IT, Comptia A+,Networking | Network Security

Open

source software - Software such as Linux that includes its uncompiled source code which can be modified and distributed by programmers

Operating system (OS)

Keeps hardware running efficiently and to make the process of communication with that hardware easier.

Access

A Microsoft application used to create a database.

Adapter card

A card used by the CPU to communicate with devices inside and outside the case.

Binary number system

The number system used by computers; it has only two numbers, 0 and 1, called binary digits, or bits.

BIOS (basic input/output system)

Firmware that can control much of a computer's input/output functions, such as communication with the floppy drive and the monitor. Also called ROM BIOS.

BIOS setup bit

Used to change some settings on the motherboard.

Booting

The remainder of the operating system is loaded into memory in this process.

bus

The paths, or lines, on the motherboard on which data, instructions, and electrical power move from component to component.

byte

A collection of eight bits that can represent a single character.

CAD

A means of creating architectural or mechanical designs using a computer.

cards

Adapter boards or interface cards placed into expansion slots to expand the functions of a computer, allowing it to communicate with external devices such as monitors or speakers.

central processing unit (CPU)

Also called a microprocessor or processor. The heart and brain of the computer, which receives data input, processes information, and executes instructions.

chipset

A group of chips on the motherboard that controls the timing and flow of data and instructions to and from the CPU.

clock speed

The speed, or frequency, expressed in MHz, that controls activity on the motherboard and is generated by a crystal or oscillator located somewhere on the motherboard.

CMOS (complementary metaloxide semiconductor)

The technology used to manufacture microchips. CMOS chips require less electricity; hold data longer after the electricity is turned off, are slower, and produce less heat than earlier technologies. The configuration, or setup, chip is a CMOS chip.

CMOS RAM

region of memory that uses battery power to retain data after the PC is shut off.

CMOS setup

A chip on the motherboard that contains a very small amount of memory, or RAM enough to hold configuration, or setup, information about the computer The chip is powered by a battery when the PC is turned off. Also called CMOS configuration chip or CMOS RA

Command line interface

requires the user to type commands that the computer responded to

Compatibility

Backward compatible with other previous softwares.

Compiler

A translator program that compiles a complete translation of the program from a high-level computer language into machine language before the program runs for the first time.

Context

sensitive menus - Offer choices that depend on which on-screen object the user has currently selected.

data bus

The lines on the system bus that the CPU uses to send and receive data.

data path size

The number of lines on a bus that can hold data, for example, 8, 16, 32, and 64 lines, which can accommodate 8, 16, 32, and 64 bits at a time.

Debugging

Correcting errors in software.

desktop publishing

The production of a document, usually incorporating both text and graphics.

Device drivers

are small programs that enable I/P devices keyboard, mouse, printer, and others to communicate with the computer.

DIMM (dual inline memory module)

A miniature circuit board installed on a motherboard to hold memory. DIMMs can hold up to 2 GB of RAM on a single module.

End

user license agreement (EULA) - Typical software warranty

Excel

A MS application that allows a user to create spreadsheet documents.

expansion cards

A circuit board inserted into a slot on the motherboard to enhance the capability of the computer.

expansion slots

A narrow slot on the motherboard where an expansion card can be inserted. Expansion slots connect to a bus on the motherboard.

extension

The three-letter (or more) addition to the name of a file indicating the type of application that produced the document

firmware

Software that is permanently stored in a chip. The BIOS on a motherboard is an example of firmware.

flash ROM

ROM that can be reprogrammed or changed without replacing chips.

floppy drive

An older secondary storage device sometimes found inside the case.

front side bus (FSB)

Another term for the system bus.

FrontPage

A MS application that allows a user to create web pages.

gigahertz (GHz)

One thousand MHz, or one billion cycles per second.

hard copy

Output from a printer to paper.

hard drive

The main secondary storage device of a PC, a small case that contains magnetic coated platters that rotate at high speed.

hardware

The physical components that constitute the computer system, such as the monitor, the keyboard, the motherboard, and the printer

hertz (Hz)

Unit of measurement for frequency, calculated in terms of vibrations, or cycles per second. For example, for 16-bit stereo sound, a frequency of 44,000 Hz is used.

