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A+ Certification > Computing Overview > Flashcards

Computing Overview Flashcards

1
Q

Networking and Communications

A

The practice of connecting two or more computers in order to transfer data. Networking components include:

  • Connecting media:
    • Copper cables
    • Radio signals
  • Connection devices:
    • Routers
    • Switches
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2
Q

Output

A

The process of the computer presenting, displaying, or otherwise giving data. Output devices include:

  • Video
  • Audio
  • Printing
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3
Q

Storage Devices

A

Devices that contain non-volatile memory for saving or maintaining data. Storage devices include:

  • Hard disk drives
  • Solid-state drives
  • Optical drives (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and Blu-ray)
  • Flash drives
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4
Q

Processing

A

The flow of data through a series of procedures as defined by a set of instructions. Major processing components include:

  • CPU (central processing unit)
  • RAM (random-access memory)
  • RAM is a temporary short-term type of storage used to store processed information for quick access. RAM is considered volatile memory because it is not persistent. When the computer is turned off, all the data that was stored in RAM is lost.
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5
Q

Hardware

A

The physical components that compose a computer system or network. Common hardware components include the following:

  • Keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer
  • Connectors and cables
  • Hard disk drives
  • Circuit boards
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6
Q

Software

A

Instructions or data that are stored electronically, either on a hard drive or a special chip. Software components include the following:

  • Operating systems.
  • Program applications.
  • Hardware drivers (special programs that tell the operating system how to use the hardware.)

Firmware is a special type of software that is embedded in the read-only memory of a hardware component. A BIOS chip is an example of firmware.

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7
Q

Input

A

The movement of data or commands to the internal computer hardware. Input devices include:

  • Standard input devices:
    • Mouse
    • Keyboard
    • Touchscreen
  • Gaming input devices:
    • Game controller
    • Joystick
  • Media input devices:
    • Scanner
    • Digital camera
    • Webcam
  • Audio input devices:
    • Microphone
    • MIDI controller
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8
Q
A

The DB-15 port is used by legacy gamepads, joysticks, and MIDI devices.

These ports are typically found on older sound cards.

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9
Q
A

parallel port (DB-25)

The parallel port connects older devices that use a parallel interface, such as printers, hard drives, and gamepads.

The parallel port was superseded by the USB and RJ45 port.

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10
Q
A

Serial Port (DB-9)

The serial port is used to connect serial devices, such as a barcode scanner, dial-up modem, or serial mouse. Serial ports are also used to configure and manage some networking devices.

RS-232 is a standard for serial communication transmission of data. It defines the signals connecting computer equipment like a computer and a modem. The RS-232 standard was commonly used in computer serial ports. USB has replaced RS-232 for most of its peripheral interface roles. Many computers no longer come equipped with RS-232 ports.

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11
Q
A

PS/2 (Mini-DIN-6)

The PS/2 port, also called mini-DIN-6, is used to connect older PS/2 keyboard or mouse devices. PS/2 ports are color coded. Purple denotes the keyboard port, and green denotes the mouse port.

The PS/2 port has been superseded by the USB port.

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12
Q
A

RJ11 ports are used by telephones and modems to send analog signals. RJ11 ports have four connector pins

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13
Q
A

RJ45 ports are used to create Ethernet networks by connecting multiple computers and networking devices. RJ45 ports have eight connector pins.

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14
Q
A

Coaxial S/PDIF and Fiber S/PDIF

The S/PDIF port is used to send a digital audio signal to high-end audio devices such as home theatre systems or Dolby Digital surround sound systems.

  • Coaxial S/PDIF ports use a copper coaxial cable to transmit signals.
  • Fiber S/PDIF ports use fiber optic cables to transmit signals.
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15
Q
A

The USB port is one of the most common computer ports. USB ports are used to connect a variety of devices.

  • Mouse and keyboard devices
  • External storage devices
  • Digital cameras
  • Printers
  • Scanners
  • Microphones
  • Webcams
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16
Q

Identify and describe

A

Audio jacks are used to send or receive analog audio signals. Audio jacks use 3.5 mm TRS connectors to connect audio devices such as:

  • Speakers
  • Headphones
  • Microphones
  • Audio output devices

Audio jacks use a common color code to denote the port type:

  • Green: line out
  • Pink: mic in
  • Blue: line in
  • Orange: subwoofer
  • Black: rear speakers
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17
Q
A

S-Video (miniDin-4)

The separated video (s-video) port is used for connecting external displays. It has slightly better picture quality than an RCA video port.

