Acronymns Flashcards
aaS
(Something as a Service)
An ownership model for cloud services where the “something” can refer to infrastructure, network, platform, or software.
AC (power)
(alternating current)
When electricity is produced by a generator at the power station, the rotational movement of the magnetic coils causes the current produced to oscillate like a sinewave (it is said to alternate). Computers require direct current (at a constant voltage). A transformer is used to convert AC from the power outlet into the 3.3, 5, and 12 V DC supply required by the computer.
ACL
(Access Control List)
The permissions attached to or configured on a network resource, such as folder, file, or firewall. The ACL specifies which subjects (user accounts, host IP addresses, and so on)are allowed or denied access and the privileges given over the object (read only, read/write, and so on).
ADF
(Automatic Document Feeder)
Device that feeds media automatically into a scanner or printer.
ADSL
(Asymmetrical DSL)
A consumer version of DSL that provides a fast downlink but a slow uplink. The upstream rate is between64 Kbps and 1 Mbps and the downstream rate it 500 Kbps to 8 Mbps.
AES
(Advanced Encryption Standard)
Modern encryption suite providing symmetric encryption (the same key is used to encrypt and decrypt). AES is a very strong cipher with many applications, including being part of the WPA2 Wi-Fi encryption scheme.
AFP
(Apple Filing Protocol)
Protocol supporting file sharing on macOS networks. AFP works over TCP port 548.
AHCI
(Advanced Host Controller Interface)
A logical interface used by SATA drives to communicate with the bus.
ALU
(Arithmetic Logic Unit)
A circuit in the CPU that performs integer-based calculations and performs bit-wise logical calculations.
AP
(Access Point)
A device that provides connectivity between wireless devices and a cabled network. APs with Internet connectivity located in public buildings(cafes, libraries, and airports, for instance)are often referred to as hotspots.
APIPA
(Automatic Private IP Addressing)
A means for Windows clients configured to obtain an address automatically that could not contact a DHCP server to communicate on the local subnet. The host randomly selects an address from the range169.254.x.y. This is also called a link-local address.
AR
(augmented reality)
Using software and smartphone cameras or headsets to interact with real-world objects and images or change the way they appear in some way.
ARP
(Address Resolution Protocol)
When two systems communicate using IP, an IP address is used to identify the destination machine. The IP address must be mapped to a device (the network adapter’s MAC address). ARP performs the task of resolving an IP address to a hardware address. Each host caches known mappings in an ARP table for a few minutes. It is also a utility used to manage the ARP cache.
ASF
(AutoSheet Feeder)
In an inkjet printer, the paper pickup mechanism to feed paper into the printer.
BD
(Blu-ray Disc)
The latest generation of optical disc technology that uses a 405 mm blue laser for high density storage, with disc capacity of 25 GB per layer. Transfer rates are measured in multiples of 36MBps.
BIOS
(Basic Input/Output System)
Firmware that contains programs and information relating to the basic operation of PC components such as drives, keyboard, video display, and ports. It also contains specific routines to allow set-up configuration to be viewed and edited and it contains the self-diagnostic Power-On Self-Test (POST) program used to detect fundamental faults in PC components. BIOS can also be used to secure components not protected by the OS by specifying a supervisor password (to prevent tampering with BIOS settings) and a user password (to boot the PC).
BLE
(Bluetooth Low Energy)
A radio-based technology designed for small battery-powered devices that transmit small amounts of data infrequently. BLE is not backwards-compatible with “classic” Bluetooth, though a device can support both standards simultaneously.
BRI
(Basic Rate Interface)
A class of ISDN service that provides two 64 Kbps (B channels) for data and one 16 Kbps (D channel) for link management control signals
BSSID
(Basic Service Set Identifier)
The MAC address of the access point.
CAD
(Computer-Aided Design)
Software that makes technical drawings and schematics easier to produce and revise.
CAM
(Computer Aided Manufacturing)
Software that can control machine tools found in manufacturing environments.
CAN
(Campus area network)
A network that spans multiple nearby buildings.
