1st 901 Hardware Study Guide Flashcards
Where can you find information about your current version of BIOS?
- system info utility
- typing “msinfo32” in cmd prompt
What is the procedure for updating or upgrading a BIOS called?
- Flashing the BIOS
The _____ tells the BIOS where to look to load the operating system.
- boot sequence
How can you secure access to the BIOS?
- By adding passwords
What BIOS security measure offers tracking, remote shutdown, and keylogger functionality?
- Lojack
The ____ is another BIOS security measure that can encrypt the contents of a storage device, or harden the encryption of BitLocker and SecureBoot.
- Trusted Platform Module
What is the most common motherboard in today’s desktops?
- The ATX aka Advanced Technology Extended
____ is a little bit smaller than the ATX and does not have as much expansion ability.
- The micro-ATX
____ is a significantly smaller form factor board and was created by VIA Technologies.
- The ITX
_____ is the largest of the three ITX form factors, with a size of 6.7 by 6.7 inches. It is also the most popular.
- The Mini-ITX
_____ was introduced by Intel in the 1990s. It replaced older 8- and 16-bit expansion slots with a 32-bit slot.
- The PCI or Peripheral Component Interconnect
____ incorporates a 64-bit data bus that was considerably faster than PCI slots, but because of the bus, it was difficult to incorporate onto the motherboard.
- PCI-X (Extended)
_____ is the newest expansion slot being used in modern computers. It sends data over a serial stream at higher speeds than conventional PCI slots.
- PCIe (Express)
What are the serial streams of a PCIe expansion slot referred to as?
- Lanes
The ____ slots were those modified to be applied to laptops. They use low power and lie flat.
- Mini-PCI
What type of RAM slot is used in desktops?
- DIMM (dual inline memory module)
What type of RAM slot is used in laptops?
- SO-DIMM (Small Outline)
What type of RAM slot is used in smaller mobile devices?
- Micro-DIMM
The _____ interfaces directly with the CPU through the front-side bus, handles high-speed connections to memory and videos as well as creating the connection to the Southbridge.
- Northbridge
The ____ handles I/O functions and all other slower devices such as the hard drive, PCI bus, and Audio.
- Southbridge
The ____ is used to power the system’s real-time clock.
- The CMOS battery
List four common power connector types.
- SATA
- Molex
- ATX
- EPS
Most fans will connect with ____ on the motherboard.
- 3- or 4-pin Molex connector
_____ indicates how fast all of the components on your motherboard are able to communicate with each each other.
- Bus Speed
_____ is the industry standard for RAM; 184-pin DIMM, and 200- or 172-pin SO-DIMM.
DDR (Double Data Rate)
_____ is faster than DDR and has less power consumption; comes in 240-pin DIMM and 240-pin SO-DIMM.
- DDR2
_____ is faster than DDR2 and consumes 30% less power; it comes in 240-pin DIMM AND 204-pin SO-DIMM.
- DDR3
is a RAM form factor found commonly in laptops; it comes in 100-, 144-, 200-, 204-, and 260-pin.
- SO-DIMM
_____ is configured in either 168- or 184-pins; both sides of the chip are used to provide connection to the socket.
- DIMM
____ refers to the RAM chip’s ability to identify errors within the memory.
- Parity vs Non-Parity
_____ refers to using multiple identical sticks of RAM in paired slots, which increases the memory throughput.
- RAM configurations (single/double/triple channel)
______ refers to position of the memory chips on the memory module.
Single sided vs Double sided
____ also known as “registered” memory; buffers between the memory and the controller; used on high tier systems.
- Buffered Memory
Check your _____ to find out which types of RAM are compatible with your system.
