CompTIA Tech+: key terms

Flashcards for this exam CompTIA Tech+ guide Class dates

• 24-Pin ATX Power ConnectorThe main power connector from the PSU to the motherboard, supplying 3.3 V, 5 V, and 12 V.Foundational
• 32-bit vs 64-bitThe register and addressing width of a CPU or OS, which determines addressable memory and software compatibility.Foundational
• A RecordA DNS record that maps a host name to an IPv4 address.Foundational
• AAAA RecordA DNS record that maps a host name to an IPv6 address.Foundational
• Active ListeningA communication skill of fully focusing on, understanding, and confirming what the user says.Foundational
• Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)The protocol (RFC 826) that resolves a known IPv4 address to the corresponding MAC address on the local network.Foundational
• Advanced Technology Extended (ATX)The most common desktop motherboard and power supply form factor, measuring 12 x 9.6 inches.Foundational
• AndroidGoogle's Linux-based open-source mobile operating system used by many device manufacturers.Foundational
• Apple SiliconApple's family of ARM-based SoCs (M-series for Macs, A-series for iPhone) with unified memory.Intermediate
• Application Layer (L7)OSI Layer 7 (and top layer of TCP/IP), which provides network services directly to user applications.Foundational
• ARM ArchitectureA reduced instruction set (RISC) processor architecture used in phones, tablets, Apple Silicon Macs, and Windows on Arm PCs.Foundational
• ARP CommandA command that displays and modifies the ARP cache on Windows, Linux and macOS.Foundational
• Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA)A Windows feature that self-assigns an address from 169.254.0.0/16 when a DHCP server cannot be reached.Foundational
• BandwidthThe maximum data rate a link or path can carry, expressed in bits per second.Foundational
• Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)Legacy PC firmware that tests hardware at power-on and loads the boot loader.Foundational
• Bits per Second (bps)The unit for data rate on networks, scaled as Kbps, Mbps, Gbps and Tbps using powers of 1000.Foundational
• Bluetooth PairingThe process of establishing a trusted connection between two Bluetooth devices.Foundational
• Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)A policy allowing employees to use personal devices to access corporate resources.Foundational
• BroadcastOne-to-all communication in which a single frame or packet is delivered to every host on the local segment.Foundational
• Bus TopologyA topology in which all devices share a single backbone cable terminated at both ends.Foundational
• Cable ModemA modem that provides broadband Internet over a cable TV provider's coaxial network using DOCSIS.Foundational
• Cable TesterA tool that verifies continuity and correct pinouts on copper cables, detecting opens, shorts and miswires.Foundational
• Canonical Name Record (CNAME)A DNS record that makes one name an alias of another canonical name.Foundational
• Category 5e Cable (Cat 5e)Enhanced Category 5 UTP rated to 100 MHz, supporting 1000BASE-T and 2.5GBASE-T up to 100 meters.Foundational
• Category 6 Cable (Cat 6)UTP or STP rated to 250 MHz, supporting 1 Gbps to 100 m and 10GBASE-T up to about 55 m.Foundational
• Category 6A Cable (Cat 6a)Augmented Category 6 cable rated to 500 MHz, supporting 10GBASE-T to the full 100 meters.Foundational
• Central Processing Unit (CPU)The main processor that fetches, decodes, and executes program instructions in a computer.Foundational
• chkdskA Windows command that checks a volume's file system and can repair errors and locate bad sectors.Foundational
• Class A AddressAn IPv4 address with first octet 1-126 (leading bit 0) and a default mask of 255.0.0.0 (/8).Foundational
• Class B AddressAn IPv4 address with first octet 128-191 (leading bits 10) and a default mask of 255.255.0.0 (/16).Foundational
• Class C AddressAn IPv4 address with first octet 192-223 (leading bits 110) and a default mask of 255.255.255.0 (/24).Foundational
• Clean InstallInstalling an operating system on a freshly formatted drive without preserving existing apps or settings.Foundational
• Client-Server ModelA model in which centralized servers provide resources and services to client devices.Foundational
• Clock SpeedThe rate at which a CPU core executes cycles, measured in gigahertz (GHz).Foundational
• Cloud ComputingDelivery of on-demand computing resources such as servers, storage, databases and software over a network with pay-as-you-go pricing.Foundational
• CMOS BatteryA coin-cell battery (usually CR2032) on the motherboard that powers the real-time clock and firmware settings.Foundational
• Coaxial CableA cable with a central conductor, dielectric insulator, metallic shield and outer jacket, used for cable TV, cable Internet and legacy Ethernet.Foundational
• Command Prompt (cmd)The traditional Windows command-line interpreter.Foundational
• Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)Battery-backed memory that stores BIOS/UEFI settings and keeps the real-time clock running.Foundational
• CompTIA Troubleshooting MethodologyCompTIA's six-step process: identify the problem, theorize, test, plan and implement, verify, and document.Foundational
• Control PanelThe legacy Windows settings interface with applets for system configuration.Foundational
• CPU CacheSmall, very fast memory on the CPU that holds frequently used data and instructions to reduce RAM access.Intermediate
• CPU CoreAn independent processing unit within a CPU that can execute its own instruction stream.Foundational
• CPU SocketThe motherboard connector that holds a CPU and links it to power, memory, and the chipset.Foundational
• CrimperA hand tool that compresses a connector onto a cable so its contacts pierce the conductors, used for RJ45 and RJ11 plugs and coax.Foundational
• Crossover CableA twisted-pair cable with T568A on one end and T568B on the other, swapping transmit and receive pairs to connect like devices.Foundational
• Data Link Layer (L2)OSI Layer 2, which delivers frames between nodes on the same local network using physical (MAC) addresses.Foundational
• DDR4 SDRAMFourth-generation DDR memory using 288-pin DIMMs at 1.2 V with JEDEC speeds up to 3200 MT/s.Foundational
• DDR5 SDRAMFifth-generation DDR memory with on-module power management, two subchannels per DIMM, and speeds from 4800 MT/s.Foundational
• Dedicated Graphics Card (dGPU)A separate expansion card or chip with its own GPU and video memory (VRAM) for graphics and compute.Foundational
• Default GatewayThe router address a host sends traffic to when the destination is on a different subnet.Foundational
• Demarcation PointThe point where the service provider's network responsibility ends and the customer's begins.Foundational
• Device ManagerA Windows console (devmgmt.msc) for viewing hardware and managing device drivers.Foundational
• DHCP LeaseThe period during which a client may use an address assigned by DHCP.Foundational
• DHCP ReservationA DHCP configuration that always assigns the same IP address to a specific client, identified by its MAC address or client ID.Foundational
• DHCP ScopeThe range of IP addresses and associated settings a DHCP server can assign on a particular subnet.Foundational
• Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)Broadband Internet over telephone copper pairs, using frequencies above voice so phone service can share the line.Foundational
• Disk ManagementA Windows console (diskmgmt.msc) for initializing disks and creating, formatting, and resizing partitions.Foundational
• Display ResolutionThe number of pixels a display shows horizontally and vertically, such as 1920 x 1080.Foundational
• DisplayPort (DP)A digital display interface common on PCs and monitors that supports high refresh rates and daisy-chaining.Foundational
• Domain Name System (DNS)The hierarchical, distributed system that translates domain names into IP addresses and other records, using UDP and TCP port 53.Foundational
• DORA ProcessThe four-message DHCP exchange: Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge.Foundational
• Dotted-Decimal NotationThe format for writing IPv4 addresses as four decimal numbers (0-255) separated by periods.Foundational
• Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM)Synchronous DRAM that transfers data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal.Foundational
• Dual In-Line Memory Module (DIMM)The standard desktop memory module with separate contacts on each side of the board.Foundational
• Dual-Channel MemoryA memory configuration that uses two channels simultaneously to increase bandwidth.Foundational
• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)A protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses and other configuration to hosts, using UDP ports 67 (server) and 68 (client).Foundational
• Dynamic IP AddressAn IP address automatically assigned to a device, usually by DHCP, for a limited lease period.Foundational
• Dynamic RAM (DRAM)Memory that stores each bit in a capacitor and must be refreshed constantly; used for system RAM.Intermediate
• Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)Unwanted electrical noise from external sources, such as motors, fluorescent lights and power lines, that disrupts signals on copper cabling.Foundational
• Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)The sudden flow of static electricity between objects that can damage electronic components.Foundational
• EncapsulationThe process of each layer wrapping data from the layer above with its own header (and sometimes trailer) as it moves down the stack.Foundational
• Establish a Theory of Probable CauseStep two of the troubleshooting methodology: form a hypothesis about the cause, questioning the obvious.Foundational
