Hardware Chapter 1 & 2
The PCIe Version 4.0 transfers data up to _____GB/sec for ______ lanes.
32 ; 16
Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) is a computer bus used for attaching hardware devices in a computer. How many megahertz do PCI adapters run at?
33MHz
What configuration can you find for PCIe slots?
PCIe card slots are commonly configured as x1, x4, x8, and x16 representing the number of lanes used for input/output. Some slots may be configured to run differently.
What is the component called that usually has a dual-voltage selector switch and has cables that connect to the motherboard and internal components?
PSU- The PSU or Power Supply Unit has a dual voltage switch, for using 115V or 220V and connects to the motherboard, expansion cards, and drives through cables.
What is the connector called on a network cable that connects to an Ethernet port?
RJ-45 A RJ-45 connector connects a network cable to a network port.
Computers and equipment can be affected by minimal amounts of voltage. What is the minimum voltage required to damage a computer chip?
200V
The terminology used to describe a possible path to a resolution to a problem from one end to the other is called what?
Linear approach
Which of these devices holds working data and application codes?
Memory
Serial ports send data in series through the COM ports. Which serial communication standard is most widely used?
RS-232
Where would an information technology professional obtain information about a hazardous substance they work with?
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
True or False: In order to troubleshoot computer problems effectively, an IT professional needs to know how a computer is supposed to work and what components may fail.
True
True or False: The component which allows the display, keyboard controller, mouse, or a port to communicate with the computer through the motherboard is the adapter card.
True
Video card color depth is measured using _________, and resolution is measured using _______.
bits, pixels
What two different passwords can be set to lock down a computer from unauthorized access?
user password & supervisor password
How many pins are in the power supply connector that is typically used on most motherboards today?
24-pin - The 24-pin P1 connector is the main motherboard power connector used today.
Sometimes an expansion board may have an extra PCIe power connector. This connector comes in what two different pin configurations?
6-pin & 8-pin Video cards draw a lot of power and newer systems can provide more power than what comes through the PCIe slot. 6-pin configurations are common.Correct. Video cards draw a lot of power and newer systems can provide more power than what comes through the PCIe slot. 8-pin configurations are common.
How many pins are used in a serial port?
9 - 9-pin ports are called DB9 or serial ports. Serial ports have been largely replaced by USB ports, but can still be found on routers and other hardware.
Serial and parallel ports are used to communicate with the motherboard. Which type of port would be identified as serial?
A communications port - The main difference between a serial port and a parallel port is that a serial port transmits data one bit after another (faster), while a parallel port transmits all 8 bits of a byte in parallel. Thus a parallel port transmits data much faster than a serial port.
Information technology professionals provide many services for customers. When fixing a potential problem, it is important to prevent it from occurring again. If a client deleted or modified a file inadvertently, which action could you take to prevent reoccurrence?
Add security or permissions to the file.
A DB-15 port , also called a VGA port. Is this an analog or digital port?
Analog
The basic input-output system, which serves as software stored on the ROM chip of the motherboard, is called?
BIOS - responsible for managing essential devices (keyboard, mouse, hard rive, & monitor) before OS is launched, starting the computer and managing motherboard settings.
Which of the following programs allows the POST to occur?
BIOS - responsible for managing essential devices (keyboard, mouse, hard rive, & monitor) before OS is launched, starting the computer and managing motherboard settings. [POST diagnostic card- is great help in discovering nd reporting computer errors and conflicts that occur after you first turn on a computer but before the OS is launched. To fully understand POST card you need to know about the firmware.
Where do today's computers store almost all motherboard configuration data?
CMOS RAM
Within the motherboard chip set there are two chips which comprise the largest part of the motherboard; these are the North and South bridges. The North Bridge is responsible for communication with which of the following?
CPU to Memory - the northbridge is an integrated circuit responsible for communications between the CPU interface, AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port), and the memory. Unlike the Southbridge the Northbridge is directly connected to these components and acts like a "bridge" for the Southbridge chip to communicate with the CPU, RAM, and graphics controller. Today, the northbridge is a single-chip that is North of the PCI bus. When the CPU needs data from RAM, a request is sent to the northbridge memory controlle
Which setting can be configured via the BIOS/UEFI screen?