- Motherboard Documentation
_____ add additional functionality to your PC.
- Expansion Cards
_____ a read only memory Optical drive. It can store up to 700 MB of data per disk.
CD-ROM
_____ is an optical storage device like a CD-ROM, except the disk can be rewritten multiple times.
CD-RW
____ is a read only memory Optical Drive. It’s disk can store up to 4.7 GB of data.
DVD-ROM
____ is an optical storage device like a DVD-ROM, except the disk can be rewritten multiple times.
DVD-RW
_____ a dual-layer version of a DVD-RW. Its capacity is almost doubled at 8.5 GB per disk.
DVD-RW DL
_____ is a newer optical storage format, the disk can store up to 25GB of data.
Blu-ray
____ is a Blu-ray recordable format, it allows you to write data to the disk.
BD-R
____ is a Blu-ray recordable/erasable format that allows you to write data to the disk more than once.
BD-RE
_____ can be inserted or removed in real time, while the system is still powered on. A USB is a common type of this drive.
A Hot Swappable Drive
_____ is the largest in physical size of the card type memory hardware.
Compact Flash
______ or Secure Digital is a form of flash that is very popular today.
SD
_____ is a flash type memory card that is used in small mobile devices and can be inserted into MiniSD cards for modularity or multipurpose use
Micro SD
____ a flash type card that is used in small mobile devices similar to the Micro SD.
Mini SD
_____ is a flash card type typically found in older digital cameras.
an xD card
_____ is an alternative to a standard hard disk drive; far superior, in that it is a form of flash memory.
An SSD
_____ is a drive that combines a traditional hard drive with a solid state drive; the SSD is typically there just to make cacheing data easier; its more cost effective than a full SSD.
A Hybrid or a Solid-State Hybrid drive
____ is a flash memory type chip installed in mobile phones.
eMMC
____ is a RAID type that offers stripping of data only; it requires 2 drives; it offers no redundancy but good performance.
RAID 0
____ is a RAID type that offers mirroring of data only; requires at least 2 drives; requires more storage space to store full copies of data.
RAID 1
____ is a RAID type that offers stripping with parity; it requires at least 3 drives; it has the ability to calculate missing data and rebuild it; parity calculation may slow the system.
RAID 5
_____ is a RAID type that offers both stripping and mirroring for improved performance and full redundancy; it requires at least 4 drives.
RAID 10
A ______ is good for archiving data over extended periods of time at a low cost.
Tape Drive
The _____ functions as the brain of the computer; it comes in many different formats.
CPU
_____ is the unit of measurement for CPU speed in most modern processors.
Gigahertz
A ______ is extremely fast memory found near the core of a processor that enables the CPU to process a larger amount of information; its effectiveness depends on its size.
Cache
____ allows you to increase your CPU, typically gaining a 15-30% performance increase.
Hyperthreading
_____ allows for graphics processing to be directly embedded with the CPU.
An integrated GPU
The _____ allows for hardening of the CPU by segmenting areas where code is needed to run and, for protection, disallowing it to run anywhere else.
Non-eXecute Bit
_____ are positioned on top of components that get really hot.
Heat Sinks
_____ are attached to the top of heatsinks to create what is referred to as a cooler.
Fans
____ is a heat-conductive substance that is applied between the surface of the CPU and the bottom of the heat sink.
Thermal Paste
______ uses liquid piped to devices such as the CPU, Northbridge, ect…. to cool the device.
Liquid cooling
Fanless devices use ______ with heat sinks only. Typically these devices use minimal power.
Passive cooling
____ was the first widely used version of USB; low speed of 1.5 Mbps and full speed of 12 Mbps.
USB 1.1
_____ a version of USB with a speed is 480 Mbps; max cable length of 5 meters.
USB 2.0
______ a type of USB with a speed of 5 Gbps; known as Superspeed USB; maximum cable length of 3 meters.
USB 3.0
____ is a USB connector that attaches to a computer.
USB “A type” connector
_____ is a USB connector that attaches to a peripheral, such as a printer.
USB “B type” connector
____ and _____ are USB connectors that attach smaller mobile devices such as cell phones or tablets.
Mini and micro
_____ is a standard popularized by Apple; comes in speeds of 100, 200, or 400 Mbps.
IEEE 1394a
aka
Firewire 400
____ is a standard like the IEEE 1394a, its called “Beta Mode”, and it has a maximum speed of 800 Mbps
IEEE 1394b
aka
Firewire 800
SATA1 has a maximum speed of _____; a maximum cable length of _____
1.5 Gbps
1 meter
SATA2 maximum speed of ______; maximum length of ______.