• EthernetThe dominant wired LAN technology, standardized as IEEE 802.3, defining framing, MAC addressing and physical media from 10 Mbps to 800 Gbps.Foundational
• exFATA Microsoft file system for flash media that supports large files and works on Windows and macOS.Foundational
• Expansion CardA circuit board installed in a motherboard slot to add capabilities such as graphics, networking, or storage.Foundational
• F-Type ConnectorA threaded screw-on coaxial connector used for cable TV, cable modems and satellite equipment.Foundational
• Fiber Optic CableCable that transmits data as pulses of light through glass or plastic fibers, offering high bandwidth, long distance and immunity to EMI.Foundational
• File Allocation Table 32 (FAT32)A legacy file system with broad compatibility but a 4 GB maximum file size.Foundational
• File Transfer Protocol (FTP)A protocol for transferring files that uses TCP port 21 for control and port 20 (active mode) or a negotiated port (passive mode) for data.Foundational
• FirewallA device or software that permits or denies traffic between networks or hosts according to a security policy.Foundational
• FirmwareLow-level software stored in non-volatile memory that controls hardware and initializes devices.Foundational
• Flash DriveA portable USB storage device that uses NAND flash memory.Foundational
• Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN)A complete domain name that specifies a host's exact location in the DNS hierarchy, including all labels up to the root.Foundational
• Hard Disk Drive (HDD)A storage device that records data magnetically on spinning platters read by moving heads.Foundational
• Heat SinkA passive metal component with fins that draws heat away from a chip and dissipates it into the air.Foundational
• Help DeskThe front-line IT support function that receives, logs, and resolves user technical issues.Foundational
• High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)A digital audio/video interface standard for TVs, monitors, projectors, and computers.Foundational
• Hosts FileA local text file that maps host names to IP addresses and is checked before DNS on most systems.Foundational
• HubA legacy Layer 1 device that repeats incoming signals out every other port, creating a single shared collision domain.Foundational
• Hybrid CPU ArchitectureA processor design that combines high-performance cores with power-efficient cores on the same chip.Intermediate
• Hyper-Threading (HT)Intel's implementation of simultaneous multithreading that presents one physical core as two logical processors.Intermediate
• Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)The Application-layer request-response protocol for the web, using TCP port 80 by default.Foundational
• Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS)HTTP carried inside TLS encryption, using TCP port 443 by default (and UDP 443 for HTTP/3).Foundational
• IEEE 802.11The IEEE family of standards defining wireless LAN PHY and MAC layers, commonly known as Wi-Fi.Foundational
• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)Cloud service model providing virtualized compute, storage and networking; the customer manages the OS, runtime, apps and data.Foundational
• Inkjet PrinterA printer that sprays tiny droplets of liquid ink from a printhead onto paper.Foundational
• Integrated Graphics (iGPU)A graphics processor built into the CPU or SoC that uses shared system memory.Foundational
• Interface Configuration Command (ifconfig)A legacy Unix/Linux command for viewing and configuring network interfaces, replaced on Linux by the ip command.Foundational
• Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)The Layer 3 protocol (IP protocol 1) used for error reporting and diagnostics, such as ping and traceroute.Foundational
• Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP)An email retrieval protocol that keeps messages on the server and synchronizes them across clients, using TCP 143 (or 993 with TLS).Foundational
• Internet Protocol (IP)The connectionless Layer 3 protocol that addresses and routes packets across interconnected networks.Foundational
• Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4)The fourth version of IP, using 32-bit addresses written in dotted-decimal notation, defined in RFC 791.Foundational
• Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6)The successor to IPv4, using 128-bit addresses written in hexadecimal, defined in RFC 8200.Foundational
• Internet Service Provider (ISP)A company that provides Internet access and related services to customers.Foundational
• iOSApple's mobile operating system for iPhone, with iPadOS as a tablet-focused variant.Foundational
• IP AddressA logical Layer 3 address that identifies a network interface and its network for routing purposes.Foundational
• IP Address ConflictA condition in which two devices on the same network use the same IP address, causing intermittent connectivity for both.Foundational
