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322 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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104-key keyboard
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Keyboard layout with Windows and right-click keys added to the old 101-key layout.
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802.11a
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A wireless Ethernet standard that uses 5GHz radio signals and provides performance at rates from 6Mbps up to 54Mbps. It is not compatible with other 802.11-based wireless networks unless dual-band access points are used.
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802.11b
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A wireless Ethernet standard that uses 2.4GHz radio signaling for performance from 2Mbps to 11Mbps, It is compatible with 802.11g-based wireless networks but not with 802.11a-based networks unless dual-band access points are used.
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802.11g
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A wireless Ethernet standard that uses 2.4GHz radio signaling for performance up to 54Mbps, It is compatible with 802.11b-based wireless networks but not with 802.11a-based networks unless dual-band access points are used.
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802.11n
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A wireless Ethernet standard that uses 2.4GHz and 5-GHz radio signaling for performance up to 600Mbps.
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AC
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Alternating current; the type of electrical current used to run homes and businesses.
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AC’97 version 2.3 audio
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An analog audio codec standard that supports 96 kHz sampling and 20-bit stereo playback, most implementations support jack sensing.
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Accelerometer
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A combination of hardware and software that measures velocity in mobile devices; accelerometers detect rotation, shaking of the device, and so on.
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Action Center
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Windows 7 Control Panel utility that provides one-stop access for security, maintenance, troubleshooting, and recovery options.
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Active heat sink
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Heat sink with attached fan.
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ADSL
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Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line, A form of DSL that enables faster downloads than uploads. Can be provided over high-quality existing phone lines and is well suited for residential and small business use.
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ARM
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(Advanced RISC Machine )In mobile devices, a 32-bit reduced instruction set computing architecture designed for low-power consumption and simplicity.
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AGP
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(Accelerated Graphics Port)A 32-bit I/O bus used for video, provides for a direct connection between the video card and memory.
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AHCI
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Advanced Host Controller Interface; SATA setup option in BIOS that supports native command queueing (NCQ) and all other advanced features.
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AMR
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(Audio Modem Riser)A riser card and slot designed to support surround audio and soft modem on some motherboards.
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ATA
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AT Attachment; a family of standards for PATA and (in ATA-7 and above) SATA interfaces.
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ATX
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(Advanced Technology Integrated) Motherboard form factor with integrated port cluster at left rear of board, basis for most mid-size to full-size desktop systems.
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Audio mini-jack
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3.5mm (1/8 inch) jacks used for stereo and surround audio, microphones, and line in/line out connections.
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Automated System Recovery
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ASR; special backup option in NTBackup (Windows XP) that enables a bootable Windows installation to be restored from a backup.
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Battery backup
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A device that provides temporary power to connected units until they can be shut down, UPS and SPS devices are two different types of battery backups.
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Belarc System Advisor
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A third-party ActiveX web-based program that identifies the computer’s operating system, hardware, Windows version, and security status.
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Biometrics
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Biometrics falls into the category of “something a person is.” Examples of bodily characteristics that are measured include fingerprints, retinal patterns, iris patterns, and even bone structure.
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BIOS
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Basic Input Output System. It controls and tests basic computer hardware at the beginning of the boot procedure.
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BitLocker
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A full disk encryption feature available in the Enterprise and Ultimate editions of Windows Vista and Windows 7.
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Blu-ray
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An optical medium originally developed for HD movies; capacity of 25GB single-layer and 50GB in dual-layer; also referred to as BD.
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BCD
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Boot Configuration Data - the configuration information used by Windows Vista and Windows 7 to determine how to start (boot) the system.
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Boot.ini
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The configuration information used by Windows XP to determine how to start (boot) the system.
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BSOD
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Blue Screen of Death; So named because the error message is in white text against a blue background. See STOP errors.
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Bus speeds
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Speeds of various buses on motherboards (PCI, PCIe, memory, and so on).
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Bus-powered hub
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Receives power from upstream USB port; limits power to 100mA per device.
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Cable management
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The act of controlling where cables are installed, they should be kept out of walkways, off the floor, and away from anywhere a person might move about.
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Cable select
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A PATA jumper setting that enables the 80-wire cable to determine primary and secondary drives.
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CAD/CAM
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Computer aided drafting/computer aided manufacturing.
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Calibration
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Adjustments to improve print quality on inkjet or color laser printers.
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Card reader
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A single-slot or multislot device for reading from and writing to flash memory cards.
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Card Bus
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32-bit version of PC Card add-on card used in laptops.
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CCFL backlight
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Backlight for conventional LCD displays.
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CD
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Compact disc; the oldest optical disc format; DVD and BD drives can also use CD media.
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Chain of custody
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The chronological documentation or paper trail of evidence that might be used in a court of law.
