CompTIA A+ (220-1201) glossary
Terms selected for CompTIA A+ (220-1201) based on common objective language and practice focus.
ADF (Automatic Document Feeder)
A printer or scanner component that automatically feeds multiple pages for batch jobs.
Read full term ->Antenna Configuration
Setting up or adjusting the antenna in a mobile device to optimize signal reception for cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Read full term ->Antistatic Wrist Strap
A grounding strap worn during hardware service to reduce electrostatic discharge risk.
Read full term ->APIPA
Automatic Private IP Addressing in 169.254.0.0/16 when DHCP is unavailable.
Read full term ->ARP
Address Resolution Protocol maps IPv4 addresses to MAC addresses on a local network.
Read full term ->Battery Replacement
The process of removing an old or faulty battery from a mobile device and installing a new one to restore power functionality.
Read full term ->BIOS
Legacy firmware interface that initializes hardware before operating system boot.
Read full term ->Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances using radio waves.
Read full term ->Cable Tester
A diagnostic tool that verifies continuity and pinout of network cables.
Read full term ->Cable Tester Application
Using a cable tester to verify the integrity and performance of network cables by checking for faults or breaks.
Read full term ->Camera Installation
The process of installing or replacing a camera module in a mobile device to ensure proper functionality and image quality.
Read full term ->Cellular Troubleshooting
The process of diagnosing and resolving issues related to mobile network connectivity on devices.
Read full term ->CIDR
Classless Inter-Domain Routing notation that represents subnet masks as prefix length.
Read full term ->Cloud Service Models
Different models of cloud services, including Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), each with varying levels of responsibility between provider and customer.
Read full term ->CMOS
Stores firmware settings and clock data, typically backed by a motherboard battery.
Read full term ->Connectivity Issue Resolution
The process of diagnosing and fixing problems related to network connectivity to ensure reliable communication.
Read full term ->Cooling Solution Setup
Installing and configuring cooling systems, such as fans or liquid coolers, to manage heat within a computer.
Read full term ->CPU
Central processing unit that executes instructions and performs core computation.
Read full term ->CPU Configuration
Setting up the central processing unit (CPU) within a computer system to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
Read full term ->Crimper
Hand tool used to attach connectors such as RJ45 to network cable.
Read full term ->DDR4
A generation of RAM used in many modern desktops and laptops.
Read full term ->DDR5
A newer RAM generation with higher bandwidth than DDR4.
Read full term ->Default Gateway
Router address used to forward traffic outside the local subnet.
Read full term ->Desktop Virtualization
The use of software to create a virtual version of a desktop environment, allowing users to access it remotely.
Read full term ->DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol automatically assigns network settings.
Read full term ->DIMM
Desktop RAM module form factor used in most tower systems.
Read full term ->DisplayPort
Digital display interface for high-resolution monitors and high refresh rates.
Read full term ->DNS
Domain Name System translates hostnames into IP addresses.
Read full term ->DPI
Dots per inch, a print or scan resolution measurement.
Read full term ->Drum Unit
Laser printer part that transfers toner image to paper.
Read full term ->Duplex Printing
Automatic printing on both sides of paper.
Read full term ->DVI
Legacy display connector standard used on older monitors.
Read full term ->ECC Memory
RAM that can detect and correct specific memory errors.
Read full term ->ESD
Electrostatic discharge that can damage sensitive electronic components.
Read full term ->Expansion Card Setup
Installing and configuring expansion cards, such as graphics or network cards, to add functionality to a computer.
Read full term ->Fuser Assembly
Heated component that bonds toner to paper in laser printers.
Read full term ->GPU
Graphics processing unit responsible for rendering visual output.
Read full term ->Hardware Fault Diagnosis
The process of identifying and resolving issues with computer hardware components to restore functionality.
Read full term ->HDD
Hard disk drive that stores data on spinning magnetic disks.
Read full term ->HDMI
Digital interface that carries audio and video together.
Read full term ->Hotspot
A mobile feature that shares internet with nearby devices.
Read full term ->Hybrid Cloud
Hybrid cloud combines public and private clouds, allowing data and applications to be shared between them for greater flexibility and deployment options.
Read full term ->Hypervisor Explanation
An explanation of hypervisors, which are software or firmware that create and manage virtual machines on a host system.
Read full term ->IaaS
Infrastructure as a Service offering virtualized compute, storage, and networking.
Read full term ->Inkjet Printer
Printer that sprays liquid ink onto paper.
Read full term ->IP Addressing
IP addressing is the process of assigning unique IP addresses to devices on a network to enable communication.
Read full term ->IPS Panel
Display technology known for good color accuracy and wide viewing angles.
Read full term ->IPv4
Internet Protocol version 4 with 32-bit addressing.
Read full term ->IPv6
Internet Protocol version 6 with 128-bit addressing.
Read full term ->Laser Printer
Printer type using toner and electro-photographic process.
Read full term ->LCD
Liquid crystal display technology used in many screens.
Read full term ->Lightning Connector
Apple connector used on many iPhones and accessories.
Read full term ->Loopback Plug
Tool that loops signal for basic interface testing.
Read full term ->M.2 Slot
Motherboard slot for compact SSDs and expansion modules.
Read full term ->MAC Address
Hardware identifier assigned to a network interface at Layer 2.
Read full term ->MDM
Mobile Device Management used to enforce policy on mobile endpoints.
Read full term ->Motherboard Configuration
Setting up the motherboard by connecting components and configuring BIOS settings to ensure system stability.
Read full term ->Multimeter
Electrical tool for measuring voltage, current, and resistance.
