CompTIA A+
CompTIA A+
- 1.
When you are discussing the memory capacity of a memory module, the capacity is specified in
- A.
Gigabits
- B.
Megabits
- C.
Bytes
- D.
Dibits
Correct Answer
C. BytesExplanation
Memory module capacities are typically specified in an a-by-b format. Under this format, the capacity of the device (in bytes) is derived by multiplying the two numbers and then dividing by eight (or nine for memory modules with parity chips).Rate this question:
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- 2.
How many devices can a single USB hub support?
- A.
7
- B.
15
- C.
127
- D.
128
Correct Answer
C. 127Explanation
The universal serial bus (USB) is a high-speed serial interface that has been developed to provide a fast, flexible method of attaching up to 127 peripheral devices to the computer. USB peripherals can be daisy chained or networked together using connection hubs that enable the bus to branch out through additional port connections.Rate this question:
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- 3.
You are helping a nontechnical user over the telephone and you need to have the user plug in the SVGA monitor. How would you describe the connector and number of pins in the SVGA connector?
- A.
15-pin, 3-row, D-shell
- B.
9-pin, 3-row, D-shell
- C.
50-pin, 2-row, D-shell
- D.
6-pin, round, mini-DIN
Correct Answer
A. 15-pin, 3-row, D-shellExplanation
The monitor is attached to the video adapter card in the system unit via a signal cable or cables. The signal cable permits the monitor to be positioned away from the system unit if desired. With CRT monitors, the signal cable is permanently attached to the monitor and plugs into the video adapter card using a 3-row, 15-pin, D-shell connector.Rate this question:
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- 4.
How is information stored in the system’s BIOS updated?
- A.
By physically removing and replacing the BIOS device on the system board
- B.
By replacing the RTC module so the variable information stored in CMOS will update the BIOS on startup
- C.
By electronically flashing the BIOS with new information
- D.
By electronically removing the information from the BIOS, using new downloaded BIOS software to rewrite the BIOS, and then restoring it to the BIOS chip
Correct Answer
C. By electronically flashing the BIOS with new informationExplanation
When the microprocessor is upgraded, the BIOS should be flashed with the latest compatibility firmware. If the BIOS does not possess the flash option and does not support the new microprocessor, a new BIOS chip that does support it must be obtained. If not, typically the entire system board will need to be upgraded.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which one of the following types of memory can be used to permanently store data and instructions?
- A.
SRAM devices
- B.
ROM devices
- C.
Magnetic memory
- D.
SDRAM devices
Correct Answer
B. ROM devicesExplanation
ROM devices store information permanently and are used to hold programs and data that do not change. RAM devices retain the information stored in them only as long as electrical power is applied to the IC. This is referred to as volatile memory. ROM, on the other hand, is nonvolatile. It retains the information even if power is removed from the device.Rate this question:
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- 6.
You have just installed a 500GB HDD in a Windows XP Professional machine. When you start up the system, it recognizes only 137GB of drive space. What are the most likely causes of this problem? (Select all that apply.)
- A.
The system needs a new HDD driver for Windows XP to handle this size drive.
- B.
The firmware on the HDD needs to be updated to work with Windows XP Pro.
- C.
The system needs to have Service Pack 1 (SP1) or later installed to handle this size drive.
- D.
The system needs to have the BIOS flashed with a version that can accommodate the new drive.
Correct Answer(s)
C. The system needs to have Service Pack 1 (SP1) or later installed to handle this size drive.
D. The system needs to have the BIOS flashed with a version that can accommodate the new drive.Explanation
C, D. With the rapid increase that occurs in hard disk drive capacities, it is not uncommon for a new drive to show up as something less when the system is started. The most common reason for this is that the system’s BIOS version does not support the size of the new drive and reverts to its maximum support capabilities. You may need to flash the BIOS with the latest upgrade version to support the new drive. You may also gain additional support by updating the operating system with the latest patches and service packs. In the case of Windows XP Professional, the move to Service Pack 1 (SP1) increased Windows ability to handle larger drives beyond 137GB. SP1 includes 48-bit LBA support to accomplish this.Rate this question:
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- 7.
