Input/Output
A 9-pin serial connector used with rack server consoles and older mice, keyboards, and dial-up modems, and other peripherals.
What is a RS-232?
Running a processor at a higher frequency than that recommended by the manufacturer; can result in an unstable system, but is a popular practice when a computer is used for gaming.
What is overclocking?
A set of specifications for the size, shape, and configuration of a computer hardware component such as a case, power supply, or motherboard.
What is a form factor?
A component of a copier, scanner, or printer that can automatically pull individual items of paper, cards, or envelopes from a stack into a roller system for processing.
What are Flatbed scanners?
A Windows 10/11 utility that can schedule and maintain backups of data. It can also create a system image.
What is File History?
A version of USB that runs at 480 Mbps and uses cables up to 5 meters long. Also called Hi-Speed USB.
What is USB 2.0?
A processor socket with one or two levers on the sides that are used to move the processor out of or into the socket so that equal force is applied over the entire socket housing.
What is a ZIF (or Zero Insertion Force)?
A 4-pin power connector used to provide power to a PATA hard drive, optical drive, or another internal component.
What is a Molex?
A type of ink dispersion printer that uses cartridges of ink. The ink is heated to a boiling point and then ejected onto the paper through tiny nozzles.
What is an Inkjet?
A utility that automatically backs up system files and stores them in restore points on the hard drive at regular intervals and just before you install software or hardware.
What is System Protection?
A DVI video port that works only with digital monitors.
What is DVI-D?
The paths, or lines, on the motherboard on which data, instructions, and electrical power move from component to component.
What is a bus?
A test card installed in a slot on the motherboard or plugged in to a USB port that is used to discover and report computer errors and conflicts that occur when a computer is first turned on and before the operating system is launched.
What is a post card?
In laser printing, the process of placing a high electrical charge on the imaging drum to condition it before an image is exposed to the drum.
What is Charging?
A Windows utility to delete temporary files and free up space on a drive.
What is Disk Cleanup?
A small spot on a fine horizontal scan line. Pixels are illuminated to create an image on the monitor.
What is a pixel?
A CPU socket for Intel processors that uses a land grid array and1700 pins. The socket works with the 12th generation chipsets and processors.
What is LGA 1700?
An adapter that plugs into a USB port and provides wireless connectivity to a Wi-Fi network.
What is a USB to Wi-Fi dongle?
A printer part that keeps more than one sheet of paper from moving forward.
What is a separation pad?
A way to partition one or more hard drives so that they can work together to increase space for data storage or to provide fault tolerance or improved performance. Also see RAID. Compare with basic disk.
What is a Dynamic Volume?
A monitor that uses LCD technology; produces an image using a liquid crystal material made of large, easily polarized molecules. Also called a flat-panel monitor.
What is a flat panel monitor?
A UEFI and OS feature that prevents a system from booting up with drivers or an OS that is not digitally signed and trusted by the motherboard or computer manufacturer.
What is a secure boot?
A metal or plastic flat-head wedge used to pry open casings without damaging plastic connectors and cases when disassembling a notebook, tablet, or mobile device.
What is a Spudger?
A component in laser printing that uses heat and pressure to fuse the toner to paper.
What is a fuser assembly?
Wasted space on a hard drive caused by not using all available space at the end of a cluster.
What is slack?