CATV
(Cable Access TV)
Access to television stations over a coaxial cable connected to a TV, set-top box, or computer.
CCD
(Charge Coupled Device)
A type of microchip widely used as a digital image sensor. Each element in a CCD converts light captured by a photodiode into a proportional electric charge, which is then amplified, sampled, and stored as a digital value. The number of elements determines the resolution.
CCFL
(Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp)
A type of lamp providing a bright, clear light source. CCFLs are used for LCD backlights and scanners.
CD-ROM
(Compact Disc - Read Only Memory)
An optical storage technology. The discs can normally hold 700 MB of data or 80minutes of audio data. Recordable and re-writable CDs (and DVDs) are a popular backup solution for home users. They are also useful for archiving material. Unlike magnetic media, the data on the disc cannot be changed (assuming that the disc is closed to prevent further rewriting in the case of RW media). This makes them useful for preserving tamper-proof records.
CDMA
(Code Division Multiple Access)
Method of multiplexing a communications channel using a code to key the modulation of a particular signal. CDMA is associated with Sprint and Verizon cellular phone networks.
CIFS
(Common Internet File System)
Another term for SMB.
CIS
(Contact Image Sensor)
A type of digital imaging sensor. An array of LEDs strobing between red, blue, and green light are used to illuminate an object. The reflected light is captured through a lens onto an image sensor.
CMOS
(complementary metal oxide semiconductor)
A type of integrated circuit with a wide range of applications, including static RAM (for firmware and flash memory) and imaging sensors.
CMP
(Chip-level MultiProcessing)
Multiple processors combined on the same die.
CMTS
(Cable Modem Termination System)
Equipment used by cable companies to allow computers to send and receive IP packets by inserting the packets into MPEG frames over an RF signal and reverses the process for data coming from a cable modem.
CMYK Color Model
(Cyan Magenta Yellow Key [Black] color model)
Subtractive color model used by print devices. CMYK printing involves use of halftone screens. Four screens (or layers) of dots printed in each of the colors are overlaid. The size and density of the dots on each layer produces different shades of color and is viewed as a continuous tone image.
COM port
(communications port)
Windows’ representation of a computer’s serial port(s), numbered sequentially (COM1,COM2…).
CPU
(Central Processing Unit)
The principal microprocessor in a computer or smartphone responsible for running operating system and applications software.
CRM
(Customer Relationship Management)
Software designed to manage an organization’s customer (and potential customer) relationships and interactions.
CSV
(Comma Separated Values)
A file format in which data is stored using commas or another character to separate fields in the data. Typically, data has been exported from a spreadsheet or a database.
DAC
(Digital-to-Analog Converter)
A sound card component that converts the digital signals generated by the CPU to an analog electrical signal that can drive the speakers.
DC (power)
(direct current)
PCs and most computer components function by using power supplied in the form of direct current. This is normally at low voltage and is produced by stepping down the voltage from the building supply. Direct current, unlike alternating current, does not oscillate between positive and negative states.
DDR SDRAM
(Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory)
A standard for SDRAM where data is transferred twice per clock cycle (making the maximum data rate 64x the bus speed in bps). DDR2/DDR3/DDR4 SDRAM uses lower voltage chips and higher bus speeds.
DHCP Server
(Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server)
A networking service that allows a client to request an appropriate IP configuration from a server. The server is configured with a range of addresses to lease. Hosts can be allocated an IP address dynamically or be assigned a reserved IP address, based on the host’s MAC address. The server can also provide other configuration information, such as the location of DNS servers. DHCP utilizes UDP ports 67 and 68. It is important to monitor the network to ensure that only valid DHCP servers are running on the network.
DIMM
(Dual In-line Memory Module)
The standard packaging for system memory. There are different pin configurations for different RAM types (DDR SDRAM [184],DDR2/3 SDRAM [240], and DDR4 SDRAM[288]).
DLP (video)
(Digital Light Processing)
Mirror-based projector technology developed by Texas Instruments.
