Can You Pass This CompTIA A+ Hardware Certification Exam?
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This is the best practice test ever for CompTIA A+ Essentials. Are you really a computer geek? Do you really possess full-fledged technical knowledge when it comes to Software or Hardware? If yes, then prove yourself by attempting this quiz and assess yourself where you stand. All the best! Try to score more. This Quiz is for the Hardware portion of the CompTIA Exam. Let's try out this quiz.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Which computer function do IRQs (Interrupt Requests) interrupt?
- A.
Bus Communications
- B.
I/O Funtions
- C.
Display Funtions
- D.
CPU Funtions
Correct Answer
D. CPU FuntionsExplanation
IRQs (Interrupt Requests) interrupt CPU functions. IRQs are signals sent by devices to the CPU to request its attention. When an IRQ is received, the CPU temporarily suspends its current task and handles the interrupt. This allows the CPU to prioritize and respond to important events or tasks from various devices, such as keyboard input, mouse movements, or incoming data from a network card. By interrupting CPU functions, IRQs ensure that the CPU can promptly address the needs of different devices and maintain efficient multitasking.Rate this question:
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- 2.
CMOS RAM can be identified on many motherboards as the chip labeled
- A.
Real time clock
- B.
VIA
- C.
Intel
- D.
Bios
Correct Answer
A. Real time clockExplanation
The correct answer is "Real time clock." CMOS RAM, also known as non-volatile RAM, is a type of memory that stores BIOS settings and system configuration data. It is often integrated into a chip on the motherboard, which is commonly labeled as the real-time clock. This chip keeps track of the current time and date even when the computer is powered off, and it is responsible for maintaining accurate timekeeping in the system.Rate this question:
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- 3.
You need to replace a failed AT power supply in a workstation. Which of the following statements are true and should be considered before replacing the failed power supply with a new ATX power supply? (Choose two.)
- A.
The Motherboard may not be compatible with the ATX power supply
- B.
The Monitor may need to be upgraded as well
- C.
The case design may not be compatible with the new ATX power supply
- D.
An ATX Power supply Does not have a 12-volt output necessary for the CDROM
- E.
The current system hard drives may be incompatible with the power connectors of the new power supply.
Correct Answer(s)
A. The Motherboard may not be compatible with the ATX power supply
C. The case design may not be compatible with the new ATX power supplyExplanation
Before replacing the failed AT power supply with a new ATX power supply, two factors should be considered. Firstly, the motherboard may not be compatible with the ATX power supply, so it is important to ensure compatibility to avoid any compatibility issues or damage. Secondly, the case design may not be compatible with the new ATX power supply, so it is necessary to check if the new power supply will fit properly in the workstation's case.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following symptoms indicate IRQ Conflicts. (Choose all that apply)
- A.
The system audio sounds broken up
- B.
The system frequently locks up
- C.
When you use the modem, the printer doesn't work; otherwise the printer is fine
- D.
The mouse doesn't work
Correct Answer(s)
A. The system audio sounds broken up
B. The system frequently locks up
C. When you use the modem, the printer doesn't work; otherwise the printer is fine
D. The mouse doesn't workExplanation
IRQ conflicts can cause various symptoms such as broken up system audio, frequent system lock-ups, malfunctioning of devices like the printer and mouse. In this case, the audio sounding broken up and the system frequently locking up are clear indications of IRQ conflicts. Additionally, the fact that the printer doesn't work when the modem is being used suggests a conflict, and the malfunctioning of the mouse further supports the presence of IRQ conflicts.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of these devices is most likely to use a DMA Channel? (Choose Three)
- A.
Floppy Disk Controller
- B.
Wireless network
- C.
SCSI adapter
- D.
Sound card
- E.
Laser printer
Correct Answer(s)
A. Floppy Disk Controller
C. SCSI adapter
D. Sound cardExplanation
Floppy Disk Controller, SCSI adapter, and Sound card are the devices most likely to use a DMA Channel. DMA (Direct Memory Access) allows devices to transfer data directly to and from memory without involving the CPU. Floppy Disk Controllers, SCSI adapters, and Sound cards often require high-speed data transfer and benefit from using a DMA Channel to offload data transfer tasks from the CPU, improving overall system performance.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What are the two electrical types of SCSI cables? (Choose Two)
- A.
IEEE 1284
- B.
Single Ended
- C.
Bi Directional
- D.
Differential
- E.
IEEE 1394
Correct Answer(s)
B. Single Ended
D. DifferentialExplanation
The two electrical types of SCSI cables are Single Ended and Differential. Single Ended SCSI uses a single wire to transmit and receive data, but it is susceptible to noise and has limited cable length. On the other hand, Differential SCSI uses two wires for each signal, with one wire carrying the positive signal and the other carrying the negative signal. This provides better noise immunity and allows for longer cable lengths.Rate this question:
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- 7.
An LVD Differential cable is used for which device?
- A.
High speed printer
- B.
External DVD burner
- C.
SCSI Hard drive
- D.
