A+ 2009 Part 1 Of 3

Overclocking refers to the practice of running a processor or memory at speeds higher than the manufacturer's recommended specifications. This is often done to increase performance and achieve faster processing speeds. By increasing the clock speed, the processor can perform more operations per second, but it also generates more heat, which may require additional cooling measures. Overclocking can potentially improve system performance, but it also carries the risk of instability and damage to the hardware if not done properly.

Flashing the BIOS refers to the process of updating or upgrading the firmware of the computer's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). This process involves replacing the existing BIOS software with a newer version, which can bring improvements in performance, compatibility, and security. It is typically done by using a specific software provided by the motherboard manufacturer, which writes the new BIOS code onto a chip on the motherboard. This process is essential for keeping the computer's hardware and software up to date.

POST stands for Power-On Self-Test. It is a diagnostic test that is performed by the computer's firmware or BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) when the computer is powered on. The purpose of the POST is to check the hardware components of the computer, such as the CPU, memory, and peripherals, to ensure that they are functioning properly. It helps to identify any potential hardware issues or errors that may prevent the computer from starting up correctly.

The mouse will not work when configuring or viewing BIOS settings because the BIOS interface typically does not support mouse input. BIOS settings are accessed and navigated using the keyboard, specifically the arrow keys to move between options, the Enter key to select an option, and the Esc key to exit or go back. The mouse is not recognized or functional in this context.

A damaged keyboard connector on the computer can cause problems with keyboards because it can prevent the keyboard from properly connecting to the computer and sending signals. A damaged keyboard cable can also cause issues as it can result in a faulty connection between the keyboard and the computer. Additionally, dirt, dust, or gunk in the keyboard can interfere with the functioning of the keys, leading to problems with typing or responsiveness.

Touch screen monitors are used to transfer data into a computer by pressing onscreen icons. With touch screen technology, users can interact with the computer by directly touching the screen, eliminating the need for external input devices such as a mouse or keyboard. This allows for a more intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easier to navigate and input data into the computer system.

The standard size of the audio mini-jack used by sound cards is 1/8 inch. This size is commonly referred to as a 3.5mm audio jack and is widely used in various audio devices such as smartphones, laptops, and sound cards. It is a small-sized connector that allows for the transmission of audio signals between devices.

IEEE 1394 is a high-speed serial bus interface standard, commonly known as Firewire. It is used for connecting various devices such as computers, digital cameras, and external hard drives. Firewire allows for fast data transfer rates and is commonly used in the audio and video industry for connecting devices like camcorders and audio interfaces to computers. It provides a reliable and efficient connection for multimedia devices, making it a popular choice for professionals in the industry.

Overloading the power supply can cause overheating because it puts excessive strain on the components, leading to increased heat production. Fan failure can also cause overheating as the fan is responsible for cooling the power supply. If the fan is not working properly or stops working altogether, the power supply will not be adequately cooled. Dirt or dust can obstruct the airflow and prevent proper cooling, resulting in overheating. Therefore, all of the mentioned factors can contribute to power supply overheating.

A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is a device that provides emergency power to a computer in case of a complete power failure. It acts as a backup power source, allowing the computer to continue running and preventing data loss or damage. It typically includes a battery that can power the computer for a short period of time until the main power source is restored or until the computer is safely shut down. UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) and STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) are types of network cables, while surge protectors and power strips are devices used to protect electrical equipment from power surges.

All of the given options are correct steps to remove a power supply. To safely remove a power supply, it is important to first shut down the computer and turn off the power supply if it has an on-off switch. Then, disconnecting the AC power cord from the computer is necessary. Finally, disconnecting power connections from the motherboard, hard drives, and optical drives ensures that the power supply is completely removed.

RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a type of computer memory that is volatile, meaning it loses its contents when the computer is shut down or loses power. This is because RAM stores data and instructions that are actively being used by the computer's processor. When the power is turned off, the data stored in RAM is erased, and the computer starts with a clean slate when it is powered on again.