Hierarchical menus

In windows and Mac OS organize frequently needed commands into compact, efficient submenus

keyboard

A common input device through which data and instructions may be typed into computer memory.

license

Permission to use software, not ownership.

Linux

an open-source version of the UNIX operating system

megahertz (MHz)

One million Hz, or one million cycles per second.

memory

Physical microchips that can hold data and programming, located on the motherboard or expansion cards.

Menu

driven interface - Enabled user to choose commands from on-screen lists

microprocessor

another term for the CPU.

Microsoft windows

the most popular operating system for PCs

MOS

A set of tests designed to evaluate a user's ability to create documents using MS Office applications.

motherboard

The main board in the computer, also called the system board. The CPU, ROM chips, SIMMs, DIMMs, RIMMs, and interface cards are plugged into the motherboard.

mouse

A pointing and input device that allows the user to move a cursor around a screen and select items with the click of a button.

MS Office

A group of Microsoft applications that includes word processing, database, spreadsheet, and presentation software, as well as others, depending upon the package choices.

MS

DS - Became the standard operating system on IBM-compatible computers.

non

volatile - memory: Refers to a kind of RAM that is stable and can hold data as long as electricity is powering the memory.

Outlook

A MS product that functions as a personal organizer with e-mail, calendar, address book, and other functions.

parallel port

female 25-pin port on a computer that can transmit data in parallel, 8 bits at a time, and is usually used with a printer. The names for parallel ports are LPT1 and LPT2.

PDF

An Adobe software product that comes in two parts: a free reader and a software product with which to create documents.

peripheral device

Devices that communicate with the CPU but are not located directly on the motherboard, such as the monitor, floppy drive, printer, and mouse.

piracy

The stealing of software by copying it and giving or selling it to another person.

port

(1) As applied to services running on a computer, a number assigned to a process on a computer so that the process can be found by TCP/IP. Also called a port address or port number. (2) Another name for an I/O address. See also I/O address. (3) A physical

power supply

A box inside the computer case that supplies power to the motherboard and other installed devices. Power supplies provide 3.3, 5, and 12 volts DC.

PowerPoint

A MS application that allows a user to create presentation documents used to display information.

primary storage

Temporary storage on the motherboard used by the CPU to process data and instructions. Memory is considered primary storage.

processor

another term for the CPU.

program

A set of step-by-step instructions to a computer. Some are burned directly into chips, while others are stored as program files. Programs are written in languages such as BASIC and C++.

Public

domain software - Web sites, user groups, and other sources free for the taking.

Publisher

A software program from MS that allows the user to perform desktop publishing functions to create different documents.

Quicken

A software application that allows the user to track expenses and income, much like a checkbook.

RAM (random access memory)

Memory modules on the motherboard containing microchips used to temporarily hold data and programs while the CPU processes both. Information in RAM is lost when the PC is turned off.

ROM (read

only memory) - Chips that contain programming code and cannot be erased.

S/PDIF (Sony

Philips Digital Interface) sound port - connects S/PDIF sound card to the motherboard.

secondary storage

Storage that is remote to the CPU and permanently holds data, even when the PC is turned off, such as a hard drive

serial port

A male 9-pin or 25-pin port on a computer system used by slower I/O devices such as a mouse or modem. Data travels serially, one bit at a time, through the port. Serial ports are sometimes configured as COM1, COM2, COM3, or COM4.

Service packs

containing bundled updates.

Shareware

Free for the trying, with a send-payment-if-you-keep-it honor system.

software

A general term used to describe computer programs such as applications and operating systems.

solid state drive (SSD):

secondary storage device that contains no moving parts.(EX: solid state hard drive, USB drive)

Software Piracy

Is the unauthorized copying and selling of software

startup BIOS

Part of system BIOS that is responsible for controlling the PC when it is first turned on. Startup BIOS gives control over to the OS once it is loaded.

