Term 1
32-bit File Allocation Table
32-bit File Allocation Table (FAT32) is a file system that organizes data on storage devices like hard drives and USB flash drives using a 32-bit addressing scheme to track where files are stored.
Acronym study
Terms 1–30 of 189 220-1101 acronyms and key terms. Each entry includes a plain-English definition and a link to the full 800-word glossary page with exam context and practice questions.
Term 1
32-bit File Allocation Table (FAT32) is a file system that organizes data on storage devices like hard drives and USB flash drives using a 32-bit addressing scheme to track where files are stored.
Term 2
An access point is a device that creates a wireless local area network, usually by connecting to a wired network and broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal for computers, phones, and tablets to join.
Term 3
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a widely used symmetric encryption algorithm that protects electronic data by converting readable information into a scrambled format that can only be unscrambled with the correct secret key.
Term 4
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is a company that designs and manufactures central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), and other computer hardware components used in personal computers, servers, and embedded systems.
Term 5
Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) is a family of energy-efficient processor architectures based on reduced instruction set computing, widely used in mobile devices, embedded systems, and increasingly in servers and laptops.
Term 6
Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) is a motherboard form factor specification that defines the physical dimensions, mounting points, power connector layout, and cooling requirements for desktop computer systems.
Term 7
A model where you rent any IT resource or service over the internet instead of owning it.
Term 8
Apple File System (APFS) is a modern file system designed by Apple for macOS, iOS, and other Apple devices, optimized for flash storage and strong encryption.
Term 9
A set of rules and tools that allows one software program to talk to another, like a messenger between applications.
Term 10
An Audio Processing Unit (APU) is a dedicated processor designed specifically to handle all sound-related tasks in a computer or device, freeing up the main CPU for other work.
Term 11
Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) is a security framework that controls who can access a network or system, what they are allowed to do, and tracks what they actually did.
Term 12
An Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) is a hardware component in scanners, printers, and copiers that automatically feeds multiple pages of a document for scanning or copying without manual intervention.
Term 13
A fallback method used by a device to automatically assign itself an IP address when it cannot obtain one from a DHCP server.
Term 14
The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is firmware that initializes and tests computer hardware during startup and provides runtime services for operating systems.
Term 15
A bayonet-style coaxial connector used in radio frequency applications, especially for cable television and older network connections.
Term 16
A policy allowing employees to use their personal laptops, smartphones, or tablets for work tasks instead of using company-issued equipment.
Term 17
Business email compromise is a sophisticated cyberattack where a criminal impersonates a trusted person or organization via email to trick the victim into transferring money or revealing sensitive information.
Term 18
A DNS record that maps an alias domain name to the official or canonical domain name, like a nickname pointing to a real name.
Term 19
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the main chip in a computer that executes instructions from software, acting as the brain of the system.
Term 20
Column Address Strobe (CAS) is a signal in DRAM memory that tells the memory chip which column of the row to access during a read or write operation.
Term 21
A command-line interface (CLI) is a text-based tool that lets you control a computer or network device by typing commands instead of clicking icons.
Term 22
A Common Access Card (CAC) is a smart card issued by the U.S. Department of Defense that serves as a single identification, authentication, and access credential for military personnel and contractors.
Term 23
The Common Internet File System (CIFS) is a network protocol that allows computers to share files, printers, and other resources over a local network or the internet.
Term 24
A type of semiconductor technology used in microchips that combines two types of transistors to create circuits with very low power consumption.
Term 25
A Configuration Management Database (CMDB) is a centralized repository that stores information about all the hardware, software, and other components in an IT system and their relationships.
Term 26
Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a security vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, often to steal data or hijack sessions.
Term 27
A Denial-of-service (DoS) attack is an attempt to make a computer, network, or online service unavailable to its intended users by overwhelming it with fake traffic or requests.
Term 28
Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a set of technologies used to control how digital content like music, movies, ebooks, or software is accessed, copied, or shared.
Term 29
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is a technology that uses ordinary copper telephone wires to provide high-speed internet access to homes and businesses.
Term 30
Digital Visual Interface is a video display interface used to connect a video source, like a computer, to a monitor or projector, transmitting uncompressed digital video signals for clear, high-quality images.