1.
When you are discussing the memory capacity of a memory module, the capacity is specified in
Correct Answer
C. Bytes
Explanation
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).
2.
How many devices can a single USB hub support?
Correct Answer
C. 127
Explanation
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.
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?
Correct Answer
A. 15-pin, 3-row, D-shell
Explanation
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.
4.
How is information stored in the system’s BIOS updated?
Correct Answer
C. By electronically flashing the BIOS with new information
Explanation
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.
5.
Which one of the following types of memory can be used to permanently store data and instructions?
Correct Answer
B. ROM devices
Explanation
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.
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.)
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.
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?
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.
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.)
Correct Answer(s)
A. EIDE (PATA)
B. SATA
Explanation
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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.)
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.
15.
What is the best type of cleaning tool for use on the exterior of computers and peripheral components?
Correct Answer
B. A damp cloth
Explanation
A damp cloth is easily the best general-purpose cleaning tool for use with computer equipment.
16.
What type of cleaning solution should be used on the exterior of computer components?
Correct Answer
C. Soap and water
Explanation
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.
17.
At what point does heat buildup become a problem for most PCs?
Correct Answer
A. Room temperatures above 85°F
Explanation
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.
18.
What type of RAM do you typically find in a notebook PC?
Correct Answer
B. SODIMM
Explanation
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.
19.
Which PCMCIA slot type can handle all the different PC Card device formats?
Correct Answer
C. Type III
Explanation
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.