DMZ
(Demilitarized Zone)
A private network connected to the Internet must be protected against intrusion from the Internet. However, certain services may need to be made publicly accessible from the Internet (web and email, for instance).One solution is to put such servers in a DMZ. The idea of a DMZ is that traffic cannot pass through it. If communication is required between hosts on either side of a DMZ, a host within the DMZ acts as a proxy. It takes the request and checks it. If the request is valid, it re-transmits it to the destination. External hosts have no idea about what (if anything) is behind the DMZ. A DMZ is implemented using either two firewalls (screened subnet) or a single three-legged firewall (one with three network ports).
DNS
(Domain Name System)
A network service that provides names to IP address mapping services on the Internet and large intranets. DNS name servers host the database for domains for which they are authoritative. Root servers hold details of the top-level domains. DNS resolvers perform queries or lookups to service client requests. The DNS protocol utilizes TCP/UDP port 53.
DOCSIS
(Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification)
A global telecommunications standard that enables data to be sent over cable modems in a CATV system.
DoS
(Denial of Service)
A network attack that aims to disrupt a service, usually by overloading it.
DRAM
(Dynamic Random Access Memory)
A type of volatile memory that stores each bit of data as a charge within a single transistor. Each transistor must be refreshed periodically. Standard DRAM is the lowest common denominator of the DRAM types. Modern PCs use a DRAM derivative to store data (Double Data Rate SDRAM).
DSL
(Digital Subscriber Line)
A technology for transferring data over voice-grade telephone lines. DSL uses the higher frequencies available in a copper telephone line as a communications channel. The use of a filter prevents this from contaminating voice traffic with noise. There are various “flavors” of DSL, notably S(ymmetric)DSL, A(symmetric)DSL, and V(ery HIgh Bit Rate)DSL.
DSLAM
(DSL Access Multiplier)
A network device at the telecommunications central office that connects subscribers with the Internet.
DSLR
(Digital Single Lens Reflex)
A digital camera that replicates the features of compact35mm film cameras, preserving the traditional viewfinder method of picture composition and supporting replaceable lenses and manual adjustments.
DSP chip
(Digital Signal Processor chip)
The basis of a sound card containing one or more DACs. It also provides functions for playing digital sound (synthesis) and driving MIDI compatible devices.
DTLS
(Datagram Transport Layer Security)
TLS used with UDP applications, such as some VPN solutions.
DTP
(DeskTop Publishing)
An application similar to word processing but with more emphasis on the formatting and layout of documents than on editing the text.
DVD
(Digital Video/Versatile Disk)
An optical storage technology. DVDs offer higher capacities (4.7 GB per layer) than the preceding CD-ROM format. As with CDs, recordable and re-writable forms of DVD exist, though there are numerous competing formats (notably ±R and ±RW and DVD-RAM).
DVI
(Digital Video Interface)
A video adapter designed to replace the VGA port used by CRT monitors. The DVI interface supports digital only or digital and analog signaling.
e-ink
(electrophoretic ink)
Micro-encapsulated black and white particles, electronically manipulated to create images and text on an e-reader.
EAP
(Extensible Authentication Protocol)
Framework for negotiating authentication methods, supporting a range of authentication devices. EAP-TLS uses PKI certificates, Protected EAP (PEAP) creates a TLS-protected tunnel between the supplicant and authenticator to secure the user authentication method, and Lightweight EAP (LEAP) is a password-based mechanism used by Cisco.
EAS
(Exchange ActiveSync)
Microsoft’s synchronization protocol that enables mobile devices to connect to an Exchange Server to access mail, calendar, and contacts.
ECC
(Error Checking and Correcting [or Error Correcting Code])
System memory (RAM) with built-in error correction security. It is more expensive than normal memory and requires motherboard support. It is typically only used in servers.
EDR
(Enhanced Data Rate)
An option in the Bluetooth specification that allows faster data rates and potentially better battery life.
EIR database
(Equipment Identity Register database)
A database where IMEI numbers are stored. A lost or stolen device IMEI is marked as invalid.