You are installing a printer at a customer’s office. The printer is new and features USB connectivity. The host system is an old Pentium II system with two USB ports on the back panel. After you connect the printer and turn it on, the system recognizes it, but the printer doesn’t work. What is the most likely cause for this situation?
- A.
The USB cable is a USB 2.0 version that is not compatible with the computer port.
- B.
The USB cable is a USB 1.1 version that is not compatible with the new printer port.
- C.
The new printer is a USB 2.0 device, but the host computer has a USB1.1 port.
- D.
The USB drivers need to be updated to USB 2.0 drivers.
Correct Answer
C. The new printer is a USB 2.0 device, but the host computer has a USB1.1 port.Explanation
C. You may encounter situations where incompatible USB ports and devices refuse to work together. Some older PCs that have USB 1.1 ports may not be able to work with some newer USB 2.0 devices. In these cases, the system may recognize the device but won’t work with it.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of the following types of cable specifications can be used to connect hard drives to a typical BTX system board? (Select all that apply.)
- A.
EIDE (PATA)
- B.
SATA
- C.
SCSI
- D.
IEEE-1394
Correct Answer(s)
A. EIDE (PATA)
B. SATAExplanation
A, B. Most internal hard drives and CD-ROM/DVD drives typically connect to one of the system board’s parallel IDE/EIDE-ATA (PATA) interface connections or one of its Serial ATA (SATA) interface connections. On some system boards, you will find only PATA connectors. On others, you will find only SATA connectors, and on some you will find a mixture of both.Rate this question:
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- 9.
You’ve installed one PATA hard drive and it is working fine. You install a second PATA drive and neither drive works when you start the system. What is the most likely cause for this problem?
- A.
The drives are connected in the wrong order on the PATA signal cable.
- B.
The second drive is on the secondary IDE channel with its jumper set in the slave position.
- C.
Both drives are connected to the primary IDE channel and the jumpers on both drives are set as masters.
- D.
One drive is connected as Primary Master and the other as Secondary Master, but the power connector isn’t connected to the Secondary Master.
Correct Answer
C. Both drives are connected to the primary IDE channel and the jumpers on both drives are set as masters.Explanation
C. If a working PATA hard drive fails because a second PATA drive has been installed, it is probably because they are connected to the same IDE channel and both drives are set as Master. With the IDE interface, there can be only one master drive selection on each IDE channel.Rate this question:
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- 10.
You have been called in to troubleshoot a new Windows XP Media Center Edition installation that is not supporting USB devices from any of its USB ports. What should you do first to correct this problem?
- A.
Enable USB support in the CMOS setup utility.
- B.
Get new USB 2.1 devices so they are compatible with the MCE system.
- C.
Test the USB devices in other machines.
- D.
Check the Windows XP MCE HCL to determine whether the components are compatible with the new operating system.
Correct Answer
A. Enable USB support in the CMOS setup utility.Explanation
A. The first step in troubleshooting USB problems is to check the CMOS setup screens to make sure that the USB function is enabled there. If the USB function is enabled in BIOS, check in the Windows Control Panel, System, Device Manager to make certain that the USB controller appears there.Rate this question:
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- 11.
When you ask a remote user to describe the problem he is having, he tells you that he heard a loud popping sound from the unit and then smoke came out of the back of the system unit. Which of the following should you have the customer do first?
- A.
Try to restart the computer.
- B.
Unplug the power supply from the AC outlet.
- C.
Have the customer check his purchase documentation to determine whether the PC is still covered so you can help him.
- D.
Tell him that the magic smoke has left the machine and it will never work again.
Correct Answer
B. Unplug the power supply from the AC outlet.Explanation
B. As a safety precaution, unplugging the power supply from the AC outlet should be done first to avoid additional damage to the unit or to yourself.Rate this question:
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- 12.
A user tells you that her laptop’s cooling fan is making a lot of noise. Later, she reports that the noise has completely stopped. What has most likely happened?
- A.
The BIOS Health Monitor has corrected the fan’s speed.
- B.
The dust buildup blocking the fan’s operation has cleared itself.
- C.
