Familiarize yourself with installation and configuration of expansion cards. The variety of expansion cards available leads to the need to know the similarities and differences among them. For example, they all need to insert into the system using an expansion slot. They all perform a specific function or set of functions, based on their type, but not all cards are configured the same way. Some require more configuration than others, while some require no installer interaction at all.

Recognize and understand different peripheral connectors. Expansion cards and motherboards have external connectivity interfaces. The interfaces have connectors that adhere to some sort of standard for interconnecting with a cable or external device. Knowing these specific characteristics can help you differentiate among the capabilities of the interfaces available to you.

Recognize and be able to describe display connectors specifically. Although a type of peripheral connector, display connectors are in a class all their own. Technologies continue to be developed to merge display and other peripheral functions, such as serial I/O, but the differences among the various display interfaces are substantial enough for these connectors to warrant their own category.

Know the characteristics of cables used for peripheral attachment. Whether the connection is internal or external to the computer system, each cable used has specific characteristics, no matter their resemblance to others. Some cables that look similar to others support higher speeds or longer distance. Some have power components, while others are completely passive in nature. Knowing the specific cables that go along with the expansion cards and their interfaces is extremely valuable and important.

Compare and contrast input devices. Although input devices vary widely in their functionality, they all provide external input to the computer. Familiarize yourself with the specifics of the devices mentioned in this chapter, differentiating between standard input devices and multimedia input devices.