Hardware

Network interface card (NIC)

A component, sometimes built into and sometimes plugged into the motherboard, that provides network connectivity.

Heat sink

A computer component that attaches to a chip (such as a CPU) that disperses heat and prevents overheating.

Gaming consoles

A computer system specifically built to be operated by a gaming pad instead of a keyboard and mouse. Gaming consoles are also referred to as gaming box or video game console.A gaming console includes the major computer components, such as CPU, GPU, RAM, an operating system, disk storage, etc. These components, however, are designed to work best with games and the high graphics capabilities required by these games.Another difference is that gaming consoles often use a high-definition TV for its screen or display. Example of gaming consoles include, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Wii.

Hybrid laptop devices(2-in-1)

A computer that caters to the needs of both tablet and laptop users. Hybrid laptops provide a touchscreen and other tablet-style conveniences, but also provide an operating system and keyboard.Hybrid laptops are often referred to as "2-in-1" devices. These systems have several advantages. They: Can run standard laptop operating systems. Have laptop type processors. Have a touch screen that provides an dimension not available on a standard laptop.

Peripheral

A device, usually external to a computer, that is plugged into a computer's communication port or is connected wirelessly. Common peripherals are keyboards, mice, monitors, speakers, and printers.

Touch screen

A display device that allows a user to interact with a computer by touching, tapping, and swiping areas on the screen.

x86 processors

A family of processors manufactured by Intel and AMD that use a common instruction set (list of commands that the processor can execute).

Advanced RISC Machines (ARM) processors

A family of processors most often used in smartphones due to its lower power requirements. This is accomplished by reducing the processors' instruction set.

An employee submitted a support ticket stating that her computer will not turn on. Which of the following troubleshooting steps should you take first? (Select two.)

Make sure the power cord is plugged into the wall. Make sure the surge protector is turned on.

Storage Troubleshooting

Storage Errors To keep your computer running smoothly, a good guideline is to keep at least 10 percent of your hard drive free. The more cluttered your computer is, the more difficult it will be to access files quickly. If your computer's storage is full, you may notice the following: Your computer runs more slowly than normal Your computer freezes or crashes You aren't able to save files You get storage errors when trying to complete actions Troubleshooting Storage Errors A common reason you might be experiencing storage errors is that your hard drive is full and needs to be cleared out. There are several ways to fix this. Delete Unneeded Files If you have files that you know you no longer need, you can simply delete them from your hard drive. Once you've finished deleting files, empty the Recycle Bin. The computer won't free up memory space on your hard drive until you've done so. The Recycle Bin is a safety measure that prevents you from accidently deleting something you didn't mean to delete. Anything in it can be retrieved until you empty it. Not all kinds of files take up the same amount of space. Video and audio files typically take up the most space, followed by image files, and finally by documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. Keeping this in mind can help you prioritize which files to delete. For example, it usually takes deleting many document files to free up the same amount of space as a single image or video file. If you don't wish to delete these large files, you can move them off your hard drive onto an external device, such as a flash drive, an external USB, or an SD card. You could also move them to a cloud storage service. Uninstalled Unneeded Programs Uninstall any programs that you're no longer using. Many programs require a great deal of space on your hard drive, and so uninstalling unnecessary programs can be a great way to clear up space quickly. Use Windows Disk Cleanup Windows has a utility called Disk Cleanup that can help you find ways to free up extra space on your hard drive. If you're running low on space, Windows may automictically prompt you to use Disk Cleanup. But you can also run it manually by searching for disk cleanup in the search bar. You will see a list of things that you could possibly delete, such as unneeded temporary files, downloads, or things in the Recycle Bin, along with how much space you could gain by deleting each category of files. Simply click the checkbox to the left of each category you want to delete and press OK when you're done. Using External Storage Take the following steps to use an external storage device.Examine the flash drive or other media and figure out what kind of slot it requires. Many of these require a simple USB port. Make sure that you have one of the proper ports on your computer. If not, you might need to secure an adaptor to assure that the media can interact with your computer. Place the external media into the matching port and wait for the computer to recognize it. Many operating systems play a brief series of tones to indicate when a new device has connected with the computer. Open up a File Explorer window and look on the left-hand side to see if you can find your device's name. Click on the device's name and you'll see the files and folders already on the external media. After these steps, it's simply a process of locating the files you want to transfer on your computer and dragging them into the window that represents your external media. Depending on how large the transferred files are, you may need to wait anywhere from a few seconds to a minute or two for the files to transfer onto the external device. Once the transfer has completed, you need to safely eject the external storage from your computer. Do not simply remove the device from the computer without ejecting it first, as this can cause data loss. In Windows, you right-click on the device's name and then select Safely Eject Device. A dialogue box will appear to tell you that the device has been safely ejected, upon which you can safely remove the device from its slot. Verifying Fixed Storage Errors To verify that you have fixed memory errors, you can take the following steps:Try saving a large file (such as an image or video) on your hard drive. If no memory storage errors appear, you've likely cleared up enough space on your computer.Reboot your computer and try to run several programs at once to see if your computer stalls or crashes. If the computer runs more smoothly, you've likely cleared up enough space on your hard drive. Troubleshooting Hard Drive Errors Another reason you may run into storage issues is that your hard drive itself is having trouble and might need to be repaired or replaced. Hard drives are delicate, complex things that require specialized knowledge and equipment to repair. So, you should not attempt to directly repair a hard drive yourself. If your drive is failing, there are certain steps you can take to try to preserve your data. Step 1: Listen for strange sounds that your hard drive is making. If your hard drive makes clicking or grinding noises when it starts up, this is a major warning sign that indicates a mechanical problem (your drive will almost certainly fail soon). If you hear the "hard drive death rattle," immediately back up your files to another device. Step 2: Turn off your computer and keep it off. If you think your hard drive is failing, turn off your computer and keep it off. A failing hard drive can accidently write over data that you didn't mean to erase. The best policy is to keep the hard drive off until you can get it repaired. Step 3: Check the internal connections and cables. All hard drives have certain cables that supply the drive with power and other cables that relay information to and from the drive. After putting on an anti-static bracelet, you can open your computer and make sure that both the power and data cables are securely inserted and that none of the cables are damaged or frayed. Step 4: Call a licensed technician to preform repairs. Call a licensed technician, and be sure to tell them the information you gained in the previous steps and the troubleshooting steps you've taken with the cords. If problems persist, it may be that the best option is to simply replace the hard drive altogether. Verifying Hard Drive Functionality If you've repaired or replaced your hard drive, you should test it out to make sure things are running smoothly. Do the following: Boot up your computer and listen for sounds. If your hard drive boots up without extra beeps, scraping, grinding, or clicking sounds, this is a good sign. Run various programs and try to save files. If you're able to run multiple programs without stalling and crashing and you're able to save files, this is an indication that your hard drive is working properly. Replacing a Hard Drive Once you've secured a new hard drive, you can follow these steps to replace it. Make sure your computer is completely powered down and that you're wearing an anti-static wristband to prevent damage to your computer through static electricity buildup. Open your computer's case according to manufacturer instructions. Locate the hard drive and remove the power and data cables from the drive. See if the hard drive is kept in place by small screws. If so, unscrew these before sliding the drive out of its bay. Plug in the power connectors first for the new drive and then the data cords in the order suggested by your new hard drive's documentation. Slide the new hard drive into the bay and secure it with the screws if necessary. Finally, replace the case on your computer.