• IP CommandThe Linux iproute2 utility for managing addresses, links, routes and neighbors.Foundational
• IP Configuration Command (ipconfig)The Windows command that displays and manages IP configuration.Foundational
• JitterThe variation in packet delay over time, which disrupts real-time traffic such as voice and video.Foundational
• Land Grid Array (LGA)A CPU socket design where the contact pins are in the motherboard socket and the CPU has flat pads.Foundational
• Laser PrinterA printer that uses a laser, photosensitive drum, toner, and heated fuser to produce prints.Foundational
• LatencyThe time it takes for data to travel from source to destination, usually measured in milliseconds.Foundational
• Linux DistributionA complete operating system built on the Linux kernel with packaging, tools, and desktop environments.Foundational
• Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)A flat-panel display that uses liquid crystals and a backlight to produce images.Foundational
• Lithium-Ion Battery (Li-ion)The rechargeable battery chemistry used in laptops, phones, and tablets.Foundational
• Local Area Network (LAN)A network covering a limited area such as a home, office or building, usually owned and managed by one organization.Foundational
• LocalhostThe hostname that resolves to the local machine's loopback address, 127.0.0.1 or ::1.Foundational
• Loopback AddressAn address that refers to the local host itself; 127.0.0.0/8 in IPv4 (usually 127.0.0.1) and ::1 in IPv6.Foundational
• Loopback PlugA connector that routes a port's transmit pins back to its receive pins to test the port itself without a network.Foundational
• M.2A small form factor connector and card standard used mainly for SSDs, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth modules.Foundational
• MAC AddressA 48-bit Layer 2 address that identifies a network interface on a local network, written as 12 hexadecimal digits.Foundational
• macOSApple's desktop operating system for Mac computers, built on a Unix-based (Darwin) foundation.Foundational
• Mail Exchanger Record (MX)A DNS record that identifies the mail servers that accept email for a domain, with preference values.Foundational
• Mapped Network DriveA drive letter assigned to a shared network folder for easy access.Foundational
• Mesh TopologyA topology in which devices have multiple interconnections, providing redundant paths.Foundational
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)A network spanning a city or metropolitan area, larger than a campus but smaller than a WAN.Foundational
• Microsoft Defender AntivirusThe built-in antimalware engine in Windows that provides real-time and cloud-delivered protection.Foundational
• Mobile DeviceA portable computing device such as a smartphone, tablet, or wearable.Foundational
• Mobile Device Management (MDM)Centralized management of phones, tablets, and computers to enforce policies, deploy apps, and secure data.Foundational
• ModemA device that modulates digital data onto an analog carrier and demodulates it back, connecting a customer network to a provider medium.Foundational
• MotherboardThe main circuit board that connects the CPU, memory, storage, expansion cards, and I/O.Foundational
• Motherboard Form FactorA standard that defines a motherboard's dimensions, mounting holes, and I/O placement.Foundational
• MulticastOne-to-many communication delivered only to hosts that have joined a particular group.Foundational
• Name Server Lookup (nslookup)A command-line tool on Windows, Linux and macOS for querying DNS servers.Foundational
• Network Address Translation (NAT)A function that rewrites IP addresses (and often ports) in packet headers as traffic passes through a router or firewall.Foundational
• Network Interface Card (NIC)The hardware that connects a device to a network, providing a physical connection and a MAC address.Foundational
• Network Layer (L3)OSI Layer 3, which provides logical addressing and routing of packets between different networks.Foundational
• Network Statistics Command (netstat)A command that shows active connections, listening ports, routing tables and interface statistics.Foundational
• Network Time Protocol (NTP)A protocol that synchronizes clocks across network devices and hosts, using UDP port 123.Foundational
• Network TopologyThe arrangement of nodes and links in a network, described physically (cabling) or logically (data flow).Foundational
• Network Troubleshooting MethodologyThe structured seven-step process: identify the problem, establish a theory, test it, plan, implement, verify functionality and document.Foundational
• Network-Attached Storage (NAS)A storage device connected to a network that provides file-level access using protocols such as SMB and NFS.Foundational
• OctetA group of 8 bits; an IPv4 address contains four octets.Foundational
