A+ - Part 1

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  • 1/34 Questions

    What is the best thing to do if your power supply is not functioning?

    • Send it to an electrical technician
    • Try to fix it yourself
    • Replace the power supply
    • Replace the computer
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A+ - Part 1 - Quiz
About This Quiz

The 'A+ - Part 1' quiz assesses knowledge on hardware components like DIMMs, CPU installation, and IDE device settings. It includes practical troubleshooting steps and focuses on fundamental skills necessary for IT professionals, ensuring readiness for common technical issues.

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  • 2. 

    Which of the following could cause a computer to automatically reboot?

    • An overheating CPU

    • A five second power failure

    • Insufficient Memory

    • A new set of software installed

    Correct Answer
    A. An overheating CPU
    Explanation
    An overheating CPU can cause a computer to automatically reboot because when the CPU gets too hot, it can trigger the computer's built-in safety mechanism to shut down and restart in order to prevent damage to the hardware. This is a common issue that can occur if the computer's cooling system is not functioning properly or if the CPU is being put under heavy load for extended periods of time.

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  • 3. 

    Which of the following is the first thing you should do when replacing a PCI card?

    • Shut down the system and unplug the power

    • Open the case

    • Open the package and sit it beside the computer

    • Purchase the device

    Correct Answer
    A. Shut down the system and unplug the power
    Explanation
    When replacing a PCI card, the first thing you should do is shut down the system and unplug the power. This is important to ensure the safety of both the user and the computer. By shutting down the system, you prevent any potential damage or data loss that could occur during the replacement process. Unplugging the power eliminates the risk of electric shock and protects the computer from any power surges. Once the system is shut down and the power is unplugged, you can safely proceed with replacing the PCI card.

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  • 4. 

    What are the 4 types of DC voltage usually produced by a power supply?

    • +4, -4, +16, -16

    • +3, -3, +9, -9

    • +5, -5, +12, -12

    • +4, -5, +6, -9

    Correct Answer
    A. +5, -5, +12, -12
    Explanation
    The 4 types of DC voltage usually produced by a power supply are +5, -5, +12, -12.

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  • 5. 

    Before you remove the processor from the motherboard, what device should you remove first?

    • Power Supply

    • RAM chip

    • Heat sink

    • Thermal compound

    Correct Answer
    A. Heat sink
    Explanation
    If the processor has a removable heat sink, fan, or thermal duct that is attached to the motherboard, you must remove these components before you can remove the processor.

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  • 6. 

    What is the process called when upgrading the BIOS?

    • Putting a new BIOS chip on the motherboard

    • Removing the CMOS battery

    • Flashing the BIOS

    • Windows Update

    Correct Answer
    A. Flashing the BIOS
    Explanation
    When it is time for a BIOS update, go to the manufacturer’s website to see if a new update has been released. Flashing the BIOS is the act of erasing all of the BIOS’s current contents and writing a new BIOS to the BIOS chip. You can do this by booting off of a special floppy disk, from CD-ROM, and from within Windows.

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  • 7. 

    Which of the following determines the master or slave in a system that supports two IDE devices?

    • A twist in the cable

    • Which device was installed first

    • The jumper settings

    • The BIOS

    Correct Answer
    A. The jumper settings
    Explanation
    The jumper settings on the IDE devices determine whether they function as the master or slave in a system. By configuring the jumpers on the devices, the user can assign them specific roles, allowing them to communicate and function properly within the system. The jumper settings override any other factors in determining the master or slave status of the IDE devices.

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  • 8. 

    Installing a new CPU, what is applied directly to the CPU?

    • Cooling liquid

    • Thermal compound

    • A heat sink

    • A fan

    Correct Answer
    A. Thermal compound
    Explanation
    When installing a new CPU, thermal compound is applied directly to the CPU. Thermal compound is a substance that helps to improve the transfer of heat between the CPU and the heat sink. It fills in any gaps or imperfections on the surface of the CPU and helps to ensure that heat is efficiently conducted away from the CPU. This helps to prevent overheating and ensures optimal performance of the CPU.