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Chip creep
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Socketed chips working their way out of sockets over time due to heating/cooling.
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Chipset
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Support chips on a motherboard (northbridge or memory controller hub; Southbridge or I/O controller hub) that provide interface between onboard components and expansion slots and CPU.
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Clean boot
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Starting Windows without startup services or programs.
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Client
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Computer that uses shared resources on network.
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Client/Server
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Network using dedicated servers such as Novell NetWare or Windows Server.
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CMOS
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Complimentary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor. Refers to low-power chip design; it’s also a common term for Real-Time-Clock/Non-Volatile RAM chip (RTC/NVRAM).
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CNR
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Communications Network Riser; Riser slot and card for soft modem and network adapter on some motherboards.
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Computer Management
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Windows XP/Vista/7 interface for managing tasks, events, users, performance, storage, and services. Snap-in for the Microsoft Management Console (MMC).
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Continuous reboots
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Symptom of Power Good power supply problem or STOP (BSOD) error if system is configured to restart on BSOD.
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Control Panel
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A Windows feature that sets Windows hardware options. It can be accessed from the Start or Start, Settings menu in most versions of Windows.
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CONVERT.EXE
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Windows command-line utility for converting a FAT32 drive to NTFS.
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COPY
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Windows internal command for copying files between one location and another.
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CPU
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(central processing unit)An electronic circuit that can process data and execute computer programs (Core i7, Phenom II, and so on).
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CPU fan connector
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Connection on motherboard to power CPU fan and monitor speed.
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CPU-Z
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A third-party CPU identification program that provides extensive technical information on a CPU’s features and revision level.
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CRT
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Cathode ray tube. A monitor’s picture tube, a large vacuum tube that displays information.
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Custom system configuration
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A computer configuration that is not a stock or standard configuration to better fit the computer to a specified task.
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Daisy-chaining
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Connecting multiple devices through a single port; used by EPP and ECP parallel-port modes and SCSI.
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DC
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Direct current; the type of electrical current supplied by batteries or by a PC’s power supply.
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DDR SDRAM
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Double Data-Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory; Double Data-Rate SDRAM; A faster form of SDRAM used by many high performance video cards and motherboards.
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DDR2 SDRAM
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Double-Double Data-Rate SDRAM (DDR2 SDRAM) is the successor to DDR SDRAM. DDR2 SDRAM runs its external data bus at twice the speed of DDR SDRAM, enabling faster performance.
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DDR3 SDRAM
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Double Data-Rate Three SDRAM (DDR3 SDRAM) is the successor to DDR2 SDRAM. DDR3 SDRAM runs its external data bus at twice the speed of DDR2 SDRAM, enabling faster performance. DDR3 SDRAM also uses lower voltages than DDR2 and supports higher memory capacities.
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Dead short
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Short circuit on the motherboard that makes the system appear to be dead.
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Degaussing
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To demagnetize a CRT display. Degaussing removes color fringing and distortions onscreen. Some monitors automatically degauss the CRT when the monitor is turned on, and others offer a degaussing button or menu option to degauss on demand.
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Device ID
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Method of indicating different devices attached to a SCSI host adapter; each device must use a unique device ID#, which is set on each device.
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Device Manager
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A Microsoft Windows utility that displays detailed information about the computer hardware in the system, including status and driver information.
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DHCP
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Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. Provides IP addresses as required; allows a limited number of IP addresses to service many devices that are not connected at the same time.
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Digital camera
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A camera that uses a digital image sensor instead of film. Most use flash memory cards for storage.
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DIMM
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Dual Inline Memory Module. These are available in 168-pin, 184-pin, and 240-pin versions. Dual refers to each side of the module having a different pinout.
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Direct thermal
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Thermal printing technology in which the printhead heats the paper.
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Directory
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Older term for a folder in Windows.
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Disk Management
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Windows XP/Vista/7 interface for managing hard drive storage. Can also manage removable-media and tape drives in Windows XP and Vista.
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Diskpart
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Window command-line utility for creating and managing disks, partitions, and volumes.
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DisplayPort
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Primarily used to transmit video but can also send audio and USB signals as well, designed as a replacement to VGA and DVI.
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DLL
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Dynamic Link Library; Binary files used by Windows and Windows programs.
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DMZ
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Demilitarized zone; In network computing it is a subnetwork that provides external services. It is often between the LAN and the Internet but is controlled by the organization that also controls the LAN.
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DNS
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Domain name service or domain name server. Translates domain names into IP addresses.
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Docking station
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Enables laptop computers to use devices not built in, such as card slots, high-end audio and video ports, and others; requires a proprietary, dedicated external bus connector.
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Domain name
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Unique alphanumeric identifier for websites.