Which of the following voltages from an ESD discharge would be the minimum to short a computer's hardware components?

100 volts

Which of the following is primarily operated by a touchscreen?

Tablet

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Identify the problem When identifying the problem, resist the urge to start fixing things. To identify the problem: Ask the user to describe the problem or symptoms, check for error messages, or recreate the problem. Establish what has changed. Most often, problems are caused by new hardware, software, or configuration changes. If necessary, ask users to recall what might have changed from the time the software worked and the time it didn't. Remember to inquire about environmental and infrastructure changes that could be relevant. Review system and application log files. Attempt to duplicate the problem. If multiple problems exist, tackle each one separately. 2. Research Check knowledge base articles, network topology diagrams, the internet, and any other sources that may provide helpful information. 3. Back up the system Before making changes to the system, back up user and system data (or make sure a recent backup exists). While some changes can be made without affecting user data, you should back up data to protect against unintentional data loss caused by making changes. 4. Identify possible causes and a theory of probable cause Check for simple, obvious, and common problems first. For example, check power cords, connectors, and common user errors.Consider if there are other ways to approach the problem. Dividing and conquering is also a good thing to consider at this stage. This means attempting to isolate the cause of the problem.For example, if a computer cannot access a server, divide and conquer by first checking to see if the computer can access a different server. You could also check to see if others are able to connect to the server in question. 5. Test your theory Test your theory to verify the cause of the problem. If your theory is not correct, examine other possible causes (return to the previous step). If the problem is caused by a simple thing such as an unplugged system, you can safely take actions to resolve the problem. If the cause is not a simple one, identify the necessary steps to correct the problem. If you cannot identify the cause of the problem, or if it is beyond your ability or responsibility to fix, escalate the problem. Escalation means turning the problem over to someone who's responsibility it is to solve it or who has more skills and knowledge in solving issues. When escalating the problem, be sure to detail the actions you took and the information you have discovered to this point. 6. Create an action plan Create an action plan that will address the most likely problem, the steps that will be required to fix the problem, and the resources needed. For example, depending on the specific problem, you may need a plan to fix or repair some component. In other cases, it may be best to replace a component, such as a bad network interface card.The plan of action should also take into consideration how much it will cost to fix and determine if it's worth fixing. If it is not worth fixing, you may want to ignore the issue or find some other way to solve the issue.As you prepare the plan of action, be sure to account for side effects of the proposed plan. For example: Will the fix result in significant system downtime? Is the resolution best left for other times of the day? Is there a temporary solution that should be implemented immediately? When side effects have been weighed and all concerns have been addressed, fix the problem. 7. Test the solution When you test the solution, do the following: Ensure that the problem is fully resolved and that implementation did not cause any new problems. If necessary, take additional actions to prevent the problem from happening again. 8. Ensure satisfaction After the problem is fixed, ensure the customer's satisfaction and explain what you did to fix the problem.If possible, have the user perform the task. This will help ensure that the user understands and accepts that the problem has been resolved. 9. Document the solution and process Documenting the solution and process provides you with a record of what the problem was and what you did to solve the problem.In the future, you can check your documentation to see what has changed or to help remember the solution to common problems. Documenting will save you time when troubleshooting problems.