• Open Systems Interconnection Model (OSI model)A seven-layer ISO reference model that describes how data moves from an application on one host to an application on another.Foundational
• Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED)A display technology where each pixel emits its own light, giving perfect blacks and high contrast.Foundational
• Packet Internet Groper (ping)A command that tests IP reachability and round-trip time by sending ICMP Echo Requests and waiting for Echo Replies.Foundational
• Packet LossThe percentage of packets that fail to reach their destination.Foundational
• Paging FileDisk space used by the OS as virtual memory when physical RAM is full (pagefile.sys on Windows).Intermediate
• Paper JamA printer error where paper becomes stuck in the paper path.Foundational
• Patch CableA short, flexible, factory-terminated cable that connects devices to jacks or patch panels to switches.Foundational
• Patch PanelA panel of ports in a rack where permanent cabling terminates, allowing short patch cables to connect runs to switches.Foundational
• PCI Express (PCIe)A high-speed serial expansion bus connecting graphics cards, NVMe SSDs, and other cards to the motherboard.Foundational
• Peer-to-Peer Network (P2P)A network in which devices share resources directly with each other without a dedicated central server.Foundational
• Physical Layer (L1)OSI Layer 1, which transmits raw bits as electrical, optical or radio signals over a medium.Foundational
• Pin Grid Array (PGA)A CPU package design where the pins are on the underside of the processor and fit holes in the socket.Foundational
• Plan of ActionStep four of troubleshooting: plan the fix, consider impacts, and implement the solution or escalate.Foundational
• Platform as a Service (PaaS)Cloud service model where the provider manages infrastructure and runtime; the customer deploys and manages applications and data.Foundational
• Plenum-Rated Cable (CMP)Cable with a fire-resistant, low-smoke jacket required for installation in plenum spaces used for air circulation.Foundational
• Pointer Record (PTR)A DNS record that maps an IP address to a host name, used for reverse lookups.Foundational
• Port Address Translation (PAT)NAT that maps many inside addresses to one (or a few) public addresses by tracking unique source port numbers; also called NAT overload.Foundational
• Port ForwardingA NAT rule that maps a public IP and port to an internal host and port so outside clients can reach an internal service.Foundational
• Port NumberA 16-bit number (0-65535) that identifies a specific application or service on a host at Layer 4.Foundational
• Post Office Protocol 3 (POP3)An email retrieval protocol that downloads messages from a server to a client, using TCP 110 (or 995 with TLS).Foundational
• Power over Ethernet (PoE)Delivering DC power and data together over twisted-pair Ethernet cabling, standardized in IEEE 802.3af, 802.3at and 802.3bt.Foundational
• Power Supply Unit (PSU)The component that converts AC wall power to regulated DC voltages for computer components.Foundational
• Power-On Self-Test (POST)Firmware diagnostics run at startup that check the CPU, memory, video, and other core hardware.Foundational
• Presentation Layer (L6)OSI Layer 6, which translates, formats, compresses and encrypts data so the receiving application can read it.Foundational
• Print SpoolerThe OS service that queues print jobs and sends them to printers.Foundational
• Printer DriverSoftware that translates application print data into a language the printer understands.Foundational
• Private IP AddressIPv4 addresses reserved by RFC 1918 for internal use: 10.0.0.0/8, 172.16.0.0/12 and 192.168.0.0/16.Foundational
• Professional CommunicationCustomer service behavior expected of IT support staff, including punctuality, respect, and clear language.Foundational
• Protocol Data Unit (PDU)The name for the unit of data at a given layer, such as bits, frame, packet, segment or data.Foundational
• Public IP AddressA globally unique, Internet-routable IP address assigned by an ISP or registry.Foundational
• Punchdown BlockA terminal block where individual wires are terminated by pressing them into insulation-displacement slots.Foundational
• Punchdown ToolA hand tool that seats wires into IDC terminals and trims the excess conductor.Foundational
• Question the ObviousA troubleshooting principle of checking simple causes first, such as power, cables, and settings.Foundational
• Random Access Memory (RAM)Volatile working memory that holds the OS, running programs, and active data for fast CPU access.Foundational
• Read-Only Memory (ROM)Non-volatile memory that retains data without power; on PCs it historically stored firmware.Foundational
• Registered Jack 11 (RJ11)A six-position modular connector, usually wired with two or four contacts, used for analog telephone lines and DSL.Foundational