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18
Q
A

The Thunderbolt port combines PCI Express (PCIe) and DisplayPort signals into a single interface. The Thunderbolt port can also provide DC power. Thunderbolt ports are mainly used for external displays.

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19
Q
A

HDMI and DisplayPort

The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port and DisplayPort are used to send high-quality digital video and audio signals. The following devices use the HDMI and DisplayPort:

  • LCD monitors
  • HDTVs

HDMI has a smaller form factor connector called an HDMI-mini connector. This connector is half the size of a standard HDMI connector and is used to connect smart phones, tablets, and digital cameras to external displays.

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20
Q
A

A digital visual interface (DVI) port is used to connect display devices. DVI ports:

  • Carry either an analog signal, a digital signal, or both.
  • Support one of two cable and connector types, single link or dual link.
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21
Q
A

VGA (DE-15)

The video graphics array (VGA) port is used to connect external display devices such as projectors and some monitors. VGA ports:

  • Transmit an analog video signal.
  • Have three rows of five pins.
  • Use a DE-15 connector.

DE-15 connectors are often called DB-15 connectors, which is a misnomer.

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22
Q
A

HDMI to DVI

Used to connect an HDMI cable to a DVI port.

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23
Q
A

Used to connect a VGA cable to a DVI port.

24
Q
A

Used to connect a VGA cable to an HDMI port.

25
Q
A

Used to connect an RJ45 connector to a USB port.

26
Q

Kernel

A

The kernel is the core of the operating system that is loaded into memory when the system boots up. It is responsible for controlling security, managing the file system, and providing a platform for applications to run on. The user rarely interacts directly with the kernel.

27
Q

Driver

A

A driver is a type of computer program that enables the operating system to interact with hardware devices.

28
Q

Interface

A

An interface is what allows the user to interact with the kernel and the utilities. There are two main types of interfaces, command line and GUI. In command line interfaces, commands are executed through instructions written into a command line. Examples of command line-based interfaces are MS-DOS and aspects of Linux. In a Graphical User Interface (GUI), the user executes commands by clicking on graphics and symbols. Windows is an example of graphical user interface.

29
Q

Utilities

A

Utilities are the features or programs included with an operating system that perform system-related tasks. Common Windows utilities are Control Panel and This PC. Common Linux utilities are cd, cp, grep, and Is.

30
Q

Application

A

An application is a subclass computer program that is designed for end users. Examples are database, spreadsheet, and word processing programs. Applications frequently come in suites.

31
Q

Multiprocessing

A
  • Multiprocessing is the ability to use multiple processing devices.
32
Q

Multitasking

A
  • Multitasking is the ability to run multiple applications simultaneously. Two common variations are:
    • Cooperative multitasking means that multiple processes must work together for the operating system to work effectively.
    • Preemptive multitasking forces applications to share the CPU.
33
Q

Multithreading

A
  • Multithreading is the ability to run multiple parts of an application simultaneously.
34
Q

Features new to Windows 10 include:

A
  • Customizable Start lets you organize your apps and shortcuts.
  • Microsoft Store allows you to purchase music, videos, games, and apps
  • Cortana provides you with a personal assistant for web searching. This feature is only available in the United States, United Kingdom, China, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain. This feature is hardware-dependent.
  • Microsoft Edge lets you write and highlight web pages in the Edge web browser. This feature is hardware-dependent.
  • Windows Hello uses face and fingerprint sign in. This feature is hardware-dependent.
  • Photos app organizes photos and videos in one location.
  • Cloud storage provides integrated access to OneDrive, which provides free storage space in the cloud.
  • Continuum allows you to switch between PC, tablet, and phones modes. This feature is hardware-dependent.
35
Q

Desktop

A

The desktop is the working surface that contains icons that access programs, files, applications, and file systems. The desktop is what is seen when all programs and open folders are minimized. Installing an application often adds an icon to the desktop.

36
Q

Start

A

The Start is the easiest way to access the most useful things on your computer.

  • The list of programs in the Start is divided by a separator line into two sections, pinned default programs and the most used programs.
  • The Start can be customized for each user.
  • The Start’s appearance is different with each Windows version.

The Start is found in Windows 7 and 10.