The keyboard still remains the primary method used to enter data and send commands to the computer. It allows users to input text, numbers, and various commands by pressing the keys. While other devices like the mouse, gamepad, and stylus have their own functions, the keyboard is essential for most computer operations and is widely used for typing, navigating, and interacting with software applications.

Before removing the processor from the motherboard, it is important to remove the heatsink first. The heatsink is designed to dissipate heat generated by the processor, and it is typically attached to the processor using thermal compound or paste. Removing the heatsink before the processor ensures that the processor is not damaged or overheated during the removal process.

Direct Memory Access (DMA) is the process of bypassing the CPU and allowing external devices to transfer data directly to and from the computer's memory. This helps to improve the overall efficiency and speed of data transfer, as it reduces the burden on the CPU. DMA is commonly used in tasks such as disk drive operations, network communication, and audio/video processing. It allows devices to access the memory without requiring constant involvement from the CPU, thus freeing up its resources for other tasks.

Most power supplies in use today are designed to handle two voltage ranges: 115 volts and 230 volts. These voltage ranges are commonly used in different regions around the world. 115 volts is the standard voltage in North America, while 230 volts is the standard voltage in many other countries. Power supplies are designed to be compatible with these two voltage ranges to ensure that electronic devices can be powered safely and efficiently in different locations.

Thermal compound is used to provide the best possible thermal transfer between a component and its heatsink. It helps to fill in any microscopic gaps and air pockets between the two surfaces, ensuring maximum contact and heat transfer. This improves the efficiency of cooling and prevents the component from overheating.

The three most commonly used Windows operating systems are Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Vista. These operating systems have been widely adopted by users and have a large user base. Windows XP was particularly popular and widely used for a long time before newer versions were released. Windows 2000 was also widely used in business environments. Windows Vista, although not as popular as XP, was still commonly used by many users. Snow Leopard, on the other hand, is not a Windows operating system but rather a version of Mac OS X, so it is not one of the commonly used Windows operating systems.

When the CMOS battery fails, the CMOS configuration is lost. The CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) configuration stores important settings for the computer, such as date and time, boot order, and hardware settings. Without the CMOS battery, the computer is unable to retain these settings, causing them to reset to default values. This can lead to issues such as incorrect date and time, inability to boot from the correct device, or hardware not being recognized properly. However, it does not result in the destruction of the computer or the death of the motherboard.

The correct answer is PS/2. PS/2 is a port commonly found on desktop systems and older laptop and portable systems to connect a mouse or keyboard. It is a round connector with six pins and is typically color-coded purple for keyboards and green for mice.

Touching the unpainted metal of the chassis helps in preventing ESD because it allows the person to discharge any static electricity they may have built up before handling sensitive electronic components. Wearing an antistatic wrist strap also helps prevent ESD as it grounds the person and prevents the buildup of static electricity.

Hyperthreading is a technology that allows a single physical processor core to behave like two logical processors. It achieves this by duplicating certain components within the processor, enabling it to handle multiple execution threads simultaneously. This means that the processor can work on two different tasks at the same time, improving overall performance and efficiency. Therefore, the answer "Processing two execution threads simultaneously" accurately describes hyperthreading.

SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface) is a technology that allows for the connection of various peripherals to a computer. High-performance and high capacity hard drives can be connected using SCSI technology, as they require fast data transfer rates and large storage capacities. Similarly, image scanners can also be connected via SCSI, as they require high-speed data transfer to scan and process images. However, hubs and switches are not typically used with SCSI technology, as they are networking devices used for connecting multiple devices together, rather than directly connecting peripherals to a computer.

The cable that connects to the floppy drive can be identified by the twist at one end. This twist is a distinguishing feature that sets it apart from other cables.

To prevent the VGA cable from losing connection, you can attach it to the video card by turning the thumbscrews. This action ensures that the cable is securely fastened to the video port, reducing the chances of it becoming loose or disconnected. The thumbscrews provide a convenient and effective method of securing the VGA cable in place.

Power supplies are rated using watts because watts measure the rate at which electrical energy is transferred or consumed. It represents the power output or capacity of the power supply. Amps measure the current flow, volts measure the electrical potential difference, and output is a general term that does not specifically measure the power rating of the supply.