3 Gbps
1 meter
SATA3 maximum speed of ______; maximum length of ______.
6 Gbps
1 meter
eSATA is an external SATA connection its maximum speed is ______ and it has a maximum length of _____.
the same as the SATA version being used
2 meters
____ is a 15-pin blue connector used for videos; it sends analog signals.
VGA
aka
Female DB-15
_____ is a digital connector that can send both audio and video
HDMI
_____ is a connector capable of sending both analog or digital and supports single/dual links.
DVI
_____ is a connector used for analog audio connections.
TRS
Tip Ring Sleeve
____ is a connector used for digital audio connections.
TOSLINK
_____ is a four-pin network cable used for ethernet application.
RJ-45
_____ is a two-pair cable, typically used for phone lines and analog connections.
RJ-11
_____ is a high-speed serial connection; sends data and power on the same cable.
Thunderbolt
_____ is a wireless connection for industrial use. It has a maximum range of 100 meters.
Bluetooth class 1
____ is a wireless connection for mobile use. It has a max distance of 10 meters.
Bluetooth class 2
______ is a wireless connection for special usage. It has a max distance of 1 meter.
Bluetooth class 3
_____ is encompassed into the 802.11 standards for wireless communications. It operates at varying frequency levels.
RF
_____ is a short range wireless technology. Its speeds are 106, 212, or 424 Kbps, and its max distance is around 10 centimeters.
NFC
_____ are typically lower frequency audio signals. They are prone to interference (noise) that distorts the signal.
Analog Signals
_____ are sent using a binary signal of zeros and ones. They have the advantage of being able to eliminate noise. They can easily be compressed, and they use less storage.
Digital signals
_____ deals with how much information you can send through the communication medium at a given time. Its typically measured in bytes or bits, depending on the technology.
Transfer speed
Transfer Speed is commonly called _____.
Throughput
When choosing connection characteristics _____ is the ability to faithfully reproduce a signal, typically an attribute of voice communication.
Quality
_______ is the number of samples of audio carried per second. It should be considered when determining Quality.
Sample Rate
(True/False) Lower frequency transmissions have the advantage of range over higher frequencies.
True
(True/False) Higher frequency transmissions have the advantage of greater bandwidth.
True
_____ connectors can provide 3.3V, 5V and 12V for general specifications.
Molex
_____ connectors are called ATX 12V or EPS 12V.
4/8-pin 12V
The _____ connector provides 12V as 75 watts through 6 pins or 150 watts through 8 pins.
PCIe 6/8-pin
The _____ is likely the largest power connector for your computer; it provides 3.3V 5V or 12V specifications.
20-pin : 20/24-pin connector
The ______ is designed to be backwards compatible with the 20-pin connector; it provides 3.3V, 5V or 12V specifications.
24-pin connector
______ is a power rating like horsepower. It is the ability to do work. It is the product of current multiplied by voltage.
Wattage
The _____ specification indicates the power supply has two 12V rails inside it for connections on independent circuits.
Dual rail
A ______ is able to switch between 100V and 240V either manually or automatically.
Dual voltage power supply
When building a Graphic/CAD/CAM workstation what components should be considered a priority?
Multicore processor
High End Video Card
Maximum RAM
What components should be prioritized when building an Audio/Video editing workstation?
HighEnd Audio Card
HighEnd Video Card
A Large/Fast Hard drive
Dual Monitors
What components are recommended for a Virtualization Machine?
Maximum RAM
Multicore CPU
What components should be prioritized for a gaming PC?
Multicore CPU
HighEnd Video Card
HighEnd Audio Card
HighEnd Cooling
What components are recommended for a home theater PC?
Surround Sound Audio
HDMI output
HTPC compact form
TV tuner
What components are recommended for a Standard Thick Client?
Desktop Applications
OS requirements
What components are recommended for a Thin Client PC?
Basic Applications
OS requirements
Network Connection
What components are recommended for a Home Server?
Media Streaming File Sharing Print Sharing Gigabit NIC RAID array
_____ is a display device technology where light shines through liquid crystals to create images; it uses a colored filter.