Cooling

A computer's Central Processing Unit (CPU) can get very hot while processing data. Due to this, the CPU may damage itself or other components if not properly cooled. To combat overheating and excessive power use, computers are equipped with cooling systems that regulate the temperature to allow for maximum performance. In recent years, CPUs have substantially decreased in size while exponentially increasing in power. Because of this, cooling methods have become an increasingly critical part of new CPU designs, leading to new and enhanced technologies. Common cooling technologies include the following. Heat Sink A heat sink is a term for a component that disperses heat from another object. In computers, a heat sink attaches to a chip (like a CPU) and prevents it from overheating by transferring its heat to a fluid medium such as air or liquid. Often, air cooling is used with a heat sink to help move heat away from the CPU. The performance of the heat sink can be affected by many factors such as air velocity, material choice, and fin design. Because of the bulky size of a heat sink, laptops typically use heat spreaders instead of heat sinks for cooling. Heat spreaders are installed next to a large flat surface. Heat spreaders do not cool the CPU themselves, rather they spread the heat from the CPU out against the large flat surface to allow the heat to dissipate. Heat spreaders have no fins or fans like the heat sinks below which makes them ideal for slim laptops. Air Cooling Air cooling is currently the most common method of cooling. By integrating fans in series (placed on top of one another) or in parallel configurations (side by side), they are able to efficiently move hot air out of the system. Air cooling doesn't require piping elements, tubing, or cables and is typically a cheaper option. Traditional air cooling does come with a few downsides, however. Fans that are used for cooling are not as efficient as other cooling technologies such as water cooling. Also, fans are often large and loud. Water Cooling A liquid-cooled system places a water-cooled heat exchanger near the heat source. This exchanger then removes the heat and reduces the air temperature. Because of water's higher density, liquid cooling can efficiently absorb heat. Water cooling also provides lower power consumption. Fan speeds are decreased because they don't have to move a large amount of air. This also lowers the system's noise levels and power consumption. Active-Liquid Heat Sink Active-liquid heat sink (ALHS) designs have become popular because they do not use external liquid pumps that are typically found in liquid cooling systems. An ALHS system is composed of a liquid heat sink, internal liquid pump, a fan, and a radiator that all actively pump cooled liquid in and out with no help from an outside pumping system. This space-saving design integrates the liquid heat sink and pump, eliminating the housing and reducing the overall dimensions of the cooling system. When ALHS is compared to liquid-cooled, heat pipe, and air-cooled systems, it consistently has the best thermal performance. Immersion Cooling Immersion cooling (IC) is an advanced system of cooling in which the coolant is in direct contact with the CPU. This type of cooling offers a high heat transfer that quickly reduces the temperature of the CPU's surface. Some IC technologies spray very fine droplets of de-ionized water directly onto the CPU, cooling the surface through a combination of thermal conduction and evaporation. Typically, the spray mechanism is activated only when the temperature of the CPU reaches a certain level. Immersion cooling can make changing computer components more complicated. For example, if you were to replace a memory module, you would have to pull out the tank and let the liquid drip out before you remove and replace the memory. This requires extra time and cleanup. Also, systems with IC cannot have any moving parts, such as spinning-disk hard drives.

Which CPU type would MOST LIKELY be found in a smartphone?

ARM

Thunderbolt

An interface primarily used on Apple computers that connects a monitor to a computer and can also provide DC power.

Resistive Touchscreens

As their name implies, resistive touchscreens rely on the resistance, or pressure, that's applied to the screen itself. They consist of two thin layers of transparent material. The top layer is made of flexible plastic film, and the bottom layer is typically made of glass. Each of these layers is coated in indium tin oxide, which is a transparent material that conducts electricity. The layers are kept apart by tiny bumps called spacer dots, which prevent the top layer from sagging and creating false touches. When a user presses on the touchscreen with a finger or stylus, the flexible top layer bends down and touches the glass layer. This creates a change in voltage at a specific coordinate on the screen, which the computer can then interpret as an input. cheaper to manufacture fewer accidental touches can sense any object touching the screen better survival against heat and water

Which of the following are optical storage devices? (Select three.)