Software system bus

The bus between the CPU and memory on the motherboard. The bus frequency in documentation is called the system speed, such as 400 MHz. Also called the memory bus, front-side bus, local bus, or host bus.

system clock

A line on a bus that is dedicated to timing the activities of components connected to it. The system clock provides a continuous pulse that other devices use to time themselves.

System Software

A class of software that includes the operating system and utility programs, handles these details and hundreds of other tasks behind the scenes.

USB (universal serial bus) port

A type of port designed to make installation and configuration of I/O devices easy, providing room for as many as 127 devices daisy-chained together.

Utility programs

Serve as tools for doing system maintenance and repairs the operating system

Web applications

Applications that run remote Internet servers rather than on local PCs.

Word

A MS application that allows a user to create word processing documents.

word processing

A software application that allows the user to key text and then manipulate it.

Zip file

A document that has been compressed to take up less space on a computer and to make it quicker to download.

Graphical user interface (GUI)/Mac

Interface designed for mac

graphics card

See video card.

High

level Langauges - Make it possible for scientists, engineers, and businesspeople to solve problems using familiar terminology, and notation rather than cryptic machine instructions.

piracy

The stealing of software by copying it and giving or selling it to another person.

shrink wrap license

The software license that is invoked as soon as the plastic wrapping is removed from a new software package.

trace

A wire on a circuit board that connects two components or devices.

Storage, Input, Processing, Output, Storage

Computers use these 5 steps to operate.

System Unit

The full enclosure system that holds the motherboard, RAM, GPU, PSU, harddrives, cooling, etc.

Monitor

This is a peripheral of the system unit, used to display output to the user via a readable and/or interactive interface.

Keyboard

This is a peripheral of the system unit, used for input from the user. It has many keys available to input in the form of alphabets, numerals, and symbols.

Mouse

This is a peripheral of the system unit, used for input from the user in the form of a handheld device that is moved around on top of a surface. It is used to interact with the monitor. It moves a pointer on the screen.

Speaker

This is a peripheral of the system unit, used for auditory output to the user.

Printer

This is a peripheral of the system unit, used to create hardcopy data. Some types of these may also have built-in scanners, and/or fax. It is an output device.

Scanner

This is a peripheral of the system unit, used to create softcopies of hardcopy data. It is an input device.

USB

This port comes in 3 different flavors and supports plug and play. It is one of the most common port types today, replacing the older ports.

Ethernet

This port is used primarily with wired networks, using an 8-pin RJ-45 connector.

ESATA

This port is used almost exclusively with external hard drives.

S/PDIF

This port is supported by fiber optic cabling, occasionally by a coaxial-type connector that screws on. It is used for audio transfer.

DVI

This port is used for monitors or projectors.

HDMI

This port is used for both audio and video, connecting to televisions or any type of media receiver.

1/8 inch mini RCA jack

Used as direct links to microphones or speakers, they are small round jacks used for audio transfer.

Power

This plug is located on the back of a PSU, used to transfer power from a wall socket to the PC.

Firewire

A declining connector, this plug is mainly used in camcorders for video/audio transfer.

mini DIN

A legacy connector, this connector is used for mouse and keyboard inputs. May also be referred to as PS/2 connector, named after the first PC that used them.

9 pin DB

A legacy connector with a D sub serial port, it was used with an adapter to support mice, keyboards, printers, etc.

25 pin D sub

A legacy connector with a D sub parallel port, it was used primarily with printers.

VGA

A legacy connector consisting of 3 rows of 5 pins each with a D sub connector, it was used for monitors or projectors.

Power Supply

This box takes standard household current and converts it to either 5v or 12v DC. It is used to power the system unit.

Video card

a printed circuit board controlling output to a display screen, it is used to render graphics from a simple GUI to a complex 3d game. The more powerful the card, the better the application that it can render.

RAM stick

These cards hold the computer memory. Any active program, such as the OS, a game, or application, is stored here for quick access by the processor.

