What is VGA used for?
Sends analog video only.
Video Graphics Array; older connector, low quality compared to digital. Common on older monitors and projectors.
What is DVI used for?
Sends digital (and sometimes analog) video.
Digital Visual Interface; better than VGA, but doesn’t usually carry audio. Used for monitors before HDMI became standard.
What is HDMI used for?
Sends video and audio in one cable.
High-Definition Multimedia Interface; supports HD video, surround sound, and Ethernet. Common on TVs, monitors, and gaming systems.
What is DisplayPort used for?
Sends high-quality video and audio.
Digital interface like HDMI, supports higher resolutions and refresh rates. Popular on modern monitors and graphics cards.
What are 3.5mm audio jacks used for?
Headphones, speakers, microphones.
Standard analog audio connector. Green = audio out, pink = mic in.
What is USB used for?
Connects and powers devices.
Universal Serial Bus; supports data transfer and charging. Common for keyboards, mice, flash drives, phones.
What is USB-C used for?
Reversible, high-speed connector.
New USB standard; supports data, power, and video. Found on modern laptops and phones.
What is Thunderbolt used for?
High-speed data, video, and power.
Intel/Apple technology built on USB-C. Used for external drives, docks, and displays.
What is an RJ45 connector used for?
Wired networking.
Standard Ethernet connector for LAN cables. Found on network ports, routers, and switches.
What is an RJ11 connector used for?
Telephone lines.
Smaller connector than RJ45, carries voice. Used for landline phones and DSL internet.
What is Ethernet used for?
Wired internet and networking.
Standard for connecting computers in a LAN. More reliable and faster than Wi-Fi.
What is Fiber Optic used for?
High-speed internet/data transfer.
Uses light to transmit data over long distances. Found in ISPs, data centers, and some home internet.
What is Wi-Fi used for?
Wireless internet and networking.
Connects devices to LAN and internet without cables. Common in homes, schools, and offices.
What is Bluetooth used for?
Short-range device communication.
Wireless standard for connecting peripherals. Used for headphones, keyboards, mice, car systems.
What is NFC used for?
Very short-range communication.
Near Field Communication; works within a few centimeters. Used for contactless payments, keycards, phone-to-phone transfers.
What is IR used for?
Sends signals with infrared light.
Infrared wireless; requires line of sight. Used in TV remotes, some sensors.
What is a Serial Port used for?
Connects older peripherals one bit at a time.
Legacy connector, very slow. Used for old mice, modems, and lab equipment.
What is a Parallel Port used for?
Connects older devices many bits at once.
Legacy connector, faster than serial. Commonly used for old printers.
What are PS/2 ports used for?
Keyboards and mice.
Round legacy connectors (purple = keyboard, green = mouse). Replaced by USB in modern systems.
What is eSATA used for?
External storage.
External Serial ATA; fast connection for external hard drives. Replaced mostly by USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt.
What is Plug & Play (PnP)?
Devices that work when plugged in.
No manual driver install needed. Examples: monitor, mouse, keyboard. Sometimes drivers still required.
What does “hot-swappable” mean?
Device can be removed/added while powered on.
No reboot required for recognition. Common for USB, external drives.
What is a driver?
Software that lets hardware talk to the OS.
Required for device functionality. Some drivers install automatically; others must be downloaded.
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PCEP Module 1: Introduction to Programming With Python61
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Chapter 1: Drivers License3
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PCEP Module 2: Introduction to Python and Computer Programming20
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Understanding Core Hardware Components78
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Beyond The Computer23
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Computing and IoT Devices23
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Introduction to Operating System Fundamentals21
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Software Application Types22
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Software Development Foundations26
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Data and Database Concepts23
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Introduction to Networking Concepts29
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Cloud Computing and A.I16
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Data and Network Security Threats22
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Limiting Vulnerabilities25
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Protecting the Business and their Assets16
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Commands13
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brush up17
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Revisiting Hardware Components39
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Further Understanding of Hardware18