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DRAM
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Dynamic Random Access Memory; Dynamic RAM; The slowest type of RAM, which requires frequent electrical refreshes to keep contents valid.
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Drive array
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Two or more drives used as a single logical unit.
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DSL
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Digital Subscriber Line; A type of broadband Internet service that uses telephone lines to carry Internet traffic at speeds as high as 768Kbps or more while allowing you to use your phone for normal functions at the same time. Two major types of DSL are ADSL and SDSL. See those entries for details.
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DualView
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Windows standard for supporting extended desktop or cloned desktop with external video port on laptop computers.
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DUN
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Dial-up Networking; using an analog (phone line) modem to connect to other computers.
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DVD
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Digital versatile disc; the most common optical disc format.
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DVI
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Digital Visual Interface; Replaced DFP as the standard for support of LCD displays on desktop computers. DVI-D is for digital displays only; DVI-I supports digital and analog displays. Sometimes this is also referred to as Digital Video Interface.
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Dye sublimation
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Thermal printing technology in which dye is released as a gas onto the page.
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Dynamic disk
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Windows disk storage type that permits drive spanning, striping, mirroring, and fault-tolerant volumes.
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ECC
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Error correction code; Advanced memory that can correct errors and requires special chipsets. It is used primarily in servers.
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EFS
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Encrypting File System; The encryption subset of NTFS.
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ESD
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(electrostatic discharge )The release of static electricity when two objects with varying electrical potentials come into contact with each other.
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eSATA
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External SATA, a version of SATA for use with external drives.
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exFAT (FAT64)
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File system designed to support high-capacity removable storage media, such as flash drives.
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expansion slots
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Slots in the motherboard for video, network, mass storage, and other types of cards. Types include PCIe, PCI, and others.
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Express Card
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High-performance replacement for CardBus; available in 34mmwide (/34) and 54mm-wide (/54) versions.
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Extended partition
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Windows disk partition that can be divided into one or more logical drives. Cannot be made bootable.
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External command
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Programs run from the command line, such as XCOPY.EXE.
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FAT32
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32-bit file allocation table; FAT method is optionally available with Windows 7, Vista, and XP, and 2000. It allows for drive sizes up to 2TB (terabytes).
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Firewall
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A network device or software that blocks unauthorized access to a network from other users. Software firewalls, such as the Windows Firewall, Zone Alarm, and Norton Internet Security, are sometimes referred to as personal firewalls. Routers can also function as firewalls.
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FireWire 400
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See IEEE 1394.
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FireWire 800
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See IEEE 1394.
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Firmware
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A middle ground between hardware and software, it is a software program that has been written for read-only memory (ROM).
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First response
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When the first technician arrives at the incident scene and identifies what happened.
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Flash memory
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Memory that retains its contents without electricity.
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FlexATX
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Small version of ATX motherboard designed for low-profile or small form factor systems.
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Fn key
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Special key on laptop keyboards that, when pressed, enables other keys to perform an additional task, such as adjusting screen brightness, toggling the Windows desktop to an external display, and so on.
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Form factor
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Physical size and shape of motherboard, power supply. See www.formfactors.org for specifications for common motherboard and power supply standards.
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Front-panel connectors
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Connections on front or side of motherboard for power switch, indicator lights, reset, and other features from the front of the computer.
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FTP
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File Transfer Protocol; File transfer to or from a special server site on the World Wide Web.
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Generic hub
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USB hub that plugs in to a USB port or USB root hub.
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Geotracking
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The practice of tracking and recording the location of a mobile device over time.
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GPS
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(Global positioning system )A worldwide system of satellites that provide information concerning the whereabouts of mobile devices and anything else with a GPS receiver.
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GUI
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Graphical user interface; Windows is a GUI.
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Gyroscope
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In addition to the accelerometers, this adds the measurements of pitch, roll, and yaw to mobile devices, just like in the concept of flight dynamics.
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Hardware
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Objects in a computer that are tangible; can be physically installed or removed.
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Hardware-assisted virtualization
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Features in CPU and BIOS that enable virtualization to perform faster.
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HD Audio
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An Intel standard for High Definition Audio (also known as HAD or Azalia). It supports 192kHz 32-bit sampling in stereo and 96kHz 32-bit sampling for up to eight channels.
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HDMI
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High-Definition Multimedia Interface; A compact audio/video interface for transmitting uncompressed digital data.
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Header cable
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Connects to motherboard header pins connected to integrated I/O ports.
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Heat sink
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Device that draws heat away from a component (CPU, GPU, and memory).
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Hi-Speed USB
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USB 2.0 ports and devices.
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HID
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Human interface device; mouse or keyboard.
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Home server PC
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A PC optimized to provide file, print, and backup services on a home or SOHO network.
