2.1 ,2.2,2.3, 2.4

What is Standyby Power Supply(SPS)?

A standby power supply is an offline device that switches over to provide power when an undervoltage occurs. If the switchover is not fast enough, the computer loses power.

What is a grounding pin?

The bottom of a 3 pin socket.

How should you dispose of Laser Printer Toner cartridges?

Return to the manufacturer for recycling (to clean up spills, use a toner vacuum or a scoop and a damp cloth; never use a regular vacuum).

How should you dispose of Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) Batteries?

These are considered hazardous waste; take these batteries to either a household hazardous waste site or a recycling center.

You need to trace the route that a Cat 6 UTP cable takes through the ceiling and walls of your building. Which tool should you use?

A tone generator is used to trace a UTP cable through walls and ceilings. A tone generator is attached to one end of the cable. Then the probe is used to audibly trace the wire.

What are some basic safety tips before working on a computer?

*Any time you work around a computer or any electrical device, remove jewelry to prevent it from getting caught in equipment or from transferring an electrical charge to your body. *Be certain that the grounding pin of a 110 volt plug is intact. Power that comes from the wall is AC, or alternating current. It comes through at between 110 and 120 volts at 60 cycles per second. An alternating current coming out of a wall socket can be enough to stop your heart. *Never work on device until you've powered it down and unplugged it from the wall. *If you're working on a portable computer, you must first make sure that the battery is removed from the system.

What should you do while being professional?

*Get authorization to proceed before making any unexpected repairs or fixing items that were not part of the original problem, especially if the extra repairs result in an additional charge. *After you have fixed the problem, try it out (or let the client try it out) to make sure that other problems don't exist. *After the repairs are finished, provide the client with a detailed invoice of the work performed. Also include any manuals or documentation related to new hardware. *Ask the client if they would like to keep the failed components. *If necessary, take the time to briefly explain any new software or hardware that was installed. *If applicable, offer additional services or training that might be beneficial to the client. *If the problem is related to user error or is caused by actions taken by the client, tactfully explain the problem without accusing or judging the client. *Before leaving, make sure the client is satisfied that the problem has been resolved. For best client service and based on your company policy, follow up with the client at a later time to verify that the problem remains fixed. *If a request is outside of your ability or responsibility, help the client get in contact with the appropriate resources, such as another technician or an authorized manager.

How can you prevent ESD?

*Keep the relative humidity in the room at an ideal range of 35-70%, and temperature between 72-77 degrees. The key is to avoid dry air in the computer repair location to prevent ESD. *Use antistatic mats under the PC and on the floor which allows you to equalize the electrical potential between you and the PC system. *Discharge yourself before touching any computer component. *When touching anything inside the computer, wear an antistatic wrist strap that is attached to the metal PC chassis with an alligator clip . *Ground both yourself and the computer to the same ground. This provides a single path for the flow of electrical potential. *Use static-resistant materials to handle computer components. *Never touch the metal connectors on a circuit board. *Keep the computer repair location free of materials that accumulate electric charges, such as plastic and Styrofoam. Plastic and Styrofoam can build up a great deal of electrical charge in you that can subsequently shock your components. Keep plastic and Styrofoam away from your work area as much as possible. *Store sensitive components in static shielding bags, which are usually grey. It has an additional layer built into it underneath the plastic that absorbs electrical discharges as they occur. It dissipates the discharges around the component instead of letting them go through and hurting the component. Static-resistant bags are not nearly as effective. They are usually tinted pink or blue. *If a wrist strap is unavailable, keep your body in constant contact with the metal frame when working inside the computer to discharge yourself. *Unplug the system before working on internal components. Do not rely on the power cord for an electrical ground. *When you're handling an electrical component out of the computer, like a memory chip or a CPU, don't touch the gold or silver leads on the bottom of the component. On the expansion board card, don't touch the little tab connectors. The reason is that any static discharge goes through these leads traveling right into the heart of that component and probably shorting circuits. So don't touch the leads. *The higher the humidity, the less likely that an electrostatic discharge will occur. Dry air acts as a resistor and allows static electricity to build up. To keep static down, you should keep the humidity in your work area relatively high.

How do you show respect?

*Never argue with a client or become defensive. *Avoid accusing the client. Even if the client caused the problem, do not point fingers. *Ask before moving items on desks or making changes to computer systems. *Stay calm and avoid being judgmental or insulting. *Avoid distractions or interruptions, including texting and social media notifications. Don't take personal phone calls. Ask permission before taking work-related calls. *Do not browse files on computers that are not necessary or related to the repair. *Never complain about clients on social media platforms.

What do change order forms usually require?

*Purpose-Provide an explanation about why you wish to make this change to the project. *Scope-Define exactly what you wish to change and, if helpful, what you don't wish to change. *Plan-Provide a plan for implementing the change. This plan may include extending the project schedule, requesting additional resources, requesting additional funding, and any other impacts to the project. *Risk Analysis-Identify risks associated with the change. For example, allocating additional funding to the project may strain another project's budget. Adding a new member to a team may negatively impact the team's effectiveness as training the new member will cause stress and consume time. Explain why the risks you identify are worth taking, and present a plan for mitigating risks and avoiding problems. *Backout Plan-Present a plan for returning affected systems to their original state if your proposed change to a hardware or software implementation fails.

What should you be aware of when cleaning your computer?

