License that demonstrates competency in
some specialized skill

How all techs should treat their customers.

Electrical interference from one device to another, resulting in poor performance of the device being interfered with. Examples: Static on your TV while running a blow dryer, or placing two monitors too close together and getting a “shaky” screen.

Expansion card or motherboard interface that enables a PC to connect to a network via a network cable.

Flat piece of circuit board that resides inside
your computer case and has a number of connectors on it. Every device in a PC connects directly or indirectly to it, including CPU, RAM, hard drives, optical drives, keyboard, mouse, and video cards.

Nonprofit IT trade association that administers the
CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ exams and many other vendor-neutral IT certification exams.

Another form of electrical interference caused by radio-wave emitting devices, such as cell phones, wireless network cards, and microwave ovens.

Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Memory that can be accessed at random; that is, memory which you can write to or read from without touching the preceding address. This term is often used to mean a computer’s main memory.

D-shaped connectors used for a variety of
connections in the PC and networking world. Can be male (with prongs) or female (with holes) and have a varying number of pins or sockets.

Collection of two or more computers interconnected
by telephone lines, coaxial cables, satellite links, radio,
and/or some other communication technique. Group of computers that are connected and that communicate with one another for a common purpose.

Uncontrolled rush of electrons from one object to another. A real menace to PCs, as it can cause permanent damage to semiconductors.

Any material or device that impedes the flow
of electrons.

Leading standards-setting group in the United States

Data-recording system using solid disks
of magnetic material turning at high speeds to store and retrieve programs and data in a computer.

Someone with computer skills who works on
computers.

Bag made of anti-static plastic into which
electronics are placed for temporary or long-term storage. Used to protect components from electrostatic discharge.

Tools a PC tech should never be without,
including a Phillips-head screwdriver, a pair of tweezers, a flat-head screwdriver, a hemostat, a Torx wrench, a parts retriever, and a nut driver or two.

Connectors on a motherboard that enable
users to add optional components to a system.

Interconnection standard to send wide-band signals over a serialized, physically thin connector system. Serial bus developed by Apple and Texas Instruments; enables connection of 63 devices at speeds up to 800 megabits per second.

CompTIA’s Web site.

Communication strategy designed to
help techs understand a user’s problems better. Works by listening to a user’s description of a problem and then asking cogent questions.

Key used to verify a user’s identity on a secure
computer or network.

Small connection most commonly used for keyboards
and mice. (Not USB)

Provides the electrical power for a PC.
Converts standard AC power into various voltages of DC electricity in a PC.