CHKDSK and Disk Defragmenter can be used in your day-to-day work on a standard Windows computer. CHKDSK is a command-line tool that checks the file system and file metadata of a disk for errors and fixes them if possible. Disk Defragmenter is a utility that rearranges fragmented data on a disk, improving the performance and speed of the computer.

To connect speakers to the sound card, you must use a 1/8 inch mini-jack cable. This type of cable is commonly used to connect audio devices such as speakers, headphones, or microphones to computers and other audio devices. It has a small connector that fits into the audio output port on the sound card and the other end of the cable usually has a standard 3.5mm stereo jack that can be plugged into the speakers.

A surge protector is used to protect electronic devices from power surges, which can damage the power supply and other components. It regulates the voltage and prevents sudden spikes in electricity from reaching the devices. On the other hand, UPS units (Uninterruptible Power Supply) are used to provide backup power during outages or fluctuations in the main power supply. They ensure continuous power to the devices, preventing any disruption or damage to the power supply. Therefore, using surge protectors and UPS units together helps to keep the power supply working properly by protecting it from surges and providing backup power when needed.

The correct answer is "All of the above." Most currently used BIOS programs include all of the mentioned security features. BIOS password is a common security measure that requires a password to access the BIOS settings. Power on password is another security feature that requires a password to start the computer. Chassis intrusion is a feature that detects if the computer case has been opened, providing additional security. Boot sector protection is a security feature that prevents unauthorized modification of the boot sector of the computer's hard drive. Therefore, all of these security features are typically included in most BIOS programs.

Recent ATX/BTX motherboards with ATX12V 2.2 power supplies typically use 24 pins for the main power connection. This is the standard for modern motherboards and power supplies, providing the necessary power and compatibility for the system.

When daisy-chaining SCSI devices, each device must have a unique SCSI device ID. This is necessary to ensure that each device can be identified and accessed individually on the SCSI bus. Additionally, each end of the daisy-chain must be terminated to prevent signal reflections and ensure proper communication between the devices. Termination helps to eliminate signal degradation and maintain the integrity of the SCSI bus.

The correct answer is to open the access cover to release the ball, shake loose any dust, turn the rollers until you see the grime or dirt, and wipe the rollers clean. This is because a mouse with a ball and roller design can accumulate dirt and dust over time, which can cause it to not work properly. By opening the access cover, the ball can be released and any dust can be shaken loose. Turning the rollers allows you to locate any grime or dirt that may be causing the issue, and wiping the rollers clean ensures that they are free from any debris that may be affecting the mouse's functionality.

The motherboard, CPU, memory, and video card are all considered essential components of a computer. The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects all the other components together. The CPU (central processing unit) is the brain of the computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. Memory (RAM) is used to temporarily store data and instructions that the CPU needs to access quickly. The video card, also known as the graphics card, is responsible for rendering and displaying images and videos on the computer's monitor.

CMOS memory is used to store the BIOS settings. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a firmware that is responsible for initializing and controlling hardware components during the boot process. It contains important settings and configurations for the computer's hardware, such as the boot order, system date and time, and various hardware parameters. The CMOS memory, which stands for Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor, is a type of memory that retains data even when the computer is powered off. Therefore, it is used to store the BIOS settings so that they are not lost when the computer is restarted or turned off.

To make changes to the default settings in the BIOS, you need to press the f2 key at startup. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a firmware that initializes the hardware and software components of a computer. By pressing the f2 key during startup, you can access the BIOS settings and make modifications to the default configurations. This allows you to customize various aspects of your computer's hardware and software, such as boot order, system time, and device settings.

PCI and AGP are considered expansion slots because they are both types of slots on a computer's motherboard that allow for the installation of additional hardware components. These slots provide the necessary connection and communication between the motherboard and the expansion card, allowing for the expansion of the computer's capabilities. Bluetooth and USB, on the other hand, are not expansion slots but rather technologies for wireless communication and data transfer.

