IT Essentials Chapter 2 V5.0

Isopropyl alcohol is the recommended cleaning solution for cleaning the contacts of computer components because it is a highly effective solvent that evaporates quickly without leaving any residue. It is also safe to use on electronic components as it does not cause damage or corrosion. Using glass cleaner with ammonia, water with dishwashing liquid, or rubbing alcohol may not be as effective or safe for cleaning computer contacts.

Documentation of all services and repairs is an important organizational tool for a technician because it provides reference material for similar problems when they are encountered in the future. This allows technicians to easily access information about previous repairs and solutions, saving time and effort in troubleshooting and problem-solving. It also ensures consistency in the quality of services provided by the organization, as technicians can follow established procedures and best practices documented in the records. Additionally, documentation helps in knowledge sharing and training new technicians, enabling them to learn from past experiences and improve their technical skills.

Disk Management is the correct answer because it is a tool in Windows XP that allows a technician to initialize disks and create partitions. This tool provides the necessary functionality to manage the storage devices connected to the computer, including the ability to format, resize, and assign drive letters to partitions. It is a crucial tool for managing disk space and organizing data on Windows XP systems.

Spyware Remover and Antivirus Software are two types of tools that can help protect a computer from malicious attacks. Spyware Remover is designed specifically to detect and remove spyware, which is a type of malicious software that can gather information without the user's consent. Antivirus Software, on the other hand, is designed to detect, prevent, and remove various types of malware, including viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. By using these tools, users can significantly reduce the risk of their computer being compromised by malicious attacks.

Electrical storms and power lines are two significant sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI). Electrical storms generate high levels of electromagnetic energy due to lightning strikes, which can disrupt electronic devices and communication systems. Power lines also produce EMI as a result of the electrical current flowing through them, which can interfere with nearby electronic equipment. Both of these sources can cause disturbances and malfunctions in sensitive electronic devices, making them significant sources of EMI.

Pencil lead is conductive, meaning it can allow electric current to flow through it. When working inside a computer, there are sensitive electronic components that could be damaged if they come into contact with conductive materials like pencil lead. Therefore, using a pencil as a tool inside a computer can potentially cause short circuits or other electrical issues, leading to damage or malfunction of the computer.

A Phillips screwdriver is designed to loosen or tighten crosshead screws. The Phillips screwdriver has a cross-shaped tip that fits into the corresponding cross-shaped slot on the screw head. This design allows for better torque transfer, reducing the chances of slipping or stripping the screw head. Therefore, a Phillips screwdriver is the correct tool for working with crosshead screws.

When working inside computer systems, it is important to avoid using magnetized tools. Magnets can cause damage to the delicate electronic components within the computer, such as hard drives and circuit boards. The magnetic field generated by the tools can disrupt the data stored on the hard drive or interfere with the electrical signals on the circuit board, leading to potential data loss or system failure. Therefore, it is crucial to use non-magnetic tools to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the computer system.

A magnetic screwdriver could potentially cause data loss on hard disk or floppy drives because the magnetic field produced by the screwdriver can interfere with the magnetic storage medium of the drives. This interference can disrupt the alignment of the magnetic particles on the disk, leading to data corruption or loss.

A brownout refers to a reduced voltage level of AC power that lasts for an extended period of time. During a brownout, the voltage supplied to electrical devices is lower than the standard level, which can lead to dimming lights, slower appliance performance, and potential damage to sensitive equipment. Unlike a surge, which involves a temporary increase in voltage, a brownout is a prolonged decrease in voltage. A sag refers to a momentary decrease in voltage, while a spike refers to a momentary increase in voltage.

An inline UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) protects computer equipment against electrical power brownouts and blackouts by using a battery to supply a constant level of voltage. When the power supply from the main source is interrupted or drops below a certain level (brownout), the UPS immediately switches to the battery power, ensuring that the computer equipment receives a continuous and stable supply of voltage. This prevents any disruption or damage to the equipment that could occur during power fluctuations or outages.

The correct answer is System File Checker. This command-line utility in Windows XP scans the critical files of the operating system and replaces any files that have been corrupted. It helps to maintain the integrity of the system files and ensure that they are functioning properly.

The material safety data sheet (MSDS) provides detailed information about a hazardous substance, including instructions on how to handle, clean up, and dispose of it safely. It is a document that is required to be provided by the manufacturer or supplier of the product. It contains information about the chemical composition, physical and chemical properties, health hazards, emergency procedures, and more. Therefore, in this scenario, the technician would find the instructions on how to properly clean up and dispose of the cleaning solution in the material safety data sheet.

A hex driver is specifically designed to loosen and tighten six-sided bolts, also known as hex bolts. These bolts have a hexagonal head which can be easily gripped by the hex driver. The hex driver has a matching hexagonal socket that fits perfectly onto the bolt head, allowing for easy turning and tightening. This type of fastener is commonly used in various applications, including machinery, construction, and automotive industries.

The correct answer is "Do not spray the compressed air with the can upside down." This is because spraying the compressed air with the can upside down can release liquid propellant, which can damage the components of the PC. It is important to use a long, steady stream of air from the can to clean the PC effectively without causing any harm. Additionally, spraying the CPU cooling fan with compressed air to check if the fan blade is spinning freely is a good practice to ensure proper functioning.

To limit the chances of ESD affecting the workspace, three precautions should be taken. First, ensure antistatic mats are on the workbench and floor. These mats help to dissipate any static electricity that may be present. Second, wear an antistatic wrist strap. This strap helps to ground any static electricity that may build up on the body. Finally, keep all components in antistatic bags. These bags are designed to prevent static electricity from damaging sensitive electronic components.

Microwaves and cordless phones commonly affect wireless networks. Microwaves emit electromagnetic waves at the same frequency as Wi-Fi signals, causing interference and reducing the network's performance. Cordless phones, especially older models, often operate on the same frequency as Wi-Fi and can cause interference as well. External hard drives, home theaters, Blu-ray players, and incandescent light bulbs do not typically affect wireless networks.

Working in low levels of humidity increases the likelihood of ESD (electrostatic discharge) damage to a computer. Low humidity causes the air to become dry, which in turn increases the buildup of static electricity. Static electricity can easily discharge onto sensitive computer components, causing damage.

After using the internet, a computer may accumulate spyware, temporary files, and fragmented data, which can slow down its performance. Running a spyware remover helps to remove any malicious software that may be affecting the computer's performance. Running a defrag tool helps to reorganize fragmented data on the hard drive, improving access speed. Running a disk cleanup tool helps to remove temporary files, freeing up disk space and improving overall performance. Fdisk, a BIOS updater, and Device Manager are not directly related to improving the performance of a computer after using the internet.

Cleaning the inside of the computer while it is turned on can pose a potential safety hazard to a technician as it exposes them to electrical components and the risk of electric shock. Similarly, wearing a wrist strap while working inside a power supply is dangerous because it can lead to electrical shock if the power supply is not properly disconnected or if the technician accidentally touches live components.