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  • 9. 

    Which of the following question you would ask a customer first when he reports a blank monitor?

    • Is the monitor switched on?

    • Did you check the color settings?

    • Have you checked CRT?

    • What type of computer do you have?

    Correct Answer
    A. Is the monitor switched on?
    Explanation
    The first question to ask a customer when they report a blank monitor is whether the monitor is switched on. This is because if the monitor is not turned on, it would explain why it is blank. It is a basic troubleshooting step to ensure that the monitor is receiving power and is functioning properly. By asking this question first, it helps to identify the most common and simple issue that could be causing the problem.

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  • 10. 

    Which of the following memory module form factors are commonly used for laptops?

    • Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs)

    • Small Outline DIMMs (SODIMMs)

    • Single Inline Memory Modules (SIMMs)

    • Rambus Inline Memory Modules (RIMMs)

    Correct Answer
    A. Small Outline DIMMs (SODIMMs)
    Explanation
    Small Outline DIMMs (SODIMMs) are commonly used for laptops. SODIMMs are smaller and more compact compared to other memory module form factors, making them suitable for the limited space available in laptops. They are designed specifically for mobile devices and laptops, providing a higher memory density in a smaller physical size. SODIMMs are compatible with the majority of laptop models and are widely used in the industry.

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  • 11. 

    Which of the following troubleshooting steps usually takes place after you have talked to the user experiencing the problem?

    • Gathering information on the issue

    • Talking to the user experiencing the problem

    • Isolating possible causes of the issue

    • Eliminating possibilities

    • Document your findings

    Correct Answer
    A. Gathering information on the issue
    Explanation
    After talking to the user experiencing the problem, the next step in the troubleshooting process is usually gathering information on the issue. This step involves collecting more details about the problem, such as error messages, specific symptoms, and any recent changes or events that may have triggered the issue. By gathering this information, it helps in understanding the problem better and narrowing down the possible causes, which can then be addressed in the subsequent steps of isolating possible causes and eliminating possibilities. Documenting the findings is usually the final step in the troubleshooting process.

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  • 12. 

    When you start your computer, it performs an important test. What is this test known as?

    • CPU Processing

    • A CMOS test

    • POST

    • Hard drive test

    Correct Answer
    A. POST
    Explanation
    Each and every time you start your computer it goes through a test known as POST or power-on self test. If the BIOS finds any errors with the system, it notifies you by error messages known as beep codes.

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  • 13. 

    How can you tell that a PC has successfully completed its Power on Self Test (POST)?

    • Two beeps at startup

    • A single beep at startup

    • A light on the motherboard comes on

    • The computer turns on

    Correct Answer
    A. A single beep at startup
    Explanation
    A single beep at startup indicates that the PC has successfully completed its Power on Self Test (POST). During the POST, the computer's hardware components are checked to ensure they are functioning properly. The beep is a signal from the motherboard indicating that all the essential hardware components have passed the test and the system is ready to boot up. Therefore, the single beep confirms the successful completion of the POST.

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  • 14. 

    You have been dispatched to a client’s computer. You have decided that the processor is overheating. Which of the following steps can you take to help with the air flow around the processor?

    • Blow it out with compressed air

    • Remove the heat sink from the CPU

    • Place it on a surface covered with old newspapers or waste paper

    • Clean off the old thermal paste and reapply a small amount to the processor

    • All of these options are correct

    Correct Answer
    A. All of these options are correct
    Explanation
    All of these options are correct because they can help improve the air flow around the processor. Blowing out the computer with compressed air can remove any dust or debris that may be blocking the air flow. Removing the heat sink from the CPU allows for better access to clean it and ensure that it is properly attached. Placing the computer on a surface covered with old newspapers or waste paper can prevent any additional dust from being sucked into the computer. Lastly, cleaning off the old thermal paste and reapplying a small amount helps ensure proper heat transfer between the processor and the heat sink. Overall, these steps can help prevent overheating and improve the performance of the computer.

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  • 15. 

    Power supplies are rated using which of the following units?

