CompTIA A+ Acronym List

Every CompTIA A+ acronym, grouped by domain. Skim the full hardware, OS, and networking list here, then drill the ones that won't stick with the interactive finder.

93 acronyms|15 domains

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Application Security (2)

DEPData Execution Prevention: Hardware/OS security feature preventing code execution from memory regions marked as non-executable.
DLLDynamic Link Library: Shared library file in Windows containing code and data that can be loaded by multiple programs simultaneously.

Data Protection (3)

EFSEncrypting File System: Windows feature that provides file-level encryption on NTFS volumes using certificate-based keys.
GFSGrandfather-Father-Son: Backup rotation scheme using daily, weekly, and monthly backups for efficient media reuse and data retention.
RAIDRedundant Array of Independent Disks: Storage technology combining multiple drives for redundancy, performance, or both using levels like 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10.

Hardware (35)

ACPIAdvanced Configuration and Power Interface: Open standard for OS-controlled hardware discovery, configuration, and power management.
AGPAccelerated Graphics Port: Legacy high-speed point-to-point bus for connecting video cards, replaced by PCIe.
AHCIAdvanced Host Controller Interface: Interface standard enabling advanced features like hot-swap and native command queuing for SATA devices.
BIOSBasic Input/Output System: Legacy firmware interface that initializes hardware during boot and provides runtime services for the OS.
CMOSComplementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor: Chip that stores BIOS/UEFI settings such as date, time, and boot order, powered by a small battery.
CPUCentral Processing Unit: The primary processor that executes instructions and performs calculations in a computer system.
DDRDouble Data Rate: Memory technology that transfers data on both rising and falling clock edges, doubling throughput.
DIMMDual In-line Memory Module: Standard form factor for desktop RAM, using a 64-bit data path with pins on both sides.
DisplayPortDisplayPort: Digital display interface supporting high-resolution video, audio, and daisy-chaining of multiple monitors.
DVIDigital Visual Interface: Video display interface supporting both digital and analog signals for connecting monitors.
ESDElectrostatic Discharge: Sudden flow of static electricity between objects that can damage sensitive electronic components.
GPTGUID Partition Table: Modern disk partitioning scheme supporting drives over 2 TB and up to 128 partitions, paired with UEFI.
GPUGraphics Processing Unit: Specialized processor designed to accelerate rendering of images, video, and graphical computations.
HDDHard Disk Drive: Magnetic storage device using spinning platters and read/write heads for persistent data storage.
HDMIHigh-Definition Multimedia Interface: Audio/video interface for transmitting uncompressed digital data to displays and audio devices.
IDEIntegrated Drive Electronics: Legacy parallel interface standard for connecting hard drives and optical drives to a motherboard.
KVMKeyboard, Video, Mouse: Switch allowing a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse to control multiple computers.
LCDLiquid Crystal Display: Flat-panel display technology using liquid crystals modulated by electric current to produce images.
LEDLight-Emitting Diode: Semiconductor device that emits light when current passes through it, used in displays and indicators.
M.2M.2 Form Factor: Compact expansion card form factor for SSDs and wireless cards, supporting NVMe and SATA interfaces.
MBRMaster Boot Record: Legacy disk partitioning scheme limited to 4 primary partitions and 2 TB maximum drive size.
NICNetwork Interface Card: Hardware component that connects a computer to a network using wired or wireless connectivity.
NVMeNon-Volatile Memory Express: High-speed storage protocol designed for flash-based SSDs, communicating directly over PCIe bus.
OLEDOrganic Light-Emitting Diode: Display technology where organic compounds emit light, producing deep blacks and high contrast ratios.
PCIePeripheral Component Interconnect Express: High-speed serial bus standard for connecting expansion cards like GPUs, SSDs, and network cards.
POSTPower-On Self-Test: Diagnostic sequence run by BIOS/UEFI firmware at startup to verify hardware components are functional.
PSUPower Supply Unit: Component that converts AC power from the wall outlet to DC power for a computer's internal components.
RAMRandom Access Memory: Volatile system memory providing fast read/write access for actively running programs and data.
SATASerial Advanced Technology Attachment: Interface standard for connecting storage drives like HDDs and SSDs to a motherboard.
SO-DIMMSmall Outline Dual In-line Memory Module: Compact RAM module used in laptops and small form-factor systems, roughly half the size of a full DIMM.
SSDSolid-State Drive: Storage device using flash memory with no moving parts, offering faster access and greater durability than HDDs.
ThunderboltThunderbolt: High-speed interface combining PCIe and DisplayPort, supporting up to 40 Gbps (Thunderbolt 3/4) via USB-C.
UEFIUnified Extensible Firmware Interface: Modern firmware interface replacing BIOS, supporting Secure Boot, larger disks, and faster initialization.
USBUniversal Serial Bus: Standard interface for connecting peripherals, providing data transfer and power delivery.
VGAVideo Graphics Array: Legacy analog video interface standard using a 15-pin D-sub connector for display output.

Identity and Access Management (2)

ADActive Directory: Microsoft directory service for managing users, computers, and resources in a Windows domain environment.
GPOGroup Policy Object: Active Directory mechanism for centrally managing and configuring settings for users and computers in a domain.

IP Addressing (2)

APIPAAutomatic Private IP Addressing: Self-assigned IP address in the 169.254.x.x range when a DHCP server is unavailable.
CIDRClassless Inter-Domain Routing: IP addressing method using variable-length subnet masking to allocate addresses more efficiently than classful addressing.