CPU

This is the brains of a computer. It handles every process that goes through from the hard drive to the motherboard, managing every element of a computer.

Motherboard

Every piece of the computer is connected either directly or indirectly together from this central point. It is where the CPU is located, controlling every element of the computer.

Optical drive

These play disk media, such as CD's, DVD's, or blu-ray disks, or some can copy data to special disks in the form of burning data. It uses a laser to read the data on the disk.

Hard drive

This uses platters to store data by means of magnetic force. It uses actuator arms to record the data to the platters. It is where every element of a program is permanently stored until otherwise deleted by the user, or by accidental means.

Solid State Drive

This uses semiconductors to store data as electronic means. It uses no moving parts, and can be generally quicker than the platter variants. Like it's cousin, every element of a program is stored permanently here, until otherwise deleted by the user, by a

CPU

Abbreviate: Central Processing Unit

AMD, Intel

Two of the largest CPU manufacturers

CPU-Z

This program is available free on the internet. It allows the user to see the specifications of their computer, from the CPU to the GPU.

Hertz

This is the term used for Cycle per second.

Giga

This is the term used for Billion, will also be found in combination with other terms.

System Crystal

A small, tiny quartz crystal located near the CPU that regulates the general speed of the CPU and the overall system.

3.5 ghz

Modern CPU's do not run much faster than this maximum speed. It is possible, but very expensive to do.

Hyperthreading

This takes one core and makes it simulate 2 cores. Intel is one of the only manufacturers that use this technology.

Level 1

This is the first CPU cache level, generally smaller in size, but faster, and runs at a similar speed to the CPU

Level 2

This is the second CPU cache level, larger than the first, but slower, and runs around half the speed of the CPU

Level 3

This is the third CPU cache. Even larger than the second, but much slower, about the speed of a MoBo, and not all computers have it.

32 bit

This CPU can only utilize up to ~4 gigabytes of RAM

64 bit

This CPU is faster than it's counterpart, and can utilize ~ an exobyte of RAM

System properties

This is the location on a Windows computer where you may find information related to RAM, 32 or 64 bit system, etc.

Virtualization

This is a CPU extension that enables a computer to simulate different operating systems.

Integrated GPU

This is a CPU extension that adds the functionality of a limited graphics card.

Socket

This is the part on the MoBo that holds the CPU. It is classified by pin amount, thermal dissipation, speed, size, etc.

PGA

Abbreviate: Pin Grind Array

ZIF

Abbreviate: Zero Insertion Force

PGA

CPU's are under this classification for the amount of pins that they have. AMD generally use these for their CPU's

LGA

Abbreviate: Land Grid Array

LGA

The CPU Socket will have many contact pins that act as little springs in this socket type. Intel generally use these for their CPU's

LGA 775

This has 775 pins or lands on it. It is the first mainstream CPU that use the LGA. It ran with DDR2, and had a very long life of use.

LGA 1156

This replaced the 775 variant, and it has 1156 pins. Was one of the first sockets to support a built-in North bridge, and was used primarily on mainstream systems. It also supported DDR3. Popular names included: I3, I5, I7

LGA 1366

This replaced the 775 variant, and it has 1366 pins. It had a built-in memory controller, as well as a North bridge for PCI-E bus support. It supported DDR3, and was mainly used on the core I7

LGA 1155

This replaced the LGA 1156 sockets. More mainstream, CPU's using this were the first to have full support of onboard graphics. These were the I3, I5, and I7.

LGA 2011

This replaced the LGA 1366 sockets. More higher end, it started out with DDR3 support, but moved to DD4. These sockets only supported PCI-E. Names include the Core I3, I5, and I7.

LGA 1150

More mainstream socket, it supports multiple CPU's, Started with DDR3 support, then DDR4, and can support a very large amount of PCI-E Devices.

AM2

This is an early AMD socket. It had 4 keys that mated with the CPU. It had 940 pins. It had hypertransport capability and supported DDR2.

