Term
|
Definition
| A small circuit board inserted in an expansion slot and used to communicate between the system bus and a peripheral device. |
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Term
|
Definition
| The number system used by computers; it has only two numbers, 0 and 1 |
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|
Term
| BIOS (basic input/output system) |
|
Definition
| Firmware that can control much of a computer’s input/output functions, such as communication with the floppy drive and the monitor. |
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Term
|
Definition
| The program in system BIOS that can change the values in CMOS RAM. Also called CMOS setup. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A 0 or 1 used by the binary number system. |
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Term
|
Definition
| The paths, or lines, on the motherboard on which data, instructions, and electrical power move from component to component. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A collection of eight bits that can represent a single character. |
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Term
|
Definition
| 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. |
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Term
| central processing unit (CPU) (processor) |
|
Definition
| The heart and brain of the computer, which receives data input, processes information, and executes instructions. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A group of chips on the motherboard that controls the timing and flow of data and instructions to and from the CPU. |
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Term
|
Definition
| 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. |
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Term
| CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) |
|
Definition
| The technology used to manufacture microchips. Require less electricity, hold data longer after the electricity is turned off, and produce less heat than earlier technologies. |
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Term
|
Definition
| Small amount of memory contained on the CMOS configuration chip. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| The program in system BIOS that can change the values in CMOS RAM. Also called BIOS setup. |
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Term
|
Definition
| The lines on the system bus that the CPU uses to send and receive data. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| 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. |
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Term
| DIMM (dual inline memory module) |
|
Definition
| A miniature circuit board installed on a motherboard to hold memory. Can hold up to 4 GB of RAM |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| A circuit board inserted into a slot on the motherboard to enhance the capability of the computer. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A narrow slot on the motherboard where an expansion card can be inserted. |
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Term
|
Definition
| Software that is permanently stored in a chip. |
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Term
|
Definition
| ROM that can be reprogrammed or changed without replacing chips. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| A drive that can hold either a 5 1/2 inch or 3 1/4 inch floppy disk. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| The bus between the CPU and memory on the motherboard. The bus frequency in documentation is called the system speed, such as 400 MHz. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| One thousand MHz, or one billion cycles per second. |
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Term
| video card or graphics card |
|
Definition
| An interface card installed in the computer to control visual output on a monitor. |
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Term
|
Definition
| Output from a printer to paper. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| The main secondary storage device of a PC. Two technologies are currently used are magnetic and solid state. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| The physical components that constitute the computer system, such as the monitor, the keyboard, the motherboard, and the printer. |
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Term
|
Definition
| Unit of measurement for frequency, calculated in terms of vibrations, or cycles per second. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| A common input device through which data and instructions may be typed into computer memory. |
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Term
|
Definition
| drives where data is stored as magnetic spots on disks that rotate at a high speed. |
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Term
| motherboard (system board) |
|
Definition
| The main board in the computer where the CPU, ROM chips, DIMMs, RIMMs, and interface cards are plugged into. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| One million Hz, or one million cycles per second. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| Physical microchips that can hold data and programming, located on the motherboard or expansion cards. |
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Term
|
Definition
| The most commonly used output device for displaying text and graphics on a computer. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 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. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| Refers to a kind of RAM that is stable and can hold data as long as electricity is powering the memory. |
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Term
|
Definition
| An older IDE cabling method that uses a 40-pin flat or round data cable or an 80- conductor cable and a 40-pin IDE connector. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A 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. |
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Term
|
Definition
| Devices that communicate with the CPU but are not located directly on the motherboard, such as the monitor, floppy drive, printer, and mouse. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A physical connector, usually at the back of a computer, that allows a cable from a peripheral device, such as a printer, mouse, or modem, to be attached. |
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Term
|
Definition
| 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. |
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Term
|
Definition
| Temporary storage on the motherboard used by the CPU to process data and instructions. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| A peripheral output device that produces printed output to paper. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A set of step-by-step instructions to a computer. Some are burned directly into chips, while others are stored as files. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A set of rules and standards that two entities use for communication. |