BD DVD: CD

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communication technology used by many devices. It uses radio waves that operate between 2.4 and 2.485 GHz. Most Bluetooth devices have a range of about 30 feet. Bluetooth is able to operate without a direct line of sight between devices. This means there can be an obstruction between devices such as thin walls. This versatility has made Bluetooth the short-range communication method of choice for devices like wireless headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice, smart watches, printers, and game controllers.

Which of the following should an electrical engineer be proficient in using?

CAD software

Which hardware component processes data?

CPU

Which of the following computer components is the MOST important part of any modern computer?

CPU

Which of the following is the MOST important skill for a PC technician?

Customer service

If a folder exists on an NTFS partition, which permission is needed by a user who needs to set security permissions on the folder?

Full Control

File System Features

Compression A way of making data consume less storage space. For example, if an uncompressed file has fifty zeros in a row, a compression algorithm could encode the data as fifty zeros instead of recording each individual zero. Compressed files are much more efficient than uncompressed files. Encryption The process of converting information so that it cannot be understood without a key to convert it back (de-encrypt it). Encryption is used to prevent unauthorized access. By encrypting files containing sensitive information, the computer prevents unauthorized people from accessing sensitive information stored on the computer. Permissions The actions (read, write, move, delete, etc.) users can perform on a file. File systems use an Access Control List (ACL) to specify which users can perform which tasks for each file and folder in the system. Journaling The process of noting in a change log every time a file changes. Journaling helps prevent data loss in the case of a power outage or other system malfunction. Size limitations The maximum file size a file system can support. This is a problem only for old file systems. For example FAT32 had a maximum file size of 4 gigabytes.Modern file systems have limitations that are so large it's impossible that a single file would ever approach the limit. The NTFS file system used by Windows, supports a maximum file size of 16 exabyte's. That's enough space to store every single YouTube video in a single file. Naming rules The character set that a files system allows for filenames. For example, NTFS reserved for special purposes the characters \ / : * ? < > |. It doesn't allow these characters in file names.The ext4 file system, by contrast, allows all character except / to be used in a filename. Most file systems reserve characters like \ / : for system use. File sharing The ability of users to allow other users to perform specified tasks (such as read or write) to files. File sharing can usually be accomplished more efficiently using the cloud. Most file systems allow users to share folders saved on their hard drive with users who are connected to the same local network.This type of file sharing is known as Peer-to-Peer (P2P) sharing. Microsoft Workgroups are a form of P2P. It can facilitate collaborative team projects. A drawback to local file sharing is that access is cut off when someone powers off the system that has the shared file.P2P can also be used to share files online. To do this, you install peer-to-peer software (such as Gnutella, Xunlei, Bittorrent, etc.) and use it to locate and share files.If you are not using cloud sharing, the best solution is to set up a network share, which is a shared folder on a network server that is always available.

Jeff has been asked to replace a monitor on a workstation. Which of the following device interfaces could he use to connect the new monitor?

DVI

Abby wants a high-end computer system for her home office that can be upgraded. Which of the following should she choose?

Desktop

Which of the following devices would be easiest to repair?

Desktop computer

You have just connected a new USB device to your Windows system. You used the installation disc that came with the device to install the drivers needed to support the device. After the installation, the system frequently crashes when you try to access the new device. Which of the following steps would MOST likely resolve this issue?

Download and install the latest driver from the manufacturer's website.

The troubleshooting methodology starts by identifying the problem. The first step in identifying the problem is to gather information. Which of the following is the NEXT step?

Duplicate the problem, if possible

Which of the following careers consists of designing tiny microchips?

Electrical engineer

Which of the following uses persistent memory chips to store data?

