| Acronym | Definition |
|---|
| What is a CPU? | The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the primary component of a computer that performs most of the processing inside a computer. |
| Define RAM. | RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly and is used for storing working data and machine code currently being used. |
| What is a hard drive? | A hard drive is a data storage device used for storing and retrieving digital information using one or more rigid rapidly rotating disks coated with magnetic material. |
| Explain what a motherboard is. | "A motherboard is the main printed circuit board (PCB) in a computer that connects and allows communication between various components such as the CPU, RAM, and storage devices." |
| What is a router? | "A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks, directing traffic on the internet." |
| Define a switch in networking. | A switch is a networking device that connects devices within a network and uses packet switching to forward data to its destination. |
| What is a modem? | A modem is a hardware device that converts data from a digital format to an analog format (and vice versa) for transmission over telephone lines or cable. |
| Explain a wireless access point. | A wireless access point (WAP) is a networking hardware device that allows Wi-Fi devices to connect to a wired network. |
| What is cloud computing? | "Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services (including servers, storage, databases, networking, software) over the internet ('the cloud')." |
| Define IaaS. | IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) is a cloud computing service model that provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. |
| What is PaaS? | "PaaS (Platform as a Service) is a cloud computing service model that provides a platform allowing customers to develop, run, and manage applications without dealing with the infrastructure." |
| Explain SaaS. | "SaaS (Software as a Service) is a cloud computing service model that delivers software applications over the internet, on a subscription basis." |
| What is virtualization? | "Virtualization is the creation of a virtual version of something, such as a hardware platform, operating system, storage device, or network resources." |
| Define a virtual machine. | "A virtual machine (VM) is a software-based emulation of a computer, running an operating system and applications just like a physical computer." |
| What is an IP address? | An IP address is a unique string of numbers separated by periods that identifies each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network. |
| Explain what DNS is. | DNS (Domain Name System) is a system that translates human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network. |
| What is a firewall? | A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. |
| Define a VPN. | A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that encrypts your internet connection and hides your online activity from third parties. |
| What is network segmentation? | "Network segmentation is the practice of dividing a computer network into smaller parts, or segments, to improve security and performance." |
| Explain what a data center is. | "A data center is a facility used to house computer systems and associated components, such as telecommunications and storage systems." |