CompTIA A+: Guide to IT Technical Support (Chapter 1)

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

You should back up any important data

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

You should not hold expansion cards by the edges

How many pins are used in a serial port?

9

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

DisplayPort & HDMI

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.)

-The keyboard cable(s) will need to be disconnected from the ZIF socket(s). -The keyboard bezel will need to be removed.

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.)

-The keyboard cable(s) will need to be disconnected from the ZIF socket(s). -The keyboard bezel will need to be removed.

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

24-pin

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

6-pin & 8-pin

Match each item with a statement below.

A diagnostic program built into a computer to test the hardware components before the computer boots up POST All wireless technologies are turned off resulting in no transmission or reception of wireless signals Airplane Mode The smaller form factor of the ATX. Its smaller size and reduced expansion ports helps reduce costs and power consumption Performs most of the processing for data and instructions for the entire system microATX A short-range wireless technology used to connect two devices in a small personal network CPU (Central Processing Unit) Smaller connectors for memory on laptops SO-DIMM The standard for computer expansion cards DIMM The connector for memory found on a motherboard Draws heat away from the CPU or other heat sensitive components so that it can be dissipated quickly Heat Sink Transmits digital video and audio. They are slowly replacing VGA and DVI ports on computers Display Port

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

BIOS & UEFI

Which statement is NOT a good practice when working inside a computer case?

Be sure to hold expansion cards by the edge connectors.

You are troubleshooting a laptop with multiple sticking keys that result in misspelled words while the user types. Other than several sticking keys, the laptop appears to be functioning properly. You have cleaned the keyboard with compressed air, but the problem persists. After removing one of the key tops, it becomes apparent that a liquid was spilled into the keyboard. Which of the following is the next step in resolving the issue of sticking keys?

Clean the keyboard keys with a contact cleaner.

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

ESD

Which statement is NOT true regarding motherboards?

Has a heat sink on the PCIe slots

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?

Have the user press the appropriate function key combination to enable the wireless radio and and then attempt to connect to the wireless network.

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?

Have the user press the appropriate function key combination to enable the wireless radio and then attempt to connect to the wireless network.

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

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

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

Monitor and Power Supply

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).

Port Replicator & Docking Station

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).

Port Replicator & Docking Station

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

Power down the system and unplug it

What is the connector called on a network cable that connects to an Ethernet port?

RJ-45

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

Service manual & User manual

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

When using a multimeter to measure voltage output