Definitions and pro-tips for the 220-1101 certification.
An access point (AP) enables wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi protocols. It acts as a bridge, translating wireless signals to wired connections and vice versa, extending network reach without requiring direct cable connections for every device.
APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing) is a feature that allows a Windows computer to automatically assign itself an IP address when a DHCP server is unavailable. These addresses always fall within the specific 169.254.0.1 to 169.254.255.254 range.
Bandwidth defines the data transfer capacity of a network connection, measured in bits per second (bps). It represents the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a connection in a given timeframe. Higher bandwidth enables faster data transfer speeds and supports more simultaneous connections.
The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is firmware embedded on a motherboard that initializes hardware during the boot process. It performs a power-on self-test (POST) and loads the operating system. Modern systems increasingly utilize UEFI, a more advanced successor to BIOS.
Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard enabling short-range data exchange between devices. Utilizing the 2.4 GHz ISM band, it creates personal area networks (PANs) for applications like audio streaming, file transfer, and peripheral connections with limited power consumption.
Cloud computing delivers on-demand access to computing resources—servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics—over the internet. This model shifts IT infrastructure from on-premises ownership to a pay-as-you-go service, offering scalability and flexibility.
The CMOS battery is a small, coin-cell battery on the motherboard providing power to the CMOS chip. This chip retains the system’s BIOS settings, including boot order, date, and time, even when the computer is powered off, ensuring proper system startup.
A Command Line Interface is a text-based method for interacting with a computer’s operating system. Users type commands to execute tasks, offering precise control and automation capabilities. CLIs are essential for system administration, scripting, and advanced troubleshooting, bypassing graphical user interface limitations.
The Command Prompt is a text-based interface for interacting with the Windows operating system. Users enter commands to perform tasks, manage files, configure system settings, and troubleshoot issues, providing a powerful alternative to the graphical user interface.
The central processing unit (CPU) is the primary component executing instructions within a computer. It fetches, decodes, and executes program instructions, performing arithmetic, logical, control, and input/output operations. CPU performance is influenced by clock speed, core count, and cache size.
DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4) SDRAM is a type of synchronous dynamic random-access memory used in modern computers to store temporary data. It offers higher speeds and lower power consumption compared to DDR3, utilizing a 288-pin configuration for standard desktop memory modules.
A digitizer is a hardware component that converts analog touch or pen input into a digital signal that the device can process. It is the glass layer sitting atop a screen that enables touch-screen functionality in smartphones and tablets.
DisplayPort is a digital display interface designed primarily for connecting a video source, such as a computer, to a display device. It supports higher resolutions and refresh rates than older standards and is commonly found on high-end graphics cards and monitors, offering features like daisy-chaining.
DNS is a hierarchical and distributed naming system that translates human-readable domain names into numerical IP addresses. This translation process enables users to access online resources without memorizing complex IP addresses, forming the foundation of internet navigation.
A driver is software facilitating communication between the operating system and a hardware device. It translates OS commands into a format the device understands, and vice versa. Proper driver installation is crucial for device functionality and system stability. Incorrect drivers can cause conflicts or failures.
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network management protocol used to automatically assign IP addresses and other communication parameters to devices. It eliminates the need for manual configuration by leasing addresses from a central server to clients on a network.
A Dynamic IP Address is a temporary numerical label automatically assigned to a network device by a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server. These addresses are leased for a specific duration and can change upon lease renewal, simplifying network administration.
ECC RAM is a specialized type of computer memory that can detect and fix the most common kinds of internal data corruption. It is primarily used in servers and workstations to prevent system crashes caused by single-bit memory errors.
eMMC (embedded MultiMediaCard) is a flash storage solution commonly found in budget-friendly devices like smartphones, tablets, and Chromebooks. It integrates flash memory and a memory controller into a single chip, providing a compact and cost-effective storage option.