EMF
(Enhanced MetaFile)
When using EMF, the software application and GDI quickly produce a partial print job. Control is then released back to the user while spooling continues in the background (GDI and the print driver are called to complete the processing of the job).
EP drum
(Electrostatic Photographic drum)
The component in a laser printer that carries the electrical charge to attract toner and then to transfer the toner to the paper.
EPD
(Electronic Paper Display)
A low-power display using e-ink to create a display that mimics the look of text on paper without using a backlight or glossy surface.
EPS specification
(Entry-level Power Supply specification)
8-pin +12 V connectors developed initially for server-class hardware.
EPT
(Extended Page Table)
The term used for SLAT extensions by Intel.
eSATA
(external Serial Advanced Technology Attachment)
An external interface for SATA connections, enabling you to connect external SATA drives to PCs.
ESD
(electrostatic discharge)
The release of a charge from a metal or plastic surface that occurs when a potential difference is formed between the charged object and an oppositely charged conductive object. This electrical discharge can damage silicon chips and computer components if they are exposed to it.
FDE
(full disk encryption)
Encryption of all data on a disk (including system files, temporary files, and the page file) can be accomplished via a supported OS, third-party software, or at the controller level by the disk device itself. Used with a strong authentication method, this mitigates against data theft in the event that the device is lost or stolen. The key used to encrypt the disk can either be stored on a USB stick or smart card or in a Trusted Platform Module.
FDM (3D Printer)
(fused deposition modeling)
See FFF.
FFF (3D Printer)
(fused filament fabrication)
A 3D printing method which lays down each layer of filament at high temperature, and as layers are extruded, adjacent layers are allowed to cool and bond together before additional layers are added to the object.
FPU
(Floating Point Unit)
A math co-processor built into the CPU that performs calculations on floating point numbers.
FQDN
(Fully Qualified Domain Name)
The full name of any host which reflects the hierarchy from most specific (the host) to the least specific (the top level domain followed by the root).
FRU
(field replaceable unit)
An adapter or other component that can be replaced by a technician on-site. Most PC and laptop components are FRUs, while the components of smartphones are not.
FTP
(File Transfer Protocol)
A protocol used to transfer files across the Internet. Variants include S(ecure)FTP, FTP with SSL (FTPS and FTPES), and T(rivial)FTP. FTP utilizes ports 20 and 21.
FTTC
(Fiber to the Curb/Cabinet)
A fiber optic solution which places the connection on a pole or cabinet at the curb, then coax or twisted pair cables carry the signal from this point to the home or business.
FTTH
(Fiber to the Home)
A fiber optic solution which places the connection inside the home or residence.
FTTN
(Fiber to the Node)
A fiber optic solution which places the connection within one mile of customers with the final connections made using existing phone or cable lines.
FTTP
(Fiber to the Premises)
A fiber optic solution which places the connection inside the premises.
GDI
(Graphics Device Interface)
The Windows XP component responsible for drawing graphics objects. Cheaper printers use GDI as the print processor. Windows Vista and later have a redesigned display/print architecture called Windows Presentation Foundation, but retain compatibility with GDI applications.
GP registers
(General Purpose registers)
Registers that store data from the CPU’s basic instruction set. 32-bit processors have 32-bit GP registers for the x86/IA-32 instruction set;64-bit processors are so-called because they have 64-bit GP registers. CPUs also support larger registers to optimize graphics processing.
GPS
(Global Positioning System)
Means of determining a receiver’s position on the Earth based on information received from GPS satellites. The receiver must have line-of-sight to the GPS satellites.
GPT
(GUID Partition Table)
A modern disk partitioning system allowing large large numbers of partitions and very large partition sizes
GPU
(Graphics Processing Unit)
A Type of microprocessor used on dedicated video adapter cards or within a CPU with integrated graphics capability.
GSM
(Global System for Mobile Communication)
Standard for cellular radiocommunications and data transfer. GSM phones use a SIM card to identify the subscriber and network provider. 4G and later data standards are developed for GSM.
HAV
(Hardware Assisted Virtualization)
Instruction set extensions (Intel VT-x and AMD-V) that facilitate the operation of virtual machines.