The system has reached proper operating temperature and the fan has settled into proper operation.
- D.
The fan has completely stopped working and the unit should be shut down and checked for heat damage.
Correct Answer
D. The fan has completely stopped working and the unit should be shut down and checked for heat damage.Explanation
D. Listen to the system. Listen for the sounds of the power supply and processor fans, the hard drive spindle motor turning, and the sounds coming from the system speaker. If the fan has completely stopped working, the unit should be shut down and checked for heat damage.Rate this question:
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- 13.
At boot, a computer system makes a loud noise, and smoke is seen coming from the unit. What is the first thing you should do?
- A.
Call the manufacturer and check warranty status.
- B.
Shut down the system and vent the room.
- C.
Try to boot the system in Safe Mode.
- D.
Remove power from the computer.
Correct Answer
D. Remove power from the computer.Explanation
D. Anytime you see smoke coming from a PC or one of its peripherals, you should remove power from it as quickly as possible. This is one of those obvious (and dangerous) conditions that requires immediate attention and that does not fall into a troubleshooting sequence.Rate this question:
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- 14.
While servicing a PC, you open up the system unit case and discover that a lot of dust has accumulated inside. Which of the following are the best ways for safely removing it? (Select all that apply.)
- A.
Vacuum it out with a static-free vacuum.
- B.
Gently wash it out with a damp soft cloth.
- C.
Use compressed air to remove the dust.
- D.
Shake it out of the system.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Vacuum it out with a static-free vacuum.
C. Use compressed air to remove the dust.Explanation
A, C. Dust buildup inside the system can be taken care of with a soft brush. A static-free vacuum or compressed air can also be used to remove dust from inside cases and keyboards. Be sure to use a static-free vacuum because normal vacuums are by their nature static generators. The static-free vacuum has special grounding to remove the static buildup it generates. Dust covers are also helpful in holding down dust problems. These covers are placed over the equipment when the equipment is not in use and are removed when the device is needed.Rate this question:
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- 15.
What is the best type of cleaning tool for use on the exterior of computers and peripheral components?
- A.
A vacuum cleaner
- B.
A damp cloth
- C.
A soft brush
- D.
A can of antistatic spray
Correct Answer
B. A damp clothExplanation
A damp cloth is easily the best general-purpose cleaning tool for use with computer equipment.Rate this question:
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- 16.
What type of cleaning solution should be used on the exterior of computer components?
- A.
Bleach and water
- B.
Window cleaner
- C.
Soap and water
- D.
Citrus-based cleaners
Correct Answer
C. Soap and waterExplanation
C. Outer-surface cleaning can be accomplished with a simple soap-and-water solution, followed by a clear water rinse. Care should be taken to make sure that none of the liquid splashes or drips into the inner parts of the system.Rate this question:
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- 17.
At what point does heat buildup become a problem for most PCs?
- A.
Room temperatures above 85°F
- B.
Room temperatures above 90°F
- C.
Room temperatures above 95°F
- D.
Room temperatures above 100°F
Correct Answer
A. Room temperatures above 85°FExplanation
A. PCs are designed to run at normal room temperatures. If the ambient temperature rises above 85°F, heat buildup can become a problem. High humidity can also lead to heat-related problems.Rate this question:
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- 18.
What type of RAM do you typically find in a notebook PC?
- A.
RIMM
- B.
SODIMM
- C.
PCMCIA
- D.
SD memory
Correct Answer
B. SODIMMExplanation
B. Notebook and other portable computer manufacturers do not use traditional DIMM modules in their designs. Special form factor DIMMs, called the small outline DIMM (SODIMMs), were developed specifically for use in notebook computers.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which PCMCIA slot type can handle all the different PC Card device formats?
- A.
Type I
- B.
Type II
- C.
Type III
- D.
Mini PCI
Correct Answer
C. Type IIIExplanation
C. PCMCIA Type III cards are being produced. These cards are 10.5mm thick and are intended primarily for use with removable hard drives. Both Type I and Type II cards can be used in a Type III slot.Rate this question:
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Jul 30, 2011Quiz Edited by
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Aug 05, 2010Quiz Created by
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