Encryption is a data security process transforming readable data (plaintext) into an unreadable format (ciphertext) using an algorithm and a key. This protects confidentiality during storage and transmission. Decryption reverses the process, requiring the correct key to restore the original data.
Electrostatic Discharge is the rapid transfer of electrical charge between objects with differing static electricity potentials. This can damage sensitive electronic components, even with voltages below what humans can feel, causing immediate failure or latent defects.
ESD Safe Packaging utilizes materials designed to prevent damage to sensitive electronic components caused by electrostatic discharge (ESD). These materials dissipate static electricity, protecting components from potentially destructive voltage spikes during handling and storage.
An expansion slot is a socket on the motherboard that allows for the addition of expansion cards, enhancing a computer’s capabilities. These slots provide connectivity for components like graphics cards, sound cards, and network adapters, extending the system’s functionality.
A firewall is a network security device, either hardware or software, that controls network traffic based on a defined set of rules. It examines incoming and outgoing packets, blocking or allowing them based on source, destination, port, and protocol to protect against unauthorized access.
Firmware is a specific type of software embedded directly into hardware components. It provides essential, low-level instructions that control the device’s basic functions. Unlike operating systems, firmware is typically non-volatile memory and persists even without power, initializing hardware during startup.
A flash drive is a portable data storage device utilizing solid-state flash memory. It connects to computers via USB, providing a convenient method for transferring files, creating backups, and booting operating systems. Flash drives offer durability and compact size.
Form Factor defines the physical dimensions, shape, and layout of computer components. Standardization ensures compatibility between components like motherboards, power supplies, and cases, allowing for proper installation and airflow within a system.
A graphics processing unit (GPU) is a specialized electronic circuit designed to accelerate image rendering. GPUs excel at parallel processing, making them ideal for tasks like gaming, video editing, and machine learning. They offload graphics processing from the CPU, improving overall system performance.
Graphical User Interface enables user interaction with a computer through visual elements like icons and windows. It simplifies operation by replacing complex commands with intuitive graphical representations, improving accessibility for non-technical users and streamlining common tasks.
A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is a traditional storage device employing magnetic platters to store and retrieve digital data. Data access relies on mechanical components, resulting in slower speeds compared to SSDs. Common form factors include 3.5-inch (desktop) and 2.5-inch (laptop).
High-Definition Multimedia Interface is a digital audio/video interface transmitting uncompressed video and compressed/uncompressed audio. It’s the standard connection for modern televisions, monitors, and gaming consoles, offering high bandwidth for superior image and sound quality. It supports HDCP copy protection.
A heatsink is a passive cooling device that dissipates heat generated by electronic components. Typically made of aluminum or copper, it transfers heat away from the component to a surrounding medium, usually air. Fins increase the surface area for more efficient heat transfer.
A hypervisor is a software layer that creates and runs virtual machines by isolating the operating system and resources from the physical hardware. It allows multiple guest OSs to share a single host machine's hardware, optimizing resource utilization and server consolidation.
IMAP is an email retrieval protocol that allows clients to access messages stored on a mail server. Unlike POP3, IMAP synchronizes the mail across multiple devices, ensuring that changes made on one device are reflected everywhere.
An impact printer is a type of printer that produces images by physically striking an inked ribbon against paper. Common examples include dot-matrix printers, which are still used today for creating multi-part carbon copy forms.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a cloud computing model that provides virtualized computing resources, such as servers, storage, and networking, over the internet. Users are responsible for managing the operating system, middleware, and applications installed on the infrastructure.
Inkjet printer is a type of computer printer that creates images by spraying tiny droplets of liquid ink onto paper. It is commonly used for high-quality photo printing and home office documents due to its ability to blend colors effectively.
Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) is the most recent version of the Internet Protocol, designed to replace IPv4. It uses 128-bit addresses, providing a significantly larger address space to accommodate the growing number of devices connected to the global internet.