Read full term ->Multimeter Usage
The use of a multimeter to measure electrical values such as voltage, current, and resistance in electronic circuits.
Read full term ->NAT
Network Address Translation maps private IP addresses to public addresses for internet access.
Read full term ->Network Diagnostics Tools
Tools such as crimpers, cable testers, and Wi-Fi analyzers used to identify and resolve network issues.
Read full term ->Near Field Communication (NFC)
NFC is a set of communication protocols that enable two electronic devices to communicate when they are within a few centimeters of each other.
Read full term ->NFC Configuration
Setting up Near Field Communication (NFC) on a mobile device to enable data transfer and contactless payments.
Read full term ->NVMe
Storage protocol optimized for SSD performance over PCIe.
Read full term ->OLED
Display technology with self-lit pixels and strong contrast.
Read full term ->PaaS
Platform as a Service model providing managed runtime and development stack.
Read full term ->PCIe
High-speed expansion interface for GPUs, SSDs, and add-in cards.
Read full term ->PDU
Power distribution unit used to supply power to multiple rack devices.
Read full term ->Peripheral Maintenance
The routine care and troubleshooting of external devices like printers and scanners to ensure they function properly.
Read full term ->PoE
Power over Ethernet delivers electrical power and data on one cable.
Read full term ->POST
Power-On Self-Test checks hardware during startup before OS boot.
Read full term ->Power Supply Installation
The process of installing a power supply unit (PSU) to provide electrical power to a computer system.
Read full term ->PPM
Pages per minute metric used to compare printer speed.
Read full term ->Private Cloud
A private cloud is a cloud computing environment dedicated to a single organization, providing greater control and security over resources.
Read full term ->PSU
Power supply unit converting AC input into regulated DC outputs.
Read full term ->Public Cloud
A public cloud is a cloud computing model where services are offered over the public internet and shared across multiple organizations.
Read full term ->Punchdown Tool
Tool used to terminate twisted-pair wires into jacks and patch panels.
Read full term ->RAID
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a storage technology that combines multiple disk drives into a single unit for redundancy or performance improvement.
Read full term ->RAM
Random access memory that holds active data and running process state.
Read full term ->RAM Installation
The process of adding or replacing RAM modules in a computer to improve performance and capacity.
Read full term ->RJ11
Connector commonly used for telephone and some legacy modem lines.
Read full term ->RJ45
Connector standard used for twisted-pair Ethernet cables.
Read full term ->SaaS
Software as a Service where applications are accessed over the internet.
Read full term ->SATA
Storage interface used by many 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives.
Read full term ->SFP
Small form-factor pluggable transceiver for switch and router uplinks.
Read full term ->S.M.A.R.T.
Drive self-monitoring data used to detect potential storage failure.
Read full term ->SO-DIMM
Small memory form factor typically used in laptops.
Read full term ->SOHO Network Setup
Configuring a Small Office/Home Office network, including routers, switches, and wireless access points, to enable connectivity.
Read full term ->SSD
Solid-state drive that stores data on non-volatile flash memory.
Read full term ->SSID (Service Set Identifier)
SSID is a unique identifier that wireless clients use to distinguish between different wireless networks.
Read full term ->Storage Device Installation
The process of adding or replacing storage devices such as HDDs or SSDs in a computer system.
Read full term ->Subnet Mask
A value used to split IP addresses into network and host portions.
Read full term ->Surge Protector
Device that protects electronics from voltage spikes.
Read full term ->TCP
Connection-oriented protocol offering reliable ordered data delivery.
Read full term ->Tethering
Sharing mobile internet with another device over USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi.
Read full term ->Thermal Printer
Printer using heat-sensitive media or transfer ribbon for output.
Read full term ->Thunderbolt
High-speed interface that can carry power, data, and display signal.
Read full term ->TN Panel
Display panel type with fast response but narrower viewing angles.
Read full term ->Tone Generator and Probe
Toolset for tracing and identifying cable runs.
Read full term ->Toner Cartridge
Replaceable powdered toner source used by laser printers.
Read full term ->TPM
Trusted Platform Module for secure key storage and attestation.
Read full term ->Troubleshooting Methodology
Structured process to identify, test, fix, verify, and document issues.
Read full term ->UDP
Connectionless protocol with low overhead and no delivery guarantee.
Read full term ->UEFI
Modern firmware standard replacing legacy BIOS with expanded capabilities.
Read full term ->UPS
Uninterruptible Power Supply provides battery backup to keep servers running during brief power outages.
Read full term ->USB Accessory Setup
The process of connecting and configuring USB accessories to a mobile device to expand its functionality.
Read full term ->USB-C
Reversible connector used for charging, data transfer, and video output.
Read full term ->VGA
Legacy analog display connector found on older equipment.
Read full term ->Virtual Machine
Software-defined computer running as an isolated guest system.
Read full term ->Virtualization
The creation of a virtual version of something, such as an operating system, a server, a storage device, or network resources.
Read full term ->VLAN
Logical segmentation of a switched network into separate broadcast domains.
Read full term ->VPN Configuration
Setting up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to secure data transmission and provide remote access to a network.
Read full term ->Wi-Fi Analyzer
Tool used to inspect wireless channels, signal levels, and interference.
Read full term ->Wi-Fi Sync Options
Configuring synchronization settings over Wi-Fi to ensure data is automatically updated across devices.
Read full term ->Wireless Interference
Signal disruption from overlapping channels or non-Wi-Fi radio sources.
Read full term ->WPA2
Wireless security standard using robust AES-based encryption.
Read full term ->WPA3
Latest Wi-Fi security protocol providing stronger encryption and individualized data protection.
Read full term ->