    • Amps

    • Volts

    • Watts

    • Output

    Correct Answer
    A. Watts
    Explanation
    Power supplies are rated in watts, and the more watts a power supply provides, the more devices it can safely power.

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  • 16. 

    Newer computers’ power supplies typically have which of the following power output ratings?

    • 300 watts

    • 400 watts

    • 250 watts

    • 500 watts or higher

    Correct Answer
    A. 500 watts or higher
    Explanation
    Most newer computers have 500 watt or larger power supplies in them because of the greater number of drives and expansion cards that are available now.

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  • 17. 

    Which of the following are considered expansion slots?

    • PCI

    • FireWire

    • AGP

    • USB

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. PCI
    A. AGP
    Explanation
    Motherboards use expansion slots to provide support for additional I/O devices and high-speed video/graphics cards. The most common expansion slots on recent systems include PCI, AGP, and PCI-Express (also known as PCIe). Some systems also feature AMR or CNR slots for specific purposes.

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  • 18. 

    You are working on a computer. Which of the following are considered essential?

    • Motherboard

    • CPU

    • Computer Case

    • Video Card

    • A scanner

    • Memory

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Motherboard
    A. CPU
    A. Computer Case
    A. Video Card
    A. Memory
    Explanation
    The essential components for a computer include the motherboard, CPU, computer case, video card, and memory. The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects all the other components together. The CPU is the central processing unit, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. The computer case provides physical protection and houses all the components. The video card handles graphics processing. Memory is used for temporary storage of data and instructions. A scanner, although useful, is not considered an essential component for a computer.

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  • 19. 

    Which of the following describes the number of pins normally associated with Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs)?

    • 30

    • 72

    • 144

    • 168

    Correct Answer
    A. 168
    Explanation
    Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs) are commonly used in computers and other electronic devices to provide random access memory (RAM). The number of pins associated with DIMMs determines the physical connection between the module and the motherboard. In this case, the correct answer is 168, which means that DIMMs typically have 168 pins.

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  • 20. 

    What is the CMOS memory used for?

    • Keeping the time

    • To store BIOS settings

    • To boot the computer

    • None of these options is correct

    Correct Answer
    A. To store BIOS settings
    Explanation
    CMOS memory, also referred to as non-volatile memory, is used to store BIOS settings and should not be confused with system memory (RAM). CMOS stands for complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor.

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  • 21. 

    Which of the following are the most commonly used Windows operating systems?

    • Windows XP

    • Windows 2000

    • Unix

    • Windows Vista

    • Windows 98

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Windows XP
    A. Windows Vista
    Explanation
    Windows XP and Windows Vista are the most commonly used Windows operating systems. This is because both of these operating systems were widely adopted by users and businesses during their respective time periods. Windows XP was released in 2001 and was very popular for its stability and user-friendly interface. Windows Vista, released in 2007, introduced several new features and improvements over its predecessor, Windows XP. However, it was not as well-received by users due to compatibility issues and performance concerns. Nonetheless, both Windows XP and Windows Vista had a significant user base and were widely used operating systems.

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  • 22. 

    What happens when the CMOS battery fails?

    • All the CMOS configuration information is lost

    • The computer won’t boot

    • The computer is destroyed

    • The motherboard is dead

    Correct Answer
    A. All the CMOS configuration information is lost
    Explanation
    If the CMOS battery fails it will lose all information, such as time/date, CPU information, and drive types.

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  • 23. 

    Most power supplies in use today are designed to handle which two voltage ranges?

    • 115

    • 300

    • 230

    • 450

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. 115
    A. 230
    Explanation
    Standard North American power is 115 volts and European power is 230 volts. Some power supplies have a slider on the back to switch between the two voltages.

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  • 24. 

    What is the purpose of thermal compound?

    • To negate the effects of thermal contraction and expansion in adapter cards

    • Provides the best possible thermal transfer between a component’s heat sink and its fan

    • Provides the best possible thermal transfer between a component and its heat sink

    • Provides the best possible thermal transfer between the northbridge and its fan

    Correct Answer
    A. Provides the best possible thermal transfer between a component and its heat sink
    Explanation
    Thermal compound (also known as thermal transfer material, thermal grease, or phase change material) provides for the best possible thermal transfer between a component (for example a CPU) and its heat sink. This prevents CPU damage.