37
Q

Taskbar

A

The taskbar is the bar displayed at the bottom of a Windows desktop (although its position can be changed). The taskbar:

  • Contains icons that represent each program or application currently running or pinned to the taskbar for quick access. You launch a pinned program by selecting the icon on the taskbar.
  • Can be configured to display different types of toolbars. For instance, Quick Launch is a toolbar that contains shortcuts to designated programs.
38
Q

Notification Area

A

The notification area is a part of the taskbar located on the right side of the taskbar. The notification area:

  • Displays the time and date.
  • Displays icons that represent the applications and processes running behind the scenes on your computer, such as audio volume and security programs.
  • Displays connectivity to the internet or a workgroup.
39
Q

Windows Explorer

A

Windows Explorer is a graphical user interface (GUI) for viewing and managing the file system.

40
Q

Control Panel

A

Control Panel is a compilation of various utilities that change how a computer looks and behaves. Use the Control Panel to configure settings for hardware devices, manage printers and networks, configure personal settings, and manage the system.

41
Q

Aero

A

Aero is a set of features that improves the visual appearance of Windows. Features of Aero include:

  • Glass effects on window borders that make borders semi-transparent (translucent). You can view objects behind windows through the window borders.
  • Window animations when windows are opened or closed.
  • Taskbar thumbnails that show the contents of an open window when you move the mouse over items on the taskbar.
  • Windows Flip shows thumbnails of running programs when you use the Alt + Tab keys to switch between running programs.
  • Aero Flip 3D is activated with the + Tab key and shows an expanded 3D view of running programs.
  • The Show Desktop button (on the right side of the taskbar) hides all open windows. Hovering over the button makes the content of all open windows disappear (called Peek).
  • Snap is a new feature that maximizes a window as you drag its border to the edge of the screen. Snapping multiple windows on the screen tiles them side-by-side. In Windows 10, Snap is limited to four apps on the desktop and two apps on a tablet.
  • Shake lets you hide all but the current window. Select the top window border and shake the mouse to hide or unhide all other open windows.

Aero is not available in the Windows 7 Home Basic version. In addition, features depend on the graphics card in the system. For example, you might not be able to use Flip 3D if the graphics card does not have the necessary features

42
Q

Search

A

Search is a feature to help you find documents on your computer.

  • Windows includes a new indexing service that catalogs objects and files on your computer to improve the speed of searches on your computer. The search is typically fast because it does not search the complete hard drive but, instead, searches the index.
  • Instant Search provides a box for typing keywords and phrases. As you type, matching results are displayed. Instant Search boxes are available on the taskbar and in other applications such as Internet Explorer, Photo Gallery, and Media Player.
  • Custom properties are tags or descriptions that you can add to files as attributes that can be easily searched or indexed.
  • Search Folders lets you save a search as a folder. When you open the folder again, the search is performed, and the results are displayed.
43
Q

User Account Control (UAC)

A

User Account Control (UAC) is a feature that helps minimize the dangers of unwanted actions or unintended software installations.

  • UAC differentiates between standard user privileges and administrative privileges.
  • Icons next to some tasks identify tasks that require administrative privileges. In addition, performing other tasks, such as installing applications or hardware devices, require administrative privileges.
  • If standard user privileges are not sufficient to perform a task, the system requests privilege elevation.
    • If you are logged on as a standard user, you are prompted to supply the username and password for an administrator user.
    • If you are logged on as an administrator, you are prompted for permission before the action is performed.
44
Q

Linux shell commands

A

Command

Description

pwd

Displays the path of the current directory on the screen. pwd stands for print working directory.

ifconfig

Displays the IP address and the subnet mask assigned to this system.

ls

Displays a list of files and subdirectories that exist within a directory. Several options are commonly used with this command:

  • -a displays all files, including hidden files.
  • -l displays a detailed (long) listing of directory contents including ownership, permissions, modification dates, and file sizes.
  • -R displays the contents of the directory and all of its subdirectories.

–help

Displays a brief summary of how to use the command.

bash

Starts a new Bourne-again shell (bash) session.

man

Displays the manual page for a command. It’s very similar to the help screen, but it provides more detail. Use the Q key to quit and go back to the shell prompt.

info

Displays more extensive documentation about the command. Use the Q key to quit and go back to the shell prompt.

cd

Changes directories in the file system. For example, to change to the /home directory in the file system, you would enter cd /home at the shell prompt.

cp

Copies files and directories from one location in the file system to another. For example, to copy the widget.odt file to the /home/rtracy directory, you would enter cp widget.odt /home/rtracy at the shell prompt.

