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 ->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 ->BIOS
Legacy firmware interface that initializes hardware before operating system boot.
Read full term ->Bluetooth
Short-range wireless standard for connecting peripherals and mobile accessories.
Read full term ->Cable Tester
A diagnostic tool that verifies continuity and pinout of network cables.
Read full term ->CIDR
Classless Inter-Domain Routing notation that represents subnet masks as prefix length.
Read full term ->CMOS
Stores firmware settings and clock data, typically backed by a motherboard battery.
Read full term ->CPU
Central processing unit that executes instructions and performs core computation.
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 ->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 ->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 ->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
Cloud model combining private and public cloud resources.
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 ->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 ->Multimeter
Electrical tool for measuring voltage, current, and resistance.
Read full term ->NAT
Network Address Translation maps private internal addresses to public addresses.
Read full term ->NFC
Near Field Communication for short-range, contactless data exchange.
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 ->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 ->PPM
Pages per minute metric used to compare printer speed.
Read full term ->Private Cloud
Cloud infrastructure dedicated to one organization.
Read full term ->Public Cloud
Cloud services delivered by third-party providers over internet.
Read full term ->PSU
Power supply unit converting AC input into regulated DC outputs.
Read full term ->Punchdown Tool
Tool used to terminate twisted-pair wires into jacks and patch panels.
Read full term ->RAM
Random access memory that holds active data and running process state.
Read full term ->RAID
A storage method combining multiple drives for performance or resilience.
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 ->SSD
Solid-state drive that stores data on non-volatile flash memory.
Read full term ->SSID
Service set identifier, the name of a wireless network.
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 ->Toner Cartridge
Replaceable powdered toner source used by laser printers.
Read full term ->Tone Generator and Probe
Toolset for tracing and identifying cable runs.
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 providing short-term backup power.
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
Abstraction technology that runs multiple isolated environments on shared hardware.
Read full term ->VLAN
Logical segmentation of a switched network into separate broadcast domains.
Read full term ->WPA2
Wireless security standard using robust AES-based encryption.
Read full term ->WPA3
Newer Wi-Fi security standard with stronger protections than WPA2.
Read full term ->Wi-Fi Analyzer
Tool used to inspect wireless channels, signal levels, and interference.
Read full term ->Wireless Interference
Signal disruption from overlapping channels or non-Wi-Fi radio sources.
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