• Registered Jack 45 (RJ45)The common name for the eight-position, eight-contact (8P8C) modular connector used on Ethernet twisted-pair cables.Foundational
• Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)Microsoft's protocol for remote graphical access to Windows systems, using TCP and UDP port 3389.Foundational
• Remote WipeErasing data on a lost or stolen device remotely through MDM or a vendor service.Foundational
• RepeaterA Layer 1 device that regenerates and retransmits a signal to extend the distance a network can cover.Foundational
• Reset This PCA Windows recovery option that reinstalls Windows while keeping or removing personal files.Foundational
• RG-6A 75-ohm coaxial cable with a thicker conductor and better shielding than RG-59, the standard for cable TV and broadband.Foundational
• Ring TopologyA topology in which each device connects to two neighbors, forming a closed loop through which data travels.Foundational
• RouterA Layer 3 device that forwards packets between different IP networks based on destination IP address and its routing table.Foundational
• Safe ModeA Windows startup mode that loads only essential drivers and services for troubleshooting.Foundational
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS)A document describing a material's hazards, safe handling, storage, PPE, first aid, and disposal requirements.Foundational
• Satellite InternetInternet access delivered via communication satellites, useful in remote areas without terrestrial service.Foundational
• Screen LockA device setting that requires authentication to unlock after inactivity or on demand.Foundational
• Secure Shell (SSH)An encrypted protocol for remote command-line access, tunneling and file transfer, using TCP port 22.Foundational
• Server Message Block (SMB)The Windows file and printer sharing protocol, running directly over TCP port 445.Foundational
• Service Set Identifier (SSID)The human-readable name of a wireless network, up to 32 octets.Foundational
• Services ConsoleThe Windows tool (services.msc) for starting, stopping, and configuring background services.Foundational
• Session Layer (L5)OSI Layer 5, which establishes, manages and terminates sessions (dialogs) between applications.Foundational
• Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)Twisted-pair cable with foil or braided shielding around pairs or the whole cable to reduce EMI and crosstalk.Foundational
• Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)The protocol for sending email and relaying it between mail servers, using TCP port 25 (server-to-server) and 587 (client submission).Foundational
• Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)A traditional UDP-based protocol for monitoring and managing network devices using MIBs, polling (ports 161) and traps (port 162).Foundational
• Small Outline DIMM (SO-DIMM)A smaller memory module used in laptops, mini PCs, and some all-in-ones.Foundational
• Software LicensingThe legal terms governing how software can be installed and used.Foundational
• Solid-State Drive (SSD)A storage device using NAND flash memory with no moving parts, offering fast access and low latency.Foundational
• Star TopologyA topology in which every node connects to a central device such as a switch.Foundational
• Static IP AddressAn IP address manually configured on a device that does not change unless an administrator changes it.Foundational
• Stop ErrorA critical Windows error that halts the system with a stop code, commonly called a blue screen of death (BSOD).Foundational
• Straight-Through CableA twisted-pair cable with the same pinout (both T568A or both T568B) on each end, used to connect unlike devices.Foundational
• Structured CablingA standardized, hierarchical approach to building cabling that organizes entrance facilities, equipment rooms, backbone and horizontal cabling, and work areas.Foundational
• SubnetA logical subdivision of an IP network defined by a network address and prefix length.Foundational
• Subnet MaskA 32-bit value with contiguous 1 bits marking the network portion of an IPv4 address and 0 bits marking the host portion.Foundational
• Surge ProtectorA power strip or device that diverts voltage spikes away from connected equipment.Foundational
• SwitchA Layer 2 device that forwards frames to specific ports based on destination MAC addresses it has learned.Foundational
• SyslogA standard for sending event log messages to a central collector, traditionally over UDP port 514.Foundational
• System File Checker (sfc)A Windows command that scans and repairs protected system files.Foundational
• System on a Chip (SoC)A single chip integrating CPU, GPU, memory controller, and other subsystems, common in mobile devices.Intermediate
• System RestoreA Windows feature that rolls system files, drivers, registry, and installed programs back to an earlier restore point.Foundational
• T568AA TIA wiring standard for RJ45 terminations with pin order green-white, green, orange-white, blue, blue-white, orange, brown-white, brown.Foundational