An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network utilizing the Internet Protocol. It enables logical identification and location addressing for communication between devices across networks, facilitating data transmission.
IPS is a type of LCD panel technology that aligns liquid crystals in a plane parallel to the glass. This design provides superior color reproduction and much wider viewing angles compared to TN (Twisted Nematic) panels.
IPv4 is the fourth version of the Internet Protocol, utilizing a 32-bit addressing scheme to identify devices on a network. It is the most widely used IP version, though it is limited by a finite number of available addresses.
A laser printer fuser is the component that uses heat and pressure to permanently bond toner powder to the paper. It is the final stage of the printing process, ensuring the image is melted into the fibers of the page.
Latency measures the delay between a request for data and its actual delivery. It represents the time it takes for a packet to travel from source to destination. Lower latency results in faster response times and improved application performance, particularly for real-time applications.
LGA (Land Grid Array) is a CPU socket design where the pins are located on the motherboard rather than on the processor itself. This design reduces the risk of bending pins on the CPU and is the primary standard used in most modern Intel processor sockets.
The Lightning connector is a proprietary 8-pin connector designed by Apple Inc. for use with iPhones, iPads, and iPods. It replaced the 30-pin Dock connector, offering a smaller, reversible design and supporting both data transfer and power charging capabilities. It is now being phased out in favor of USB-C.
The loopback address, typically 127.0.0.1, is a special IPv4 address reserved for testing the TCP/IP protocol stack on a local machine. It allows software to communicate with itself without utilizing physical network interfaces, verifying network configuration.
A Media Access Control (MAC) address is a unique 48-bit identifier assigned to a network interface card (NIC) by its manufacturer. It functions as a physical address used for communication within a local network segment, operating at Layer 2 of the OSI model.
Malware encompasses malicious software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. This includes viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, spyware, and adware, each employing different methods to compromise security and data integrity.
The motherboard is the central printed circuit board connecting a computer’s core components. It provides pathways for communication between the CPU, memory, storage, and peripherals. Form factor dictates size and compatibility, influencing case selection and expansion options.
Mean Time Between Failures is a statistical measure of a device’s reliability, representing the average time a non-repairable system is expected to operate before a failure occurs. It’s calculated based on extensive testing and provides an indication of component quality and durability.
MFA enhances security by requiring verification from multiple independent authentication factors. These factors typically include knowledge (password), possession (security token), or inherence (biometrics), significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access from compromised credentials.
A Network Interface Card (NIC) is a hardware component enabling a device to connect to a network. It manages data transmission between the device and the network medium, utilizing a unique MAC address for identification. NICs support various network standards and physical cabling types for connectivity.
Network topology defines the physical or logical arrangement of network devices and connections. Common topologies include bus, star, ring, and mesh, each offering different levels of redundancy, scalability, and cost-effectiveness depending on network requirements.
Near Field Communication (NFC) is a short-range, high-frequency wireless communication technology enabling device-to-device data transfer within approximately 4 centimeters. It facilitates contactless payments, data exchange, and quick pairing by utilizing magnetic field induction.
Non-Volatile Memory Express is a high-performance interface protocol designed specifically for SSDs. Utilizing the PCIe bus, NVMe significantly reduces latency and increases data transfer speeds compared to older SATA interfaces, resulting in faster boot times and application loading.
An Operating System (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources. It provides essential services like process management, memory allocation, file system navigation, and device control, acting as an intermediary between applications and the hardware.
An optical drive utilizes lasers to read and write data on optical media like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. These drives are commonly used for software installation, data backups, and media playback, offering varying storage capacities based on the disc format.
Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) is a display technology where each pixel produces its own light, eliminating the need for a separate backlight. This results in perfect black levels, higher contrast ratios, and thinner screen profiles compared to traditional LCDs.
A peripheral device connects to a computer system to provide input, output, or auxiliary functions. These external devices expand the computer’s capabilities beyond its core processing functions. Examples include keyboards, mice, printers, storage devices, and cameras.
