Hardware Flashcards
Cat 5
Remembering
A twisted-pair copper cable that supports data transfer rates up to 100 Mbps. It uses RJ45 connectors and is commonly used for Ethernet networks.
Cat 5e
Remembering
An enhanced version of Cat 5 that supports data transfer rates up to 1 Gbps. It uses RJ45 connectors and is commonly used for Ethernet networks.
Cat 6
Remembering
A twisted-pair copper cable that supports data transfer rates up to 10 Gbps. It uses RJ45 connectors and is commonly used for high-speed Ethernet networks.
Cat 6a
Remembering
An enhanced version of Cat 6 that supports data transfer rates up to 10 Gbps over longer distances. It uses RJ45 connectors and is commonly used for high-speed Ethernet networks.
Coaxial
Remembering
A type of cable that has a copper core surrounded by insulation, a braided metal shield, and an outer jacket. It is commonly used for cable TV and broadband internet connections.
Shielded twisted pair (STP)
Remembering
A type of twisted-pair copper cable that has a metal shield to protect against electromagnetic interference (EMI). It is commonly used in industrial environments where EMI is a concern.
STP Direct burial
Remembering
A type of shielded twisted-pair copper cable designed for outdoor use where the cable needs to be buried directly in the ground.
Unshielded twisted pair (UTP)
Remembering
A type of twisted-pair copper cable that does not have a metal shield. It is commonly used for Ethernet networks in office environments.
Plenum
Remembering
A type of cable that is rated for use in plenum spaces, which are the spaces above dropped ceilings and below raised floors. Plenum-rated cables have a lower fire risk and produce less toxic smoke than non-plenum-rated cables.
Optical
Remembering
A type of cable that uses light to transmit data. It is commonly used for high-speed data transfers over longer distances.
Optical Fiber
Remembering
A type of optical cable that has a core made of glass or plastic surrounded by a protective coating. It is commonly used for high-speed data transfers over longer distances.
T568A/T568B
Remembering
Two different wiring standards for RJ45 connectors. T568A has a green/white wire in position 2 and an orange/white wire in position 3, while T568B has an orange/white wire in position 2 and a green/white wire in position 3.
USB 2.0
Remembering
A standard for USB that supports data transfer rates up to 480 Mbps. It uses Type-A and Type-B connectors.
USB 3.0
Remembering
A standard for USB that supports data transfer rates up to 5 Gbps. It uses Type-A and Type-B connectors, as well as the new Type-C connector.
Serial
Remembering
A type of cable used for serial communications between devices. It uses DB9 or DB25 connectors.
Thunderbolt
Remembering
A type of cable that combines data transfer and video output in a single connector. It is commonly used for high-speed data transfers and connecting external displays.
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
Remembering
A type of cable that carries high-definition video and audio signals. It is commonly used for connecting TVs, monitors, and home theater systems.
Digital Visual Interface (DVI)
Remembering
A type of cable that carries digital video signals. It is commonly used for connecting monitors and projectors.
Video Graphics Array (VGA)
Remembering
A type of cable that carries analog video signals. It is commonly used for connecting older monitors and projectors.
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA)
Remembering
A type of cable used to connect storage devices, such as hard drives and solid-state drives, to a computer’s motherboard. SATA cables transfer data serially, meaning one bit is transmitted at a time.
Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)
Remembering
A set of standards for physically connecting and transferring data between computers and peripheral devices. SCSI is typically used for high-speed devices, such as hard drives and scanners.
External SATA (eSATA)
Remembering
A variant of the SATA standard that allows for external connections to devices, typically used for external hard drives.
Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE)
Remembering
A type of cable used to connect storage devices to a computer’s motherboard. IDE cables typically connect older hard drives and CD/DVD drives.
Adapters
Remembering
A type of cable component used to connect cables with different types of connectors. Adapters can convert a signal from one type of connector to another.
RJ11
Remembering
A type of connector used for telephone cables, typically with two or four wires.
RJ45
Remembering
A type of connector used for Ethernet cables, typically with eight wires.
F type
Remembering
A type of connector used for coaxial cables, typically used for cable television and satellite connections.
Straight tip (ST)
Remembering
A type of connector used for optical fiber cables, typically used in networking and telecommunications.
Subscriber connector (SC)
Remembering
A type of connector used for optical fiber cables, similar to the ST connector but with a square-shaped connector.
Lucent connector (LC)
Remembering
A type of connector used for optical fiber cables, similar to the SC connector but with a smaller form factor.
Punchdown block
Remembering
A type of connector used for terminating and connecting twisted pair cables, typically used in telephone and networking applications.
microUSB
Remembering
A type of connector commonly used for charging and data transfer for smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices.
miniUSB
Remembering
A type of connector used for charging and data transfer for smaller devices, such as cameras and MP3 players.
USB-C
Remembering
A type of connector used for charging and data transfer, with a reversible design that can be plugged in either orientation.