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|
Term
| RAM (random access memory) |
|
Definition
| Memory modules on the motherboard containing microchips used to temporarily hold data and programs while the CPU processes both. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Chips that contain programming code and cannot be erased. |
|
|
Term
| S/PDIF (Sony-Philips Digital Interface) sound port |
|
Definition
| A sound port that connects to an external home theater audio system, providing digital output and the best signal quality. |
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Term
|
Definition
| Storage that is remote to the CPU and permanently holds data, even when the PC is turned off, such as a hard drive. |
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Term
|
Definition
| An ATAPI cabling method that uses a narrower and more reliable cable than the 80-conductor cable. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 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. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| Computer programs, or instructions to perform a specific task. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A hard drive that has no moving parts. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| Part of system BIOS that is responsible for controlling the PC when it is first turned on. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| BIOS located on the motherboard. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A line on a bus that is dedicated to timing the activities of components connected to it. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A wire on a circuit board that connects two components or devices. |
|
|
Term
| USB (universal serial bus) port |
|
Definition
| 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. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Memory used by the video controller. The memory might be contained on a video card or be part of system memory. When part of system memory, the memory is dedicated by Windows to video. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Refers to a kind of RAM that is temporary, cannot hold data very long, and must be frequently refreshed. |
|
|
Term
| input, processing, storage, and output |
|
Definition
| The four basic functions that software uses to perform a computing task |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| Sealed case containing platters or disks that rotate at a high speed. |
|
|
Term
| USB Flash Drive or Thumb Drive |
|
Definition
| Drives that are compact, easy to use, and currently hold up to 64 GB of data |
|
|
Term
| System Clock (System Timer) |
|
Definition
| dedicated to timing the activities of the chips on the motherboard. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| provides a port for a network cable to connect the PC to a network. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The most important component of the computer’s electrical system, which is usually near the rear of the case. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| Data and instructions are stored on special ROM (read-only memory) chips on the board |
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Term
|
Definition
| Name the two main CPU manufacturers. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A certification awarded by CompTIA (The Computer Technology Industry Association) that measures a PC technician’s knowledge and skills. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A system that tracks the dates, times, and transactions of help-desk or on-site PC support calls, including the problem presented, the issues addressed, who did what, and when and how each call was resolved. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| When a technician passes a customer’s problem to higher organizational levels because he or she cannot solve the problem. |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| Software that uses a database of known facts and rules to simulate a human expert’s reasoning and decision-making processes. |
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|
Term
|
Definition
Reference manuals, included with software packages and hardware, that provide directions for installation, usage, and troubleshooting. The information
extends beyond that given in user manuals. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An entry in a call-tracking system made by whoever receives a call for help and used to track and document actions taken. (Stays open until the issue is resolved.) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| works in a lab environment, might not interact with users of the PCs being repaired, and is not permanently responsible for them. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Asking the user questions until you thoroughly understand the problem. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Current that cycles back and forth rather than traveling in only one direction. |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| A unit of measurement for electrical current. One volt across a resistance of one ohm. |
|
|
Term
| ground bracelet (wrist strap) |
|
Definition
| A strap you wear around your wrist that is attached to the computer case, ground mat, or another ground so that ESD is discharged from your body before you touch sensitive components inside a computer. |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| The most common form factor for PC systems presently in use, originally introduced by Intel in 1995. Make better use of space and resources than did the earlier AT form factor. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A power supply that provides a 12V power cord with a 4-pin connector to be used by the auxiliary 4-pin power connector on motherboards used to provide extra power for processors. |
|
|
Term
brownouts
Also called sags. |
|
Definition
| Temporary reductions in voltage, which can sometimes cause data loss. |
|
|
Term
| BTX (Balanced Technology Extended) |
|
Definition
A form factor used by motherboards and computer cases that was expected to replace ATX. It has higher quality
fans, is designed for better air flow, and has improved structural support for the motherboard. Has not gained full acceptance by the computer manufacturer community. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A card that plugs into a motherboard and allows for expansion cards to be mounted parallel to the motherboard. |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| An electronic device that can maintain an electrical charge for a period of time and is used to smooth out the flow of electrical current. Often found in computer power supplies. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| The maximum voltage allowed through a surge suppressor, such as 175 or 330 volts. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| A type of case used in low-end desktop systems. Follows either the NLX, LPX, or Mini LPX form factor. They are likely to have fewer drive bays, but they generally still provide for some expansion. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A surge protector designed to work with the telephone line to a modem. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A computer case that sits flat on a desktop doing double duty as a monitor stand. |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| Adapter cards designed to discover and report computer errors and conflicts at POST time (before the computer boots up), often by displaying a number on the card. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An electronic device that allows electricity to flow in only one direction. Used in a rectifier circuit. |