PGA (Pin Grid Array) is a CPU socket design where the pins are located on the bottom of the processor and fit into holes in the motherboard socket. This architecture is traditionally associated with AMD processors and requires careful handling during installation.
Phishing is a social engineering technique where attackers deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information—usernames, passwords, credit card details—through fraudulent communications. These communications often mimic legitimate organizations and exploit trust to compromise security.
Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a cloud computing model that provides a framework for developers to build, test, and deploy applications. It includes the underlying infrastructure, operating systems, and development tools, allowing users to focus solely on coding.
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that delivers electrical power through standard Ethernet cables alongside data. This allows devices like IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points to receive both power and data connectivity from a single cable.
POP3 is a protocol used by email clients to retrieve messages from a mail server. By default, it downloads the emails to the local device and deletes them from the server, making it unsuitable for multi-device access.
Power-On Self-Test is the initial diagnostic sequence executed by a computer’s BIOS or UEFI firmware upon startup. It verifies essential hardware components like CPU, memory, and storage before loading the operating system, reporting errors if failures are detected.
The Power Supply Unit (PSU) converts AC power from the wall outlet into DC power usable by computer components. Wattage indicates the total power output, while efficiency ratings (80+ Bronze, Gold, Platinum) reflect energy conservation. Modular PSUs allow for selective cable connections.
RAID 0 (Redundant Array of Independent Disks 0), also known as striping, distributes data across two or more disks to increase read and write performance. It provides no redundancy, meaning the failure of a single drive results in total data loss.
RAID 1 (Redundant Array of Independent Disks 1), known as mirroring, duplicates data across two or more disks. This provides high data redundancy, ensuring that if one drive fails, the system remains operational using the mirrored copy.
RAID 10 (Redundant Array of Independent Disks 10) combines the mirroring of RAID 1 and the striping of RAID 0. It provides the high performance of striping and the high redundancy of mirroring, requiring a minimum of four disks.
RAID 5 (Redundant Array of Independent Disks 5) uses block-level striping with distributed parity across three or more disks. This configuration balances performance and redundancy, allowing the array to survive the failure of a single drive without data loss.
Random Access Memory (RAM) is volatile memory used for actively processing data. It allows rapid read and write access to any location, enabling quick application loading and multitasking. Capacity and speed (measured in MHz) significantly impact system performance.
RDP is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft that allows a user to remotely connect to and control another computer over a network. It provides a full graphical interface of the remote machine to the client device.
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft that provides a user with a graphical interface to connect to another computer over a network. It allows for full remote control of the target system's desktop environment.
Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) employs electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. These tags contain electronically stored information, allowing for non-contact reading and identification in various applications, including inventory management and supply chain tracking.
RJ-11 is a standardized physical interface used primarily for telephone connections and legacy modem connections. It utilizes a six or four-position, two-conductor modular connector. While resembling RJ-45, it is incompatible and transmits analog signals, not digital Ethernet data.
RJ-45 is a standardized 8-pin/8-position modular connector commonly used for Ethernet network connections. It facilitates data transmission over twisted-pair cabling, enabling devices to connect to local area networks (LANs) and the internet. Proper crimping is essential for reliable connectivity.
A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. Operating at Layer 3 (Network Layer) of the OSI model, it uses IP addresses to determine the best path for data transmission, enabling communication between different networks, including LANs and the WAN.
Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology is a system built into hard drives and SSDs that monitors drive health and predicts potential failures. It tracks attributes like read error rate and spin-up time, providing early warnings of impending issues to allow for data backup and drive replacement.
Software as a Service (SaaS) is a cloud computing model where applications are hosted by a provider and made available to users over the internet. Users typically pay a subscription fee to access the software via a web browser without installing it locally.
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) is a computer bus interface used to connect host bus adapters to mass storage devices like HDDs and SSDs. It replaced the older PATA standard, offering faster data transfer speeds and thinner cables for better airflow.