Molex
Remembering
A type of connector commonly used for power supply connections to computer components, such as hard drives and fans.
Lightning port
Remembering
A type of connector used exclusively for Apple products, typically used for charging and data transfer for iPhones, iPads, and iPods.
DB9
Remembering
A type of connector used for serial communication, typically used for older computer peripherals such as printers and modems.
Virtual RAM
Remembering
A portion of a computer’s hard drive that is used to supplement the computer’s physical RAM when it runs out of available memory.
SODIMM
Remembering
A type of memory module used in laptops and small form factor computers that has a smaller physical size than a regular DIMM module. Typically, SODIMMs have 200 pins.
DDR3
Remembering
A type of synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM) that is used in modern computers. DDR3 has a data transfer rate of up to 2133 MT/s and typically comes in 240-pin DIMMs.
DDR4
Remembering
A newer type of SDRAM that offers faster data transfer rates and lower power consumption than DDR3. DDR4 has a data transfer rate of up to 4800 MT/s and typically comes in 288-pin DIMMs.
DDR5
Remembering
The latest version of DDR SDRAM, which is expected to offer even faster data transfer rates and lower power consumption than DDR4. DDR5 DIMMs have 288 pins.
ECC RAM
Remembering
A type of memory that includes additional circuitry for error correction, which can detect and correct errors that occur during data transfer. ECC RAM is commonly used in servers and other mission-critical systems.
RAM
Single-channel
Remembering
Refers to the use of a single memory channel for accessing RAM. This is the simplest configuration and is suitable for most everyday computing tasks.
RAM
Dual-channel
Remembering
Refers to the use of two memory channels for accessing RAM. This can increase memory bandwidth and performance in certain applications.
RAM
Triple-channel
Remembering
Refers to the use of three memory channels for accessing RAM. This configuration is less common and is typically only used in high-end systems.
RAM
Quad-channel
Remembering
Refers to the use of four memory channels for accessing RAM. This configuration is even less common and is typically only used in the most high-end systems.
Given a scenario, install the appropriate RAM
Understanding
- When installing RAM, be sure to turn off the computer and disconnect all cables before opening the case.
- Check the motherboard’s manual to determine the correct type and configuration of RAM to use.
- Insert the RAM into the appropriate slots on the motherboard, making sure to align the notches on the module with the tabs on the slot.
- Press down firmly on the module until the clips on either end snap into place.
- Close the computer case and reconnect all cables, then turn on the computer to make sure the new RAM is recognized.
Hard Drives: Speeds:
5,400rpm
Hard drives with this speed are common in laptops and offer good energy efficiency and reliability.
Hard Drives: Speeds:
7,200rpm
Hard drives with this speed are faster than 5,400rpm drives and are often used in desktop computers and servers.
Hard Drives: Speeds:
10,000rpm
Hard drives with this speed are faster than 7,200rpm drives and are commonly used in servers and high-performance computing environments.
Hard Drives: Speeds:
15,000rpm
Hard drives with this speed are the fastest, but also the loudest and least energy-efficient, and are mostly used in enterprise environments.
Hard Drives: Form factor:
2.5-inch
Hard drives with this form factor are commonly used in laptops and portable devices due to their smaller size.
Hard Drives: Form factor:
3.5-inch
Hard drives with this form factor are commonly used in desktop computers and servers due to their larger size and higher capacity.
Solid State Drives (SSDs): Communications interfaces:
Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe)
This interface is designed for high-performance SSDs and can deliver much faster speeds than SATA or PCIe.
Solid State Drives (SSDs): Communications interfaces:
SATA
This interface is commonly used for consumer-grade SSDs and is slower than NVMe or PCIe.
Solid State Drives (SSDs): Communications interfaces:
Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe)
This interface is used for high-performance SSDs and can deliver faster speeds than SATA.
Solid State Drives (SSDs): Form factors:
M.2
This form factor is commonly used in laptops and portable devices due to its smaller size.
Solid State Drives (SSDs): Form factors:
mSATA
This form factor is also used in laptops and portable devices and is smaller than the 2.5-inch form factor.
Drive configurations: Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID):
RAID 0
This configuration splits data across multiple disks to improve performance, but does not provide any redundancy or fault tolerance.
Drive configurations: Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID):
RAID 1
This configuration mirrors data across multiple disks to provide redundancy and fault tolerance, but does not improve performance.
Drive configurations: Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID):
RAID 5
This configuration stripes data across multiple disks with parity information to provide both performance and fault tolerance.
Drive configurations: Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID):
RAID 10
This configuration combines both mirroring and striping to provide both redundancy and performance.
Drive configurations: Removable storage:
Flash drives
These are small, portable storage devices that can be plugged into USB ports on computers and other devices.
Drive configurations: Removable storage:
Memory cards
These are small, removable storage devices commonly used in digital cameras, smartphones, and other portable devices.
