Power Cycle To power cycle a device is to turn it off and on again. It is one of the most useful troubleshooting steps you can perform when a device is not working as it should. Power cycling a device is similar to rebooting it, but typically includes a short wait of 5 to 10 …
Power Supply A power supply is a hardware component that supplies power to an electrical device. It receives power from an electrical outlet and converts the current from AC (alternating current) to DC (direct current), which is what the computer requires. It also regulates the voltage to an adequate amount, which allows the computer to …
Powerline Network A powerline network is a way to use a building’s existing electrical wiring to bridge multiple segments of a local area network. Using one is a simple way to create new wired network connections without the hassle of running new Ethernet cables. Powerline networks extend a home network to places Wi-Fi struggles to …
Primary Memory Primary memory is computer memory that is accessed directly by the CPU. This includes several types of memory, such as the processor cache and system ROM. However, in most cases, primary memory refers to system RAM. RAM, or random access memory, consists of one or more memory modules that temporarily store data while …
Print Server A print server is a device that allows you to share a printer with multiple computers. It may be a standalone adapter or may be integrated within a printer or a router. When activated, the print server allows a printer to connect to a local network rather than a single computer. The printer …
Printer A printer is an output device that prints paper documents. This includes text documents, images, or a combination of both. The two most common types of printers are inkjet and laser printers. Inkjet printers are commonly used by consumers, while laser printers are a typical choice for businesses. Dot matrix printers, which have become …
Processor A processor, or “microprocessor,” is a small chip that resides in computers and other electronic devices. Its basic job is to receive input and provide the appropriate output. While this may seem like a simple task, modern processors can handle trillions of calculations per second. The central processor of a computer is also known …
Processor Core A processor core (or simply “core”) is an individual processor within a CPU. Many computers today have multi-core processors, meaning the CPU contains more than one core. For many years, computer CPUs only had a single core. In the early 2000s, as processor clock speeds began plateauing, CPU manufacturers needed to find other …
Projector A projector is an output device that projects an image onto a large surface, such as a white screen or wall. It may be used an alternative to a monitor or television when showing video or images to a large group of people. Projectors come in many shapes and sizes though they are commonly …
PUK Code Stands for “Personal Unlocking Key Code.” A PUK code (or just “PUK”) is an 8-digit code used to unlock a locked SIM card. It is similar to a “password reset” in that it resets the SIM card PIN and allows you to choose a new one. The PUK is typically printed next to …