Secure Shell (SSH) is a cryptographic network protocol used for operating network services securely over an unsecured network. It is most commonly used for remote command-line login and remote command execution, providing strong encryption for the session.
A Serial Port is a communication interface used to transmit data one bit at a time. Historically used for connecting peripherals like modems and mice, it’s now often found in specialized equipment and legacy systems, identified by designations like COM1 or COM2.
A subscriber identity module (SIM) card is a removable smart card used in mobile devices to store the international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) number. It identifies the user to the network provider and allows the device to connect to cellular services.
SMTP is the standard communication protocol used for sending email messages from a client to a server or between servers. It operates primarily on port 25 or 587 to push mail toward its final destination.
SO-DIMM (Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module) is a smaller form factor of RAM designed specifically for laptops, small form factor PCs, and printers. It provides the same functionality as standard DIMMs but occupies significantly less physical space on the system motherboard.
Software as a Service (SaaS) is a cloud computing model where applications are hosted by a provider and delivered to users over the internet. Users typically access the software via a web browser, eliminating the need for local installation and maintenance.
A Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) network is a typical network setup for small businesses and residential use. These networks commonly utilize all-in-one devices like routers that integrate switching, routing, and wireless access point functionalities into a single unit.
A Solid State Drive (SSD) is a data storage device utilizing flash memory to store persistent data. SSDs offer significantly faster read/write speeds, lower latency, and increased durability compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) due to the absence of moving mechanical parts.
A Solid State Drive (SSD) is a storage device utilizing flash memory to persistently store data. Offering faster access times and increased durability compared to HDDs, SSDs improve system responsiveness and boot times. NVMe SSDs provide significantly higher speeds than SATA SSDs.
Secure Shell (SSH) is a cryptographic network protocol used for operating network services securely over an unsecured network. It provides a secure channel for remote command-line login and other secure network services, replacing the insecure Telnet protocol.
SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the unique name assigned to a wireless local area network (WLAN) to distinguish it from other nearby networks. It allows client devices to identify and connect to the correct wireless access point among multiple available signals.
Static electricity is the result of an imbalance of electrical charges on a surface. This buildup can discharge unexpectedly, generating electromagnetic interference capable of damaging delicate electronic components. Proper grounding and anti-static measures are crucial during computer repair.
A Static IP Address is a permanently assigned numerical label to a network device, manually configured and remaining constant unless changed. This contrasts with dynamic addresses, providing consistent network access for servers, printers, and other critical infrastructure.
A network switch is a Layer 2 device that forwards data packets between devices on a network. Utilizing MAC addresses, it learns and maintains a forwarding table to efficiently direct traffic only to the intended recipient, improving network performance and security compared to hubs.
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is a connection-oriented communication protocol that ensures reliable delivery of data packets across a network. It uses a three-way handshake to establish a connection and tracks packets to guarantee they arrive in the correct order.
Thin Film Transistor (TFT) is an active-matrix version of a liquid crystal display (LCD) that improves image quality and response time. It uses a separate transistor for each pixel, allowing for better control of light and sharper colors.
Thermal paste, also known as thermal grease, is a thermally conductive compound applied between a heat source (like a CPU) and a heatsink. It fills microscopic gaps, improving heat transfer efficiency by eliminating air pockets, which are poor conductors of heat.
Thermal printer is a device that produces images by applying heat to specialized heat-sensitive paper. This technology eliminates the need for ink or toner cartridges, making it the ideal choice for printing receipts and shipping labels in commercial environments.
Thunderbolt is a high-speed hardware interface co-developed by Intel and Apple, enabling the connection of external devices. Utilizing a USB-C connector in recent iterations, it combines PCI Express and DisplayPort protocols for data, video, and power delivery, offering significantly faster transfer rates.