Flash drive

File Systems

Files All data on a storage medium, such as a hard disk or flash drive, is encoded as a single enormous list of ones and zeroes. A file is a group of ones and zeroes that are organized together. File formats While it's possible for a file's data to be completely arbitrary, most files are organized in a specific way, called a file format. Using an image file as an example, files work in the following way: Files are organized by metadata and pixel data. The metadata store the total file size, the height and width of the image, the color depth, and other info the computer needs to process the file. The rest of the bytes in the file store the actual pixels that make up the image. When you tell a computer to open an image file, it looks at the metadata, then uses the information there to decode the file and show the picture. File extensions There are many file types. Developers can make new ones whenever they need to. To determine a file's type, you can look at the filename.In Windows, a filename has two parts, the name of the file and the file extension. The two parts are separated by a period. For example: Image extensions include .jpg, .gif, and .png. Audio file types include .mp3, .wav, and .wma. Video file types include .mp4, .avi, and .wmv. Executable files run programs. They have their own extensions. The extensions differ by operating system type: Windows uses file extensions such as .com or .exe. Javescript uses .js. Linux uses .run. macOS uses .app. While executable file types exist for Linux, macOS, and Android, these platforms do not require file extensions for executable files. Windows requires executables to have a file extension. File systems File systems use a special file called a directory file to keep track of the information in storage. The directory file: Contains the names of all the other files in the system. Keeps track of the file name, extension, creation date, read/write permissions, and location on the disk. When the user tells the computer to open a file, it looks at the directory and finds the appropriate location in storage to retrieve the file. Whenever a user adds, modifies, or deletes a file, the computer keeps track of the change in the directory file.The directory usually contains subdirectories (also called folders). Folders make the computer's file structure easier for humans to understand by grouping similar files into the same directory. For example, a person may make a folder for music, then subfolders for each band, then subfolders with the band folder for each album.This is called a hierarchical file system. The directory that contains all the subdirectories is called the root directory. Each file in a hierarchical system can be found at a specific location known as the file path.The backslash character (\) is often used in the file path to show the relationship between directories and the file. For example, a file with the file path C:\Users\Documents\picture.jpg is an image file. It is located in the Documents folder, which is in the Users folder. The Users folder is in the root directory (C:). Specific file systems There are several different file systems a computer can use. They generally do the same thing as far as the user is concerned but work differently behind the scenes. File systems used by operating systems include: Older versions of Windows used a system called File Allocation Table 32-bit (FAT32). Modern Windows systems use New Technology File System (NTFS). Most older macOS systems use the extended Hierarchical File System (HFS+). However, starting with macOS 10.13 and later, Mac computers use the Apple File System (APFS). Linux distributions use the ext file system. Variations of ext include:The ext3 file system is a 64-bit file system that supports journaling. Journaling helps to prevent data loss from crashes, data corruption, and sudden power loss.The ext4 file system is currently used by most Linux systems. It has newer features that help to reduce file fragmentation; allows for larger volumes and files; and uses delayed allocation to improve flash memory life.B-Tree File System (BtrFS) is the file system that Linux is moving toward. It offers new features, such as transparent compression, drive pooling, online defragmentation, and on the fly snapshots.

Compression

Reencoding a file to consume less storage space.

Which of the following is an example of computer hardware?

Microchip

Which of the following components converts AC to DC?

Power supply

Which of the following is often the hardest part of troubleshooting?

Reproducing the problem

Motherboard Troubleshooting

The motherboard, or mainboard, is the largest board in the computer's chassis. It allocates power and allows communication between the CPU, RAM, and other hardware components. Since motherboards can be expensive to replace, diagnosing the hardware failure on your own can help reduce or even eliminate repair costs. This lesson will help you diagnose two common causes of motherboard failure. Physical Damage A motherboard issue may present itself in a variety of ways, such as random freezing, the blue screen of death (BSoD), or an unusual burning smell. These issues can be challenging to diagnose since there can be several variables involved. One variable that's easily ruled out is physical damage. Disconnect the power from the computer immediately, especially if you smell something burning. Then, open up your computer's case and check for damaged components. Overheating is usually the cause of damaged capacitors and wires and can often be to blame for a failing motherboard. If you find physical damage on the motherboard, it will require in-depth repair by a computer technician. They may be able repair the motherboard by replacing individual wires or capacitators, but in some cases the entire motherboard will need to be replaced. The computer technician will also verify that other components didn't cause the failure. For example, an overheating CPU may have caused physical damage to the motherboard and will also need to be addressed. Checking for Physical Damage and Overheating For this process, you'll need a Phillips-Head screwdriver. To check your computer for physical damage, you want to turn off your computer as your normally would. Then, unplug the computer from its power source and remove all external cables attached to it (show removing USB devices, ethernet cable, etc.). You can then begin to remove the side panel from your computer. You can do this by removing the outermost screws from the outer case using your screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, the side panel can then be removed. Sometimes the panel will need to be slid or lifted in to come loose. Then, begin looking for damage by shining a flashlight on the motherboard. You will want to look for damaged capacitors, burn traces along the surface of the board, or cracks in the board itself. If physical damage to the motherboard is found, it will require repair by a computer technician in most cases. Faulty Power Supply If your computer doesn't power on at all, spontaneously restarts, or fails during bootup, your power supply unit (PSU) may be failing. To rule this out, you want to plug the power cable securely into the computer and then into the wall outlet. Next, turn the computer on. Most computer models have a light that glows when the computer has power. If it doesn't glow, try a different power cable and confirm that your outlet has power. If the power source and cable seem to be in working order, you can then test the PSU by using a device called a power supply tester. In many cases, PSU failure is a result of a poor handling, a power surge, or subpar equipment. If the power supply is identified as the faulty component, it typically needs to be replaced. A PSU can be tough to replace because of its large number of connections, so make sure to verify that the new one is the correct voltage and size and that all components are properly connected. Performing the Paperclip Test To perform the paperclip test, you will want to disconnect the power cord from its power source and supply. Turn the I/O switch on the back of the power supply to "O," or Off. Then unplug all hardware and devices from the computer. Open up your computer and disconnect the power supply from the motherboard by removing the 24-pin connector. Next, re-plug the power cord into the power source. Make sure you're plugging the power cord directly into the power source in order to rule out a faulty surge protector or UPS. Then, take a paperclip and bend it into a U-shape. On the 24-pin connector, locate the green wire that goes into pin 16. Insert one end of the paperclip into pin 16. Next, insert the other end of the paper clip into pin 17. This will have a black wire going into it. Lastly, flip the switch on your power supply to the "|" position, or On position. If the power supply fan doesn't run, your power supply is faulty.