*Regular cleaning gives you the chance to inspect all components. Look for worn or failed components. On electrical components, dark areas might indicate a burned-out component. *Prior to cleaning computer components, power down and unplug components and let them sit for at least 30 minutes to cool. *Use caution with liquid-based cleansers. Use small amounts and always apply cleaning solutions to cloths and cleaning instruments, never directly to component surfaces. *Dust buildup inside a computer acts as an insulator for internal components, trapping heat and preventing adequate cooling of components. Use: -Compressed air to blow dust off. -A non-static vacuum to remove dust. -A natural bristle paintbrush to wipe components off. *Use a small amount of denatured alcohol on a cotton swab to clean electrical connectors (such as those on expansion cards). *For LCD screens, use a lint-free dry cloth or a small amount of isopropyl alcohol (do not use window cleaner, ammonium-based cleaners, paper towels). You can also use special monitor-cleaning solutions or pre-packaged wipes with monitor-safe solution. *For a mouse with a roller ball, clean the ball and the roller contacts on a regular basis. *For keyboards, use a vacuum or compressed air. For keys that stick, use a lint-free cloth and/or cleaning swabs, lightly dampened, to gently wipe each key. *To clean a printer, use a damp or dry cloth. -On inkjet printers, use the printer's cleaning function to clean the print heads. -For laser printers, use an anti-static vacuum to remove excess toner. **A regular vacuum will build up an electrostatic charge from the toner. *On removable media devices, use: -Compressed air to blow dust and debris off of CD-ROM and DVD disc surfaces, out of drive bays, and off of drive heads. -Soft, dry lint-free cloths to wipe smudges off of CD-ROM and DVD disc media surfaces.

What should you be aware of when maintaining your computer?

*When receiving a new computer or component that has been shipped, let it sit for at least six hours (24 hours if it arrives in outside freezing conditions) before applying power. The rapid change in temperature can cause damage to components or can result in condensation within the computer. *Perform regular backups. Backups protect your data if a hard disk fails. *You can use covers and cases to protect some equipment from dust and liquid spills. Be sure to remove covers before use and replace after use. *Keep cables organized. Route cables to prevent them from being kinked or stepped on. For best results, use cable ties to bind and organize cables. *Verify that your system's cooling fans are blowing air through the system case in the correct directions. A fan blowing in the wrong direction can negate the airflow through the case and cause the system to overheat.

How do you create a storage space?

1. Add or connect the drives that you want to group together with Storage Spaces. 2. Go to the taskbar, type Storage Spaces in the search box, and select Storage Spaces from the list of search results. 3. Select Create a new pool and storage space. 4. Select the drives you want to add to the new storage space, and then select Create pool. 5. Give the drive a name and letter, and then choose a layout. Two-way mirror, Three-way mirror, and Parity can help protect the files in the storage space from drive failure. 6. Enter the maximum size the storage space can reach, and then select Create storage space.

What is interference?

Interference is a signal that corrupts or destroys regular signals. Interference affects signals used by two devices to communicate on a network. Listed below are two types of interference that affect computer networks: *Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) *Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)

What should you do with high voltage hazards?

Another good rule of thumb is to avoid servicing anything with high voltage. Do not wear an EST wrist strap around high voltage. If you are grounded, you become the path of least resistance for the current. If the current is high voltage, you are the path through which the high voltage current will flow.

What is a POST card?

A POST card is an expansion board that you insert into an expansion slot. It is typically used to troubleshoot a computer system that doesn't start up correctly. The POST card displays output from the BIOS during the Power-On Self-Test (POST).

A technician is troubleshooting a computer that doesn't start up correctly. Which of the following tools could the technician use to troubleshoot the computer?

A POST card is an expansion board that you insert into an expansion slot. It is typically used to troubleshoot a computer system that doesn't start up correctly. The POST card displays output from the BIOS during the Power-On Self-Test (POST). Known good spares are a set of components that you know are in proper functioning order such as a power supply or an expansion card. A three-pronged parts retriever is used to grasp and retrieve small parts that have fallen into areas that are difficult to reach. A tone generator and probe are used to trace a wire from one location to another, especially through the walls of a building. A loopback plug is used to test network communications by redirecting a signal from the transmit port on a device to the receive port on the same device.

What is a Time Domain Reflectometer(TDR)?

A TDR is an electronic instrument that uses time domain reflectometry to characterize and locate faults on metallic cables like twisted pair wire or coaxial cable. It can also be used to locate discontinuities in a connector, a printed circuit board, or any other electrical path. If you're working with optical fiber, use an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR).

What is a cable tester?

A cable tester verifies that a network can carry a signal from one end to the other and that all wires within the connector are in the correct positions. Most testers have a single unit that tests both ends of the cable at once. Many testers come with a second unit that you can plug into one end of a long cable run to test the entire cable. You'll mainly use this on cables you've made or repaired. The numbers on the tester correlate to the one through eight pins of the cable. A cable tester can be a very simple, inexpensive device which tests for continuity within your network cable. It can also be a very expensive device, like a time domain reflectometer (TDR).

What makes a capacitator hazardous?

A capacitor's ability to store a charge raises a safety concern that other electrical components don't share. Power coming out of a wall is stored in a capacitor in the power supply unit. Even after the power supply unit is unplugged from the wall, a capacitor can hold a charge for up to whole seconds instead of milliseconds. It's important to use caution when working with the power supply. If you're not a trained technician, consider the power supply a field-replaceable unit (FRU). Do not service it. Just replace it with a new one.

What is a change board?

A change board is a predetermined group of people who have the power to accept or reject proposed project changes. It may include managers, project managers, or even the CEO.

What is a Combination Ratchet/Screwdriver?

A combination ratchet is a ratcheting handle with interchangeable bits that provides multiple features in a single tool. Bit ends can be replaced with Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, hex sockets, and torx (star-shaped) bits. The ratcheting handle allows you to drive the screw without repositioning the driver. Most computer components use Phillips head screws.

How many volts does it take to damage a CPU?

A computer component, such as a memory chip or a CPU, can be damaged by an electrostatic discharge as small as 100 volts or less. When you hear 100 volts, it sounds like a lot. We're used to dealing with 110 volts from our wall outlets, so smaller DC voltages of 12, 5, or 3.3 volts, inside the PC makes 100 volts sounds like a lot.

You are an IT technician for your company. One of your employees has a computer that continually reboots when it is powered on. He has asked you to fix it. You suspect that the power supply may be failing. Which of the following is the BEST way to determine whether the power supply is causing the reboots?