|
|
Term
| DIP (dual inline package) switch |
|
Definition
| A switch on a circuit board or other device that can be set to on or off to hold configuration or setup information. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Current that travels in only one direction
(the type of electricity provided by batteries) |
|
|
Term
| electromagnetic interference (EMI) |
|
Definition
A magnetic field produced as a side effect from the flow of
electricity. Can cause corrupted data in data lines that are not properly shielded. |
|
|
Term
| electrostatic discharge (ESD) (static electricity) |
|
Definition
| Can damage chips and destroy motherboards, even though it might not be felt or seen with the naked eye. |
|
|
Term
| field replaceable unit (FRU) |
|
Definition
A component in a computer or device that can be replaced with a new component without sending the computer or
device back to the manufacturer. Examples: power supply, DIMM, motherboard, floppy disk drive. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A version of the ATX form factor that allows for maximum flexibility in the size and shape of cases and motherboards. Ideal for small, custom systems. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A set of specifications on the size, shape, and configuration of a computer hardware component such as a case, power supply, or motherboard. |
|
|
Term
| intelligent UPS or smart UPS. |
|
Definition
| A UPS connected to a computer by way of a USB or serial cable so that software on the computer can monitor and control the UPS. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A device that converts DC to AC. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A measure of work or energy. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A device that regulates, or conditions power, providing continuous voltage during brownouts and spikes. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A version of the ATX form factor. Addresses some new technologies that were developed after the original introduction of ATX. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The most versatile and popular computer case, which is midrange in size and generally has around six expansion slots and four drive bays; provides moderate potential for expansion. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A device used to measure the various components of an electrical circuit. The most common measurements are voltage, current, and resistance. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A low-end form factor that is similar to LPX but provides greater support for current and emerging processor technologies. Designed for flexibility and efficiency of space. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Used for notebook computers, which are proprietary in design, leave almost no room for expansion, and include a thermometer that controls the case fan. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Running a processor at a higher frequency than is recommended by the manufacturer, which can result in an unstable system, but is a popular thing to do when a computer is used for gaming. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Power connection on an ATX or BTX motherboard, which can have 20 or 24 pins. |
|
|
Term
| POST (power-on self test) |
|
Definition
| A self-diagnostic program used to perform a simple test of the CPU, RAM, and various I/O devices. The POST is performed by startup BIOS when the computer is first turned on, and is stored in ROM-BIOS. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A line conditioner that regulates, or conditions, power, providing continuous voltage during brownouts. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A box inside the computer case that supplies power to the motherboard and other installed devices. Provide 3.3, 5, and 12 volts DC. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A device that can test the output of each power cord coming from a power supply. |
|
|
Term
| radio frequency interference (RFI) |
|
Definition
| Interference produced by a magnetic field that is a side effect of electricity and is in the radio frequency range. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An electrical device that converts AC to DC. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An electronic device that resists or opposes the flow of electricity. A resistor can be used to reduce the amount of electricity being supplied to an electronic component. |
|
|
Term
| soft switch or soft power |
|
Definition
A button or switch on an ATX or BTX
system that allows an OS to power down the system and a feature that allows for activity such as a keystroke or network activity to power up the system. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Temporary surges in voltage, which can
damage electrical components. |
|
|
Term
| surge protector or surge suppressor. |
|
Definition
| A device or power strip designed to protect electronic equipment from power surges and spikes. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| They stand vertically and can be ashigh as two feet tall. They have more drive bays and are a good choice for computer users who anticipate making significant upgrades. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A device that changes the ratio of current to voltage. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An electronic device that can regulate electricity and act as a logical gate or switch for an electrical signal. |
|
|
Term
| uninterruptible power supply (UPS) |
|
Definition
A device designed to provide a backup power supply during
a power failure. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A measure of potential difference in an electrical circuit. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A switch on a computer power supply used to set voltage to 115 V or 230 V. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The unit used to measure power. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) |
|
Definition
| A 32-bit wide bus standard developed specifically for video cards that includes 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x, and 8x standards. Has been replaced by the PCI Express standards. |
|
|
Term
| active partition or system partition |
|
Definition