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HTML
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Hypertext Markup Language. A standard for markup symbols that enables hyperlinking, fonts, special text attributes, graphics, and other enhancements to be added to text files for display with web browsers such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome. The official source for HTML standards is the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), but both Microsoft and Netscape have added proprietary features to the HTML dialects they understand.
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HTTP
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Hypertext Transfer Protocol; The basis for hyperlinking and the Internet; it is interpreted by a web browser program.
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HTTPS
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Hypertext Transfer Protocol over Secure Sockets Layer; HTTPS connections are often used for payment transactions on the World Wide Web and for sensitive transactions in corporate information systems.
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Hub
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Central connecting point for UTP-based forms of Ethernet. A hub broadcasts messages to all computers connected to it and subdivides the bandwidth of the network among the computers connected to it. See switch. Also refers to a device used to enable multiple USB devices to connect to a single USB port.
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Hyperthreading
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(HT Technology) Intel CPU technology that enables a single processor core to work with two execution threads at the same time.
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IEEE 1394
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A high-speed serial connection, IEEE 1394a (FireWire 400) runs at 400Mbps and IEEE 1394b (FireWire 800) runs at 800Mbps. i.LINK is Sony’s name for a four-wire version of IEEE-1394a.
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i.LINK
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See IEEE 1394.
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Imaging device
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How Microsoft Windows identifies devices such as digital cameras or scanners in My Computer/Computer.
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IMAP
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Internet Message Access Protocol. Second most common protocol used to download email.
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Image backup
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System backup that stores all information on the system including the operating system, programs, settings, and data. Most recent image backup programs also support restoration of individual files.
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Impact printer
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Print technology that uses a multipin printhead and an inked ribbon to make an image.
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Inkjet printer
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Print technology that sprays fine droplets of ink on the page.
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Integrated GPU
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GPU (graphics processing unit) incorporated in the CPU.
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Integrated I/O ports
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Ports built in to the motherboard port cluster or internal headers such as parallel, serial, USB, and others.
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Internal command
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Windows command-line operations built in to the Windows command interpreter, CMD.EXE, such as COPY, DEL, and DIR.
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Internet pass-through
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When a mobile device connects to a PC to use the PC’s Internet connection.
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Inverter
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Converts DC current into AC current to power CCFL backlight in LCD displays.
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I/O port
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A generic term for ports used for input or output, such as USB, parallel, serial, SCSI, PS/2 mouse and keyboard, and FireWire. Storage device ports (PATA, SATA, and eSATA) are not categorized as I/O ports.
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IrDA
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Infrared Data Association; Defines physical specifications and communications protocol standards for the short-range exchange of data over infrared, used in personal area networks (PANs).
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ISO image
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A single file that contains the layout of an optical disc.
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Jailbreaking
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The process of removing limitations on Apple devices, giving the user root access and allowing a person to install unauthorized software.
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Jumper
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Group of two or three pins on a motherboard or card; used for configuration.
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Jumper block
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Fits across two jumper pins to enable or disable a feature.
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KVM switch
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Keyboard-video-mouse; a device that enables a single keyboard, video display, and mouse to work with two or more computers.
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LAN
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Local area network; A network in which the components connect through network cables; if a router is used, the network is a WAN.
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Land grid array (LGA)
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Intel CPU socket technology that uses small metal lands in the CPU socket instead of pins on the CPU.
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Laser printer
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A type of nonimpact page printer that quickly produces quality text and images. Most use the electro photographic (EP) printing process.
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LCD
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Liquid crystal display. Type of screen used on portable computers and on flat panel desktop displays.
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LDAP
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Lightweight Directory Access Protocol; Maintains distributed directory information services. Examples include email and Microsoft Active Directory.
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LED
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A LED refers to a LED (light-emitting diode)-backlit LCD display. It is similar to an LCD display but uses LED backlighting instead of a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL).
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Level 1 (L1) cache
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Cache memory read by CPU first when new memory information is needed; smallest cache size.
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Level 2 (L2) cache
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Cache memory read by CPU if L1 cache does not have wanted information; much larger than L1 cache.
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Level 3 (L3) cache
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Cache memory read by CPU if L2 cache does not have wanted information; much larger than L2 cache; used on high-performance CPUs.
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LGA1155
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LGA socket used by second and third-generation Core i-series processors; 1155 lands.
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LGA1156
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LGA socket used by first-generation Core i-series processors; 1156 lands.
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LGA1366
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LGA socket used by Extreme Core i7 CPUs; 1366 lands.
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LGA775
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First LGA socket from Intel; used by late-model Pentium 4, Pentium D, others; 775 lands.
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Library
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A Windows 7 feature that enables multiple locations to be viewed in a single Windows Explorer window.
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Liquid cooling
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Cooling system for CPU, GPU, and other components that replaces air cooling with heat blocks, a heat exchanger, and liquid-filled hoses; used for extreme overclocking.