A failing power supply can cause the computer to continuously reboot. For example, pin eight on the power supply connector connects to the power good wire on the motherboard. If power disappears from that wire, the motherboard shuts down. If power quickly reappears on that wire, the system may attempt to come back on by itself, which causes the symptom of continual reboots. Using a multimeter allows you to verify the amount of voltage supplied by the power supply. You could replace the power supply, but it is best to test the original power supply first, as other issues may be causing the reboots. A running fan is not a good indication of a properly functioning power supply, since the fan may be running, but the power supply is not supplying the correct voltage for other components to run properly. Some BIOS may have a POST beep code that can give you a clue about a failing power supply, but this is not a reliable method for determining that the power supply is bad and needs to be replaced, and you may not have spare power supplies on hand to use.

What is a line conditioner?

A line conditioner modifies the power signal to remove noise and create a smooth alternating current (AC) signal.

A printer is behaving erratically, and you suspect a faulty parallel port. Which tool can you use to test the parallel port?

A loopback plug allows an output signal to be returned as input. Loopback plugs are used to test serial and parallel ports.

What is a Loopback Plug?

A loopback plug is used to test network communications by redirecting a signal from the transmit port on a device to the receive port on the same device. Use the loopback plug to verify that a device can both send and receive signals. You use loopback plugs to test ports to identify if any network or NIC issues exist. To test a port, you insert a loopback plug into the port. If the light goes on, your port is good. Also, a loopback plug can be attached to a physical connection on the back plane of your computer. It sends any data that comes out of the connection back in. If the data sent is identical to the data returned, then you know the device is working properly.

What is a Multimeter?

A multimeter is a device that tests various electrical properties. For example, most multimeters can measure: *AC and DC voltage *Current (amps) *Resistance (ohms) *Capacitance-the ability of a component to retain a charge when the power is off. *Frequency Some multimeters include a voltmeter feature. A voltmeter is an instrument you can use for measuring electrical potential difference between two points in an electric circuit. Analog voltmeters move a pointer across a scale to show the voltage of the circuit. Digital voltmeters display a numerical value of the voltage by using an analog-to-digital converter. Multimeters also measure simple continuity, which is the connection made between one end of the cable and the other.

What is a power supply tester?

A power supply tester is a custom multimeter used to test output from a PC power supply. The power supply tester has multiple connectors to test the output for each connector type. A power supply tester is a version of a multimeter. You can use either instrument to test your equipment. You use a power supply tester to make sure the correct voltage is coming out of your computer system's power supply. It is specifically designed to test DC voltage on most connections coming from a PC power supply. To test a power supply using the power supply tester, connect the power cable to the tester. Turn on the tester.

What does a surge suppressor do?

A surge suppressor conditions power so that overvoltages don't reach devices.

What is a Three-Pronged Parts Retriever?

A three-pronged parts retriever is used to grasp and retrieve small parts that have fallen into areas that are difficult to reach.

What is a tone generator and a probe?

A tone generator and a probe lets you trace a wire from a wall drop, which is an RJ-45 network jack, to a wiring closet. The tone generator emits a tone as it goes along the wire and is picked up by the probe. That's how you know which wire you are looking for. To use a tone generator and a probe, insert the tone generator RJ-45 connector into your data wall jack. Then go to your wiring closet. Move the probe over each wire in a bundle or over the patch panel until you hear the tone generated by the tone generator.

A maintenance worker accidently nicks a bundle of network cables routed to multiple wall jacks in a conference room. Only one of the cable's wires are severed. A technician is tasked with replacing the cable. Which of the following tools would the technician MOST likely use to identify which wall jack connects to the severed cable?

A tone generator and probe can be used to identify the wall jack connected to the severed wire. The tone generator can be attached to the severed wire, and the probe will sound when it is brought close to the connected wall jack.power

What is an IC Insertion and Extraction Tool?

An IC insertion and extraction tool is used to add or remove integrated circuit chips that are used on motherboards and some computer components. For example, on some motherboards, you can use the IC insertion and extraction tool to change the BIOS chip. An IC extractor is a tweezer-like tool, usually spring-loaded in the open position, used to remove integrated circuit chips.

Which of the following tools can help prevent damage when working with computer components?

An antistatic pad provides an insulated covering to prevent static electricity from moving between objects and damaging computer components. When working with computer components, use a wrist strap connected to the antistatic pad and connect the pad to a ground.

What is an Antistatic Pad/Wrist Strap?

An antistatic pad provides an insulated covering to prevent static electricity from moving between objects and damaging computer components. When working with computer components, use a wrist strap connected to the antistatic pad and connect the pad to a ground. ESD damage occurs when stored static electricity is released and travels from your body into a conductor, such as the computer being repaired. The ESD wrist strap safely channels the static electricity to a proper ground, usually the computer's case. An ESD wrist strap is typically used with an ESD table mat on the workbench or a static dissipating plastic laminate on the workbench.

What is an extension magnet?

An extension magnet is a small magnet on a collapsible rod. Use the extension magnet to retrieve screws that have fallen into a computer case or other areas you cannot reach. As an alternative to a magnet, use an extension tool with retractable prongs. Just be careful as you work with any magnetized tool, because they can damage computer parts.

What is an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)?

