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Phase 7: Glossary

  • ACL (Access Control List): A list of permissions that specifies which users or system processes are granted access to objects, as well as what operations are allowed on given objects.
  • Active Directory: A Microsoft directory service that provides centralized authentication and authorization services for Windows-based computers.
  • APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing): A feature of Windows that automatically assigns an IP address from the 169.254.0.0 range when a DHCP server is not available.
  • BitLocker: A full volume encryption feature included with Microsoft Windows versions starting with Vista. It is designed to protect data by providing encryption for entire volumes.
  • BSOD (Blue Screen of Death): A critical error screen displayed by the Windows operating system upon encountering a fatal system error.
  • Change Management: A systematic approach to dealing with the transition or transformation of an organization's goals, processes, or technologies. The purpose is to implement strategies for effecting change, controlling change, and helping people to adapt to change.
  • DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol): A network management protocol used on IP networks whereby a DHCP server dynamically assigns an IP address and other network configuration parameters to each device on a network.
  • DNS (Domain Name System): The "phonebook of the internet" that translates human-readable domain names (like www.comptia.org) into machine-readable IP addresses.
  • Domain: A form of a computer network in which all user accounts, computers, printers, and other security principals are registered with a central controller (a domain controller).
  • EFS (Encrypting File System): A feature of Windows that lets you encrypt individual files and folders on an NTFS volume.
  • EOL (End-of-Life): The point at which a product is no longer supported or marketed by the manufacturer. EOL software does not receive security updates.
  • exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table): A Microsoft file system optimized for flash memory such as USB flash drives and SD cards, supporting large files over 4GB.
  • GPT (GUID Partition Table): A modern standard for the layout of partition tables of a physical computer storage device, using globally unique identifiers (GUIDs). It replaces the older MBR scheme.
  • Group Policy: A feature of Windows that provides centralized management and configuration of operating systems, applications, and users' settings in an Active Directory environment.
  • Malware: Malicious software designed to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain access to private computer systems.
  • MBR (Master Boot Record): An older partitioning scheme limited to four primary partitions and a maximum disk size of 2TB.
  • MDM (Mobile Device Management): Software that allows IT administrators to control, secure, and enforce policies on smartphones, tablets, and other endpoints.
  • MFA (Multifactor Authentication): A security process that requires more than one method of authentication from independent categories of credentials to verify the user's identity.
  • NTFS (New Technology File System): The standard file system of Windows NT, including its later versions Windows 2000, XP, Server 2003, Server 2008, Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11.
  • PBQ (Performance-Based Question): A type of exam question that tests a candidate's ability to solve problems in a simulated environment.
  • Phishing: A type of social engineering attack often used to steal user data, including login credentials and credit card numbers, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.
  • PXE (Preboot eXecution Environment): A method for booting a computer from its network interface card, allowing it to be configured and installed remotely.
  • RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service): A networking protocol that provides centralized Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) management for users who connect and use a network service. Used in enterprise Wi-Fi.
  • RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol): A proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft which provides a user with a graphical interface to connect to another computer over a network connection.
  • SFC (System File Checker): A utility in Microsoft Windows that allows users to scan for and restore corruptions in Windows system files.
  • SOHO (Small Office/Home Office): Refers to a small-scale business or home network environment.
  • SSID (Service Set Identifier): The name of a wireless network.
  • TPM (Trusted Platform Module): A dedicated microcontroller designed to secure hardware through integrated cryptographic keys. A requirement for Windows 11.
  • UAC (User Account Control): A security feature of Windows which helps prevent unauthorized changes to the operating system.
  • UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): A device that provides battery backup when the electrical power fails or drops to an unacceptable voltage level.
  • VLAN (Virtual LAN): A logical grouping of devices in the same broadcast domain, which can be created on a single physical switch or across multiple switches.
  • WPA2/WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2/3): Security protocols used to secure wireless computer networks. WPA3 is the latest and most secure standard.