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Live File System
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Microsoft’s implementation of the Universal Disc Format (UDF) for writing to recordable or rewriteable CD or DVD media in Windows Vista and Windows 7.
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Logical drive
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Drive created inside of an extended partition.
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LPT
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Line Print Terminal - is the usual designation for a parallel port connection to a printer or other device on a personal computer.
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Malware
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Malicious software, or malware, is software designed to infiltrate a computer system and possibly damage it without the user’s knowledge or consent. Malware is a broad term used by computer people to include viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, rootkits, adware, and other types of unwanted software.
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Master
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Jumper setting for primary PATA drive on a 40-wire cable.
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MSDS
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(Material safety data sheet )A document that contains information about substances that contain chemicals. It explains how to treat a person who comes in contact with the substance.
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MIDI
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Musical Instrument Digital Interface. A standard developed for the storage and playback of music based on digital sampling of actual musical instruments.
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Mini-ITX
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VIA Tech-originated ultra-compact motherboard design; used in computing appliances (media servers, and so on).
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MLC
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Multi Level Cell; faster but more expensive than SLC flash memory; used in SSDs.
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MDM
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(Mobile Device Management )Software that secures, manages, and monitors multiple mobile devices from a central location.
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Modem
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Short for modulate-demodulate, this device converts digital computer information into analog form and transmits it via telephone system to another computer.
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Motherboard
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The logical foundation of the computer; all components connect to it.
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Mount point
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Empty NTFS folder used to mount a drive.
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Mounted drive
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A drive accessed through an empty NTFS folder.
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Multicore
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Processor with two or more cores; some desktop processors have as many as eight cores.
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Multimeter
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An electrical testing device that can test amperage, AC and DC voltage, continuity, and other items.
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Multitouch touchscreens
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A display that can sense the presence of two or more contact points. Common in Apple and Android mobile devices.
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Nozzle check
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Inkjet printer maintenance option that uses all nozzles to print a pattern that indicates whether some nozzles are clogged.
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NTBackup
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Windows XP’s integrated backup program.
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NTFS
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New Technology File System. Preferred file system for Windows XP, Vista, and 7. |
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Null-modem
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Serial cable that has transmit and receive wires crossed at one end; used for data transfer.
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OLED
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OLED displays use organic light-emitting diodes based on organic compounds that emit light.
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Overclocking
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Running CPU, memory, and other components at faster-thannormal speeds. May require adjustments to component voltage and improved air cooling or a switch to liquid cooling.
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Paging file (virtual memory)
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The file stored on the hard drive used by the paging process as virtual memory, also known as a swap file. In Windows it is a file called pagefile.sys.
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Parallel port
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I/O port that enables data-transfer method sending 8 bits or multiples of 8 in a single operation; quite often a DB25F port. Also known as LPT port.
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Passive heat sink
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Heat sink that relies on outside air flow for cooling.
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PATA
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Parallel ATA; term used for drives that use the 40-pin interface formerly known as IDE or ATA-IDE.
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PC card
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16-bit PCMCIA card used in older laptops.
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PC99 system design guide
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A series of computer specifications originally developed by Intel and Microsoft in the late 1990s. Most of its recommendations are obsolete, but the port color coding it contains continues to be followed by the industry.
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PCI
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(Peripheral Component Interconnect)32-bit I/O bus providing a shared 33-MHz or 66-MHz data path between the CPU and peripheral controllers.
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PCI Express (PCIe)
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A high-speed set of serial bus communication channels used by adapter cards.
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PCI-X
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Workstation/server version of PCI used for network and mass storage cards; provides faster performance than PCI.
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Peer-to-peer
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Network in which some or all of the client PCs also act as peer servers.
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Phishing
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The attempt to gain information such as personally identifiable information and credit cards using email or other electronic communications.
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PGA
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(pin grid array )CPU socket design in which pins in the rear of the CPU are inserted into holes in socket and clamped into place.
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Plasma
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Type of display that uses small cells that contain ionized gas.
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Pointing device
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General term for any mouse-type device.
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Pointing stick
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Generic term for IBM/Lenovo TrackPoint, Toshiba AccuPoint, or other eraser-head pointing devices located in the middle of the keyboard.
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POP3
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Post Office Protocol 3. Email protocol used by client computers to download or receive email.
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Port replicator
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Provides a single connection for various types of I/O ports for portable computers; the port replicator is connected to the external devices and is then connected to the portable computer through an external proprietary expansion bus or through a USB port.
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POST
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Power-On Self Test. BIOS test of basic hardware performed during cold boot.
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Power plan
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Windows Vista/7 power management setting.
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Power supply
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Converts high-voltage AC to low-voltage DC.