• T568BA TIA wiring standard for RJ45 terminations with pin order orange-white, orange, green-white, blue, blue-white, green, brown-white, brown.Foundational
• Task ManagerA Windows utility that shows running processes, performance, startup apps, users, and services.Foundational
• TCP/IP ModelThe four-layer model of the Internet protocol suite: Link (Network Access), Internet, Transport and Application.Foundational
• TelnetA legacy protocol for remote command-line access over TCP port 23 that sends everything, including passwords, in clear text.Foundational
• Thermal ThrottlingAutomatic reduction of processor speed to prevent damage when temperature limits are reached.Foundational
• ThroughputThe actual rate of successful data delivery over a link or path, usually lower than the rated bandwidth.Foundational
• TIA/EIA-568 StandardThe TIA standard family for commercial building telecommunications cabling, defining cable categories, distances, pinouts and installation practices.Foundational
• Ticketing SystemSoftware that records, tracks, prioritizes, and reports on support incidents and requests.Foundational
• Time MachinemacOS's built-in backup utility that keeps hourly, daily, and weekly snapshots on an external or network drive.Foundational
• Tone Generator and ProbeA two-part tool for tracing cables: the generator puts a tone on a wire and the inductive probe detects it at the other end.Foundational
• TracerouteA tool that discovers the routers along the path to a destination by sending probes with increasing TTL values.Foundational
• Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)A connection-oriented Layer 4 protocol that provides reliable, ordered, error-checked delivery of a byte stream.Foundational
• Transport Layer (L4)OSI Layer 4, which provides host-to-host delivery, segmentation, port addressing and optionally reliability.Foundational
• Transport Layer Security (TLS)The cryptographic protocol that secures application traffic with encryption, integrity and certificate-based authentication; successor to SSL.Foundational
• Twisted PairCopper cabling in which pairs of insulated wires are twisted together to cancel electromagnetic interference and crosstalk.Foundational
• UnicastOne-to-one communication from a single sender to a single receiver.Foundational
• Universal Serial Bus (USB)The standard interface for connecting peripherals, storage, and charging to computers and mobile devices.Foundational
• Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)Twisted-pair cable without metallic shielding, relying only on twisting to reject interference; the most common LAN cable.Foundational
• USB Type-CA reversible 24-pin USB connector that supports data, video, and high-wattage charging.Foundational
• User Account Control (UAC)A Windows feature that prompts for consent or credentials before actions requiring administrative privileges.Foundational
• User Datagram Protocol (UDP)A connectionless Layer 4 protocol that sends datagrams with minimal overhead and no delivery, ordering or retransmission guarantees.Foundational
• Verify Full System FunctionalityStep five of troubleshooting: confirm the fix works end to end and apply preventive measures.Foundational
• Virtual MemoryAn OS technique that gives each process its own address space backed by RAM and disk storage.Intermediate
• Voice over IP (VoIP)Technology that carries voice calls as packets over IP networks instead of traditional circuit-switched lines.Foundational
• Well-Known PortsPorts 0-1023, assigned by IANA to common system services such as HTTP, SSH and DNS.Foundational
• Wide Area Network (WAN)A network spanning large geographic areas, connecting LANs across cities, countries or continents, usually over provider services.Foundational
• Windows 10 End of SupportThe October 14, 2025 date after which Windows 10 stopped receiving free security updates.Foundational
• Windows 11Microsoft's current desktop operating system, requiring TPM 2.0, UEFI Secure Boot capability, and a supported 64-bit CPU.Foundational
• Windows Defender FirewallThe host-based stateful firewall built into Windows, with Domain, Private, and Public profiles.Foundational
• Windows EditionsThe different versions of Windows (Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education) with different features and licensing.Foundational
• Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)A recovery OS built on WinPE that provides startup repair, restore, reset, and command-line tools.Foundational
• Windows SettingsThe modern Windows configuration app for system, devices, network, accounts, privacy, and updates.Foundational
• WorkgroupA peer-to-peer Windows network where each computer manages its own accounts and resources.Foundational
• x86-64 Architecture (x64)The 64-bit extension of the x86 instruction set used by most Intel and AMD PC processors.Foundational