TPM is a specialized chip on a motherboard that provides hardware-based security functions, such as generating and storing cryptographic keys. It is essential for enabling full-disk encryption like Windows BitLocker to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is a connection-oriented transport layer protocol that ensures reliable delivery of data packets. It uses a three-way handshake to establish a connection and verifies that all data is received correctly and in order.
Troubleshooting methodology is a systematic, logical process for identifying and resolving technical issues. It involves defining the problem, creating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis, implementing a solution, and verifying the resolution. A structured approach minimizes wasted time and ensures effective problem-solving.
User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is a connectionless communication protocol used for fast, low-latency data transmission where perfect reliability is not required. It sends packets without establishing a connection or verifying receipt, making it ideal for streaming and gaming.
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface is a modern firmware interface replacing BIOS. It initializes hardware and loads the operating system. UEFI supports Secure Boot, larger hard drives exceeding 2TB, and faster boot times through improved initialization processes and standardized drivers.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is a device that provides emergency power to a computer system when the main power source fails. It uses batteries to prevent sudden shutdowns, allowing users to save work and shut down the system safely.
Uninterruptible Power Supply provides temporary power when the primary power source is lost. It protects hardware from damage and prevents data loss by allowing a safe shutdown. UPS units vary in capacity and topology, impacting their suitability for different workloads.
Universal Serial Bus is an industry standard for connecting devices to a computer. It defines cables, connectors, and communication protocols for data transfer and power delivery. USB standards have evolved, increasing data transfer speeds and power output capabilities over time, impacting peripheral compatibility.
User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is a connectionless transport layer protocol that sends data packets without establishing a formal connection or verifying receipt. This reduces overhead and latency, making it ideal for time-sensitive applications like streaming and gaming.
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a technology that hosts a desktop operating system on a centralized server in a data center. Users access their personalized virtual desktop remotely from any device, ensuring consistent environments and centralized management.
Video Graphics Array (VGA) is an analog video display standard. It transmits video signals using a 15-pin D-sub connector. While largely superseded by digital standards like HDMI and DisplayPort, VGA remains relevant for compatibility with older hardware and troubleshooting legacy systems.
A virtual machine is a software-based emulation of a physical computer that runs its own operating system and applications independently. It operates in an isolated environment, allowing users to run multiple different OSs on a single physical piece of hardware.
A Virtual Private Network establishes a secure, encrypted connection over a less secure network, typically the internet. It creates a private network tunnel, protecting data confidentiality and integrity. VPNs mask the user’s IP address, providing enhanced privacy and secure remote access to resources.
Virtualization creates software-based versions of physical resources like servers, operating systems, or storage devices. This allows multiple operating systems to run concurrently on a single physical machine, improving resource utilization and reducing hardware costs. It’s a core component of modern IT infrastructure.
VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a logical grouping of devices on one or more physical LANs that allows network administrators to segment traffic. This improves security and reduces broadcast traffic by isolating groups of users regardless of their physical location.
VoIP (Voice over IP) is a technology that allows voice calls to be made using a broadband internet connection instead of a traditional analog phone line. It converts analog audio signals into digital data packets for transmission over IP networks.
A VPN establishes an encrypted tunnel over a public network, enabling secure remote access to resources and protecting data confidentiality. It masks the user’s IP address, providing privacy and bypassing geographical restrictions by routing internet traffic through a remote server.
Voltage Regulator Module is a circuit that provides stable voltage to the CPU and other components. It converts the power supply’s DC voltage into the lower, precise voltages required by the processor, ensuring consistent and reliable operation.
Wireless Security Protocols are standards designed to protect wireless network communications. These include WEP, WPA, WPA2, and WPA3, each offering varying levels of encryption and authentication. Newer protocols provide stronger security against unauthorized access and data interception.
WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3) is the latest security standard for wireless networks, providing enhanced encryption and protection against brute-force attacks. It replaces WPA2 by introducing Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) to secure the initial handshake between the device and the router.
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