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:

The 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 the instructions and data a computer needs. (basically the main storage, or RAM). A DIMM is a popular type of memory module used in computers.

Power Supply:

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

Expansion Card:

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

PCIe Slot:

Allows the motherboard to connect with your PC’s most critical components and provide key functionality. A PCIe slot on a motherboard is a physical connector that allows you to add expansion cards to your compute.

SATA Cable:

A computer bus interface that connects a computer’s motherboard to storage devices such as hard disk drives, optical drives, and solid-state drives (SSDs).

SSDs:

A type of storage device used in computers, it stores persistent data on solid-state flash memory.

Computer Bus Interface:

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

VGA Port:

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

ZIF:

ZIF stands for Zero Insertion Force and is 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, such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs.

PS2 Ports:

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

DVI Port:

Connect a video source, such as a video display controller, to a display device like a monitor.

HDMI Port:

Sends high-resolution digital video, sound, and device commands through an HDMI connector and down a single HDMI cord.

Display Port:

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

USB Port:

A USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a mechanism used to connect peripheral devices to computers.

Firewire Port:

The same function as a USB Port connects peripheral devices to a computer.

SPDIF Port:

 Provides quality and allows the users to enjoy digital audio instead of analog audio.

Audio Jack:

Connects headphones, external speakers, and other audio devices to a computer.

Ethernet Port (RG45):

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

Serial Port:

A physical communication interface that enables the transfer of data between devices.

Parallel Port:

An interface found on computers, used for connecting various peripherals.

Thunderbolt 3 Port:

High-speed data transfers or supply up to 100W of power.

RJ11 Port:

Connects phones, modems, and other telecommunication devices to a wall jack or other phone lines.

Throttling: 

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

TPM (Trusted Platform Module):

A method that aims to improve the effectiveness of manufacturing equipment by reducing accidents and mistakes.

Bitlocker Encryption:

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

Virtual Machine:

A computer file that behaves like an actual computer.

Device Driver:

A piece of software that enables communication between an operating system or application and hardware or other peripheral devices.

Flashing Bios:

The process of updating or reprogramming the software that tells a computer how to function.

Jumper:

A small device that can be connected or disconnected to change the settings or configuration of a particular component.

Field Replaceable Unit:

A component or module in a system designed to be easily replaced in the field, without requiring extensive technical expertise or specialized equipment.

CMOS Battery:

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

CMOS Chip:

A chip on a motherboard that stores important system information, such as the date, time, and hardware settings.

Case Standoffs:

Small metal things similar to screws but they have anchors.

North Bridge:

Controls RAM, PCIe, CPU, Video.

South Bridge:

Controls USB, PS2, SATA, and Audio.

Molex:

An electronic connector that was used to connect to hard drives and older versions of SATA.

IDE Hard Drive:

A standard interface that connects to a computer’s motherboard. It's an old hard drive.

Riser Card:

A printed circuit board that allows a computer’s motherboard to have additional expansion slots.

4 Types of Motherboards:

- EATX

- ATX : 

- micro-ATX 

- mini-IT: economical version, gives the basics of what you need

Chipset:

A set of memory chips on the motherboard that works closely with the processor to control the memory, buses on the motherboard, and some peripherals 

Socket:

Rectangular with pads to connect the processor to the motherboard 

Traces:

 Little physical metal lines on the motherboard; circuits or paths that enable data, instructions, timing signals, and power to move from component to component on the board.

Buses:

 A system of pathways used for communication and the protocol and methods used for transmission.

Protocol:

A set of rules and standards that any two entities use for communication.

PCI Express:

Slots that we can use to add additional things to the computer. Currently comes in four different slot sizes called PCI Express X1, x4, x8, X16. PCles are faster than PCIs.

Onboard Ports:

Ports coming directly off the motherboard may include USB, PS/2 mouse and keyboard, video, sound, network, and eSATA ports. 

1/0 Shield:

A plate installed in the computer case providing holes for 1/0 ports. 

SATA:

"serial advanced technology attachment" or "serial ata"; is an interface standard used mostly by storage devices. Current versions of SATA include SATA Express, SATA3, and SATA2.X 

SAS:

"serial attached SCSI"; is an interface standard used mostly by storage devices and is the successor of SCSI. 

M.2:

Formerly known as "next generation form factor (NGFF)". It uses a PCle, USB, or SATA interface to connect mini add-on cards.

BIOS/UEFI:

"unified extensible firmware interface"; improves BIOS but includes BIOS for backward compatibility with older devices; motherboards made after 2012 use bios/uefi firmware. You can access the bios/uefi program by pressing a key or combo of keys during the boot process.