HBA
(host bus adapter)
A component allowing storage devices to exchange data with a computer system using a particular interface (PATA, SATA, SCSI, and so on). Motherboards will come with built-in host adapters and more can be added as expansion cards if necessary.
HDD
(Hard Disk Drive)
A device providing persistent mass storage for a PC (saving data when the computer is turned off).Data is stored using platters with a magnetic coating that are spun under disk heads that can read and write to locations on each platter (sectors). A HDD installed within a PC is referred to as the fixed disk. HDDs are often used with enclosures as portable storage or as Network Attached Storage (NAS).
HDMI
(High Definition Multimedia Interface)
High-specification digital connector for audio-video equipment.
HFC Cable
(Hybrid Fiber Coax cable)
A cable Internet connection is usually available along with a cable telephone/television service (Cable Access TV [CATV]). These networks are often described as Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC)as they combine a fiber optic core network with coax links to consumer premises equipment, but are more simply just described as “cable.” Consumers interface with the service via a cable “modem”(actually functioning more like a bridge).
HIDs
(Human Interface Devices)
Peripherals that enable the user to enter data and select commands.
HT
(HyperThreading)
Intel CPU architecture implemented on many Pentium 4 models.HT exposes two or more logical processors to the OS, delivering performance benefits similar to SMP.
HTPC
(Home Theater PC)
A PC used in place of consumer appliances such as Personal Video Recorders (PVRs) to watch and record TV broadcasts and play movies and music.
HTT
(HyperThreading technology)
Intel’s term for HyperThreading.
HTTP
(HyperText Transfer Protocol)
The protocol used to provide web content to browsers. HTTP uses port 80. HTTPS(ecure) provides for encrypted transfers, using SSL/TLS and port 443.
HTTPS
(HTTP Secure)
A protocol that provides for encrypted transfers, using SSL/TLS and port 443.
HVAC
(Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
The building environmental heating and cooling services and the control of those systems.
I/O addresses
(Input/Output addresses)
Input/output peripherals have a special area of memory in the range 0000-FFFF set aside to allow data reading and writing functions. This is normally configured by Plug-and-Play but can be set manually using Device Manager.
IaaS
(Infrastructure as a Service)
A cloud computing service that enables a consumer to outsource computing equipment purchases and running their own data center.
IC
(integrated circuit)
A silicon chip embedded on a ceramic plate.
ICMP
(Internet Control Message Protocol)
IP-level protocol for reporting errors and status information supporting the function of troubleshooting utilities such as ping.
IDE
(Integrated Development Environment)
A programming environment that typically includes a code editor containing an autocomplete feature to help you write code, a debugger to help you find coding errors, and an interpreter that translates the script file code into machine readable code the computer can execute.
IDS
(Intrusion Detection System)
Software or security appliance designed to monitor network traffic (NIDS) or configuration files and logs on a host (HIDS) to record and detect unusual activity. Many systems can automatically take preventive action(Intrusion Prevention System [IPS]).Detection is either signature-based or anomaly-based (or both). IDS software typically requires a lengthy period of configuration and “training” to recognize baseline “normal” activity.
IMAP
(Internet Message Access Protocol)
ATCP/IP application protocol providing a means for a client to access email messages stored in a mailbox on a remote server. Unlike POP3, messages persist on the server after the client has downloaded them. IMAP also supports mailbox management functions, such as creating subfolders and access to the same mailbox by more than one client at the same time. IMAP4 utilizes TCP port number 143.
IMEI number
(International Mobile Equipment Identity number)
A number that uniquely identifies a mobile device on a GSM network.
IMSI number
(International Mobile Subscriber Identity number)
A number that uniquely identifies a mobile subscriber.
IoT
(Internet of Things)
The global network of personal devices (such as phones, tablets, and fitness trackers), home appliances, home control systems, vehicles, and other items that have been equipped with sensors, software, and network connectivity.
IP
(Internet Protocol)
The network (Internet)layer protocol in the TCP/IP suite providing packet addressing and routing for all higher level protocols in the suite.