All Glossary Terms Flashcards
104-key keyboard
Keyboard layout with Windows and right-click keys added to the old 101-key layout.
802.11a
A wireless Ethernet standard that uses 5GHz radio signals and provides performance at rates from 6Mbps up to 54Mbps. It is not compatible with other 802.11-based wireless networks unless dual-band access points are used.
802.11b
A wireless Ethernet standard that uses 2.4GHz radio signaling for performance from 2Mbps to 11Mbps. It is compatible with 802.11g-based wireless networks but not with 802.11a-based networks unless dual-band access points are used.
802.11g
A wireless Ethernet standard that uses 2.4GHz radio signaling for performance up to 54Mbps. It is compatible with 802.11b-based wireless networks but not with 802.11a-based networks unless dual-band access points are used.
802.11n
A wireless Ethernet standard that uses 2.4GHz and 5-GHz radio signaling for performance up to 600Mbps.
AC
Alternating current; the type of electrical current used to run homes and businesses.
AC’97 version 2.3 audio
An analog audio codec standard that supports 96kHz sampling and 20-bit stereo playback. Most implementations support jack sensing.
accelerometer
A combination of hardware and software that measures velocity in mobile devices; accelerometers detect rotation, shaking of the device, and so on.
Action Center
Windows 7 Control Panel utility that provides one-stop access for security, maintenance, troubleshooting, and recovery options.
active heat sink
Heat sink with attached fan.
ADSL
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. A form of DSL that enables faster downloads than uploads. Can be provided over high-quality existing phone lines and is well suited for residential and small-business use.
Advanced RISC Machine (ARM)
In mobile devices, a 32-bit reduced instruction set computing architecture designed for low-power consumption and simplicity.
AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)
A 32-bit I/O bus used for video, provides for a direct connection between the video card and memory.
AHCI
Advanced Host Controller Interface; SATA setup option in BIOS that supports native command queueing (NCQ) and all other advanced features.
AMR (Audio Modem Riser)
A riser card and slot designed to support surround audio and soft modem on some motherboards.
ATA
AT Attachment; a family of standards for PATA and (in ATA-7 and above) SATA interfaces.
ATX (Advanced Technology Integrated)
Motherboard form factor with integrated port cluster at left rear of board, basis for most mid-size to full-size desktop systems.
audio mini-jack
3.5mm (1/8 inch) jacks used for stereo and surround audio, microphones, and line in/line out connections.
Automated System Recovery
ASR; special backup option in NTBackup (Windows XP) that enables a bootable Windows installation to be restored from a backup.
battery backup
A device that provides temporary power to connected units until they can be shut down; UPS and SPS devices are two different types of battery backups.
Belarc System Advisor
A third-party ActiveX web-based program that identifies the computer’s operating system, hardware, Windows version, and security status.
biometrics
Biometrics fall into the category of “something a person is.” Examples of bodily characteristics that are measured include fingerprints, retinal patterns, iris patterns, and even bone structure.
BIOS
Basic Input Output System. It controls and tests basic computer hardware at the beginning of the boot procedure.
BitLocker
A full disk encryption feature available in the Enterprise and Ultimate editions of Windows Vista and Windows 7.
Blu-ray
An optical medium originally developed for HD movies; capacity of 25GB single-layer and 50GB in dual-layer; also referred to as BD.
Boot Configuration Data
BCD; the configuration information used by Windows Vista and Windows 7 to determine how to start (boot) the system.
Boot.ini
The configuration information used by Windows XP to determine how to start (boot) the system
BSOD
Blue Screen of Death. So named because the error message is in white text against a blue background. See STOP errors.
bus speeds
Speeds of various buses on motherboards (PCI, PCIe, memory, and so on).
bus-powered hub
Receives power from upstream USB port; limits power to 100mA per device.
cable management
The act of controlling where cables are installed. They should be kept out of walkways, off the floor, and away from anywhere a person might move about
cable select
A PATA jumper setting that enables the 80-wire cable to determine primary and secondary drives
CAD/CAM
Computer aided drafting/computer aided manufacturing
calibration
Adjustments to improve print quality on inkjet or color laser printers.
card reader
A single-slot or multislot device for reading from and writing to flash memory cards.
CardBus
32-bit version of PC Card add-on card used in laptops.
CCFL backlight
Backlight for conventional LCD displays.
CD
Compact disc; the oldest optical disc format; DVD and BD drives can also use CD media.
chain of custody
The chronological documentation or paper trail of evidence that might be used in a court of law.
chip creep
Socketed chips working their way out of sockets over time due to heating/cooling.
chipset
Support chips on a motherboard (northbridge or memory controller hub; southbridge or I/O controller hub) that provide interface between onboard components and expansion slots and CPU.
clean boot
Starting Windows without startup services or programs.
client
Computer that uses shared resources on network.
client/server
Network using dedicated servers such as Novell NetWare or Windows Server.