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Primary partition
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Bootable disk partition created with Disk Management in Windows XP or with Diskpart (XP, Vista, and 7).
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Print queue
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List of print jobs waiting to be sent to the printer.
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Print spooler
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Windows service responsible for receiving print jobs and sending them to the printer.
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Printer preferences
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Printer settings such as quality, paper type, monochrome or color; details vary with printer.
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Printer properties
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Printer management options such as sharing, port usage, security, spooling options, and availability.
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PS/2 port
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A 6-pin Mini-DIN port used for mice or keyboards.
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RAM
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Random Access Memory; Volatile memory whose contents can be changed.
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Rambus
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Also known as RDRAM, Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory. Rambus Dynamic RAM. A high-speed, narrow-channel (8-bit) wide memory technology designed to work with 1GHz+ processors, better than other memory technologies such as SDRAM or DDR SDRAM. RDRAM is supported by some Intel chipsets for the Pentium III and the first Intel Pentium 4 chipsets but is two to four times more expensive than DDR SDRAM. Most tests do not show a clear-cut practical advantage to RDRAM over DDR SDRAM. Rambus is now obsolete.
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Rambus RDRAM Module
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A memory module using Direct Rambus memory (RDRAM) chips. Kingston Technology has copyrighted the name RIMM for its Rambus RDRAM modules, but Rambus RDRAM modules are often referred to as RIMMs, regardless of their actual manufacturer.
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ReadyBoost
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Windows Vista/7 feature that uses flash memory as a disk cache.
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Recovery Console
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Windows XP repair feature.
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Refresh rate
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Rate at which electron guns in the monitor’s CRT repaint the picture onscreen; also called vertical refresh rate. It is measured in hertz (Hz).
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Registry
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Database of all hardware, software, and system settings in Windows.
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Remote Installation Services (RIS)
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Program run by Windows Server 2003 that enables remote installation of operating systems. RIS was later replaced with Windows Deployment Services.
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Repeater
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Amplifies a network signal to enable it to run over longer cable than normal; hubs or switches also act as repeaters.
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Resolution
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The number of dots per inch (dpi) supported by a scanner or printer, or the number of pixels supported by a display.
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Restore point
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File that stores configuration information for the system. Created automatically. Used by System Restore. Also stores older versions of data files in Windows Vista and Windows 7.
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RGB
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Stands for red, green, and blue. These are the three additive primary colors used in electronic systems and monitors.
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ROBOCOPY
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Windows XP/Vista/7 file copying utility with mirroring and logging capabilities.
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Root hub
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Hosts USB ports on a PC.
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Rootkit
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Malware designed to gain administrative-level control of a computer.
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Router
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Device that routes data from one network to another. Often integrated with wireless access points and switches.
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RPM
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Revolutions per minute.
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RS-232
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See serial port.
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SATA
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Serial ATA; this version of ATA uses thin data and power cables to transmit data serially at rates of 1.5Gbps, 3.0Gbps, and 6.0Gbps.
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Screen Calibration
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A program on a mobile device that verifies the three axes (left to right, up and down, and back to front) are calibrated properly.
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Screenlocks
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A pattern drawn on the display, a PIN (passcode), or a password, used to make a mobile device inaccessible to other people.
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SCSI
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Small Computer System Interface. A flexible interface usable for hard and optical drives, scanners, and other devices. Narrow SCSI interfaces enables daisychaining of 7 devices to a single port. Wide SCSI enables daisy-chaining of up to 15 devices to a single port.
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SDRAM
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Synchronous DRAM. Fast RAM synchronized to the motherboard’s clock speed; current types include 66MHz, 100MHz, and 133MHz.
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SDSL
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Synchronous DSL. A type of DSL connection in which upload and download speeds are the same. SDSL connections are marketed to business rather than to home users and almost always require a newly installed circuit to the location and professional installation. See also DSL, ADSL.
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Self-powered hub
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Uses AC adapter; provides full power specified for USB port type(s) supported.
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Serial port
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A serial communication physical interface (also known as COM port) through which information transfers in or out one bit at a time. The RS-232 standard is commonly used to transmit data through DB-9 ports.
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Server
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Computer that shares drives and other resources over a network. Peer servers can also be used as workstations; dedicated servers provide services to other computers such as file, print, email, and so on.
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Setup Manager Utility (Setupmgr.exe)
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A Windows XP tool that enables you to create answer files for unattended installations.
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Shadow Copy
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Windows Vista/7 feature that uses restore points to store older versions of files.
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Shoulder surfing
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Direct observation techniques used to gain information about a user, document, or computer system.
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SID
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Security identifier. A unique name assigned to an object such as a user or computer.
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SIMM
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Single Inline Memory Module. Has a single row of 30 or 72 edge connectors on the bottom of the module. Single refers to both sides of the module having the same pinout.
