pc parts
Operating Systems
Form Factors
Networking
Storage
100

 This component is the computer's main circuit board and connects all other parts.

the motherboard

100


Mobile OS that works with devices from many manufacturers like Samsung, LG, Google. It is open source, highly customizable by the user, and can be adapted to be used for TVs, cars, refrigerators, and other smart devices.

Android

100


Thin cases that are designed to lay on their sides so a monitor can sit atop of them. Easy to identify because optical disc drives (DVD/CD) will run parallel to the long side of the case. Used in situations where there is not a lot of space on the desktop, like a computer lab.

slim line case

100


This number uniquely identifies a computer on a network, it is considered a logical address.

IP Address

100

CD, DVD, BluRay are what type of storage medium?

Optical Discs

200

This is the "brain" of the computer, responsible for processing instructions and calculations.

the cpu

200


Made by Microsoft, a single-user, multitasking, most widely known operating system. Most virus prone. Features include the Start Menu, File Explorer, and the Edge browser.

Windows

200


Big with a height of 22 inches and above, these cases typically offer 4 or more external drive bays and 5-10 internal bays. They can fit ATX and even E-ATX Mobos. They are often used for high end gaming rigs, home servers, and graphic design.*


Full Tower

200


This device (short for modulator-demodulator) converts analog to digital/digital to analog signals for data to transfer between computers and phone lines

Modem

200

Optical Disc Drives are usually described by numbers like 4x, 12x, 24x. These are multiples of that drives base _______________, which measures performance

Read/Write Speed

300

This component holds your files, operating system, and applications, and is sometimes called a "hard drive" or "SSD"

hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD

300


Single-user, multitasking Created by Apple for their hardware. Minimal virus problems. More Expensive.  Features include the Finder, Mission Control, and the Dock.

Mac OS

300


Typically custom made and designed to take advantage of limited space. They are available in a variety of shapes, commonly cubes, shoebox, and book sized PCs. Used in industrial computers like hospital vital sign monitors.

Small Form Factor (SFF)

300


The amount of data that is actually transferred over a network during a given time.

Throughput

300

 

The ability for a system to respond to unexpected failures or system crashes as the backup system immediately and automatically takes over with no loss of service

Fault Tolerance

400

Also known as RAM, this is the short-term memory that allows the computer to run programs and multitask.

Random Access Memory

400


The latest openSUSE version is called ___________ because it has "rolling" updates.

Tumbleweed

400

 

These towers are the smallest of the ATX cases, fitting micro-ATX Mobos. They have 2-3 internal drive bays and 1-2 external drive bays. They stand 12-16 inches tall. Provide portability and expansion, but larger GPUs and Coolers may not fit.

Mini Tower

400

 

The maximum amount of data that a network medium can theoretically transfer.

Bandwidth

400


Writes the same copies of data from files across multiple drives

Mirroring

500

 This part is essential for displaying graphics on your monitor and is often called a "GPU".

graphics card

500


Mountain Lion, High Sierra, Yosemite, and Mojave are code-names for versions of which OS?

Mac OS

500


Theses cases are the most common sizes used. They are usually about 17-21 inches tall containing 4-5 internal and 2-4 external drive bays. Often used in schools, offices, and as home PCs.

Mid Tower

500

This type of security feature requires you to provide a physical feature instead of a passphrase

Biometrics

500


These are the magnetic aluminum discs inside a HDD where the data is stored

Platter