Change Boot sequence
What are the features of a Power Supply for a computer? Select all that applies
Convert AC to DC; Has a voltage selector; Has to be compatible with the computer form factor
When working inside a computer, one of the most important tool is a ground bracelet, which prevents against ESD. ESD stands for _________________which is another name for static electricity which can damage chips and motherboards.
Electro Static Discharge
If you notice distortion in a monitor display in a work environment with multiple pieces of equipment, the distortion caused by adjacent equipment is called what?
Electromagnetic Interference
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?
Molex connector - The Molex connector is a 4-pin connector use for older IDE drives, some newer SATA drives, and extra power to video cards. It can provide +5 V and +12 V power.
What two devices in a computer should be considered "black boxes," and should never be opened due to risks involving charged capacitors?
Monitor & Power supply A monitor may have charged capacitors and contain enough power to kill you, so you should never open it unless you have been specifically trained. This is why it is referred to as a "black box."Correct. The power supply may have charged capacitors and contain enough power to kill you, so you should never open it unless you have been specifically trained. This is why it is referred to as a "black box."
Where must virtualization be enabled for VM (virtual machine) software to work?
Most computers require that virtualization be enabled in the BIOS/UEFI.
Which type of device port would be used to attach a modem to your computer?
Serial (think: RJ-11 ; modem port)
The processor cooler is made up of a fan and the heat ________
Sink
Which statement is NOT true regarding Coffee Lake chipsets?
The Coffee Lake LGA1151 socket is backwards compatible with earlier generation processors.
Which motherboard slot should you install a new high-end graphics card in?
The PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot (PCIE2: x16 mode) would make use of all data lanes and would be the best choice.
What two different types of firmware may be used on motherboards?
UEFI & BIOS Basic Input/Output System or BIOS is the older firmware that is responsible for managing essential devices (such as the keyboard, mouse, hard drive, and monitor) before the OS launches, starting the computer, and managing motherboard settings.Correct. Unified Extensible Firmware Interface or UEFI is the newer firmware that is responsible for managing essential devices (such as the keyboard, mouse, hard drive, and monitor) before the OS launches, starting the computer, and managing motherboard settings.
When is it okay to touch the inside of a computer that is turned on?
When using a multimeter to measure voltage output - Using a multimeter to measure voltage output is the only exception to touching the inside of a computer that is turned on. Even then, you should be very careful to avoid shock.
What is the very first step that should be taken when performing work with a computer?
You should back up any important data - Always back up important data before working with a computer. If you have a problem, you may not be able to recover the data.
Motherboards may contain which of the following ports on the I/O panel?
· Multiple USB ports · PS/2 mouse and keyboard ports · RJ-45 LAN port · Video ports (HDMI, DVI, or DisplayPort) · eSATA ports may be found on the I/O panel
When handling a motherboard, cards, or drive, which statement is NOT accurate?
·You should not hold expansion cards by the edges. Holding expansion cards by the edges is the correct method of handling.
Which statement is NOT a good practice when working inside a computer case?
Be sure to hold expansion cards by the edge connectors. - You should hold expansion cards by the edges, but never touch the edge connectors or soldered components unless it is absolutely necessary. This helps prevent static electricity and reduces corrosion caused by fingerprints.
A computer case for any type of computer is sometimes called the _ and it houses the power supply, motherboard, processor, memory modules, expansion cards, hard drives and other drives.
Chassis
his is the 8th Generation Intel Chipset that began shipping at the end of 2017.
Coffee Lake
The hardware configuration settings saved between reboots of the computer are stored in what location?
Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) - where a motherboard store its data in flash memory-retains data even when the computer is turned off because it is charged by a nearly lithium coin-cell batter; system date and time being incorrect is indication battery is getting weak.
What type(s) of port transmits both digital audio and digital video with a single connector? Select all that apply.
DisplayPort & HDMI
SATA cable connections have seven pin cables that connect the motherboard to storage devices. Currently, SATA is at revision 3.3 and is a hot-swappable technology. What does the term hot-swappable mean?
Drives can be removed and added while the system is running
Repetitive motion is a concern among computer users. The prevention of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is called _____________?