Secure Boot:

Invented to help prevent malware from launching before the OS and anti-malware software are launched only works when boot mode is UEFI (not CSM) and the OS supports it 

Overclocking:

 Running a processor, memory, motherboard, or video card at a higher speed than the manufacturer recommends. Some motherboards and processors allow overclocking, but it is not a recommended best practice.

DRAM (Dynamic RAM):

A semiconductor memory that is normally used as the main memory of a computer

Static RAM (SRAM):

 A type of random-access memory (RAM) that uses latching circuitry (flip-flop) to store each bit. Used for laptops

DDR (PC1):

184 pins, the slowest and oldest version

DDR2 (PC2):

240 pins, a bit faster

DDR3 (PC3):

240 pins, faster than DDR2

DDR4 (PC4):

288 pins, smaller pins, and more efficient

DDR5 (PC5):

288 pins, even faster and more efficient, uses less power, the newest version

Clockspeed:

Measures the number of cycles your CPU executes per second, measured in GHz (gigahertz). When you mix different DIMMS with different speeds, it is going to use the slower speed.

Unregistered:

If you find a U next to the clock speed, it is unregistered.

Registered:

If you find an E next to the clock speed, it is registered. A register helps the capacitors and the CPU communicate and allows for error-correcting code (ECC)

ECC (Error Correcting Code):

An algorithm for expressing a sequence of numbers such that any errors that are introduced can be detected and corrected (within certain limitations) based on the remaining numbers.

Buffered:

Same thing as registered

Unbuffered:

Same thing as unregistered

DDRL:

Some laptops have these, they are energy-efficient meaning that they have low voltage (the L in the name).

Channels:

 A model for interprocess communication and synchronization via message passing.

Thermal Paste:

This goes on a processor and under a heat sink. The heatsink and CPU aren't 100% in contact, so put a pea-sized drop of thermal paste between them to make sure there aren't any air gaps. If you forget thermal paste, the computer might shut off because it's too hot.

CAS Latency:

The number of clock cycles required to access data in a new column when the correct row is already open.

x86 (x32) Processors:

 x86 processors are limited to 32-bit address spaces, letting them use up to 4GB of RAM.

x64 Processors: 

Can use up to 16 Exabytes 

Hybrid Processors:

Can run on both x86 processor and 64-bit processor

CMOS RAM:

When you go to BIOS, and when you change stuff there, the things you change get saved in CMOS RAM.

Dual Core Processor:

Two processors in the processor.

Parity:

Parity sees if numbers don't add up right and identifies it. 

Parity vs ECC - Parity sees the wrong thing, but doesn't fix it. ECC fixes it.

Multi-Threading:

Separates different commands to different parts of the processor so things can happen faster. For example, four roads vs one road. Four roads have less traffic than one road.

Multi-Processing:

The motherboard has multiple processors physically on the motherboard.

Memory Cache:

This remembers which websites you went to and what stuff you typed on the search bar. Once it gets full, things on your computer will run slower and you have to clear it.

Types of Processors:

Intel Core Processors - Core X, Core i9, Core i5, Core i3.

Pentium - made for entry-level laptops and desktops

Atom - made for low-end desktops and laptops

Celeron - made for low-end netbooks and laptops

Thermal Pads:

A little squishy piece of foam that is put on top of a processor, better than thermal paste

RAM Cooler:

Sits on top of the DIMM and cools down the RAM. Powered by SATA or Molex.

Liquid Cooling:

Tubes and pouches inside the computer that go through and around all of the components, get cooled, and then go around the components again.

Cache Memory:

Arm Processor:

Low costs, low power consumption, and low heat generation. 99% of smartphones use these processors.

Modular Power Supply:

A power supply that doesn’t have the cables connected, you can only connect the connectors you need to save space.

Redundant Power Supply(RDS):

Two power supplies in the computer, if one of them has a problem, each component is being powered by both supplies, meaning that if one fails, the other one can work for it.

Wattage Requirements:

Power cu[plies have a set amount of wattage. You would look at what things you are putting in the computer and how much wattage it would take.

Uninterrupted Power Supply(UPS):

A power supply that can work even if there is a blackout.

Blackout Vs Brownout:

Brownout is a drop in voltage and blackout is a full power outage.

Power Surge:

When the power is increased in voltage.

Surge Protector:

Protects from surges and spikes.

Power Spike:

A short intense increase in voltage.

Power Sag:

A decrease in voltage. Can be avoided with UPS.

BSOD:

The blue screen of death is a critical error screen displayed by the Windows OS which indicates a system crash in which the OS can no longer operate safely.

Beep Codes:

Beep codes are diagnostic indicators that can help identify problems with a computer startup.

