for I/O ports.

SATA

Serial Advanced Technology Attachment, an interface standard for storage devices.

SAS

Serial Attached SCSI, a successor standard for connecting storage devices.

M.2

A type of expansion slot primarily used for connecting SSDs.

BIOS/UEFI

Firmware that improves BIOS functions and maintains compatibility.

Secure Boot

Prevents malware from launching before the OS in UEFI mode.

Overclocking

Running a component at a higher speed than recommended.

DRAM (Dynamic RAM)

Main memory in a computer, typically volatile.

Static RAM (SRAM)

A type of RAM that uses latching circuitry to store bits.

DDR (PC1)

184-pin memory module, the slowest and oldest version.

DDR2 (PC2)

240-pin memory, faster than DDR.

DDR3 (PC3)

240-pin memory, faster than DDR2.

DDR4 (PC4)

288-pin memory, more efficient than previous generations.

DDR5 (PC5)

The newest memory generation, using less power.

Clockspeed

Number of CPU cycles executed per second, measured in GHz.

Unregistered

A U next to the clock speed indicates it is unregistered.

Registered

An E next to the clock speed shows a registered module.

ECC (Error Correcting Code)

Algorithm for detecting and correcting errors in data sequences.

Buffered

Similar to registered memory types.

Unbuffered

Similar to unregistered memory types.

DDRL

Low voltage RAM that is energy-efficient.

Channels

A model for communication and synchronization via message passing.

Single Channel

Accesses one DIMM at a time.

Dual Channel

Allows communication with two DIMMs simultaneously.

Triple Channel

Enables access to three DIMMs at once.

Quad Channel

Supports access of four DIMMs, increasing bandwidth.

Thermal Paste

Used between a processor and heatsink to improve contact.

CAS Latency

Clock cycles required to access data in a new column.

x86 (x32) Processors

Limit to 32-bit address spaces, can use up to 4GB of RAM.

x64 Processors

Can use up to 16 Exabytes of RAM.

Hybrid Processors

Can run on both x86 and 64-bit processors.

CMOS RAM

Saves BIOS settings and changes in RAM.

Dual Core Processor

Features two processors within a single chip.

Parity

Detects data inconsistencies without correcting them.

Multi-Threading

Simultaneous processes to speed up CPU execution.

Multi-Processing

Multiple processors present on the motherboard.

Memory Cache

Stores website and search data for quicker access.

Types of Processors

Intel Core, Pentium, Atom, Celeron.

Thermal Pads

Foam used for better thermal conductivity than paste.

RAM Cooler

Cools RAM and is powered by SATA or Molex.

Liquid Cooling

Uses tubes for cooling components inside a system.

Cache Memory (L1, L2, L3)

Memory levels with varying capacities and speed.

Arm Processor

Low cost, low power, used in many smartphones.

Modular Power Supply

Allows connection only of necessary cables.

Redundant Power Supply (RDS)

Two power supplies work together for reliability.