Flash Storage

A compact, portable storage device that uses special memory chips to store data.

Camera lens

A camera component that focuses the light that enters it into a point. Behind the point, the light spreads out again, eventually creating an upside-down image of the light that entered.

Camera shutter

A camera component that sits between the lens and the sensor, allowing light to enter for a short time.

Expansion card

A circuit board that connects to a computer's motherboard, giving it additional power or functionality.

Universal Serial Bus (USB)

A common interface used to connect peripherals, such as mice, keyboards, printers, and digital cameras to a computer.

Air cooling

A common method of cooling that uses fans to move hot air out of a system.

Infrared

A communication technology that uses light waves to transmit information through the air.

Servers

A computer whose purpose is to provide shared disk storage or to perform a special service for a large number of people, such as web processing, email, or database services. As such, this is not something you would typically have in your home or would use for personal use.Servers are widely used in business. Although each server is different, most servers use many of the same components that a desktop or client computer uses. However, servers typically have more memory, disk space, and processing power than a desktop computer.

High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector

A connector now available on a wide variety of devices such as computers, monitors, TVs, Blu-Ray players, and more. HDMI is used to transfer high-definition signals. It supports both audio and video data.

Registered Jack 45 (RJ-45) connector

A connector used to connect a computer to a wired network.

Video Graphics Array (VGA) connector

A connector, identified by its blue color and three rows of pins, that is used to connect older monitors to a computer.

Digital Visual Interface (DVI) connector

A connector, typically white with three rows of eight pins, designed to connect digital monitors to a computer.

Active-liquid heat sink

A cooling system composed of a liquid heat sink, internal liquid pump, a fan, and a radiator that all actively pump liquid in and out with no help from an outside pumping system.

All-in-one device

A desktop computer that contains every component except the keyboard and mouse in the same case as the monitor. All-in-one systems have several advantages: They require less space than a desktop. They are easy to move to a new location. All-in-one systems also have some disadvantages: They are harder and more expensive to repair. If any component (other than the keyboard or mouse) goes bad, you will probably have to take it into a shop to get repaired. In most cases, you are not able to expand the memory or disk space. However, external drives can still be added using USB ports.

Network Client

A device that can connect to a network. All of the above devices can be network clients.

Scanner

A device that scans paper documents and converts them into digital files.

Solid State Devices (SSD)

A device with similar capacity to an HDD that uses flash storage instead of magnetic disks to store data. SSDs are much faster and more durable than hard disk drives but usually are more expensive.

Keyboard

A keyboard allows you to send alphanumeric information to the system by pressing keys. When you press a key, the corresponding character is sent to the computer hardware. The software running on the system then does whatever it has been programmed to do with that keystroke.Key point regarding keyboards are: External keyboards are required for desktop systems, but are optional for laptop and mobile devices that use integrated keyboards or on-screen keyboards. For desktop and laptop systems, keyboards typically connect using a USB port, but they can also be connected wirelessly. External keyboards can be connected to mobile devices using a wireless connection. Not all keyboards have the same layout of keys. There are many variations in where each letter or symbol may be placed on the keyboard. For example, in German, additional letters use the spaces commonly used by the ; ' [ and = keys on a typical US English keyboard. The operating system can typically be mapped to multiple keyboard layouts.In Windows 10, you press Start + Spacebar to use the keyboard shortcut to quickly switch between keyboard layouts.These settings can also be set using the Settings app by selecting Date & time, and then selecting Region.Control Panel also provides the ability to set the region.Some keyboard settings can be customized using the Settings app by selecting the Ease of Access option and then selecting Keyboard.Windows 10 also includes other settings that can be configured through the Control Panel and Keyboard. With this method, you can configure such things as the repeat delay, repeat rate, the cursor blink rate.

Motherboard

A large, flat computer component that connects the important components of the computer, such as the CPU, RAM, and the BIOS chip. It also has power and other communications connections.

Photosensitive material

A light sensitive surface used to capture the image focused by the lens.

Water cooling

A liquid-cooled system that places a water-cooled heat exchanger near a heat source. The exchanger removes the heat, reducing the air temperature.

Data Corruption

A memory issue in which unintentional changes have been introduced to your original files resulting in missing files or data, scrambled documents, crashing programs, spontaneous reboots, registry errors, and missing systems.

Which of the following is the term for a device (usually external to a computer) that is plugged into a computer's communication port or connected wirelessly?