Heatsink:

A passive heatsink doesn’t use a fan but still does its job. An active heatsink uses a fan to cool the computer. Passive is more reliable.

Virtual Memory (VRAM):

It simulates RAM and gives the computer the appearance of having more memory than it actually does. It works by using a portion of the hard drive to emulate the computer’s RAM.

Disk thrashing:

When the system spends an excessive amount of time swapping between data due to high memory demand and low RAM. 

C-Pen Reader:

Reads printed text out loud for you. Features high-quality naturally speaking English and other languages.

Multimeter (VOM):

Checks the voltage of hardware components in the computer, only time when you leave the power on when you’ve opened up a computer. 

Windows Diagnostics:

Built-in diagnostics tools are Event Viewer, Device Manager, and Task Manager.

Event Viewer:

Displays system events, errors, and warnings—a useful tool for troubleshooting different Windows problems.

Device Manager:

Lets users view and control the hardware attached to the computer. When a piece of hardware is not working, the hardware is highlighted for the user to deal with.

Task Manager:

Shows what programs are running on your computer. Can be used to see how much individual programs are using your computer’s hardware resources and which programs and services are starting when your computer starts.

Performance Monitor:

Tracks various activities such as CPU or memory usage and can generate reports to view past performance data.

Patch Management:

The process of applying updates to software, drivers, and firmware to protect against vulnerabilities. Effective patch management also helps ensure the best operating performance or systems, boosting productivity.

ESATA Port: 

Connects to external hard drives like Hard Disk Drives (HHDs) or optical drives with an eSATA cable. It supports data transfer but not power and is faster than USB.

Mini PCIe:

Slots used to add additional features and peripherals to computers such as modems or graphics cards.

M.2 Slot:

A type of expansion slot found on modern motherboards that is primarily used for connecting Solid State Drives (SSDs).

M.2:

SSD is a form factor that resembles a stick of gum. It's small and slim in size and that makes it ideal for computers.

NVMe (Nonvolatile Memory Express):

A storage access and transport protocol for flash and next-generation SSDs.

RAID:

It stands for redundant array of inexpensive disks; it improves performance by writing data to two or more hard drives so that a single drive is not excessively used.

RAID 0:

Writes to physical disks evenly across all disks so that no one disk receives ALL of the activity

Array:

The physical grouping of the drives that can be assigned to a RAID level

Striping:

RAID 0 uses what we call striping. Striping is a technique that combines multiple hard disks into one logical volume and spreads data across them in blocks.

Performance:

Placing data on multiple disks and allowing input/output (I/O) operations to overlap in a balanced way

RAID 1:

Duplicates data on one drive to another drive and is used for fault tolerance. It uses mirroring so it creates a copy of one drive.

Fault Tolerance:

The ability of a RAID configuration to continue operating even if one hard drive fails

Mirroring:

A method of replicating data across multiple disks to create data redundancy

RAID 5:

Stripes data across drives and uses parity checking and data is not duplicated.

RAID Parity:

A method used in arrays to calculate data from multiple drives and store the results on a third drive (block A, B, and C)

Hot Spare - RAID 5:

An extra drive is connected to the RAID controller but not part of the active array. It is ready to take over the role of a failed drive automatically, depending on the configuration.

Hot Swappable - RAID 5:

The ability to remove and replace a drive without shutting down the system or RAID array

RAID 1+0:

A combination of RAID 1 and RAID 0 and takes at least four disks and data is mirrored across pairs of disks.

JBOD:

A good choice when you need a lot of local storage; if one drive fails the data on that drive is lost.

JBOF:

A collection of flash drives that are grouped together to form a single storage system

Bandwidth:

The measure of the maximum data transmission rate

Data Throughput:

The actual network transmission speed

Latenency:

Delays in network transmissions - measured by the round-trip time it takes for a data packet to travel from source to destination and back

Magnetic Hard Drive:

Has one, two, or more platters, or disks that stack together and spin in unison inside a sealed metal housing

Solid State Drive:

It has no moving parts, built using NVM, memory in the SSD is called NAND flash memory.

IDE/PATA Drive:

A legacy standard for connecting internal floppy disks, HDDs, and optical disk drives to older computer systems

Legacy System:

Any outdated system that is still in use

Low-Level Formatting:

A process that electronically creates the hard drive tracks and sectors and tests for bad spots on the disk surface

High-Level Formatting:

Creates a file system format within a disk partition or logical volume. This process may occur during operating system installation or when adding a new disk.

SCSI:

An interface between a host adapter and the CPU that can daisy chain as many as 7 or 15 devices on a single bus

Daisy Chain:

A way to connect multiple devices in a series, one after the other, and is an example of how SCSI works.