Mobile Devices (1)

APKAndroid Package Kit: File format used to distribute and install applications on the Android operating system.

Network Infrastructure (3)

NASNetwork-Attached Storage: Dedicated file storage device providing centralized file-level access to networked clients.
RJ-45Registered Jack 45: Eight-pin connector used for Ethernet network cables, the standard for copper network terminations.
UTPUnshielded Twisted Pair: Common copper network cabling with twisted wire pairs and no additional shielding, used in Cat5e/Cat6 Ethernet.

Network Security (1)

VPNVirtual Private Network: Encrypted tunnel over a public network providing secure remote access or site-to-site connectivity.

Network Services (2)

PXEPreboot Execution Environment: Standard for booting a computer from the network using DHCP and TFTP before loading a local OS.
WINSWindows Internet Name Service: Legacy Microsoft service resolving NetBIOS names to IP addresses, largely replaced by DNS.

Networking (23)

APAccess Point: Network device that allows wireless clients to connect to a wired network.
ARPAddress Resolution Protocol: Layer 2 protocol that maps an IP address to a MAC address on a local network segment.
DHCPDynamic Host Configuration Protocol: Protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses and network configuration to devices on a network.
DNSDomain Name System: Hierarchical naming system that translates human-readable domain names to IP addresses.
FTPFile Transfer Protocol: Protocol for transferring files over TCP using port 21 for control and port 20 for data, transmitting in cleartext.
HTTPHypertext Transfer Protocol: Application layer protocol for transmitting web content over TCP port 80, without encryption.
HTTPSHypertext Transfer Protocol Secure: HTTP encrypted with TLS over TCP port 443, providing confidentiality and integrity for web traffic.
IMAPInternet Message Access Protocol: Email retrieval protocol on port 143 that syncs messages on the server, allowing multi-device access.
IPInternet Protocol: Layer 3 protocol responsible for addressing and routing packets between hosts across networks.
ISPInternet Service Provider: Organization providing internet access and related services to customers.
MACMedia Access Control: Unique 48-bit hardware address assigned to a NIC, used for communication on a local network segment.
NATNetwork Address Translation: Technique that maps private IP addresses to a public IP address for internet communication.
NetBIOSNetwork Basic Input/Output System: Legacy API for communication between applications on a LAN, used for name resolution and session management.
POP3Post Office Protocol v3: Email retrieval protocol on port 110 that downloads messages and typically removes them from the server.
RDPRemote Desktop Protocol: Microsoft protocol on port 3389 providing graphical remote access to Windows systems.
SMBServer Message Block: Network file sharing protocol on port 445 used primarily in Windows environments for file, printer, and serial access.
SMTPSimple Mail Transfer Protocol: Protocol for sending email messages between servers on TCP port 25, with port 587 for submission.
SSHSecure Shell: Encrypted protocol on port 22 providing secure remote command-line access and file transfer.
SSIDService Set Identifier: Human-readable name identifying a wireless network, broadcast by access points.
TCPTransmission Control Protocol: Connection-oriented Layer 4 protocol providing reliable, ordered delivery through three-way handshake and acknowledgments.
UDPUser Datagram Protocol: Connectionless Layer 4 protocol offering fast, low-overhead delivery without guaranteed ordering or reliability.
WAPWireless Access Point: Networking device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi.
WLANWireless Local Area Network: Local area network using wireless communication, typically based on IEEE 802.11 standards.

Networking Fundamentals (2)

LANLocal Area Network: Network connecting devices in a limited geographic area such as a building or campus.
WANWide Area Network: Network spanning a large geographic area, connecting multiple LANs across cities or countries.

Operating Systems (10)

BitLockerBitLocker Drive Encryption: Windows full-disk encryption feature using AES and typically the TPM chip for key protection.
BSODBlue Screen of Death: Windows stop error screen indicating a critical system error requiring restart.
exFATExtended File Allocation Table: File system optimized for flash media, removing FAT32's 4 GB file size limit while maintaining cross-platform support.
ext4Fourth Extended File System: Default Linux journaling file system supporting volumes up to 1 EiB and files up to 16 TiB.
FAT32File Allocation Table 32: Legacy file system with broad compatibility, limited to 4 GB maximum file size and 32 GB volumes in Windows.
MMCMicrosoft Management Console: Windows framework hosting administrative tools (snap-ins) for managing system components.
NTFSNew Technology File System: Windows file system supporting permissions, encryption, compression, and journaling.
OSOperating System: System software managing hardware resources and providing services for application programs.
RMMRemote Monitoring and Management: Software platform enabling IT administrators to monitor and manage endpoints remotely.
WMIWindows Management Instrumentation: Microsoft infrastructure for managing data and operations on Windows-based systems via scripting.

Physical Security (2)

HVACHeating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning: Environmental control system critical for maintaining proper temperature and humidity in data centers.
UPSUninterruptible Power Supply: Battery backup providing temporary power during outages, protecting equipment and allowing graceful shutdown.

Security Architecture (4)

IaaSInfrastructure as a Service: Cloud model providing virtualized computing resources like VMs, storage, and networking on demand.
SIMSubscriber Identity Module: Smart card storing mobile subscriber identity, authentication keys, and contacts for cellular access.
TPMTrusted Platform Module: Hardware chip providing secure generation and storage of cryptographic keys, platform integrity attestation, and sealed storage.
VMVirtual Machine: Software-emulated computer running its own OS on a hypervisor, isolated from the physical host.

Security Operations (1)

AVAntivirus: Software that detects, prevents, and removes malicious software from systems.

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