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  • 25. 

    To avoid power supply hazards you must never do which of the following?

    • Disassemble the power supply

    • Switch the voltage to 220

    • Put metal tools through the openings

    • Put a smaller power supply in the computer

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Disassemble the power supply
    A. Put metal tools through the openings
    Explanation
    The wire coils inside the power supply retain potentially fatal voltage levels. To prevent shock you should not disassemble them or stick in a metal object such as a screwdriver.

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  • 26. 

    What are BIOS beep codes used for?

    • A fatal error

    • A system message

    • A serious error

    • A warning message

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. A fatal error
    A. A serious error
    Explanation
    Beep codes are used by most BIOS versions to indicate either a fatal error or a serious error. A fatal error is an error that is so serious that the computer cannot continue the boot process. A fatal error includes a problem with the CPU, the POST ROM, the system timer, or memory. Serious error beep codes report a problem with your video display card or circuit. Although systems can boot without video, you do not want to boot without video because you can’t see what the system is doing.

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  • 27. 

    Which of the following devices might be found on the front or back of a computer?

    • Activity lights

    • Power switch

    • USB ports

    • None of these options are correct

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Activity lights
    A. Power switch
    A. USB ports
    Explanation
    Activity lights, power switch, and USB ports are all devices that can be found on the front or back of a computer. Activity lights indicate the status of various components such as the hard drive or network connection. The power switch is used to turn the computer on or off. USB ports allow for the connection of external devices such as keyboards, mice, or USB drives.

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  • 28. 

    Which of the following are types of metal used for contacts on SIMMs?

    • Tin

    • Cooper

    • Zinc

    • Gold

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Tin
    A. Gold
    Explanation
    The two types of metal that are used as contacts on SIMMs are gold and tin. Placing gold sockets in a tin socket and vice-verse are most likely to see corrosion and eventual system lockups.

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  • 29. 

    How do you identify the cable that connects to the floppy drive?

    • It is flat

    • It is the longest cable

    • There is a twist at one end

    • None of these options are correct

    Correct Answer
    A. There is a twist at one end
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "There is a twist at one end." This is because floppy drive cables are usually flat and have a twist at one end. This twist helps to ensure that the cable is inserted correctly into the floppy drive and prevents it from being inserted upside down.

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  • 30. 

    Of the following system information, which can be viewed in the BIOS?

    • Installed Memory (RAM)

    • Feature settings

    • Processor Type

    • Processor Speed

    • L2 cache memory

    • BIOS Information

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Installed Memory (RAM)
    A. Processor Type
    A. Processor Speed
    A. BIOS Information
    Explanation
    The type and speed of the processor, amount of RAM, amount of cache memory, and the details of the BIOS program can all be viewed from within BIOS setup. Feature settings refers to the ability to configure various features of the operating system.

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  • 31. 

    You have recently purchased a 500GB storage device. You plug it in to your system and nothing happens. What could be the cause of the problem, and how would you correct this?

  • 32. 

    You have just started up your computer. It gives off a series of loud beeps and will not boot. What would you need to do to determine what the beeps mean and how to fix the problem?

  • 33. 

    You are working on a computer that is overheating. What steps should you take to make sure the power supply is not being overloaded?

  • 34. 
    CMOS Battery ATX12 power connector PCI slot PCI Express slot x16 PCI slot x1 PATA host adapter Processor socket Heat Sink Floppy Drive Controller South Bridge Chip SATA host adapter Power Connector Mounting Holes Port Cluster DDR2 memory slots - ProProfs

    CMOS Battery ATX12 power connector PCI slot PCI Express slot x16 PCI slot x1 PATA host adapter Processor socket Heat Sink Floppy Drive Controller South Bridge Chip SATA host adapter Power Connector Mounting Holes Port Cluster DDR2 memory slots

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 21, 2023 +

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Mar 28, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    Tafgardner
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