SMART:

Used to predict when a drive will likely fail. Found in BIOS

Sectors:

Sectors are the divisions of the tracks.

Tracks:

The rings that go around where information is saved

Cylinders:

A collection of all the tracks at the same radius

CHKDSK:

Checks for file system errors, including size, location, and other information. It also looks for bad sectors, which are areas on the hard drive that can’t store information.

Defragging:

Reorganizes the data on your hard drive, placing related pieces of data in contiguous blocks. Improves file access speed and performance by reducing the physical movement required for the hard drive to read files.

Compact Disk:

Data is written to only one side of a CD.

DVD Disk:

Can be doubled-sided and have more than one layer, meaning it has more storage than CDs

Blu-Ray Disk:

Can be written to one or both sides of a disk, and can hold data on both sides in all layers.

Flash Drives/USB Flash:

Compact flash memory-based devices are commonly used for storage, data backup, and transferring files between devices.

SATA Drives:

Tape Drive:

A tape drive is a data storage device that reads and writes data on a magnetic tape. Offers a great deal of storage for very little cost.

DVI Cables:

Composite Cable:

Also known as RCA or “yellow plug” cable, is an old standard that transfers video signal through one cable and connector. Doesn’t support HD content.

TRS Connector:

Used with audio connectors such as speakers and microphones. Gray.

SVGA:

Super video graphics array, an improved version of VGA. Better resolution, color depth, and compatibility.

IOPS:

Input/output operations per second. A metric used to measure the speed and efficiency of data storage devices. A higher IOPS number means a storage device can retrieve or store data faster.

SD Cards:

A secure digital, non-volatile flash memory card format was developed for use on portable devices such as digital cameras, video game consoles, and more. Sizes: HC (high capacity), XC (extreme capacity), UC (ultra capacity).

Disk Management:

A part of the Microsoft Management Console. Provides a graphical interface for partitioning and formatting hard drives.

Diskpart:

A command-line utility in the Windows operating system that manages disks, partitions, and volumes. It can also create, delete, or resize hard drive partitions.

Drive Partitioning and Volumes:

A volume is a logical storage area on a hard drive that's managed by a single file system. 

A partition is a logical division of a hard disk drive that’s treated as a separate unit by operating systems and file systems.

Factory Recovery Partition:

A reserved area on a disk that contains data and tools to restore a system to its factory settings.

Dual Booting:

Refers to the process of installing and running two different operating systems in a single computer (different partitions).

File System:

A file system uses a set of rules to control how data is stored and retrieved on a storage device. A way to format a partition, an example is NFTS (New Technology File System), FaT32, and exFAT.

ACPI:

Is an open standard that allows operating systems to manage a computer's power, configure hardware, and monitor its status to help conserve power and prolong equipment life.

Sleep/Standby:

A low-power state that moves open documents and applications to the computer’s RAM. The computer is still powered on, but the display is shut down.

Hibernate:

A long-term sleep mode that uses even less power than sleep. Good for an extended period when you can't charge it. It will bring you back to where you left off once you start the computer again.

Port Replicator:

A device used to connect multiple peripherals to a laptop quickly. The monitor, printer, network, keyboard, and mouse are permanently plugged into the port replicator, which connects to the laptops via the USB port.

Docking Station:

One-stop shop for connecting all your peripherals to your laptop. They act as a central hub, offering a range of ports. Gives your laptop power.

Dual Monitor:

You can use two screens that are controlled by one computer.

Projector:

A device that allows you to display images, videos, or other content on a large screen or surface. Works by projecting light through a lens, which magnifies and focuses the image onto the desired surface. 

Lumens:

The industry standard measurement is used to determine the brightness level of a projector's light source.

Trapezoid:

Refers to the distorted image that appears as a trapezoid shape when the projector isn’t positioned correctly.

Keystone:

A feature that adjusts the projected image to fit the shape of the screen when the projector is not positioned directly in front of the screen.

Pincushion Effect:

Occurs when the projector's light is traveling to the outer edges of the projection screen at a much greater distance than it is to the screen's center.

Barrel Effect:

Makes the screen look bulged.

Image Warping:

When someone tries to make the image look visually correct when it is projected onto a not flat screen.

Throw Distance:

The distance between a projector's lens and the screen or wall it is displayed on.

LCDs:

OLED:

OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) emits light when receiving electrical current, is thinner and lighter, is used in tablets, phones, and smartwatches, has a very accurate color, and is a bit more expensive than LCD.

Cathode Ray Tube Monitor:

Burn-in is a problem, magnets are harmful and can distort images.

Scanners:

A device that converts physical documents, images, or objects into a digital format.