AM3

Almost identical to the AM2, the major difference was slightly larger keys. It had 941 pins, and supported Athlon 2, Phenom 2's, etc, and supported DDR3.

AM3+

Almost identical to the AM2 and AM3, it supported Athlon 2, Phenom 2, and DDR3. It has 942 pins.

APU

Abbreviate: Accelerated Processing Unit

APU

AMD cores had this integrated into them for video functioning.

FM1

The first to support AMD APU capabilities, it had 905 pins.

FM2

The second to support AMD APU, it had 904 pins, with slight power and speed improvements.

FM2+

The third to support AMD APU, it had 906 pins, with a substantial PCI-E support.

Thermal Compound

This must be placed between the CPU and the heatsink. Any time the heat sink is removed, this MUST be replaced.

3 prong

System fans or case fans generally use this type of power connector.

4 prong

System fans or case fans generally use this type of power connector. The main difference on this type is that it features an additional prong for a controllable fan. Most of the time you will see them for CPU fans, however it is not just limited to the CP

OEM

Abbreviate: Original Equipment Manufacturer

Speedfan

A generic utility for monitoring fan speed, it is a free program that can work with almost every computer.

Passive cooling

This is a liquid cooling technique that uses a radiator to pump liquid through several tubes to help cool a CPU

Active cooling

This is a liquid cooling technique that uses a refrigerator unit to pump refrigerant coolant through the computer to help keep it cool.

Rebooting

This can be a sign of an overheating CPU. The system will forcefully do this occasionally.

RAM

Abbreviate: Random Access Memory

DRAM

Abbreviate: Dynamic Random Access Memory

SDRAM

Abbreviate: Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory

SDRAM

This type of RAM uses a 168 pin DIMM. It also has 2 notches in it to lock into a MoBo. It is synchronized to the system clock. It used clock speed, which must be matched to the MoBo. Generally it came with a PC rating to match the MoBo. It can still be us

DIMM

Abbreviate: Dual In-line Memory Module

DDR

Abbreviate: Dual Data Rate

DDR SDRAM

This type of RAM uses a 184 pin DIMM. It only has a single notch to match into a MoBo. It was capable of doubling a motherboard clock speed, making the RAM faster. It is generally characterized by 4 digit PC numbers. To calculate speeds, DDR will double t

x8

You will take a DDR speed and multiply it by this. For example, if a system is 100 Mhz and DDR SDRAM multiplied the speed to 200 MHz, you would multiply by this number to get the PC rating speed.

DDR2

This type of RAM uses a 240 pin DIMM. Like it's lesser counterpart, it uses a single slot to match a MoBo, however it is in a different location, preventing insertion into the wrong MoBo. It not only doubled the speeds like DDR, it also doubled the clock

DDR3

This type of RAM uses a 240 pin DIMM. Like it's counterpart, it also uses a single slot, but it is also located in a different location to prevent insertion into the wrong slots. To calculate the speed, you calculate the MoBo speed x4. Then you will doubl

rambus RAM

Characterized by a 184 pin RIMM, this type of RAM is long obsolete. It also has 2 notches to prevent insertion into the wrong MoBo. This type of RAM must always be installed in pairs.

CRIMM

Abbreviate: Continuity RIMM

CRIMM

When installing Rambus RAM modules, this type of stick must always be installed in the empty sockets. It does not have a function other than to terminate.

Single sided RAM

This type of RAM only has memory on one side of a stick.

Double sided RAM

This type of RAM has memory on both sides of a stick.

ECC and parity RAM

This type of RAM has extra chips designed for error correcting. It can only be used on MoBo's that accept this type of RAM. Generally it is only located on servers.

SODIMM

Abbreviate: Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module

SODIMM

This type of RAM is only used in laptop systems. It has slightly lower capacity than it's counterparts, however other than that feature it is nearly identical, except for it being smaller. It comes in 100, 144, 200 pins. 204 pins is unique to DDR3 ram.

RAM

Adding this to a system can greatly increase performance.