An uninterruptible power supply is an online device that is constantly providing battery power to the computer and being recharged by the wall outlet. There are two types of UPS systems: *An online UPS constantly powers the computer from the battery. Because an online UPS uses the battery constantly, it wears out really fast. You have to replace either the UPS or the battery inside the UPS frequently. But if you need the best protection, it's worth the cost. *An offline UPS powers the computer from the wall power. When the power fails, a switch inside the UPS switches to power the computer from the battery. This is the most common form of UPS. An offline UPS has one critical disadvantage: the power switches from the wall current to the battery. During this switch, there's a millisecond of time when the system doesn't receive any power. There's usually enough power stored in the PC's power supply to keep the system running for just a few milliseconds while the power switches over. But if your power supply is too small for your system and it's barely keeping up with the demand, you could have a problem. That's why many companies use an online UPS for really critical systems, like servers. *UPS size is measured by the volt-amp (VA) rating. The capacity of the UPS determines the number of devices and how long the devices can run when power is interrupted. *When purchasing a UPS, purchase one with enough battery power to power only critical devices such as the computer and a single monitor. *To reduce the amount of power required by the UPS, do not plug non-critical devices in to the UPS. *Laser printers require more power than most UPS systems are capable of providing. For this reason, you should not connect a laser printer to a UPS. If you must provide power to a laser printer, get a dedicated UPS for that device. *The UPS connects to the power source (usually a wall socket), the computer plugs into the UPS, and the UPS is connected through a serial or USB port to the computer. Software on the computer uses this connection to monitor battery life and to detect when the regular power is lost. You can configure the software to shut the system down automatically when the battery charge reaches a certain level. You usually need to configure the following settings when working with UPS software: -Time to wait before sending a warning to clients -Time to wait before beginning a shutdown -Name of programs or commands to run during shutdown *In addition to providing power when the power is lost, most UPS systems also condition the line and remove power spikes and sags. *Most UPS devices sound an alarm when the AC power is lost. This alarm continues until AC power is restored, although many UPS devices have a switch to mute the alarm. **During certain conditions, such as an electrical storm or when the power supply is constantly going up or down, you might need to unplug the computer to protect it. Simply turning it off might still damage the components because some power remains supplied to the system. In the case of an electrical storm, keeping the system plugged in leaves it susceptible to power spikes.

How should you dispose of printer cartridges?

Another environment issue is printer cartridges. Printer cartridges go dry or run out of toner. If your organization has a lot of printer cartridges, you're going to have a stack of old ones in a very short time. In most communities, these empty printer cartridges should be recycled. Also, most manufacturers accept the empty cartridges back from you, refill them, and then resell them. This reduces landfill waste, provides the manufacturer with a cheap source of empty cartridges, and provides you with a source for less expensive printer cartridges. You can usually purchase a recycled printer cartridge for about half the price of a brand new one.

How do you dispose of monitors?

Another issue is old monitors, specifically cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors. CRT monitors are loaded with hazardous substances. In addition to hazardous substances, they also retain a large electrical charge. Even though you've had a monitor sitting unplugged in the closet for six months, there's a capacitor inside that retains a very hefty AC charge, up to 20,000 volts. Don't take your old monitors and just throw them in the garbage. It's probably illegal where you live and it's not a good idea to throw them in the landfill. Check with your local city offices to see where you can take old monitors.

What are thermal hazards?

Another safety consideration is thermal radiation or heat. Devices inside a computer generate heat, in particular, the CPU and memory. Allow a system to cool down before you work on it. Some components can get hot enough to cause a severe burn. A heat sink or a heat spreader in a device indicates you should let that device cool down before you touch it. These devices present a definite safety hazard.

What is an MSDS?

Any component that presents a potential hazard ships with its own Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). An MSDS explains, among other things, what you should do if you come in contact with an electrical component that's potentially dangerous to you. An MSDS also explains how to properly dispose of equipment. For example, an alkaline battery can be disposed of in the trash, a NiCad battery cannot.

How should you dispose of cleaning solutions?

As a PC technician, you may not work with a lot of different types of cleaning solutions. However, you'll probably work with denatured alcohol. Denatured alcohol is a great solvent for cleaning computer components and cases. In most communities, it's against the law to pour denatured alcohol down the drain. Make sure you consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for proper handling, storage, and disposal of each product you work with.

How should you handle environmental laws?

As a PC technician, you'll come into contact with materials that need to be disposed of in a specific manner. Most communities have laws that dictate the kinds of substances and materials you put in the common trash and the types of materials you must dispose of in another way. Environmental laws vary around the nation, be sure to check your local laws that affect computer parts and cleaning solutions. Doing this will protect you and your organization from costly fines.

Timothy works in the graphic arts departments and has received approval to upgrade his video card. The card has arrived, and you are ready to begin the upgrade. To ensure your personal safety, which of the following should you do FIRST?

Before you begin any internal service on a computer, you must always be sure that the computer is completely disconnected from the power source. Not removing power can lead to serious harm or death. After the power is disconnected, you should remove any jewelry. Doing this eliminates the possibility of accidentally getting any electronic discharges. Placing the computer on an ESD mat and using safety glasses would also be beneficial, but the first thing you should do is disconnect power.

How should you handle cleanliness?

Clean hardware regularly to avoid problems caused by built-up dust. Use compressed air to clean delicate components. Use a specialized vacuum to clean dust from other hardware. Avoid blowing dust into other hardware or all over your office.

What are common computer cleaning supplies?

Common computer cleaning supplies include: *Lint-free cloth *Compressed air or an air compressor *Small anti-static vacuum *Denatured or isopropyl alcohol

How can you communicate effectively?

Communicate effectively. *Understanding both your and your client's expectations is very helpful. *Use clear, concise, and direct statements. *Ask the client open-ended questions so the client will talk about the issue and you can gather information. *Allow the client to speak and avoid interrupting.Clarify client statements—restate what the client said and ask pertinent questions. *Take notes on complicated or important information. *Avoid using jargon, abbreviations, and acronyms. *Take time to explain technical terms and issues in a simple way. *Clearly explain the problem and any repair options. Be sure to explain the advantages, disadvantages, and cost of a repair. *Set realistic expectations for finishing work—when in doubt, overestimate.

What is a blackout?

Complete power failure. A blackout is a complete loss of power. Blackouts happen when there's a short, a tree or high winds knock down a power line, or a transformer blows out.

The fan in a 450-Watt power supply is malfunctioning. What action should you take?

Dangerous voltages can remain inside power supplies, even when they are unplugged. Do not attempt any repairs on a power supply except completely replacing the power supply unit.

What is Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)?

EMI is interference that affects wired networking signals. *EMI is caused by motors, heavy machinery, and fluorescent lights. *Use shielded twisted pair cable to protect signals sent on Ethernet twisted pair cabling. If necessary, use fiber optic cables to eliminate the effects of interference.

Should you eject an optical disc with a paper clip?

