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Chapter 1
Ch 1 Vocab
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 8-pin 12V connector | an auxiliary motherboard connector used for extra 12V power to the processor, providing more power than the older 4-pin auxiliary connector |
| all-in-one | a computer that has the monitor and computer case built together and uses components that are common to both a laptop and a desktop computer |
| analog | A continuous signal with infinite variations, as compared with digital, which is a series of binary values - 1s and 0s. |
| ATX | The most common form factor for desktop computer cases, motherboards, and power supplies; It was originally introduced by Intel in 1995. |
| BIOS | Firmware that can control much of a computer's input/output functions, such as communication with the keyboard and the monitor. |
| Bluetooth | A short-range wireless technology used to connect two devices in a small personal network. |
| cellular network | A network that can be used when a wireless network must cover a wide area. The network is made up of cells, each controlled by a base station. |
| central processing unit | The component where almost all processing of data and instructions takes place. It receives data input, processes information, and executes instructions. |
| chassis | A computer case for any type of computer. |
| digital | A signal consisting of a series of binary values-1s and 0s. Compare with analog. |
| DIMM | A miniature circuit board installed on a motherboard to hold memory. |
| DisplayPort | A port that transmits digital video and audio (not analog transmissions) and is slowly replacing VGA and DVI ports on personal computers. |
| docking station | A device that receives a laptop computer and provides additional secondary storage and easy connection to peripheral devices. |
| DVI port | A port that transmits digital or analog video. |
| ESD strap | A wearable apparatus that protects against electrostatic discharge when working inside the computer case. |
| expansion card | A circuit board inserted into a slot on the motherboard to enhance the capability of the computer. |
| external SATA port | A port for external drives based on SATA that uses a special, external shielded SATA cable up to 2 meters long. |
| firmware | Software that is permanently stored in a chip. BIOS is one example. |
| form factor | A set of specifications on the size, shape, and configuration of a computer hardware component such as a case, power supply, or motherboard. |
| front panel connectors | A group of wires running from the front of the computer case to the motherboard. |
| front panel header | A group of pins on a motherboard that connect to wires that are connected to the front panel of the computer case. |
| HDMI port | A digital audio and video interface standard currently used on desktop and laptop computers, televisions, and other home theater equipment. |
| heat sink | A piece of metal, with cooling fins, that can be attached to or mounted on an integrated chip (such as the CPU) to dissipate heat. |
| laptop | A portable computer that is designed for travel and mobility. |
| loopback plug | A device used to test a port in a computer or other device to make sure the port is working and might also test the throughput or speed of the port. |
| microATX | A smaller version of the ATX form factor, it addresses some new technologies that were developed after the original introduction of ATX. |
| Molex connector | A 4-pin power connector used to provide power to a PATA hard drive, optical drive, or other internal component. |
| Motherboard | The main circuit board of the computer. The CPU, ROM chips, DIMMs, and interface cards are plugged into it. |
| multimeter | A device used to measure the various attributes of an electrical circuit. The most common measurements are voltage, current, and resistance. |
| netbook | A low-end, inexpensive laptop with a small 9- or 10-inch screen and no optical drive that is generally used for web browsing, email, and word processing by users on the go. |
| network port | A port used by a network cable to connect to the wired network. |
| PCI Express (PCIe) | An evolution of PCI that is not backward compatible with earlier PCI slots and cards. The slots come in several sizes, including x1, x4, x8, and x16. |
| port replicator | A nonproprietary device that typically connects to a laptop via USB port and provides ports to allow the laptop to easily connect to peripheral devices. |
| POST diagnostic card | A test card installed in a slot on the motherboard that is used to help discover and report computer errors and conflicts that occur when a computer is first turned on and before the operating system is launched. |
| POST | A self-diagnostic program used to perform a simple test of the CPU, RAM, and various I/O devices. It is performed by startup BIOS/UEFI when the computer is first turned on. |
| power supply | A box inside the computer case that supplies power to the motherboard and other installed devices. |
| PS/2 port | A round 6-pin port used by an older keyboard or mouse. |
| RAM | Volatile Memory modules on the motherboard containing microchips used to temporarily hold data and programs while the CPU processes both. |
| SATA power connector | A 15-pin flat power connector that provides power to SATA drives. |
| 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. |
| SO-DIMM | A type of memory module used in notebook computers that uses DIMM technology. |
| spacer | 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. |
| Thunderbolt 3 port | A multipurpose standard and connector used for communication and power. Early versions were limited to Apple products and used a modified DisplayPort. The current version uses USB-C ports on Apple and non-Apple devices. |
| UEFI | An interface between firmware on the motherboard and the operating system that improves legacy BIOS processes for booting, handing over the boot to the OS, and loading device drivers and applications before the OS loads. It also manages motherboard settin |
| USB port | Multipurpose bus and connector standards used for internal and external ports for a variety of devices. |
| USB optical drive | An external optical drive that connects to a computer via a USB port. |
| USB to RJ-45 dongle | An adapter that plugs into a USB port and provides an RJ-45 port for a network cable to connect to a wired network. |
| VGA port | A 15-pin analog video port popular for many years. |
| Wi-Fi | The common name for standards for a local wireless network as defined by IEEE 802.11. |
| ZIF connector | A connector that uses a lever or latch to prevent force from being used on a sensitive connection. Stands for zero insertion force. |
Created by:
CarlyJo87