EIDE hard drive
Correct Answer
C. SCSI Hard driveExplanation
An LVD (Low Voltage Differential) cable is used for SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) hard drives. SCSI is a high-performance interface that allows multiple devices to be connected to a computer, such as hard drives, tape drives, and scanners. LVD cables are designed to provide faster data transfer rates and greater signal integrity, making them ideal for high-speed and high-capacity storage devices like SCSI hard drives.Rate this question:
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- 8.
BIOS is best described as
- A.
RAM
- B.
Firmware
- C.
Hardware
- D.
Software
- E.
CMOS
Correct Answer
B. FirmwareExplanation
BIOS, or Basic Input/Output System, is a type of firmware. Firmware refers to the software that is permanently stored in a hardware device, such as a computer's motherboard. It provides the necessary instructions for the hardware to function correctly. In the case of BIOS, it is responsible for initializing and testing the hardware components during the boot process, as well as providing a basic interface between the hardware and the operating system. Therefore, firmware is the most accurate description of BIOS.Rate this question:
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- 9.
_________ are ways to get data in and out of the computer.
- A.
CMOS
- B.
I/O Ports
- C.
CPU
- D.
Expansion slots
Correct Answer
B. I/O PortsExplanation
I/O Ports are the ways to get data in and out of the computer. These ports are physical connections on the computer that allow external devices to be connected and communicate with the computer. They provide a means for transferring data between the computer and devices such as keyboards, mice, printers, external storage devices, and networking equipment. Examples of I/O ports include USB ports, HDMI ports, Ethernet ports, and audio jacks. These ports enable the computer to send and receive data, allowing for input from external devices and output to external devices.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which bus type is normally used for Video Expansion cards?
- A.
EISA
- B.
PCI
- C.
AGP
- D.
ISA
Correct Answer
C. AGPExplanation
AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) is the correct answer. AGP is a bus type specifically designed for video expansion cards, providing a dedicated connection between the graphics card and the motherboard. It offers faster data transfer rates compared to other bus types like EISA, PCI, and ISA, making it ideal for handling high-bandwidth video data.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which of the following specifications of PCMCIA cards are most likely to be used for a hard drive?
- A.
Type I
- B.
Type III
- C.
Type I and II
- D.
Type IV
Correct Answer
B. Type IIIExplanation
Type III PCMCIA cards are most likely to be used for a hard drive. Type III cards are the thickest and offer the most space for components, making them suitable for larger devices like hard drives. Type I cards are the thinnest and have limited space, making them less suitable for a hard drive. Type II cards are thicker than Type I but still may not provide enough space for a hard drive. Type IV cards are not commonly used and are not specifically designed for hard drives.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Which of the following devices could be connected to and communicate through the IDE controller? (Choose three.)
- A.
SCSI Hard drive
- B.
ATAPI Tape Drive
- C.
ATA-100 Hard drive
- D.
Floppy drive
- E.
ATAPI CDROM Drive
Correct Answer(s)
B. ATAPI Tape Drive
C. ATA-100 Hard drive
E. ATAPI CDROM DriveExplanation
The IDE controller is commonly used to connect and communicate with various storage devices. The ATAPI Tape Drive, ATA-100 Hard drive, and ATAPI CDROM Drive are all compatible with the IDE controller. The SCSI Hard drive and Floppy drive, on the other hand, require different types of controllers and are not supported by the IDE controller.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which of the following connector types is often referred to as a PS2 connector?
- A.
RJ-11
- B.
Centronics
- C.
Mini-DIN
- D.
DB-9
Correct Answer
C. Mini-DINExplanation
A Mini-DIN connector is often referred to as a PS2 connector. PS2 connectors were commonly used for connecting keyboards and mice to computers before USB became the standard. The Mini-DIN connector has six pins and is round in shape. It is smaller than other connector types listed, such as RJ-11 (used for telephone connections), Centronics (used for parallel printer connections), and DB-9 (used for serial connections). Therefore, the correct answer is Mini-DIN.Rate this question:
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- 14.
You are installing a NIC (network interface card) into a desktop computer that already has two serial ports configured as COM1 and COM2 and a parallel port configured as LPT1. All 16-bit Interrupt Requests (IRQs) (8-15) are assigned to other devices.
- A.
IRQ 4
- B.
IRQ 5
- C.
IRQ 3
- D.
IRQ 7
Correct Answer
B. IRQ 5Explanation
The correct answer is IRQ 5. IRQ stands for Interrupt Request and it is a signal sent to the CPU by a hardware device to request attention. In this scenario, all 16-bit IRQs (8-15) are already assigned to other devices, so the NIC cannot be assigned any of those IRQs. Among the given options, IRQ 5 is the only available IRQ that is not already assigned to another device. Therefore, IRQ 5 can be assigned to the NIC without causing any conflicts with the existing devices.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which of the following cable/connections types are used for SCSI devices? (choose three)
- A.
DB-25 Female connector
- B.
IEEE 1284 connector
- C.
50 Pin Internal Cable
- D.
68 Pin Connector
- E.