CMOS
Complimentary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor. Refers to low-power chip design; it’s also a common term for Real-Time-Clock/Non-Volatile RAM chip (RTC/NVRAM).
CNR
Communications Network Riser. Riser slot and card for soft modem and network adapter on some motherboards
COM
See serial port.
Computer Management
Windows XP/Vista/7 interface for managing tasks, events, users, performance, storage, and services. Snap-in for the Microsoft Management Console (MMC).
continuous reboots
Symptom of Power Good power supply problem or STOP (BSOD) error if system is configured to restart on BSOD.
Control Panel
A Windows feature that sets Windows hardware options. It can be accessed from the Start or Start, Settings menu in most versions of Windows.
CONVERT.EXE
Windows command-line utility for converting a FAT32 drive to NTFS.
COPY
Windows internal command for copying files between one location and another
CPU (central processing unit)
An electronic circuit that can process data and execute computer programs (Core i7, Phenom II, and so on).
CPU fan connector
Connection on motherboard to power CPU fan and monitor speed.
CPU-Z
A third-party CPU identification program that provides extensive technical information on a CPU’s features and revision level.
CRT
Cathode ray tube. A monitor’s picture tube, a large vacuum tube that displays information.
custom system configuration
A computer configuration that is not a stock or standard configuration to better fit the computer to a specified task.
daisy-chaining
Connecting multiple devices through a single port; used by EPP and ECP parallel-port modes and SCSI.
DC
Direct current; the type of electrical current supplied by batteries or by a PC’s power supply.
DDR SDRAM
Double Data-Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory. Double Data-Rate SDRAM. A faster form of SDRAM used by many highperformance video cards and motherboards.
DDR2 SDRAM
Double-Double Data-Rate SDRAM (DDR2 SDRAM) is the successor to DDR SDRAM. DDR2 SDRAM runs its external data bus at twice the speed of DDR SDRAM, enabling faster performance.
DDR3 SDRAM
Double Data-Rate Three SDRAM (DDR3 SDRAM) is the successor to DDR2 SDRAM. DDR3 SDRAM runs its external data bus at twice the speed of DDR2 SDRAM, enabling faster performance. DDR3 SDRAM also uses lower voltages than DDR2 and supports higher memory capacities.
dead short
Short circuit on the motherboard that makes the system appear to be dead.
degaussing
To demagnetize a CRT display. Degaussing removes color fringing and distortions onscreen. Some monitors automatically degauss the CRT when the monitor is turned on, and others offer a degaussing button or menu option to degauss on demand.
device ID
Method of indicating different devices attached to a SCSI host adapter; each device must use a unique device ID#, which is set on each device.
Device Manager
A Microsoft Windows utility that displays detailed information about the computer hardware in the system, including status and driver information.
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. Provides IP addresses as required; allows a limited number of IP addresses to service many devices that are not connected at the same time.
digital camera
A camera that uses a digital image sensor instead of film. Most use flash memory cards for storage.
DIMM
Dual Inline Memory Module. These are available in 168-pin, 184-pin, and 240-pin versions. Dual refers to each side of the module having a different pinout.
direct thermal
Thermal printing technology in which the printhead heats the paper.
directory
Older term for a folder in Windows.
Disk Management
Windows XP/Vista/7 interface for managing hard drive storage. Can also manage removable-media and tape drives in Windows XP and Vista.
diskpart
Window command-line utility for creating and managing disks, partitions, and volumes.
DisplayPort
Primarily used to transmit video but can also send audio and USB signals as well. Designed as a replacement to VGA and DVI.
DLL
Dynamic Link Library. Binary files used by Windows and Windows programs.
DMZ
Demilitarized zone. In network computing it is a subnetwork that provides external services. It is often between the LAN and the Internet but is controlled by the organization that also controls the LAN.
DNS
Domain name service or domain name server. Translates domain names into IP addresses.
docking station
Enables laptop computers to use devices not built in, such as card slots, high-end audio and video ports, and others; requires a proprietary, dedicated external bus connector.
domain name
Unique alphanumeric identifier for websites.
DRAM
Dynamic Random Access Memory. Dynamic RAM. The slowest type of RAM, which requires frequent electrical refreshes to keep contents valid.
drive array
Two or more drives used as a single logical unit.
DSL
Digital Subscriber Line. A type of broadband Internet service that uses telephone lines to carry Internet traffic at speeds as high as 768Kbps or more while allowing you to use your phone for normal functions at the same time. Two major types of DSL are ADSL and SDSL. See those entries for details.
DualView
Windows standard for supporting extended desktop or cloned desktop with external video port on laptop computers.
DUN
Dial-up networking. Using an analog (phone line) modem to connect to other computers.