Windows Memory Diagnostic

This program comes with every windows 7 and later system. It is located under Administration Tools and helps to diagnose any issues related to memory.

Software

These types of programs are stored on harddrives. They can be changed as often as wanted.

Firmware

These types of programs are stored on chips. They are semi-permanent or permanent programs that enable the system to communicate.

CMOS

Abbreviate: Complimentary Metal Oxide Semi-conductor

System BIOS

This program is stored on a ROM chip, it enables all of the hardware to communicate to eachother.

POST

Abbreviate: Power On Self Test

System Setup

This is the configurable aspect of the BIOS, enabling the changes from boot orders, to the system time.

Client

Any part of the network that receives data such as a workstation

Computer Network

Computers connected together for the purpose of sharing information and resources

Host

Any part of the network that gives data out (where client accesses the data from) such as a server

Hub

A device that uses its ports to connect devices (computers, printers, etc.) together

LAN

Local Area Network; a geographic network that covers a relatively small geographic area such as a building or a small campus - no more than a mile distance between computers

Network Interface Card

A card installed in a computer that allows you to connect to a network (can be Ethernet, telephone, or wireless)

MAN

Metropolitan Area Network; a geographic network that covers a larger geographic area such as a city or community; may be used to connect computers in libraries, government agencies, etc. together - no more than 30 miles in size

Modem

A device that allows computers to communicate over telephone lines

Peer to peer

A controller network that simply connects computers to each other or to a device such as a printer, but a server is not necessary

Protocol

How data is formatted, transmitted and received in a network

Router

A device that transfers data from one network to another in an intelligent way

Server

A computer with large processing resources that stores all of the software that controls the network, as well as the software that can be shared with the computers attached to the network

Server-based

A controller network that connects computers and other devices through a server

Switch

A computer networking device that connects network segments

WAN

Wide Area Network; largest type of network in terms of geographic area; largest WAN is the Internet

Wifi

Wireless local area network that uses radio signals to transmit data

Wireless Adapter

The device that you must have on your computer in order to connect to a wireless network

WLAN

Wireless Local Area Network

Bandwidth

The amount of data that can be transferred over a network in a certain amount of time

Bluetooth

Allows electronic devices like cell phones and computers to exchange data over short distances using radio waves

Chat room

A virtual room where people discuss using text over the Internet

Communications Media

How nodes in a network are connected together (by cable, by fiber optics, radio waves, etc.)

E mail

An exchange of electronic messages between computers that are connected to the Internet or some other computer network

Fax

An exchange of electronic messages between computers that are connected to the Internet or some other computer network

FTP

A communications method for transferring data between computers on the Internet

Firewall

Part of a computer system that is designed to block unauthorized access

Instant Messaging

The use of an application that allows users to "chat" over the Internet from computer to computer

Node

Any device physically connected in a network (such as computer workstations, server, printers, etc.)

Public internet access point

A public place that provides internet access to users or customers

topology

The physical and logical design of a computer network; examples include mesh, bus, ring and star; the physical layout of the network devices and the cabling, and how all the components communicate with each other

Video Conferencing

Live conferences over the Internet that includes voice, video, and or text

Workstation

A personal computer located on a network

Physical

OSI Layer 1

Data Link

OSI Layer 2

Network

OSI Layer 3

Transport

OSI Layer 4

Session

OSI Layer 5

Presentation

OSI Layer 6

Application

OSI Layer 7

Protocol Data Unit

What does PDU stand for in the OSI Model?

Bits

PDU for Layer 1

Frames

PDU for Layer 2

Packets

PDU for Layer 3

Segments or messages

PDU for Layer 4

Data

PDU for Layer 5

Data

PDU for Layer 6

Data

PDU for Layer 7

All

Board cast is data being sent to how many devices?

One

Uni-cast is data being sent to how many devices?

Media Access Control

What does MAC stand for?

VLAN

Group of hosts with a common set of requirements that communicate as if they were connected together in a normal fashion on one switch regardless of their physical location

Bus