Chapter 1: Introduction to Personal Computer Hardware - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 1 notes on PC hardware, safety, components, memory, storage, ports, adapters, input/output devices, and disassembly.

Electrostatic discharge (ESD)

A buildup of static electricity that can damage computer components; prevent by using antistatic bags, grounded mats, and antistatic wrist straps.

Antistatic bag

A protective bag used to store computer components to prevent ESD damage until installation.

Grounded mat

A mat placed on work surfaces to earth static charge during electronics work.

Antistatic wrist strap

A strap worn to continuously ground a person handling components, preventing ESD.

Advanced Technology (AT)

An original power-supply form factor standard used by legacy computer systems.

Advanced Technology eXtended (ATX)

A common modern motherboard and power-supply form factor standard defining size, mounting, and connections.

ATX12V

A power-supply standard variant commonly used in modern desktops.

EPS12V

A power-supply standard originally for servers, now found in high-end desktops.

SATA connector

Serial ATA interface for data (and often power) connections to storage devices.

Molex connector

A 4-pin power connector used to supply peripheral devices in older PCs.

Berg connector

A small 4-pin connector historically used for floppy drives.

4-pin to 8-pin auxiliary power connector

Additional power connector used to supply extra power to the CPU from the PSU.

6/8-pin PCIe power connector

Power connectors that deliver PCIe power to graphics cards.

Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

The board that mechanically supports and electrically connects components in a device.

Motherboard

The main circuit board of a computer that hosts the CPU, RAM, chips, and connectors.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The computer’s brain that interprets and executes instructions.

CPU socket

The motherboard connector that interfaces with the CPU package.

Pin Grid Array (PGA)

CPU packaging with pins on the processor that insert into the motherboard socket.

Land Grid Array (LGA)

CPU packaging with pins in the socket and flat contacts on the processor.

Northbridge

Chipset responsible for high-speed communication with RAM and the GPU.

Southbridge

Chipset handling slower devices (USB, HDDs, expansion slots, etc.).

Chipset

A set of integrated circuits that manage data flow between the processor, memory, and peripherals.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Volatile memory used as the computer’s temporary working storage.

Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

RAM that requires refreshing to retain data.

Static RAM (SRAM)

Fast RAM that does not require refreshing; used for cache.

Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM)

DRAM synchronized with the system bus for predictable timing.

Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM)

SDRAM that transfers data on both rising and falling edges of the clock.

DDR2 SDRAM

Second generation DDR SDRAM with higher performance than DDR.

DDR3 SDRAM

Third-generation DDR SDRAM with higher speed and efficiency.

DDR4 SDRAM

Fourth-generation DDR SDRAM with improved speed and power efficiency.

DDR5

Latest DDR SDRAM standard offering higher bandwidth and efficiency.

GDDR SDRAM

Graphics DDR memory used primarily in GPUs.

Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM)

Memory module for desktops containing RAM chips; has two data rows.

Single Inline Memory Module (SIMM)

Older memory module with a single data row; largely obsolete.

Dual Inline Package (DIP)

Early memory packaging with pins on both sides; largely obsolete for RAM.

Small Outline DIMM (SODIMM)

Compact memory module used in laptops and small form factor PCs.

L1 cache

Fast, small CPU cache located on or near the processor core.

L2 cache

CPU cache providing larger storage than L1, often on or near the CPU.

L3 cache

Largest, highest-latency CPU cache shared across cores in many CPUs.

Parity memory

RAM that uses an extra bit for simple error detection (not correction).

Error Detection and Correction (ECC) memory

RAM that can detect and correct multiple-bit errors to improve reliability.

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

Nonvolatile memory that stores firmware or data that cannot be easily altered.

PROM (Programmable ROM)

ROM that can be programmed once by the user.

EPROM (Erasable PROM)

ROM that can be erased (typically with UV light) and reprogrammed.

EEPROM ( Electrically Erasable PROM)

PROM that can be erased and reprogrammed electrically.

BIOS

Basic Input/Output System; firmware that initializes hardware on boot.

Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)

Modern firmware interface replacing legacy BIOS with more features and security.

Serial ATA (SATA)

High-speed interface for connecting storage devices to the motherboard.

Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics (EIDE)

Legacy IDE interface for storage devices, largely replaced by SATA.

Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe)

SSD interface that uses PCIe for high-speed, low-latency storage access.

Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe)

High-speed expansion bus standard for add-on cards.

Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)

Older expansion slot standard largely replaced by PCIe.

PCI-X

High-speed PCI variant used in some servers; largely superseded by PCIe.

PCI Express (PCIe) slots

Slots for PCIe expansion cards (x1, x4, x8, x16) on the motherboard.

Mini-PCI

Smaller PCI form factor used in some laptops and devices.

PCIe slot types

Expansion slots that connect PCIe devices; come in various lane counts.

Molex to SATA adapter

Adapter converting Molex power to a SATA power interface.

DVI to VGA adapter

Adapter converting digital DVI output to analog VGA signal.

USB controller card

Adapter card adding USB ports via expansion slot.

Adapter vs Converter

Adapter connects two technologies; Converter translates signals between technologies.

eSATA card

Adapter card providing external SATA connectivity.

Input devices

Devices that allow user input into a computer (keyboard, mouse, scanners, etc.).

Original input devices

Early input devices such as keyboard, mouse, ADF/flatbed scanner, joystick, KVM switch.

New input devices

Modern inputs like touch screen, stylus, magnetic strip reader, barcode scanner.

NFC devices and terminals

Near-field communication devices used for short-range wireless data transfer.

Facial recognition scanners

Biometric input devices identifying users by facial features.

Fingerprint scanners

Biometric input devices identifying users by fingerprint.

Voice recognition scanners

Biometric input devices identifying users by voice.

Virtual reality headset (VR headset)

Head-mounted display providing a fully immersive 3D environment.

Augmented Reality (AR)

Technology that overlays digital content onto the real world in real time.

Output devices

Devices that present information to the user (monitors, printers, speakers, etc.).

Monitors and projectors technologies

Monitors commonly use LCD, LED, or OLED; projectors use LCD or DLP (Digital Light Processing).

DLP

Display technology used in projectors: Digital Light Processing.

VR and AR applications

VR creates immersive 3D environments; AR overlays digital content onto the real world.

Printers

Output devices that produce hard copies; types include inkjet, laser, thermal, impact, and 3D printers.

Printer connections and drivers

Printers connect wired or wirelessly and require a driver for the OS.

Speakers and headphones

Auditory output devices; can be integrated or add-on and may be wired or wireless.

Computer Disassembly safety

Lab safety practices to protect personnel and components when disassembling a PC.

Technician’s Toolkit

Essential tools for PC work (anti-static wrist strap, mat, compressed air, screwdrivers, cable tester, crimpers).

Form factor

The physical size and layout of a computer case or motherboard, affecting compatibility with components and power supply.

Case types/form factors

Desktop horizontal, Full-Size Tower, Compact Tower, All-in-One formats.

Power supply inside the case

The unit converting AC to DC power for internal components; includes multiple rails.

Power supply rails

Separate conductors in a PSU delivering specific voltages (e.g., 3.3V, 5V, 12V).

Computer cooling (active vs passive)

Active cooling uses moving parts (fans); passive cooling uses heat sinks or reduced speeds.

Case fan

An example of active cooling that moves air to cool components.

Cooling and heat management

Keeping components, especially CPU and GPU, at safe operating temperatures.

Video ports

Connectors for displays: DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, Thunderbolt, RCA.

Video cables and standards

Cables that transmit analog or digital video signals; standards differ in compatibility and speed.

Input/output (I/O) ports

Ports for connecting peripherals (USB, PS/2, SATA, IDE, network, audio, etc.).

Nonparity memory

RAM that does not include an extra parity bit for error checking.

Memory error detection

Techniques to detect/correct data errors in memory (parity, ECC, etc.).

NVMe advantages

Standard that enables fast SSD performance by using PCIe with minimal drivers.