To copy an entire directory structure, include the -R option, which specifies that the directory contents be recursively copied.

mv

Moves and/or renames files and directories from one location or name to another. For example, to move the widget.odt file in your current working directory to the /home/rtracy directory, you would enter mv widget.odt /home/rtracy at the shell prompt. Before moving it, you could rename it to newwidget.odt by entering mv widget.odt newwidget.odt or, alternatively, you could rename and move it simultaneously by entering mv widget.odt /home/rtracy/newwidget.odt.

rm

Deletes files and directories from the file system. For example, to delete the widget.odt file, you would enter rm widget.odt at the shell prompt.

cat

Displays the contents of a text file on the screen. For example, to view the contents of the widget.txt file, you would enter cat widget.txt at the shell prompt.

less

Displays the contents of a text file on the screen, pausing the output one screen at a time. For example, to view the contents of the widget.txt file one page at a time, you would enter less widget.txt at the shell prompt.

head

Displays the first few lines of a text file on the screen. For example, to view the first lines of the widget.txt file, you would enter head widget.txt at the shell prompt.

tail

Displays the last few lines of a text file on the screen. For example, to view the last lines of the widget.txt file, you would enter tail widget.txt at the shell prompt.

The -f option can be used with tail to monitor a file for changes. If new content is added to the end of the file (such as a log file), the new lines will be displayed on the screen.

vi

Edits the contents of a text file. The vi uses four different operating modes:

  • Command mode
  • Command-line mode
  • Insert mode
  • Replace mode

For example, to edit the contents of the widget.txt file, you would enter vi widget.txt at the shell prompt. You would then press the i key to enter Insert mode and make the necessary changes to the file. When done editing the file, you would press the Esc key to enter Command mode. Then you would press the : key to enter command-line mode where you would enter exit or wq (for write and quit) to save your changes and exit the vi editor.

su

Allows you to switch user accounts.

  • su - (su with a space and a hyphen) is used to switch to the root user with the home directory and environment variables assigned to the root user.

shutdown

Shuts down or reboots the system in a secure manner. The syntax of the shutdown command is shutdown -h|-r +m message. The options for the shutdown command include:

  • +m specifies when to perform the shutdown operation. m is the amount of time is specified in minutes.
  • -h instructs the system to shut down and power down.
  • -r instructs the system to reboot after the shutdown.
  • -p powers off the machine.
  • message specifies a message that is sent to all users that accompanies the standard shutdown notification.
45
Q

Linux description

A

Linux is an open source operating system. You can even create your own custom version of Linux called a distribution. Some of the more popular Linux distributions include openSUSE, Fedora, and Ubuntu.

Like Windows, Linux provides two different user interfaces. There is a a graphical interface where you can click on things with a mouse and make selections to bring up applications. There is also a command line interface called the shell that allows you to enter commands at the shell prompt to manage the system. The command line interface is consistent across all distributions of Linux. Each Linux distribution uses a slightly different graphical user interface. If you learn how to manage Linux systems from within a shell, then you can manage just about any Linux distribution.

The shell is often referred to as the bash (Bourne-again shell) shell.

A superuser in Linux is equivalent to an administrator in Windows.

Linux has two especially important features, command history and command completion. Command history saves commands entered at the shell prompt. The command completion feature tries to guess a command you are entering and will complete the command for you if you press the TAB key

46
Q

Mac OS uses special keyboard keys that are specific to Apple systems. The following table describes the function of each of these keys

A

Key

Description

The Command (⌘) key is the primary modifier key on Apple systems. For example, Command+C copies the selected item to the clipboard, and Command+V pastes the contents of the Clipboard.

When used in a Boot Camp Windows installation, the Command key serves the same function as the Windows key.

The Option (⌥) key is used for application shortcuts and navigation shortcuts. For example, Option+Right/Left Arrow navigates between words in a text document.

When used in a Boot Camp Windows installation, the Option key serves the same function as the Alt key.

The Control (^) key is primarily used for text document navigation. For example, Control+H deletes the character to the left of the cursor. The Control key can also be used in conjunction with other keys to perform system tasks. For example, Command+Control+Power button forces the Mac OS to restart.

When used in a Boot Camp Windows installation, the Control key serves the same function as the Ctrl key.

The Fn key is typically only found on Apple notebooks and is used to access the F1–F12 keys on the keyboard. It can also be used to access the special icon function on particular keys.