Ergonomics
True or False: As a CompTIA A+ certified professional you are obligated to provide your customer confidentiality. While working on a computer you find something illegal, so you do not report it.
False
True or False: The solid-state storage medium for a computer is called Small Computer System Interface (SCSI).
False
The LGA1150 socket works with the 5th and 4th generation chipset and connects to the motherboard by the array of pins located at the bottom of the CPU.
False - LGA VS PGA LGA = Land Grid Array: Intel has this for all its current sockets; these sockets have blunt pins that project up to connect with lands on the bottom of the processor. PGA = Pin Grid Array: socket has holes and processor will have pins to fit that socket holes
True or False: SATA is a technology that allows you to connect hard drives to the system. It has a direct connection to the motherboard which does NOT support hot swapping technology.
False - SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment or Serial ATA) [Default 3.3V] an interface standard used mostly by storage devices. To attach SATA drive to a motherboard, you need a data connection to the motherboard and a power supply connection. SATA cables can only connect to a SATA connector on the motherboard in one direction. SATA drives get their power from a power cable that connects to the drive using a SATA power connector.
The programming code contained in the hardware chip which acts as a link between hardware and software is the ________.
Firmware - programs and data stored on the motherboard
The motherboard _________ factor determines the size of the board and its features that make it compatible with power supplies and cases.
Form
Motherboard ____________ describe the dimensions of the motherboard and the layout of the motherboard components. This is important because motherboards are not interchangeable.
Form Factor - determines the size of the board and its features that make it compatible with power supplies and cases. ATX, microATX, mini-ATX are popular
Which statement is NOT true regarding motherboards?
Has a heat sink on the PCIe slots - PCIe slots do not have heat sinks. PCIe slots are for expansion cards. If an expansion card requires additional cooling, then the expansion card may contain a heat sink. Heat sinks may be found on top of the CPU with a cooling fan.
The A+ examination requires you to understand bus architectures. As you work you will be installing a number of network cards, sound cards, and video cards. Which of the following is a downfall of Peripheral Component Interconnect?
Has fixed width of 32 bits - PCI comes in four varieties: 32-bit 33MHz, 32-bit 66MHz, 64-bit 33MHz, and 64-bit 66MHz All motherboards today use a 24-pin P1 connector. extra 4 pins on the 24-pin P1 connector provide +12 volts, +5volts, & +3.3 volts - Conventional PCI slots transfers 500MB/sec. the standard has been replaced by PCI Express
Which of the following would NOT be necessary when opening the cover of the computer?
Have deionized water available
A network port, also called a(n) _______ port is used by a network cable to connect to a wired network. Select all that applies.
RJ-45 ; Ethernet
Which of these devices is responsible for taking alternating current from a wall socket and converting it to direct current that is usable by the computer component?
Power Supply Unit
Technicians need to know the operations and configurations of the motherboard and components. When installing processor chips, how is a chip installed in a "zero insertion force" (ZIF) socket?
Pull up on the insertion lever
Which of the following is the first step in identifying a problem with the computer system?
Question the system's user
A SFF board is used in low-end computers and home theater systems. The boards are often used with an Intel Celeron or Atom processor and are sometimes purchased as a motherboard-processor combo unit. In this description, SFF stands for _________.
Small Form Factor
A _____________ is a rectangular shaped object with pins or pads used to connect the processor to the motherboard and has a mechanism to hold the processor in place. It is compatible with the processot it serves.
Socket
Which of the following contains the computer circuitry?
System board aka Motherboard: the largest & most important circuit board in the computer.
Which of the following is the most important concept you can use to promote good ergonomics?
Take frequent breaks
Michael is a new IT professional in your shop. He is troubleshooting a laptop and finds he needs to enter the date and time every time the system boots up. He asked you what you think the problem may be. How do you reply?
Tell him to replace CMOS battery
What has occurred if you see the message, "Chassis Intruded! System has halted." the next time you start your computer?
The intrusion detection alert feature in the BIOS/UEFI was triggered by opening the locked case.
What acronym is another name for static electricity, which can damage chips and destroy motherboards?
·ESD- Electrostatic discharge or ESD is another name for static electricity. ESD can damage chips and destroy circuit boards, including motherboards