Ejecting an optical disc with a [straightened] paper clip is an acceptable way to remove a disc if the drive door won't open.

How should you prepare for fires?

Every room in which you work should be fire suppressed. At a minimum, you should have a Class C fire extinguisher available to you. Class C fire extinguishers are made for electrical fires. Make sure fire extinguishers and fire suppression methods (e.g., sprinklers) are properly implemented and maintained.

What are some peripheral hazards?

First is laser printers. Some laser printers use laser light that can damage your eyes. They also use toner, which is toxic if inhaled. Toner is fused, or melted, onto the paper by fuser rollers. During the process, the fuser rollers get very hot and are definitely a safety hazard. The parts of a laser printer that manage the paper path can be complicated and fast. Those parts present another safety hazard within a laser printer. Impact dot matrix printers can also present a hazard. The solenoids, the little coils in the print head, get hot enough to burn you. Next, DVD and CD drives write data with laser light that can damage your eyes. Fiber optic cables also use light that can damage your eyes. Never look down the end of a fiber optic cable. Shine the light into your hand or look for a red dot. Do not look into the cable.

How do you set up a UPS?

First, plug it into the wall outlet. Most UPS documentation says to charge the UPS for 12 to 24 hours before you use it. When the battery is fully charged, plug a server or workstation into one of the protected outlets on the UPS. Many UPS devices have five, six, or seven outlets, but only two outlets are protected by UPS power. The rest are conditioned power. The conditioned power outlets act as a surge suppressor. If you plug your system into one of these other outlets, you're not going to have any backup battery power, so make sure you plug the PC into a protected outlet.

You work for a company that provides payroll automation software to its clients. You are creating a program that will automate payroll tasks for small businesses with few employees. You are on track to meet your deadline for the project, and you anticipate having a lot of money leftover in the project budget. Mid-project, you receive a call from the human resources manager at MakeStuff, a company that will use the small-business payroll software. The manager informs you that MakeStuff has decided to offer its employees a 401k investment option and asks whether the small-business payroll program can automatically manage 401k investments. Currently, the project plan does not include that function, but you believe making the addition would be valuable to your business. You are worried about requesting permission to add this functionality for two reasons. First, the deadline for this project is very close, and it cannot be moved. Second, you have created software that automates flexible savings account management, but you haven't automated 401k investments before, and you know they are more complicated. You must fill out a change order form to request this change. Select the best option for each portion of the form.

Given this scenario, the best course of action is to request to add an automated 401k management function to the program you are developing for small businesses. It would be best to hire a contractor for three reasons: your deadline is close, it cannot be moved, and you have a lot of extra money in your budget. You can afford to pay a contractor, and that will help you both create the new feature and meet your deadline. This course of action minimizes risk because you already know that you are creating a feature your customer wants, you already know you have extra money to pay the contractor, and a contractor working outside the office will have little impact on relationships or morale within the company. However, the main risk is that using up the extra budget could result in going over budget if there are problems with the project. It is a best practice to regularly save copies and backup copies of all data. A back out plan could be reverting to the version of the software if there are major problems adding the 401k management feature. Adding flexible savings account management is an easier option, but it doesn't give MakeStuff the functionality they requested, so this course of action doesn't produce much value. This scenario gives no indication that all clients desire 401k management, so trying to provide that function to all clients is outside the scope of the solutions necessary to meet MakeStuff'ss requirements.

What does the voltage setting do?

In this screen, we essentially define what a power event is. We specify a high and low voltage threshold. Normal utility voltage is between 115 and 120 volts. If the AC utility voltage goes above 139 volts, we're going to go on battery because we're assuming that some kind of spike is coming down the line, and we don't want that. However, if the voltage drops below a certain value (in this case, 92 volts), we're going to assume that we're dealing with a brownout of some type.

What is the approval process?

If the change board approves your change request, then the change is proposed to the end user, usually a customer, for approval. Ensure that you receive written approval from all necessary parties to protect yourself and others from misunderstandings and their expensive and destructive effects. Once all parties approve a change, all of the documents associated with a project must be updated to reflect the change, including the project plan, budget, allocated resource documentation, and any other projects the change affects.

How do you remove a drive from a pool?

If you created a pool in Windows or upgraded an existing pool, you'll be able to remove a drive from it. The data stored on that drive will be moved to other drives in the pool, and you'll be free to use the drive for something else. 1. Go to the taskbar, type Storage Spaces in the search box, and select Storage Spaces from the list of search results. 2. Select Change settings > Physical drives to see all the drives in your pool. 3. Find the drive you want to remove and select Prepare for removal > Prepare for removal. Leave your PC plugged in until the drive is ready to be removed. This could take several hours, depending on how much data you have stored there. (4. Optional) To speed up drive preparation, prevent your PC from going to sleep. Select Start > Settings > System > Power & battery > Screen and sleep. Next to When plugged in, put my device to sleep after select Never. 6. When the drive is listed as Ready to remove, select Remove > Remove drive. Now, you can disconnect the drive from your PC. Note: If you run into problems when you try to prepare the drive for removal, it might be because you don't have enough free space in the pool to store all the data from the drive you want to remove. Try adding a new drive to the pool that's as large as the drive you plan to remove and then try again.

What should you keep in mind with Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems?

Keep temperature between 70 and 74 degrees to prevent components from overheating. Keep humidity between 40 and 70 percent to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD). Make sure server rooms have separate ducting or HVAC systems from the rest of the building for better temperature control. Use positive pressure systems. Positive pressure systems protect the air quality in the facility by causing air to be forced out through doors, windows, and other openings. Negative pressure systems draw air in, potentially bringing in airborne particles such as dust or smoke. Positive pressure systems are more energy effective. In areas with heavy smoke or dust, add filters to air intake systems to filter out airborne particulates.

What are Known Good Spares?

Known good spares are a set of components that you know are in proper functioning order. If you suspect a problem in a component, swap it with the known good component. If the problem is not resolved, troubleshoot other components. Examples of using this strategy are: *Changing the cable connecting a computer to the network *Connecting a different monitor to a computer *Replacing an expansion card It is important to keep extra good working computer equipment available. A valid troubleshooting method is to replace the suspected bad equipment with equipment that you know is good. Replacing parts can help you narrow down problems on your system.