EISA Controller
Correct Answer(s)
A. DB-25 Female connector
C. 50 Pin Internal Cable
D. 68 Pin ConnectorExplanation
The DB-25 Female connector, 50 Pin Internal Cable, and 68 Pin Connector are used for SCSI devices. The DB-25 Female connector is a common connector used for SCSI devices, allowing for data transfer between the device and the computer. The 50 Pin Internal Cable is used to connect internal SCSI devices such as hard drives and CD-ROM drives. The 68 Pin Connector is used for external SCSI devices, providing a high-speed connection for data transfer. The IEEE 1284 connector and EISA Controller are not used for SCSI devices.Rate this question:
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- 16.
You are installing two hard drives in a new PC. There are no drives installed when you start, and there is a primary IDE controller and a secondary IDE controller available. Each drive is to be partitioned with a primary and an extended/logical partition. Each drive will be on a separate drive controller. In this configuration, what is the default drive letter of the extended/logical partition on the drive on the primary IDE controller?
- A.
B
- B.
H
- C.
F
- D.
E
- E.
D
Correct Answer
D. E -
- 17.
Which resolution was originally supported by the SVGA standard?
- A.
800 x 600
- B.
1024 x 768
- C.
640 x 800
- D.
1280 x 1024
Correct Answer
A. 800 x 600Explanation
SVGA stands for Super Video Graphics Array, and it was a graphics standard introduced in the late 1980s. Initially, SVGA supported a resolution of 800 x 600 pixels. This resolution provided a higher level of detail and clarity compared to previous graphics standards. Over time, SVGA evolved to support higher resolutions, but 800 x 600 was the original resolution supported by the SVGA standard.Rate this question:
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- 18.
What two settings for a device are expressed in hexadecimal format? (Choose two.)
- A.
DMA
- B.
Memory
- C.
I/O Port
- D.
IRQ
- E.
Mac Address
Correct Answer(s)
B. Memory
C. I/O PortExplanation
Memory and I/O Port are the two settings for a device that are expressed in hexadecimal format. Hexadecimal format is commonly used to represent memory addresses and I/O port addresses in computing. Memory addresses and I/O port addresses are often expressed in hexadecimal format because it provides a concise and convenient way to represent large numbers in a compact form. Hexadecimal format uses the digits 0-9 and the letters A-F to represent values from 0 to 15, allowing for a more efficient representation of addresses compared to decimal or binary formats.Rate this question:
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- 19.
You are trying to configure a laptop to use a PC-card external hard drive. When the PC-card is inserted into the laptop, it takes up both PCMCIA slots.
- A.
Type I
- B.
Type II
- C.
Type III
- D.
PC-Cards can only take up one slot at a time
Correct Answer
C. Type IIIExplanation
Type III PC-Cards are thicker and larger compared to Type I and Type II PC-Cards. They are designed to occupy both PCMCIA slots when inserted into a laptop. This allows for more functionality and storage capacity as Type III PC-Cards typically offer additional features or larger storage capacities.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Which of the following are true concerning SATA Drives? (Choose all that apply)
- A.
They are Hot-swappable components
- B.
Transfer rates are approximately 150MB/sec
- C.
They are all configured as Slave Drives
- D.
Maximum SATA cable lenght is 1 Meter
- E.
SATA Drives uses the same cables as EIDE hard drives
Correct Answer(s)
A. They are Hot-swappable components
B. Transfer rates are approximately 150MB/sec
D. Maximum SATA cable lenght is 1 MeterExplanation
SATA drives are hot-swappable components, meaning they can be connected or disconnected from a system while it is still running. The transfer rates of SATA drives are approximately 150MB/sec, providing fast data transfer speeds. The maximum length of a SATA cable is 1 meter, beyond which signal degradation may occur. SATA drives use different cables than EIDE hard drives, so they are not interchangeable.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Which of these components are FRU? (Choose all that apply)
- A.
CPU
- B.
Chip sets
- C.
RAM
- D.
IDE Drive
- E.
MOBO
Correct Answer(s)
A. CPU
C. RAM
D. IDE Drive
E. MOBOExplanation
FRU stands for Field Replaceable Unit, which refers to components that can be easily replaced in a computer system without the need for specialized tools or technical expertise. The CPU, RAM, IDE Drive, and MOBO (Motherboard) are all examples of FRU components as they can be easily removed and replaced if they become faulty or need upgrading. Chip sets, on the other hand, are not typically considered FRU components as they are integrated into the motherboard and cannot be easily replaced on their own.Rate this question:
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- 22.
This type of memory is typically upgraded on a computer when you add memory?
- A.
SRAM
- B.
DRAM
- C.
VRAM
- D.
QRAM
Correct Answer
B. DRAMExplanation
DRAM stands for Dynamic Random Access Memory. It is a type of memory that is commonly upgraded on a computer when additional memory is added. Unlike SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) which is more expensive and faster, DRAM is cheaper and slower but offers higher memory density. It is used as the main memory in most computers and requires constant refreshing to retain data. Adding more DRAM to a computer can improve its performance by allowing it to store and access more data simultaneously. Therefore, DRAM is the correct answer for this question.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2022Quiz Edited by
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Feb 12, 2007Quiz Created by
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