Lesson 3: Definitions Flashcards
What is a “known good”
It’s a cable, connector, device, component etc that is another copy you know works that you can use to test by substitution
What is firmware?
A distinct form of software because it is very closely tied to the basic functions of a specific hardware device type a model. It’s specialized program code stored in flash memory.
What is Boot options sequence / Boot devce priority?
Defines the order in which the system firmware searches devices for a boot manager
What is a boot password?
Requires the user to authenticate before the operating system is loaded.
What is secure boot?
A UEFI Unified extensible firmware Interface feature designed to prevent a computer from being hijacked by malware. Prevents unauthorized processes from executing during the boot operation
What is a TPM
Specification for secure hardware-based storage of encryption keys, hashed passwords, and other user and platform identification information. (Includes certificates)
What is a HSM Hardware Security Module?
An appliance for generating and storing cyptographic keys. This sort of solution may be less susceptible to tampering and insider threats than software based storage.
What is a POST (Power-on Self-Test)
Test routine built into PC firmware to confirm that system components are available at boot or to signal an error condition via a beep code of on-screen status message.
What is a beep code?
During POST, errors in hardware of system firmware data can be brought to the attention of the user with beep noises. Each beep code is able to draw attention to a particular fault with the hardware
What is SMART?
Technology designated to alert the user to an error condition in a mass-storage device before the disk becomes unusable.
What is IOPS
Performance indicator that measures the time taken to complete read / write operations
What is Data / Loss Corruption?
Means files stored in HDD sectors or SSD blocks cannot be opened or simply disappear.
What is chip-creep?
An adapter works loose from its socket over time, perhaps because of temperature change
What are capacitors?
Barrel-like components that regulate the flow of electricity to the system chips.
What is throttling?
CPU and other componenets are overheating leading to reduced performance