DVD
Digital versatile disc; the most common optical disc format
DVI
Digital Visual Interface. Replaced DFP as the standard for support of LCD displays on desktop computers. DVI-D is for digital displays only; DVI-I supports digital and analog displays. Sometimes this is also referred to as Digital Video Interface.
dye sublimation
Thermal printing technology in which dye is released as a gas onto the page.
Dynamic disk
Windows disk storage type that permits drive spanning, striping, mirroring, and fault-tolerant volumes.
ECC
Error correction code. Advanced memory that can correct errors and requires special chipsets. It is used primarily in servers.
EFS
Encrypting File System. The encryption subset of NTFS.
electrostatic discharge (ESD)
The release of static electricity when two objects with varying electrical potentials come into contact with each other.
eSATA
External SATA, a version of SATA for use with external drives.
exFAT (FAT64)
File system designed to support high-capacity removable storage media, such as flash drives.
expansion slots
Slots in the motherboard for video, network, mass storage, and other types of cards. Types include PCIe, PCI, and others.
ExpressCard
High-performance replacement for CardBus; available in 34mmwide (/34) and 54mm-wide (/54) versions.
Extended partition
Windows disk partition that can be divided into one or more logical drives. Cannot be made bootable.
external command
Programs run from the command line, such as XCOPY.EXE
FAT32
32-bit file allocation table. FAT method is optionally available with Windows 7, Vista, and XP, and 2000. It allows for drive sizes up to 2TB (terabytes).
firewall
A network device or software that blocks unauthorized access to a network from other users. Software firewalls, such as the Windows Firewall, Zone Alarm, and Norton Internet Security, are sometimes referred to as personal firewalls. Routers can also function as firewalls.
FireWire 400
See IEEE 1394
FireWire 800
See IEEE 1394
firmware
A middle ground between hardware and software, it is a software program that has been written for read-only memory (ROM).
first response
When the first technician arrives at the incident scene and identifies what happened.
flash memory
Memory that retains its contents without electricity.
FlexATX
Small version of ATX motherboard designed for low-profile or small form factor systems.
Fn key
Special key on laptop keyboards that, when pressed, enables other keys to perform an additional task, such as adjusting screen brightness, toggling the Windows desktop to an external display, and so on.
form factor
Physical size and shape of motherboard, power supply. See www.formfactors.org for specifications for common motherboard and power supply standards
front-panel connectors
Connections on front or side of motherboard for power switch, indicator lights, reset, and other features from the front of the computer.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol. File transfer to or from a special server site on the World Wide Web.
generic hub
USB hub that plugs in to a USB port or USB root hub.
geotracking
The practice of tracking and recording the location of a mobile device over time.
global positioning system (GPS)
A worldwide system of satellites that provide information concerning the whereabouts of mobile devices and anything else with a GPS receiver.
GUI
Graphical user interface. Windows is a GUI.
gyroscope
In addition to the accelerometers, this adds the measurements of pitch, roll, and yaw to mobile devices, just like in the concept of flight dynamics.
hardware
Objects in a computer that are tangible; can be physically installed or removed.
hardware-assisted virtualization
Features in CPU and BIOS that enable virtualization to perform faster.
HD Audio
An Intel standard for High Definition Audio (also known as HAD or Azalia). It supports 192kHz 32-bit sampling in stereo and 96kHz 32-bit sampling for up to eight channels.
HDMI
High-Definition Multimedia Interface. A compact audio/video interface for transmitting uncompressed digital data.
header cable
Connects to motherboard header pins connected to integrated I/O ports
heat sink
Device that draws heat away from a component (CPU, GPU, and memory).
Hi-Speed USB
USB 2.0 ports and devices.
HID
Human interface device; mouse or keyboard.
home server PC
A PC optimized to provide file, print, and backup services on a home or SOHO network.
HTML
Hypertext Markup Language. A standard for markup symbols that enables hyperlinking, fonts, special text attributes, graphics, and other enhancements to be added to text files for display with web browsers such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome. The official source for HTML standards is the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), but both Microsoft and Netscape have added proprietary features to the HTML dialects they understand.
HTTP
Hypertext Transfer Protocol. The basis for hyperlinking and the Internet; it is interpreted by a web browser program.
HTTPS
Hypertext Transfer Protocol over Secure Sockets Layer. HTTPS connections are often used for payment transactions on the World Wide Web and for sensitive transactions in corporate information systems.
hub
Central connecting point for UTP-based forms of Ethernet. A hub broadcasts messages to all computers connected to it and subdivides the bandwidth of the network among the computers connected to it. See switch. Also refers to a device used to enable multiple USB devices to connect to a single USB port.
hyperthreading (HT Technology)
Intel CPU technology that enables a single processor core to work with two execution threads at the same time.
IEEE 1394
A high-speed serial connection. IEEE 1394a (FireWire 400) runs at 400Mbps and IEEE 1394b (FireWire 800) runs at 800Mbps. i.LINK is Sony’s name for a four-wire version of IEEE-1394a.