47
Q

Gestures

(Mac OS)

A

Gestures are specific finger motions that are used to perform a specific function on a Mac OS system. They are used by Apple systems that use an Apple Multi-Touch trackpad, a Magic Mouse, or a touchscreen. Below are just some of the gestures that are available on Mac OS:

  • Right-click: Tap with two fingers to right-click.
  • Smart zoom: Double-tap with two fingers to zoom in on a web page, image, or document (double-tap again to zoom out).
  • Scroll: Slide up or down using two fingers to scroll up or down.
  • Zoom: Spread two fingers apart to zoom in. Bring fingers back together to zoom out.
  • Page navigation: Slide two fingers left or right to navigate between pages in a document.
  • Mission Control: Slide four fingers straight up to open Mission Control.
  • All apps: Slide four fingers straight down to display all windows of the active app.
48
Q

Remote Disc

(Mac OS)

A

Because many modern Apple devices are being manufactured without a CD or DVD installed, Mac OS offers the Remote Disc feature. With Remote Disc:

  • The CD or DVD can be shared on the network.
  • Devices on the same network can access the shared remote CD or DVD.
  • Only data CDs and DVDs can be accessed. Media discs such as audio CDs, Blu-ray and DVD movies, or installation discs cannot be accessed remotely.
49
Q

Boot Camp

(Mac OS)

A

Boot Camp is a Mac OS feature that allows an Apple device to install the Microsoft Windows OS. Boot Camp makes installing Windows a very simple process by using the Boot Camp Assistant app. The Boot Camp Assistant:

  • Automatically creates a BOOTCAMP partition on the hard drive and prepares it for installing Windows.
  • Reboots the system and starts the Windows install process from the selected installation media.
  • Creates a Boot Camp system tray icon in both Mac OS and the Windows installation to switch between the Windows and Mac OS installation.

Boot Camp has the following system requirements:

  • Intel-based Mac
  • Installation media containing 64-bit version of Windows 8 or later
  • 55 GB of free space
50
Q

System Preferences

(Mac OS)

A

System Preferences is the utility used to change settings for nearly every aspect of Mac OS.

  • Settings are grouped by category and can be accessed by selecting the category icon.
  • Each category has multiple tabs or dialogs that are used to change different system settings.
  • The search box can be used to search for the location of a specific setting.
51
Q

Mission Control

(Mac OS)

A

Mission Control is a desktop and windows management utility used to access several Mac OS features.

  • Multiple Desktops - At the top of Mission Control is the Multiple Desktops feature that is used to manage and navigate between multiple desktops.
  • All Windows - When activated, Mission Control tiles all application windows on the screen and groups multiple windows from the same application together.
  • Dashboard - From Mission Control, the Dashboard containing Mac OS widgets can be accessed.
52
Q

Keychain

(Mac OS)

A

Keychain is Mac OS’s password management utility. Keychain can hold password-protected data for the following categories:

  • Passwords (including passwords for websites, system logins, wireless networks, encrypted disks)
  • Private keys
  • Certificates
  • Secure notes

In order to access information contained in Keychain, the system administrator password must be provided.

53
Q

Spotlight

(Mac OS)

A

Spotlight is an indexing utility that can perform system-wide searches to locate folders, files, apps, and internet results that contain the specified search phrase. Spotlight is access pressing Command(⌘)+Spacebar or by selecting the Spotlight icon on the Status menu.

54
Q

Dock

(Mac OS)

A

The Dock is the main taskbar in Mac OS. The Dock is used to launch apps, switch between running apps, access the Trash, and access specific folders.

  • Dock settings can be accessed in System Preferences or by right-clicking the Dock and selecting Dock Preferences.
  • Apps and folders can be pinned to the Dock for quick access.
  • Running apps on the Dock have an illuminated dot below them.
55
Q

Force Quit

(Mac OS)

A

Force Quit is used to stop non-responsive processes and applications. It can also be used to restart the Finder service. Force Quit can be accessed from the Apple menu or the keyboard shortcut Command+Option+Esc.

56
Q

Terminal

(Mac OS)

A

Terminal is Mac OS’s command line interface utility. It is similar to the terminal used in Linux systems. Terminal:

  • Uses many of the same commands as the Linux terminal.
  • Can be used to perform system management tasks, such as deleting files, changing permissions, etc.
  • Is an excellent troubleshooting tool.

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