Computer System Servicing NCII | Install and configure computer systems

A comprehensive set of QA-style flashcards covering computer types, components, monitors, connections, and peripherals as described in the lecture notes.

What is a computer?

An electronic device that manipulates information or data, stores, retrieves, and processes it to produce useful information, and is programmable to respond to specific instructions.

What is a Personal Computer (PC)?

A small computer designed for use by an individual user.

What is a Desktop computer?

A non-portable personal computer intended to sit on a desk in a home or office.

What is a Laptop computer?

A small, portable computer that can sit on your lap; often called notebooks; can run on AC power or battery for several hours.

What is a Netbook?

A small portable computing device similar to a notebook with a smaller form factor; often has similar performance to notebooks.

What is a PDA?

A handheld/mobile device that functions as a personal information manager.

What is a System Unit?

The main body of a desktop computer, usually a metal or plastic enclosure containing the essential parts.

What does 'Form Factor of System Unit' mean?

The size, configuration, or physical arrangement of a computer’s hardware (the case/chassis).

What is a Full Tower case?

A large computer case, typically 30 inches (76 cm) tall or more, with 6–10 internal drive bays.

What is a Mid Tower case?

A mid-size computer case, about 18–24 inches tall, usually with 2–4 internal drive bays.

What is a Mini Tower?

A small tower case, usually 12–18 inches tall, with up to 2–3 internal drive bays; expandability is limited.

What is a Slim Line Case?

A slim form factor case (e.g., ThinkCentre Slim Line) that can be placed on its side and may hold a monitor on top.

What is a Small Form Factor (SFF) case?

Compact desktop case designed to minimize space; shapes include shoe boxes, cubes, and book-sized PCs.

What is Monitor?

A visual display unit that shows images generated by the computer’s video adapter; main types are CRT and LCD/LED.

What is a CRT monitor?

Cathode Ray Tube monitor; large, bulky, inexpensive, and consumes space.

What is an LCD/LED monitor?

Thin, energy-saving monitors that are more expensive than CRTs.

What should you consider when buying a desktop monitor (manufacturer and model name)?

The brand and exact model; newer models are often more expensive.

What does the 'Ports or Plug-ins' factor refer to when buying a monitor?

The available ports and plug-ins; monitors with complete plug-ins are typically more expensive.

What is VGA?

Video Graphics Array; an analog signal standard; older and may have lower quality at high resolutions.

What is a VGA port?

A port that uses a VGA connector to transmit analog video from a graphics card to a monitor.

What is DVI?

Digital Video Interface; a digital video connection offering higher quality than VGA.

What are the types of DVI connectors?

DVI-A (analog only), DVI-D (digital only), DVI-I (both); DVI-I can be used with DVI–VGA adapters; single-link supports up to 1920×1200, dual-link up to 2560×1600.

What is a DVI port?

A display connection port that uses the DVI standard for digital (and sometimes analog) video.

What is HDMI?

High-Definition Multimedia Interface; a newer digital port compatible with digital DVI signals, capable of carrying audio if supported.

What is the purpose of an HDMI port carrying audio?

If the graphics card and monitor support it, HDMI can transmit both video and audio signals.

What is a monitor power plug?

The power connection that supplies electrical power to the monitor.

What is a 5x4 aspect ratio?

A slightly taller, squarish monitor shape; common resolution around 1280×1024.

What is a 16×9 aspect ratio?

HDTV aspect ratio; 1080p is 1920×1080; 720p is 1280×720; common resolutions include 1920×1080 and 1280×720.

What is a 16×10 aspect ratio?

A taller-than-16×9 format; common resolutions include 1920×1200, 1680×1050, and 1280×800.

What are the specs of the Acer S235HL monitor listed in the notes?

23-inch, 1920×1080 resolution, 100,000,000:1 contrast ratio, 5 ms response time, color black.

What is a contrast ratio?

The difference in light intensity between the brightest white and the darkest black; used in monitor marketing.

What is a computer mouse?

A pointing device that detects two-dimensional motion relative to its supporting surface.

What is a USB Optical Mouse?

A USB-connected mouse that uses an optical sensor for tracking.

What is a Wireless Mouse?

A mouse that connects without a cable, typically via RF or Bluetooth.

What is a keyboard?

An input device resembling a typewriter keyboard used to input data.

What is a PS/2 keyboard?

A keyboard that uses the PS/2 6-pin mini-DIN connector.

What is a USB keyboard?

A keyboard that connects via USB.

What is the PS/2 port?

A 6-pin mini-DIN port originally developed by IBM for connecting a mouse or keyboard; commonly called the mouse port.

What is USB?

Universal Serial Bus; an external bus standard that supports data transfer rates and allows plug-and-play and hot plugging.

What are USB 3.0 and USB 3.1?

USB 3.0 offers higher speeds than USB 2.0 and is backward compatible; USB 3.1 was released in 2014/2015 with further improvements.

What are USB connectors types?

USB A, USB B, Mini-A, Mini-B, Micro-A, Micro-B; different connectors for different devices.

What are speakers?

External audio devices with a built-in amplifier; typically use a 3.5 mm stereo jack.

What are audio ports?

Ports such as Microphone, Line-in, Line-out, Optical, and Coaxial for audio input/output.

What is AVR vs UPS?

AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator) reduces voltage; UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) provides battery backup during power failure.

Where can you find references for these notes?

References include websites like computerhistory.org, computerhope.com, webopedia.com, gclearnfree.org, pcityourself.com, among others.