Practice Test: CompTIA A+ Essentials Trivia Quiz

1. In modern PCs, the procedure of replacing BIOS contents is sometimes referred to as:

Hard boot

Overclocking

Flashing the BIOS

Direct memory access (DMA)

Flashing the BIOS refers to the process of replacing the contents of the BIOS in modern PCs. This procedure involves updating the firmware of the BIOS with a newer version, which can provide bug fixes, improved compatibility, and new features. It is called "flashing" because it involves writing the new BIOS firmware onto a flash memory chip. This process is typically done using a specialized software utility provided by the motherboard manufacturer.

Explanation

Flashing the BIOS refers to the process of replacing the contents of the BIOS in modern PCs. This procedure involves updating the firmware of the BIOS with a newer version, which can provide bug fixes, improved compatibility, and new features. It is called "flashing" because it involves writing the new BIOS firmware onto a flash memory chip. This process is typically done using a specialized software utility provided by the motherboard manufacturer.

2. Which Microsoft Windows OS utility can be used to view basic information about computer's BIOS?

WINVER.EXE

MSINFO32.EXE

Control Panel

SERVICES.MSC

MSINFO32.EXE is the correct answer because it is a Microsoft Windows OS utility that provides detailed information about a computer's hardware and software configuration, including the BIOS. It allows users to view basic information about the BIOS, such as the manufacturer, version, and date. This utility is commonly used to troubleshoot computer issues and gather system information for technical support purposes.

Explanation

MSINFO32.EXE is the correct answer because it is a Microsoft Windows OS utility that provides detailed information about a computer's hardware and software configuration, including the BIOS. It allows users to view basic information about the BIOS, such as the manufacturer, version, and date. This utility is commonly used to troubleshoot computer issues and gather system information for technical support purposes.

3. Which of the following indicate a problem with the laptop battery?

The laptop running slowly

Some applications will not run

The laptop gets switched off when mains switch is off

The laptop doesn’t boot

The fact that the laptop gets switched off when the mains switch is off indicates a problem with the laptop battery. This suggests that the battery is not holding a charge or is not functioning properly. When the mains switch is off, the laptop should still be able to run on battery power, but if it is shutting down, it suggests that the battery is not providing the necessary power to keep the laptop running.

Explanation

The fact that the laptop gets switched off when the mains switch is off indicates a problem with the laptop battery. This suggests that the battery is not holding a charge or is not functioning properly. When the mains switch is off, the laptop should still be able to run on battery power, but if it is shutting down, it suggests that the battery is not providing the necessary power to keep the laptop running.

4. Which of the following has to be installed on a laptop in order to use a compact flash storage device?

A multi-media card reader

USB 2.0 drivers

USB 1.1 drivers

An enhanced 1.44 floppy drive

To use a compact flash storage device on a laptop, a multi-media card reader needs to be installed. A multi-media card reader is a hardware device that allows the laptop to read and write data from compact flash storage devices. It provides the necessary interface and connectivity for the laptop to recognize and access the data stored on the compact flash storage device. USB drivers and an enhanced 1.44 floppy drive are not relevant in this context.

Explanation

To use a compact flash storage device on a laptop, a multi-media card reader needs to be installed. A multi-media card reader is a hardware device that allows the laptop to read and write data from compact flash storage devices. It provides the necessary interface and connectivity for the laptop to recognize and access the data stored on the compact flash storage device. USB drivers and an enhanced 1.44 floppy drive are not relevant in this context.

5. While POST is running on your computer, while booting up, you encountered an error message, 161. What is the likely cause?

The CMOS battery need to be replaced

The memory has gone bad

The processor has gone bad

The key board need to be replaced

The likely cause of encountering error message 161 while POST is running and booting up is that the CMOS battery needs to be replaced. The CMOS battery is responsible for maintaining the system's date, time, and BIOS settings. If the battery is no longer functioning properly, it can cause errors during the booting process.