What is a mirror space?

Mirror spaces are designed for increased performance and protect your files from drive failure by keeping multiple copies. Two-way mirror spaces make two copies of your files and can tolerate one drive failure, while three-way mirror spaces can tolerate two drive failures. Mirror spaces are good for storing a broad range of data, from a general-purpose file share to a VHD library. When a mirror space is formatted with the Resilient File System (ReFS), Windows will automatically maintain your data integrity, which makes your files even more resilient to drive failure. Two-way mirror spaces require at least two drives, and three-way mirror spaces require at least five.

What should you keep in mind with magnetic fields?

Magnetic fields located close to a computer can cause undesired effects or even data loss. *Hard drives use magnetic charges to store data. While hard disks are shielded and protected from all but the strongest magnets, getting a magnet too close to these components could erase data. *Speakers, motors, and generators contain magnets (keep sensitive components away from these devices). *Solid state storage devices (such as RAM or flash drives) are not affected by magnetic fields.

To improve the safety of your location and to comply with regulations regarding work environments with hazardous materials, you have been assigned to assemble Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals used in your shop. How should you obtain these documents?

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are written and made available by chemical manufacturers. You can download them from the manufacturer's website or request them from a company representative.

Which of the following components requires special disposal procedures to comply with environmental guidelines?

Ni-Cad, NiMH, and other notebook battery types can contain regulated materials. Read the battery's documentation for a description of correct disposal procedures. Incorrect disposal can result in serious fines. While using special recycling services when disposing of computer components is environmentally friendly, most locations do not have laws regarding the disposal of most common components.

What can you do to make a good first impression?

One of the best things you can do is make a good first impression. First impressions set the tone for the rest of your interactions. If you show up late, disorganized, and disheveled, you might give the impression that you're unprofessional and inconsiderate. To make a good first impression, make sure you arrive on time and prepared—"have everything you need for the job and know what questions you need to ask the client. Dress professionally, and make sure you follow company dress codes. When you meet a client, introduce yourself and ask permission before you enter their home or office. This shows you respect them and their space. Address them by their appropriate title and be sensitive to any cultural differences between you.

What is a spike?

Overvoltage that lasts milliseconds

What is a surge?

Overvoltage that lasts seconds. In either case, instead of getting 110 or 120 volts from a wall outlet, you get a surge of extra volts. It doesn't happen very often, but it can, especially if there's a lightning storm.

What are parity spaces?

Parity spaces are designed for storage efficiency and protect your files from drive failure by keeping multiple copies. Parity spaces are best for archival data and streaming media, like music and videos. This storage layout requires at least three drives to protect you from a single drive failure and at least seven drives to protect you from two drive failures.

What is Radio Frequency Interference (RFI

RFI is interference on the radio channel used by wireless networking devices. RFI can be caused by nearby wireless devices using the same channel, cordless phones, or microwave ovens. Wireless networks that use the 2.4 GHz frequency range (801.11b and 802.11g) are susceptible to RFI. You can reduce RFI by using a wireless networking standard that operates in the 5.75 GHz range or using a different channel for wireless devices.

How should you dispose of Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries?

Recycle these; NiMH batteries are considered a non-hazardous waste in most U.S. States, with the exception of California.

How should you dispose of lithium and lithium ion batteries?

Recycle these; lithium batteries are considered a non-hazardous waste.

How should you dispoes of Alkaline batteries?

Recycle, if possible, otherwise dispose of alkaline batteries as your local laws require. For example, in some states, you can throw them in the regular trash. In California, it is illegal to throw them in the common trash. They are considered hazardous waste and are supposed to go with the household hazardous waste collection for special recycling.

How should you dispose of Inkjet Printer cartridges?

Recycle; you can return the cartridges to the manufacturer for recycling or recycle them yourself.

What is a simple space?

Simple spaces are designed for increased performance, but don't protect your files from drive failure. They're best for temporary data (such as video rendering files), image editor scratch files, and intermediary compiler object files. Simple spaces require at least two drives to be useful.

Why do some people in the industry say to leave the system plugged in while you work on it?

Some people in the industry will tell you that it's a good idea to leave the system plugged in while you work on it. They say that because it creates a perfect ground. It may be a perfect ground but if the power supply were to have a fault or a problem that allowed current to go through the components to which you are grounded, you could get a nasty shock. If you can't get this wrist strap off fast enough, you're going to have some problems. Even when the system is turned off, it still supplies a continuous current to the motherboard. If you have a case with a power supply that is plugged in but the system is off, you might think you're safe, but you're not. There is still a current going through the system. Granted, on the motherboard side of the power supply it is DC current and it probably won't hurt you that much. But if the power supply were to have a fault and was leaking AC current to the system, you would still be in trouble. So as a general rule of thumb, unplug the system before you start using a static mat.

What is static electricity?

Static electricity is the accumulation of a friction-caused electric charge on a non-grounded object. The static charge on the surface of a non-grounded object can jump when it contacts the surface of any grounded object. This electric discharge is known as electrostatic discharge (ESD). ESD can be very destructive to a computer. A static charge is created whenever two objects come into contact with each other and then separate. When the objects separate, one of the objects can steal electrons from the other object, negatively charging the first object. The object that lost electrons becomes positively charged. These two objects now have different charge levels. An electrostatic discharge occurs when two objects with the different charge levels come together. If an object that has a high positive charge comes into contact with another object that has a high negative charge, the charge from the object with the higher electrical potential flows or jumps to the object with the lower potential. The result is an electrostatic shock.

What are storage spaces?