A peripheral

Desktop

A popular type of computer system that can be equipped with peripheral devices such as a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers. Also known as workstations or PCs, desktops are computer systems that are small enough to on, under, or near a desk. They are widely used, especially for business, industry, and home use. Desktops have been around for many years.Desktop systems are equipped with peripheral devices, such as a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers. Desktop systems typically have the following advantages. Modularity allows them to be customized to perform specific functions. Ease of repair and upgrade. Power to run CPU-intensive tasks. Storage capacity to handle larger amounts of data than other types of computing devices. Desktop systems also have some disadvantages: They are not mobile. They require continuous access to an A/C power outlet. Desktop computers are often used to connect to a network and therefore can be considered a network client.

Inkjet printer

A printer that sprays small dots of ink from an ink reservoir onto a sheet of paper.

Laser printer

A printer that uses electrical charges and heat to fuse tiny plastic particles (called toner) to the paper.

Troubleshooting

A process that combines knowledge, experience, and intuition to quickly identify the cause of a problem.

Bluetooth

A short-range wireless communication technology used to connect peripherals such as wireless headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice, smart watches, printers, and game controllers to a computer, including smartphones.

Notebook/Laptop

A small computer that combines a display and keyboard and is designed to be easily carried. Also known as subnotebooks, notebooks and laptops are computers with all components built into one case. These systems have several advantages, they: Can run the same productivity applications as desktop systems. Are much smaller, weigh less, and use less power than desktop systems. Include batteries that allow them to run without external power for a period of time. Use flat-panel screens, that makes them easy to transport. Are mobile. Usually include built-in wireless networking. Notebook and laptop systems also have several disadvantages. They: Are more difficult to upgrade or repair. Are usually more expensive than comparable desktop systems. Typically have less computing power than comparable desktops.

Optical Drive

A storage device that uses light instead of magnetism to store information. This include CD-ROM, DVD, and Blu-ray devices.

PC Repair Technician

A technician who repairs both software and hardware issues including but not limited to installing, troubleshooting, servicing, and repairing devices, as well as network equipment such as routers, switches, cables, and related network hardware. A PC repair technician does exactly what the name implies: they repair PCs. This includes both software and hardware issues. A typical day for a PC Repair Technician involves installing, troubleshooting, servicing, and repairing devices such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets, printers, as well as network equipment such as routers, switches, cables and related network hardware. Great customer service is essential in this job because it includes constant interaction with people who encounter computer problems. Being able to handle these situations calmly and professionally is what the job is all about. In addition to confidence in troubleshooting computer systems, an important skill for this job is the ability to train others. Repair technicians often need to instruct users on how use their personal computers and networks. To be qualified for a job like this, many employers ask for at least an industry certification.

Power-on Self Test (POST)

A test that ensures that all the system's hardware is in working order before loading the operating system. During this test, an error message may display on the screen notifying you of the faulty component.

Match the storage device types on the left with the description and benefits on the right.

A thick magnetic disk made of aluminum platters. Uses read/write heads to access data stored on the platters. Hard disk drive (HDD) correct answer: A flash device with storage capacity similar to a small hard drive. Solid state drive (SSD) correct answer: Uses lasers to read and write information stored in the form of pits in their reflective coating. Optical disc drive correct answer: Up to several TB in storage capacity and cost per MB is cheap. Hard disk drive (HDD) correct answer: Faster than other devices. No moving parts. Last longer than other storage devices. Solid state drive (SSD) correct answer: Ideal for music and video. Portable and cheap with a long shelf life. Optical disc drive

The fetch-execute cycle

A three-step cycle (fetch, decode, and execute) that processors use to execute instructions.

Power supply

A unit that supplies electricity to the motherboard and other computer components.

Defragmentation

A utility in which all fragmented files on a drive are found and reconsolidated into the same physical location on the disk.

AMD

AMD has had many brands throughout the years, such as Am2900, AMx86, Athlon, Sepron, Phenom and more. These brands, however, have been mostly phased out. The following brands are now being marketed. Ryzen Threadripper and Ryzen Mobile - As AMD's high-end CPU or desktop systems, they provide great processing speeds for gaming, 3D rendering, streaming, CAD, etc. Epyc - AMD's Epyc CPU was developed for high-end servers. It was introduced in June 2017, replacing the Opteron series of CPUs.

External Hard Disk Drives

An HDD that can be connected as a peripheral to a computer.

Graphics processing unit (GPU)

An additional computer processor that provides graphics processing. It improves performance by relieving the CPU of this duty.

Immersion cooling

An advanced system of cooling in which liquid coolant is in direct contact with the CPU. It offers a high level of heat transfer that quickly reduces the temperature of the CPU's surface.

Beep Codes

An audible alarm that occurs when a computer encounters an issue before a power-on self test (POST) has completed when booting. The number and frequency of the beeps can be used to compare information found in the motherboard manual and identify the issue.