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Simple volume
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Windows Vista and 7 disk structure similar to a primary partition but resizable. Up to four simple volumes can exist on a drive; the fourth volume will be created as an extended partition containing one or more logical drives.
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SiSoftware Sandra
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A third-party system analysis program that provides extensive technical information on a computer’s hardware.
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Slave
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Jumper setting for secondary PATA drive on a 40-wire cable.
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SLC
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Single level cell; flash memory type most often used in SSDs.
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Small Outline Rambus Module
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A compact version of the standard Rambus module for use in notebook computers.
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SMTP
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Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. A common Internet standard for uploading or sending email.
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Social engineering
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The act of obtaining confidential information by manipulating people.
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Socket 940
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AMD PGA socket; requires registered memory; 940 pins.
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Socket AM2
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AMD PGA socket; supports CPUs with dual-channel DDR2 memory controller; 940 pins.
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Socket AM2+
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AMD PGA socket; enhanced version of AM2; supports CPUs with L3 cache; 940 pins.
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Socket AM3
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AMD PGA socket; supports CPUs with dual-channel DDR2 or DDR3 memory controller; 941 pins.
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Socket AM3+
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AMD PGA socket; supports CPUs with up to eight cores; 942 pins.
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Socket FM1
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AMD PGA socket; supports APUs (AMD term for CPU with integrated GPU); 905 pins.
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SODIMM
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Small Outline DIMM. A compact version of the standard DIMM module, available in various pinouts for use in notebook computers and laser/LED printers.
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Software
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Anything that can be stored electronically, known as data, instructions, programs, or applications.
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Sound card
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An add-on card designed for digital sound recording and playback. Plugs into a PCI or PCIe x1 slot.
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SPDIF
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Sony/Philips Digital Interface; digital audio standard for interfacing sound cards or onboard sound hardware to a digital amplifier.
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Spyware
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A type of malware that collects computer and user information without the owner’s consent or knowledge.
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SRAM
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Static Random Access Memory. Static RAM. RAM based on transistors; requires electricity far less often; too expensive and bulky to use as main RAM but popular for use as Cache RAM.
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SSD
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Solid state drive; a hard drive that uses flash memory instead of magnetic storage platters.
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SSID
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Service set identifier is a user-friendly name that identifies the wireless network. It is usually set on a SOHO router device.
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SSL
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Secure Sockets Layer. Predecessor of TLS. Used for securing online transactions.
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Standard thick client
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A computer used to run locally stored and locally processed applications.
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Star topology
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Network topology in which a central hub or switch is connected to individual workstations with separate cables. This topology is used by Ethernet networks that use UTP cables. Wireless networks also use this topology but substitute a wireless access point in place of a hub or switch and radio waves in place of cables.
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STOP errors
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Also known as Blue Screen of Death. An error that forces the system to halt until resolved. Systems can be configured to restart automatically after a STOP error or to leave it onscreen.
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SVGA
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Super Video Graphics Array or Super VGA. May refer to 800x600 VGA resolution or to any VGA display setting that uses more than 16 colors or a higher resolution than 640x480.
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S-Video
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S-Video (known as Separate Video) is an analog video standard used in many VCR and DVD products for input and output of video signals. Many recent video cards use S-video for their TV outputs. Can be down-converted to composite video by using an adapter.
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SuperSpeed USB
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USB 3.0 ports and devices.
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Surge suppressor
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A device that absorbs overvoltage conditions such as spikes and surges to prevent damage to connected devices.
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Switch
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Network device that sets a direct path for data to run from one system to another; can be combined with a router or wireless access point; faster than a hub because it supports the full bandwidth of the network at each port, rather than subdividing the bandwidth among active ports as a hub does.
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Synchronization
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The matching up of files and other data between one computing device and another.
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System fan connectors
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Connectors on the motherboard that provide power and speed monitoring to case fans and sometimes the power supply fan.
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System Image Manager
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A Windows 7 and Vista tool that enables you to create answer files for unattended installations. Takes the place of Windows XP’s Setup Manager Utility.
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System Information
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A Microsoft Windows application that displays information about a computer’s operating system, hardware, and environment (MSInfo32.exe).
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System lockups
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System is completely unresponsive; usually caused by overheating leading to corrupted memory contents.
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System Restore
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Windows feature that enables a system to be returned to a previous condition.
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Tailgating
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Also known as piggybacking. When a person tags along behind another person to gain entry to a restricted area.
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tape drive
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A drive that makes backups of a system or selected files with magnetic tape.
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Task Manager
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Windows XP/Vista/7 interface for viewing and managing running programs, processes, services, and other information.
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TCP/IP
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Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. The Internet’s standard network protocol that is now becoming the standard for all networks.