Storage Spaces helps protect your data from drive failures and extend storage over time as you add drives to your PC. You can use Storage Spaces to group two or more drives together in a storage pool and then use capacity from that pool to create virtual drives called storage spaces. These storage spaces typically store two copies of your data so if one of your drives fails, you still have an intact copy of your data. If you run low on capacity, just add more drives to the storage pool. This feature was originally introduced in Windows 8.x and let you group different types of drives, such as traditional rotating platters hard drives and Solid State Drives into a single storage pool, which then you can use to create "storage spaces". Storage Spaces are technically virtual drives that appear in File Explorer as normal local storage, and each storage space you create can be less, equal, or greater to the amount of the physical capacity available in the storage pool. Storage Spaces support some drive technologies, including ATA, SATA, SAS and USB drives. Getting started with the feature only requires one or more drives, in addition to the drive where you have Windows installed. For example, if you have three drives of 100GB each, you could only use two to create a "storage pool". Once you have a new pool, you can create a 200GB virtual drive that represents the total amount of space available, or you can provision and create a 1000GB virtual drive (storage space). Of course, if you have a storage space of 1000GB that was created in a pool with 200GB of available physical storage, you can only store 200GB worth of data. However, as the drives begin to fill up, you will be notified to add more drives to accommodate more available space. Also, you're not limited to one storage space per storage pool; you can create as many spaces as allowed by the available space. While you can create storage spaces of virtually any size, each time you create a new virtual drive, you will be using a small portion of the physically available storage, and eventually, you will run out of space as you keep creating more storage spaces.

How do you know which systems to use a UPS on?

That depends on your organization's values and needs. In some organizations, all the PCs need to be protected, so each server and workstation has its own UPS. For other organizations, the workstations aren't critical, but the data on the servers is absolutely critical, so they'll install a UPS on just the servers because they're running a web server that customers use to purchase products, or maybe a database where users save information. Either way, you need to decide which systems need to be protected, and which ones don't. Then you need to decide between two types of UPS systems.

How should you dispose of PC monitors?

The disposal of old PC systems is another environmental concern. One of the great ironies of the modern information age is the fact that this PC system that you bought a year ago for $3,000 might be worth about $25 today. As a PC support tech, you're probably going to find yourself throwing away a lot of old PC systems, but don't throw them in the trash. As with batteries and monitors, it's probably illegal to throw the PC system in the common trash. The power supply in the PC system should be discharged and recycled. The good news is that with a PC system, there's a lot of precious metals inside. There are companies around that recycle these systems to extract the gold, silver, and other precious metals that are inside the PC. They'll pay you, although not much money, to give them your system so they can pull the metal out of them. Most PC systems have about $5 to $20 worth of precious metals. Check with your local environmental management office to find out what the laws are regarding disposal of your old PC. Ask them if there is a recycler who will take your old system, extract the valuable metals out of it, and dispose of the rest in a manner that meets local laws.

How should you dispose of batteries?

The proper disposal of batteries can be confusing. Disposal guidelines vary for different batteries. For example, in most states you can throw alkaline batteries in the regular trash, but in California, you can't. They are considered hazardous waste and should be disposed of with the household hazardous waste collection for special recycling. The disposal of laptop and notebook batteries are an environmental issue also. Most laptop batteries today are lithium ion batteries. However, some are nickel cadmium and nickel metal hydride batteries. The problem with these types of batteries is that they go bad relatively fast. They don't often last more than a year or two. If you're servicing or supporting notebook systems, you'll find that you're replacing batteries for your users frequently. The question is what do you do with the old ones? In most communities, it's against the law to throw these batteries in the common trash because they're loaded with toxic chemicals. They need to be disposed of in the manner dictated by your local community. Contact your local environment management office to see if there's a recycling facility available. If there isn't, find out what they recommend you do with these old batteries, but don't dump these in the trash.

Your U.S.-based company has recently purchased an old office building where employees are being assigned to work. As you are setting up the employees' desktop computers, you come to one location where the nearest wall outlet has only two prongs. All of the metal-enclosed desktop computers have three-prong cords. Which of the following is the BEST way to proceed with that particular desktop computer?

The third, or middle, prong of a computer plug is the grounding prong. In the event of a malfunction, the electricity flows through the grounding prong to the earth which, in turn, trips off the breaker, removing all electricity from that outlet. If the grounding prong is removed or bypassed and a malfunction occurs, the electricity will find the next shortest path to the earth, which may be a person who touches the computer. Having the electricity pass through a person could cause serious harm or even death. You should never remove the third grounding prong or use an adapter to bypass the prong. Find a different outlet that uses three prongs.

How does ESD happen?

The threat of ESD begins when the fragile components (including the processor, hard drives, memory, motherboard, and expansion cards) inside the computer are exposed. You can cause damage simply by placing a fingertip too close to a component inside an open computer case. ESD charges can travel through wires and into components, where the wires can explode or fuse together, causing the components to fail. ESD can cause immediate failure of components or could gradually degrade components, causing only intermittent problems. It takes very little ESD to damage a component. A discharge of as little as 10 volts can damage a component, but 3,000 volts or more of ESD must occur before you can even feel it.

How should you dispose of button batteries?

These are considered hazardous waste because they contain mercuric oxide, lithium, silver oxide or zinc-air. Return to manufacturer, recycle, or contact local authorities for disposal procedures.

What are the sensitivity settings?

This is where we specify the circumstances when we want the UPS to kick in. Remember that your UPS not only protects your system from power loss, but also from electrical noise. So, if the UPS detects enough electrical noise on the input power coming from the utility company, it can shut that off and use battery power in order to protect your equipment. We have three different levels of sensitivity. Low causes the system to switch to battery power less frequently. But it could, as it notes here, allow greater voltage distortions to reach your computer, which could potentially damage your equipment. Medium is a good setting because it switches the system to battery power when moderate amounts of voltage distortions hit the computer. If you want maximum protection against electrical noise, you can select High. Be warned, however, that almost all utility companies have a certain degree of voltage distortion coming in through the AC power line. Depending on your utility company, the high setting could cause the system to go onto battery constantly. That's why medium is usually selected by default

What is a brownout?

Undervoltage that lasts seconds (lights dim). Brownouts happen when there's too much demand on the electrical grid and there isn't enough power for everyone who wants to use it. The decrease in voltage lasts for several seconds. The power doesn't go out completely, but the lights dim.