USB ports have different standards that determine their speed and compatibility with devices. The two standards mentioned in the answer are USB 1.1 and USB 2.0. USB 1.1 is an older standard with a slower data transfer rate, while USB 2.0 is a newer standard that offers faster transfer speeds. These standards are important to know because they determine the capabilities of USB ports and the devices that can be connected to them.

Newer computers' power supplies typically have a power output rating of 500 or higher. This means that the power supply is capable of delivering a minimum of 500 watts of power to the computer components. This higher power output is necessary to meet the demands of modern computer hardware, which often includes high-performance processors, graphics cards, and other power-hungry components. Having a power supply with a rating of 500 or higher ensures that the computer has enough power to operate efficiently and reliably.

USB is the most common type of connector to use when installing a new keyboard to a new PC. USB (Universal Serial Bus) is widely used because it is versatile, easy to use, and supports high data transfer rates. It is compatible with most modern devices and offers plug-and-play functionality, allowing for easy installation and connection. Additionally, USB ports are commonly found on computers, making it the preferred choice for connecting keyboards and other peripherals.

Integrated I/O ports are ports that are built directly into a computer system and are used for input and output purposes. The Serial Port, Parallel Port, USB port, and PS/2 ports are all examples of integrated I/O ports. These ports allow for the connection of various peripherals such as printers, keyboards, mice, and external storage devices to the computer system. The RJ-44 is not considered an integrated I/O port as it is a type of connector used for Ethernet networking.

When troubleshooting multiple USB devices that are not recognized by Windows, the first thing to check would be to enable USB ports in the BIOS. This is because if the USB ports are disabled in the BIOS settings, the devices will not be recognized by the operating system. By enabling the USB ports in the BIOS, it allows the devices to establish a connection with the computer and be recognized by Windows.

If you are installing a new drive in your computer and it is not recognized, updating the BIOS can be a potential solution. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is responsible for initializing hardware components, including drives. Updating the BIOS can provide compatibility with new hardware and resolve recognition issues. It is a common troubleshooting step when encountering problems with unrecognized drives. Referring to the information that came with the drive, searching for problems online, or contacting the company may also be helpful, but updating the BIOS specifically addresses the issue of drive recognition.

Rambus RAM must be installed in pairs because it uses a technology called Rambus Channel, which requires two modules to work together in order to achieve optimal performance. Installing only one module or mixing different types of RAM can result in compatibility issues and reduced performance. Therefore, it is necessary to install Rambus RAM in pairs for proper functioning.

Fan failure can cause overheating because without a functioning fan, the airflow inside the system is reduced, leading to a buildup of heat. Incorrect heatsink can also cause overheating as it may not effectively dissipate the heat generated by the CPU. Incorrect CPU, on the other hand, may not be compatible with the motherboard or generate excessive heat, leading to overheating. PSU fan being too large is not a cause of overheating, as long as it is functioning properly.

The correct answer is to line up the module connectors with the socket, verify that the locking tabs on the socket are swiveled to the outside, and push the module straight down into the socket until the swivel locks on each end of the socket snap into place at the top corners of the module. This ensures that the module is properly aligned and securely inserted into the socket, preventing any potential damage or connection issues.

ATX, Mini-ATX, and Flex ATX are all part of the ATX family of motherboards. ATX is the standard size, while Mini-ATX is a smaller version designed for compact cases. Flex ATX is another smaller form factor that is even more compact than Mini-ATX. BTX, on the other hand, is not part of the ATX family and is a different form factor altogether.

ECC stands for Error Correcting Code. It is a special type of memory that is used in critical applications and network servers to detect and correct errors that may occur during data transmission or storage. ECC memory uses additional bits to store and check for errors, ensuring the integrity and reliability of the data.

Activity lights, power switch, and USB ports can be found on both the front and back of a computer. Activity lights are typically located on the front and back panels of a computer to indicate the status of various components such as power, hard drive activity, and network connectivity. The power switch is usually located on the front panel for easy access, but some computers also have a secondary power switch on the back. USB ports are commonly found on both the front and back panels of a computer to provide convenient access for connecting peripherals and devices.

The Pentium 3 processor was the last slot-based processor designed by Intel.