Drive configurations: Removable storage:
Optical drives
These are devices that use lasers to read and write data to CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs.
Motherboard Form Factor: Advanced Technology eXtended (ATX)
Definition: A standard size for motherboards that measures 12 x 9.6 inches.
Purpose: The ATX form factor is used in desktop computers and allows for more expansion slots than smaller form factors.
Motherboard Form Factor: Information Technology eXtended (ITX)
Definition: A small form factor for motherboards that measures 6.7 x 6.7 inches.
Purpose: The ITX form factor is used in compact computers and allows for a smaller overall size and lower power consumption.
Motherboard Connector Types: Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)
Definition: A legacy expansion slot that is used for connecting various devices such as sound cards, network cards, and video cards.
Purpose: PCI slots allow for expansion of a computer system by providing additional connectivity options.
Motherboard Connector Types: PCI Express (PCIe)
Definition: A newer and faster expansion slot that is used for connecting various devices such as sound cards, network cards, and video cards.
Purpose: PCIe slots offer faster data transfer rates than PCI slots, allowing for higher performance in graphics-intensive applications.
Motherboard Connector Types: Power Connectors
Definition: Connectors that supply power to the motherboard and its components.
Purpose: Power connectors are necessary for the proper operation of a computer system.
Motherboard Connector Types: SATA
Definition: A data transfer interface used for connecting storage devices such as hard drives and solid-state drives.
Purpose: SATA interfaces allow for fast data transfer rates and reliable connectivity.
Motherboard Connector Types: eSATA
Definition: An external SATA interface used for connecting storage devices such as hard drives and solid-state drives.
Purpose: eSATA interfaces allow for fast data transfer rates and reliable connectivity for external storage devices.
Motherboard Connector Types: Headers
Definition: Connectors used for connecting various cables to the motherboard, such as front panel connectors and USB headers.
Purpose: Headers allow for connectivity between the motherboard and various external devices.
Motherboard Connector Types: M.2
Definition: A form factor for solid-state drives that connects directly to the motherboard.
Purpose: M.2 drives allow for fast data transfer rates and compact storage solutions.
Motherboard Compatibility: CPU Sockets (AMD, Intel)
Definition: The socket on the motherboard where the CPU is installed.
Purpose: CPU sockets determine the compatibility of the motherboard with different CPU models from different manufacturers.
Given a scenario, install the appropriate a Motherboard
Understanding
Proper installation of a motherboard involves securely mounting it to the case using screws and standoffs, connecting all necessary power and data cables to the appropriate connectors on the motherboard, and installing the CPU, RAM, and any other expansion cards or storage devices. Configuration of the motherboard involves setting BIOS settings such as boot order, fan speeds, and other system settings. It is important to refer to the motherboard manual for specific installation and configuration instructions.
BIOS/UEFI Settings
Boot options
Allows you to choose which device to boot from (e.g. hard drive, USB drive, CD-ROM, etc.).
BIOS/UEFI Settings
USB permissions
Allows you to control access to USB devices.
BIOS/UEFI Settings
TPM security features
A hardware-based security feature that provides encryption keys, helps prevent unauthorized access, and helps protect against attacks such as tampering and theft.
BIOS/UEFI Settings
Fan considerations
Allows you to control fan speed, which can affect system noise and cooling efficiency.
BIOS/UEFI Settings
Secure Boot
A UEFI feature that helps protect the system from malware by verifying that the firmware, operating system, and other boot components are signed and trusted.
BIOS/UEFI Settings
Boot password
A password required to access the BIOS/UEFI settings or boot the system.
Encryption
TPM
A hardware-based encryption solution that provides secure key storage and helps protect against attacks such as tampering and theft.
Encryption
Hardware security module (HSM)
A physical device that provides secure key storage and cryptographic operations.
CPU architecture
x64/x86
Refers to the instruction set architecture used by Intel and AMD processors.
CPU architecture
Advanced RISC Machine (ARM)
A processor architecture commonly used in mobile devices and embedded systems.
CPU architecture
Single-core
Refers to processors with a single processing unit.
CPU architecture
Multicore
Refers to processors with multiple processing units.
CPU architecture
Multithreading
Allows multiple threads to run on a single processor core, which can improve performance.
CPU architecture
Virtualization support
Allows multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical machine.
Expansion cards
Sound card
A device that allows the computer to output sound.
Expansion cards
Video card
A device that allows the computer to output video.
Expansion cards
Capture card
A device that allows the computer to capture video from external sources.
Expansion cards
NIC
A network interface card that allows the computer to connect to a network.
Cooling
Cooling
Heat sink
A device that absorbs and dissipates heat generated by the CPU.
Cooling
Thermal paste/pads
Used to improve heat transfer between the CPU and heat sink.
Cooling
Liquid
A cooling solution that uses a liquid coolant to absorb and dissipate heat.