How can you configure the UPS to work with your PC system and make sure it shuts down cleanly before you lose all your battery power.

To configure automatic shutdown, we'll connect the management cable, usually a USB or serial cable, from the UPS to the PC system. The management cable allows communication between the UPS and the operating system running on the computer. Using this cable, the operating system can monitor the state of the battery, see how much charge the battery currently has, see if the battery is charging correctly, and send shutdown commands to the operating system. After the cables are connected, we'll load drivers that can communicate with the UPS on the PC. So, when the UPS loses power, the UPS will send a signal through the serial cable to the drivers running on the PC. And then the system will respond according to its configuration.

You suspect that the power supply in your desktop PC is failing. You want to use a multimeter to test the power supply. Which multimeter setting should you use?

To measure the output of a power supply, measure DC voltage. A power supply converts AC voltage to DC voltage and supplies the DC power to computer components. AC is the voltage input for a power supply. To measure the input, measure the power from the wall socket. An ohm is a measure of resistance used to check the properties of a resistor. Multimeters can measure amps, but do not measure watts.

Which of the following will help reduce the threat of static discharge when working on computer hardware? Touch the leads on the PC components with your finger to dissipate any static charge. Place your hardware on an insulating layer of 1/4 inch Styrofoam. Remain in physical contact with the server chassis at all times. Leave the system plugged into a grounded wall outlet. Store unused components in static shielding bags. Reduce the humidity in the room to around 30%.

To reduce the threat of static discharge when working on PC hardware, you should: Store unused components in static shielding bags. Remain in physical contact with the server chassis at all times. Reducing the humidity would increase the likelihood of a static discharge. Leaving the system plugged into a grounded wall outlet may theoretically reduce the likelihood of a static discharge, but it's also extremely dangerous and should never be done. Always unplug your systems before working on them. Using Styrofoam near computer components increases the build up of static electricity and should be avoided. You should never touch the leads of a component. If a static discharge occurs, the current is carried directly to the most sensitive parts of the component.

What is a change order form?

To request permission to make a change, you must submit a change order form to a change board. A change order form is a document used only to request permission to make changes to a project.

What is a sag?

Undervoltage that lasts milliseconds

What effect does a surge protector have an a computer?

Using a computer without a surge protector could lead to computer damage, but doesn't have any effect on your personal safety.

You work for a store that sells and repairs computers. Due to the room's layout, while repairing computers, you must walk from one side of the carpeted room to the other frequently. Which of the following would BEST protect you from static electricity buildup?

Walking across a room, especially on carpet, will generate static electricity on your person. Discharging this electricity to a computer component may damage that component. Under these circumstances, it is best to use an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap to ensure proper grounding.

What are the runtime options on a UPS?

We have two different options here: we can preserve battery power or just keep the system running as long as possible. There's two different things involved here. Keep my computer on as long as possible says, basically, if a power outage occurs, run on battery until we are down to about five minutes left in the battery capacity, then initiate a shutdown. It's set to five minutes because sometimes it takes a few minutes for a computer to go all the way down. We want to make sure that there's plenty of time for the shutdown to occur because there's no point in having a UPS if it runs out of battery in the middle of the shutdown process. You're almost guaranteed to end up with corrupted files somewhere in the system if it goes down in the middle of a shutdown process. The other option is 'preserve battery power', Instead of keeping a system running as long as possible, with this option we're saying, Please shut down this computer after it's been on battery backup for a very short amount of time. In this case, it's set to five minutes. So, if we have a power event and the power does not come back on within five minutes, this computer system's going to shut down.

Which of the following are safe methods of lifting heavy objects? Bend at the waist. Use a lifting strap around the object and your neck. Pull up with your arms. Bend your knees with your back straight. Lift with your legs.

When lifting heavy objects, bend your knees, keep your back straight, and use your legs to lift objects. The other lifting methods listed may cause serious injury.

To prevent ESD when replacing internal computer components, you attach an anti-static wrist strap to your wrist. Where should the other end be fastened?

When using an anti-static wrist strap, you should connect the wrist strap to yourself and the other end to a ground such as the clip on the anti-static mat, or to an area on the computer case so that you and the computer are at the same electrical potential. Never connect the wrist strap to a power outlet, power supply, or ground on a power source.

What do you need to create a storage space?

You need at least two extra drives (in addition to the drive where Windows is installed). These drives can be internal or external hard drives, or solid state drives. You can use a variety of types of drives with Storage Spaces, including USB, SATA, and SAS drives.

What is a surge protector?

Your first line of defense against data loss is a surge protector. A surge protector protects against overvoltages by switching a device off before an overvoltage can damage it. *A power strip provides multiple power outlets from a single plug-in, but is not necessarily a surge protector. *Surge protectors can be destroyed by surges and lose their ability to protect. *Consider using a surge protector with an indicator light to show whether it is working correctly. Surge protectors and suppressors filter power surges before they reach your system. Suppressors condition the power, keeping too much from reaching the device; protectors detect the surge and turn the device off before damage can happen. These devices are good, but they only protect you from surges. Surge protectors don't protect you from power sags, brownouts, or blackouts.

What are some physical hazards?

Your physical surroundings are another component of safety. Arrange the room that you work in to eliminate physical hazards. Use proper cable management and don't leave wires on the floor. Don't leave components in places where coworkers can trip over them. Be aware of personal safety for yourself and those around you.

Should you plug your monitor into a UPS as well?

here's an ongoing debate as to whether you should plug your monitor into your UPS as well. You can. But just be aware that it cuts down the estimated battery time because monitors draw a lot of power. It's not as big a deal today with LED and LCD monitors. But if you use a plasma monitor or a CRT monitor, be warned that they draw a lot of electrical power. The one thing that you should never, ever, connect to a protected power outlet on your UPS is a printer, especially a laser printer. That's because laser printers have heating elements that consume a huge amount of electricity and drain the UPS battery very quickly.