CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support - Ch 1

CPU (central processing unit)

Performs most of the processing for data and instructions for the entire system

SO-DIMM

Smaller connectors for memory on laptops

DIMM

The connector for memory found on a motherboard

microATX

The smaller form factor of the ATX. Its smaller size and reduced expansion ports help reduce costs and power consumption

PCIe

The standard for computer expansion cards

DisplayPort

Transmits digital video and audio. They are slowly replacing VGA and DVI ports on computers

Bluetooth

a short-range wireless technology used to connect two devices in a small personal network

How many pins are in the power supply connector that is typically used on most motherboards today?

a.) 20-pin b.) 24-pin c.) 8-pin d.) 15-pin

Sometimes an expansion board may have an extra PCIe power connector. This connector comes in what two different pin configurations?

a.) 4-pin b.) 6-pin c.) 8-pin d.) 8+1-pin

What two different types of firmware may be used on motherboards?

a.) BIOS b.) CEFI c.) UEFI d.) CMOS

What type(s) of port transmits both digital audio and digital video with a single connector? Select all that apply.

a.) DisplayPort DVI b.) HDMI VGA SPDIF

A technician needs to service a laptop computer that is experiencing an intermittent problem with the display. Which of the following will be most effective at helping the technician complete the work in a timely and efficient manner? (Select TWO).

a.) Provide the customer with a laptop to use while the failing unit is being repaired. b.) Document and label the location of the screws and cables before removing them. c.) Compare the system board display connections with a properly functioning laptop. d.) Organize and place all parts and screws and in one place. e.) Charge the laptop battery pack so it is ready to return to the customer with a full charge.

What are two resources that may be useful in disassembling a laptop computer?

a.) Service manual b.) Part brochures c.) User manual d.) Diagnostic software

When is it okay to touch the inside of a computer that is turned on?

a.) When disassembling the computer b.) When using a multimeter to measure voltage output c.) When reassembling the computer d.) When a qualified electronics expert or electrician is present

POST

A diagnostic program built into a computer to test the hardware components before the computer boots up

airplane mode

All wireless technologies are turned off resulting in no transmission or reception of wireless signals

heat sink

Draws heat away from the CPU or other heat-sensitive components so that it can be dissipated quickly

Which statement is NOT true regarding motherboards?

a.) Has a CPU socket b.) Has slots for DIMMs c.) Has a heat sink on the PCIe slots d.) Also called a system board

A user called to inform you that the laptop she purchased yesterday is malfunctioning and will not connect to her wireless network. You personally checked to verify that the wireless worked properly before the user left your office. The user states she rebooted the computer several times but the problem still persists. Which of the following is the first step you should take to assist the user in resolving this issue?

a.) Inform the user she will need to return the laptop so you can replace the internal Wi-Fi card and verify wireless functionality. b.) Have the user press the appropriate function key combination to enable the wireless radio and then attempt to connect to the wireless network. c.) Instruct the user on how to reseat the internal mini-PCIe wireless adapter and try to connect to the wireless network. d.) Ask the user to turn on the laptop's airplane mode and attempt to reconnect to the wireless network.

What acronym is another name for static electricity, which can damage chips and destroy motherboards?

a.) LCD b.) ESD c.) EMI d.) CRT

What connector has 4 pins, is used for older IDE drives and some SATA drives, and can provide +5 V and +12 V power outputs?

a.) Molex connector b.) SATA connector c.) PCIe connector d.) wP1 connector

What two devices in a computer should be considered "black boxes," and should never be opened due to risks involving charged capacitors?

a.) Monitor b.) Power supply c.) Hard drive d.) Video card

When handling a motherboard, cards, or drive, which statement is NOT accurate?

a.) You should not touch chips on the device. b.) You should not hold expansion cards by the edges. c.) You should not touch any soldered components on a card. d.) You should not touch edge connectors.

What tool can help discover and report computer errors and conflicts that occur when you first turn on a computer and before the operating system is launched?

a.) POST card b.) OS diagnostic programs c.) Power supply tester d.) Service manual

What is the component called that usually has a dual-voltage selector switch and has cables that connect to the motherboard and internal components?

a.) PCIe b.) HDD c.) DIMM d.) PSU

What is the second step in opening the case of a working computer?

a.) Press and hold down the power button for a moment b.) Back up important data c.) Power down the system and unplug it d.) Open the case cover

A technician has determined that a laptop keyboard will need to be removed in order to replace the laptop's CPU cooling fan. Which of the following steps will most likely be required before the technician can remove the keyboard from the laptop? (Select TWO.)

a.) The keyboard backlight will need to be toggled off by using the appropriate Fn keys. b.) The keyboard cable(s) will need to be disconnected from the ZIF socket(s). c.) The keyboard cable will need to be disconnected from the mini-PCIe slot. d.) The keyboard bezel will need to be removed. e.) The technician will need to remove the display assembly and system board.

Molly, an end user, connects an external monitor, external keyboard and mouse, and a wired network cable to her laptop while working in the office. She leaves the office frequently to meet with customers and takes the laptop with her. Disconnecting and reconnecting these external connections has become inconvenient. Which of the following devices will allow the user to disconnect and reconnect the laptop to the external connections with the least amount of effort? (Select TWO).

a.) USB to RJ-45 dongle b.) Expansion card c.) ZIF connector d.) Port replicator e.) Docking station

What is the very first step that should be taken when performing work with a computer?

a.) You should back up any important data. b.) You should ground yourself. c.) You should remove the power supply. d.) You should power down the system and unplug it.