An LCD
____ or Twisted Nematic LCD; has fast response times.
LCD TN
_____ is an In Plane Switching LCD; good for mobile devices; its more expensive than other LCDs.
LCD IPS
_____ is an older display device technology; it uses more power than a LED backlighting LCD.
LCD fluorescent backlighting
_____ is a modern display device technology; its useful in complex lighting designs
LED backlighting
_____ is an older display device technology that uses extremely bright lamps to project images onto a wall; it commonly uses LCD technology; replacement bulbs are expensive.
A projector
_____ is a display device technology that uses organic diode material to create the display; it doesn’t use a backlight.
OLED (Organic LED)
_____ refers to how many times a screen can be updated in a second.
Refresh rate
Or
Frame rate
______ refers to the number of pixels that can be used on the display; aka aspect ratio.
Resolution
______ happens when the number of pixels match up as intended for the resolution or aspect ratio; manually setting to an odd resolution can result in distortion.
Native Resolution
______ the amount of light given off that we can detect; depends on the size of the room and the amount of light in the area.
Brightness/lumens
_____ is sent as a continuos signal and can appear distorted; _____ is simply a numerical value.
Analog
Digital
_____ makes a display only viewable only when you are right in front of it.
A privacy filter
_____ reduces the glare coming off a bright screen.
Antiglare filter
_____ improves the efficiency when working on a computer; common for business environments.
Multiple displays
______ 1920 pixels width by 1200 height.
16:10 ratio
______ 1600 pixels width by 1200 height.
4:3 ratio
_____ allows printers to use both sides of the paper for printing.
Duplex Printing
_____ allow you to print multiple copies of information and have the printer send these copies out in the correct order.
Collate Settings
_____ refers to printing in a landscape fashion verses a portrait fashion.
Orientation settings
When considering printers _____ can refer to printing in color verses black and white, or simply adjusting resolution settings.
Quality
Printers usually connect to a computer _____.
Via USB
Older printer models may connect via a serial connection, utilizing a _____.
DB-25 connector
Windows devices will allow access to a ______ port number that is mapped to the printer.
TCP
Apple devices will use a different protocol to print, commonly called ______.
Bonjour
Most Apple mobile devices will use _____ protocol.
Airprint
______ is a rotating drum that the laser beams the image onto; it also picks up toner.
Imaging drum
_____ applies pressure and heat to allow the toner to bond with the paper.
Fuser assembly
_____ works in tandem with the roller to transfer the image onto the paper.
Transfer belt
_____ works in tandem with the belt to assist with moving the paper along the transfer process.
Transfer roller
_____ moves paper throughout the printer.
Pickup rollers
_____ pulls single sheets of paper into the printer.
Separate pads
_____ allows printing on both sides of the paper; flips over the paper inside of the printer.
Duplex assembly
____ processing, charging, exposing, developing, transferring, fusing and cleaning.
The imaging process
_____ is an inkjet part that stores ink used for printing.
Ink cartridge
_____ is an inkjet part that is often integrated with the ink cartridge.
Printhead
_____ is an inkjet part that pulls paper throughout the printer.
Roller
______ is an inkjet part that brings paper into the printer to start a print job.
Feeder
_____ is an inkjet part that allows printing on both sides of the paper by flipping paper over during the printing process.
Duplexing assembly
_____ Is an inkjet part that allows print heads to move back and forth, printing to paper.
Carriage and belt
_____ is a process that aligns the printhead nozzles with the paper to ensure print jobs are optimal.
Calibration
_____ is a type of printer that only needs heat to complete a print job.
Thermal printer
_____ is a special kind of paper that is required to print with a thermal printer. This paper is covered with a special chemical that reacts to heat.
Thermal paper
The _____ or _____ printer creates output by pushing a pin through a ribbon several times. It is used when printing numerous copies or when using thick paper.
Impact
Dot Matrix
_____ is a dot matrix printer part that contains the pins used to punch through the ribbon onto the paper.
Printhead
_____ is a dot matrix printer part that holds the ink needed to make the print impressions.
Ribbon