Explanation

The likely cause of encountering error message 161 while POST is running and booting up is that the CMOS battery needs to be replaced. The CMOS battery is responsible for maintaining the system's date, time, and BIOS settings. If the battery is no longer functioning properly, it can cause errors during the booting process.

6. How many finger contacts a SIMM memory usually contain?

40

72

168

50

A SIMM (Single In-Line Memory Module) memory usually contains 72 finger contacts. These finger contacts are used to establish a connection between the memory module and the motherboard. Each contact corresponds to a specific data line or signal, allowing for the transfer of information between the memory and the computer system.

Explanation

A SIMM (Single In-Line Memory Module) memory usually contains 72 finger contacts. These finger contacts are used to establish a connection between the memory module and the motherboard. Each contact corresponds to a specific data line or signal, allowing for the transfer of information between the memory and the computer system.

7. Which of the following is indicative that the Power supply has gone bad in a computer?

The hard disk keeps thrashing

The fan will stop rotating

The front LEDs on the computer cabinet will turn RED

The POST will give 8** error

When the power supply in a computer goes bad, it can cause the fan to stop rotating. This is because the power supply is responsible for providing power to all the components in the computer, including the fan. If the power supply fails, it can result in the fan not receiving any power, causing it to stop rotating. This can be indicative of a faulty power supply and may require a replacement to ensure proper functioning of the computer.

Explanation

When the power supply in a computer goes bad, it can cause the fan to stop rotating. This is because the power supply is responsible for providing power to all the components in the computer, including the fan. If the power supply fails, it can result in the fan not receiving any power, causing it to stop rotating. This can be indicative of a faulty power supply and may require a replacement to ensure proper functioning of the computer.

8. Which of the following system memories is faster?

DRAM

SRAM

ROM

EPROM

SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) is faster than the other system memories listed. Unlike DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), which requires constant refreshing to retain data, SRAM uses flip-flops to store data, making it faster and more reliable. ROM (Read-Only Memory) and EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) are non-volatile memories that cannot be written to or modified during normal operation, so they are not designed for speed. Therefore, SRAM is the correct answer as it offers faster access times compared to the other options.

Explanation

SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) is faster than the other system memories listed. Unlike DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), which requires constant refreshing to retain data, SRAM uses flip-flops to store data, making it faster and more reliable. ROM (Read-Only Memory) and EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) are non-volatile memories that cannot be written to or modified during normal operation, so they are not designed for speed. Therefore, SRAM is the correct answer as it offers faster access times compared to the other options.

9. In order to work, an integrated component such as Network Interface Card (NIC) on a newly assembled computer system may need to be first:

Enabled in Windows Control Panel

Updated with the latest driver in Device Manager

Checked against the Hardware Compatibility List (HCL)

Enabled in the advanced BIOS settings menu

The correct answer is "Enabled in the advanced BIOS settings menu." This is because the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is responsible for initializing and configuring hardware components, including the Network Interface Card (NIC). By enabling the NIC in the advanced BIOS settings menu, the computer system allows the NIC to function properly and communicate with other devices on the network.

Explanation

The correct answer is "Enabled in the advanced BIOS settings menu." This is because the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is responsible for initializing and configuring hardware components, including the Network Interface Card (NIC). By enabling the NIC in the advanced BIOS settings menu, the computer system allows the NIC to function properly and communicate with other devices on the network.

10. Which one of the following protocol is designed to provide the same level of security to wireless LANs as that of wired LANs?

WEP

WPA

3DES

802.11a

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is a protocol that was designed to provide the same level of security to wireless LANs as that of wired LANs. It was the original security protocol for Wi-Fi networks, but it is now considered to be weak and easily compromised. Despite its flaws, WEP was the first attempt at securing wireless networks and paved the way for more advanced protocols like WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access).

Explanation

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is a protocol that was designed to provide the same level of security to wireless LANs as that of wired LANs. It was the original security protocol for Wi-Fi networks, but it is now considered to be weak and easily compromised. Despite its flaws, WEP was the first attempt at securing wireless networks and paved the way for more advanced protocols like WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access).