Abbreviations
The core component of a device that accepts and executes instructions.
central processing unit (CPU)
Storage that is available only while the system is on and disappears when the system is turned off.
volatile storage
A circuit board with ports and sockets used to connect the main devices of a computer.
motherboard
Enables short-range communication between compatible devices.
NFC (Near Field Communication)
A device that will be recognized by your computer and install on its own.
plug-and-play device
A fast type of computer memory which temporarily stores all the information your device needs right away.
random access memory (RAM)
Storage that is saved and available even when the system is shut down.
non-volatile storage
A short-range wireless communication technology that uses radio waves to transmit information.
Bluetooth
A wireless LAN that uses radio frequency technology to send and receive data.
WLAN
A group of files that allows a device to communicate with the computer’s operating system.
driver
A fast access storage device used in computers.
solid-state drive (SSD)
Storage that contains one or more drives that can be accessed over a network.
network-attached storage (NAS)
A network device that allows a device to connect to the Internet.
modem
A virtual LAN that allows for the setup of separate networks by configuring a network device.
vlan
An electronic device which is required for communication between devices.
Network device
A component designed to speed up the creation of images and output them to a display device, like a monitor.
graphics processing unit (GPU)
Network attached storage that is equipped with powerful network adapters.
file server
A wireless access point that allows for network management and security configuration.
router
Processes commands to a computer program in the form of lines of text.
command line interface (CLI)
An internal component of a computer that is used for communicating over a network.
network adapter
A component with a built in wired network port that allows the computer to connect to a network.
network interface card (NIC)
A location where information is sent from one computer to another.
network port
A device or software that blocks unwanted Internet traffic while allowing legitimate traffic.
firewall
Storage that contains one or more drives that can be accessed over a network.
network-attached storage (NAS)
Enables wired connections between more than one computer or device.
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