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Termination
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Device placed at the end of the SCSI daisy-chain or a switch setting on the last device on a SCSI daisy-chain.
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Theme
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Windows term for the combination of desktop wallpaper, color scheme, and sound effects.
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Thermal compound
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A material sandwiched between a device and a heat sink to provide the best possible heat transfer from the device to the heat sink.
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Thermal transfer
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Thermal printer technology that uses a heated wax or resin ribbon.
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Thin client
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A computer used to access network stored and processed applications.
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Touchpad
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Most common type of pointing device installed in laptops. All emulate mice, but some recent models also support multitouch.
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TLS
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Transport Layer Security. Successor of SSL. A cryptographic protocol that provides security and data integrity for communications over networks such as the Internet.
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Trojan horse
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A file or program that appears to be legitimate but is used to steal information or gain backdoor access to a computer.
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TV tuner
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A device that can receive analog or digital TV from over-the-air or cable TV sources for live playback or storage for later viewing.
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UAC
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User Account Control. A security component of Windows 7 and Vista that controls how users gain access to resources.
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USB
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(Universal Serial Bus) High-speed replacement for older I/O ports USB 1.1 has a peak speed of 12Mbps. USB 2.0 has a peak speed of 480Mbps; USB 2.0 ports also support USB 1.1 devices. USB 2.0 devices can be plugged into USB 1.1 devices but run at only USB 1.1 speeds. USB 3.0 runs at 5Gbps; supports older USB devices at the native speeds of those devices.
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VGA
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Video Graphics Array. First popular analog video standard; basis for all current video cards.
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Video capture
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The process of capturing live video from analog or digital sources and storing it as a computer file.
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Video card
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A video card (also known as display adapter or graphics card) is an expansion card that generates video signal and displays it on a monitor.
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Virtual memory
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Disk space used as a substitute for RAM.
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Virtualization
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Creating an environment in which operating systems or applications run on a software-created simulation of a computer rather than directly on the computer hardware itself.
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Virus
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Computer program designed to infect a computer and make unwanted modifications to the operating system. If executed, the virus can replicate itself; in this way it resembles a Trojan horse that can also replicate itself to other computers.
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VoIP
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Voice over Internet Protocol; Delivery of voice communications over IP networks such as the Internet.
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WAN
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Wide area network. Network that spans multiple cities, countries, or continents. Network sections might be linked by leased line, Internet backbone, or satellite feed; routers connect LANs to WANs and WAN segments to each other.
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WAP
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Wireless Access Point; A device that enables connectivity between computers with wireless network adapters to create a wireless network.
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Webcam
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A video camera designed for live chat sessions. Resolutions range from sub-VGA to 1080p HD.
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WEP
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Wired equivalent privacy. An older wireless network security standard, succeeded by WPA.
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Wi-Fi tethering
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When a mobile device shares its Internet connection with other Wi-Fi capable devices.
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Wildcard
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Characters used as variables in command-line operations such as DIR, DEL, or COPY and in searches. * = any characters and ? = any single character.
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Windows 7
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Microsoft’s seventh-generation desktop operating system.
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Windows Aero
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Windows Vista/7 3D desktop with translucent windows.
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Windows Deployment Services
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Program run by Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 that enable remote installation of operating systems.
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Windows Explorer
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File management interface for Windows desktop.
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Windows Recovery Environment
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Windows Vista and 7 replacement for Recovery Console. Collection of automatic and user-operated repair and diagnostic tools for fixing problems with systems that won’t start.
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Windows Virtual PC
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Virtualization environment supported in Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise. Required by Windows XP Mode.
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Windows XP Mode
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Virtualized installation of Windows XP Professional; runs under Windows Virtual PC.
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WINS
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Windows Internet Name Service. Method sometimes used by server versions of Windows to dynamically match NetBIOS computer names to their IP addresses (NetBIOS name resolution).
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Worm
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A computer worm is a self-replicating type of malware similar to a virus but without the need for a user to execute it. It often uses a network to spread itself.
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WPA
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Wi-Fi Protected Access. A security protocol developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance to secure wireless networking. Takes the place of WEP. Uses the TKIP encryption protocol.
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WPA2
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Wi-Fi Protected Access version 2. A security protocol developed by theWi-Fi Alliance to secure wireless networking using the AES encryption protocol. Takes the place of WPA.
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WXGA
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Wide XGA. A common widescreen graphics resolution for laptops and some displays.
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x64
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64-bit extension to x86 processor architecture; backward compatible; supports more than 4GB of RAM.
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x86
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32-bit processor architecture used by AMD and Intel CPUs.
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XCOPY
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Command-line utility for copying files and folders.
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XGA
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eXtended Graphics Array. 1024 × 768 display standard that is a minimum requirement for most Windows programs.
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