| The primary partition on the hard drive that boots the OS. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A specification for a small slot on a motherboard to accommodate an audio or modem riser card. A controller on the motherboard contains some of the logic for the audio or modem functionality. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An operating system program responsible for managing the process of loading the OS during the boot. |
|
|
Term
| boot record (boot sector) |
|
Definition
| The first sector of a floppy disk or hard drive volume; it contains information about the disk or volume. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The process of starting up a computer and loading an operating system. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The Vista program file responsible for beginning the process of loading and starting Vista. The program file has no file extension and is stored in the root directory of the system partition (which, most likely, is drive C:). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The battery on the motherboard used to power the CMOS chip when the computer is unplugged. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Restart the computer by turning off the power or by pressing the Reset button. |
|
|
Term
| communication and networking riser (CNR) |
|
Definition
| A specification for a small expansion slot on a motherboard that accommodates a small audio, modem, or network riser card. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A technology by ATI Technologies that allows for multiple video cards to be installed in the same system. |
|
|
Term
| DIP (dual inline package) switch |
|
Definition
| A switch on a circuit board or other device that can be set to on or off to hold configuration or setup information. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A group of pins on a motherboard that connect to wires that are connected to the front panel of the computer case. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A plate installed on the rear of a computer case that provides holes for I/O ports coming off the motherboard. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Two wires that stick up side by side on the motherboard or other device and are used to hold configuration information. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A feature of a CPU socket whereby pads, called lands, are used to make contact in uniform rows over the socket. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The first sector on a hard drive, which contains the partition table and a program the BIOS uses to boot an OS from the drive. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| That portion of the chipset hub that connects faster I/O buses to the system bus. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| In Windows 2000/XP, the OS loader used on Intel systems. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Ports that are directly on the motherboard, such as a built-in keyboard port or on-board network port. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A table at the beginning of the hard drive that contains information about each partition on the drive. It is contained in the Master Boot Record. |
|
|
Term
| PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) |
|
Definition
| Uses a 32-bit- wide or a 64-bit data path. Several variations exist. One or more notches keep the wrong cards from being inserted in the this slot. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The latest evolution of PCI, which is not backward-compatible with earlier PCI slots and cards. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A feature of a CPU socket whereby the pins are aligned in uniform rows around the socket. |
|
|
Term
| power-on password (startup password) |
|
Definition
| A password that a computer uses to control access during the boot process. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A file that contains instructions designed to be executed by the CPU. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A card that plugs into a motherboard and allows for expansion cards to be mounted parallel to the motherboard. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| On a disk surface one segment of a track, which almost always contains 512 bytes of data. |
|
|
Term
| SLI (Scalable Link Interface) |
|
Definition
| A technology by NVIDIA that allows for multiple video cards to be installed in the same system. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To restart a PC without turning off the power, for example, in Windows XP, by clicking Start, Turn Off Computer, and Restart. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| That portion of the chipset hub that connects slower I/O to the system bus. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Round plastic or metal pegs that separate the motherboard from the case, so that components on the back of the motherboard do not touch the case. |
|
|
Term
| staggered pin grid array (SPGA) |
|
Definition
| A feature of a CPU socket whereby the pins are staggered over the socket in order to squeeze more pins into a small space. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| One of many concentric circles on the surface of a hard drive or floppy disk. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A power-on password required to view or edit BIOS setup or use the computer. The password is set on a BIOS setup screen. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A clock tick in which nothing happens, used to ensure that the microprocessor isn’t getting ahead of slower components. |
|
|
Term
| zero insertion force (ZIF) sockets |
|
Definition
| A socket that uses a small lever to apply even force when you install the microchip into the socket. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| How many pins does the AMD socket AM2 have? |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The part of the chipset that connects directly to the processor. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| What are the two different voltages that a PCI slot can provide? |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| What is the maximum wattage that a PCIe Version 2.0 expansion card can draw? |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| New type of power connector on the motherboard was introduced with PCIe Version 1.0 |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| How much power does the 8 Pin power supply connector provide? |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| New type of power connector was introduced with PCIe Version 2.0? |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| How much power does the 6 pin power supply connector provide? |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| What is the purpose of an AGP slot? |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| What is the likely color of the PS/2 mouse port on the rear of a computer? |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Where is the boot priority order for devices kept? |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| How many pins does the Intel Socket B have? |
|
|