Electrostatic discharge

An event in which two objects with different charge levels come together resulting in an electrostatic shock.

Electrical Engineer

An industry professional who oversees the design and development of computer devices and other systems that use electricity and electronics. Electrical engineers require extensive education and advanced technical knowledge. They oversee the design and development of computer devices and other systems that use electricity and electronics. Electrical engineers design tiny microchips as well as large and complex computer systems. Their duties include researching, designing, creating, and maintain these systems. As an electrical engineer, you would become proficient in using computer aided design or CAD software. You would also need to be comfortable collaborating with other engineers to create sophisticated computer devices and systems. Educational requirements for this type of job include a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or Mathematics, and frequently a master's degree in one of these fields.

FireWire

An interface used to connect peripherals such as digital cameras and external hard drives to a computer. It is no longer commonly used.

Power Supply

Another responsibility of the motherboard is to make sure all the components get the right amount of electricity. This electricity comes to the computer through a power supply unit. Power supplies take AC power from the wall outlet and convert it into DC power. They typically have a variety of cables and plugs that attach to the motherboard near each powered component.

Speakers

Another type of output is audio. Modern computing devices can send audio output to a set of speakers that can be integrated into the device itself or plugged into an external connector. On a desktop system, speakers can be connected using a USB cable, an audio jack, or a wireless connection. Some speakers can be configured using a stereo set up (right and left). More and more systems also support surround sound, where multiple speakers are arranged in various locations in a room giving you the feel of being in a cinematic environment. One of the more common surround sound systems is referred to as a 5.1 digital system, also known as Dolby Digital or Digital Theater System (DTS). These systems usually have two rear speakers (a left and a right), three front speakers (right, center, and left), and a subwoofer speaker for a deep bass sound. There is also a 7.1 system that includes two extra side speakers. To configure the audio settings in Windows 10, you can use the Settings app or Control Panel. Some of the settings include the speaker to use (internal or external), volume, etc. With the sound system installed and configured, you can easily adjust the sound using the speaker icon located in the Notification Area. Most laptops also include a function key that can be used to adjust the volume.

Anna, a technician, is helping a customer troubleshoot an issue where a server will intermittently become inaccessible to employees. Anna has completed researching the knowledge bases available. What should Anna do NEXT as part of standard troubleshooting methodology?

Establish a theory of probable cause

A computer has power, but there are no beeps and the computer does not boot. Which of the following would be the MOST LIKELY cause?

CPU failure

Processor Troubleshooting

CPUs A processor, also known as the CPU, is the brains of the computer. When the CPU isn't working properly, the computer isn't able to perform at its best. This lesson will help you troubleshoot some common CPU issues you may encounter. Power Source Issues If you encounter a computer that won't turn on (no sounds, lights, or fans), it's important to check the power source. This step may save you hours of troubleshooting. A loose or unplugged power cable is one of the main reasons a computer doesn't turn on. To test a power issue with a computer: Make sure the machine is off. To do this, remove the power cord from the power source. Plug a lamp that's in working order into the same power source. If the lamp works, you know that the power source is good. Attach the power cord securely in the back of the computer and into the power source. Reboot the computer. If there's still no power to the computer, you can then continue troubleshooting other possible issues. Beep Codes If the computer has power, it'll run a power-on self test (POST) when booted. This test ensures that all the system hardware is in working order before loading the operating system. During this test, an error message may display on the screen notifying you of the faulty component. However, if the computer encounters an issue before POST has completed, an audible beep code will occur. It's important to note the number and frequency of those beeps. Are the beeps long or short? Do they repeat? Beep-Beep-Beep and Beep-Beep indicate two different issues. You can use this to compare information in the motherboard manual. When referencing the manual, keep in mind that beep codes may also be referenced as BIOS error beeps, BIOS beep codes, POST error codes, or POST beep codes. If you don't have the motherboard manual, it can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website. To download this information, you'll must know the make and model of the computer. Overheating, Improper Seating, and Bad CPU Overheating is a common reason that the CPU may not be performing at its best. The CPU contains a mass of tightly packed circuits that are normally topped with a heat sink and fan to disperse heat. Key points regarding CPU cooling include: A heat sink (typically a piece of metal with many fins) is a passive heat exchanger that transfers the heat generated by the CPU and requires good airflow to work well. In between the heat sink and/or fan is a substance known as thermal paste. This allows for the efficient transfer of the heat from the CPU to the heat sink or fan. Thermal paste is effective because it fills in the microscopic gaps between the CPU and the heat sink. If these gaps aren't filled, the effectiveness of the heat sink is reduced. Since many heat sinks can be big and bulky, newer thin computers, such as laptops often use heat spreaders instead. A heat spreader transfers energy as heat like a heat sink does, but instead of using a piece bulky peace of metal, it uses plate or block of material having high thermal conductivity, such as copper, aluminum, or diamond. A heat pipe is another type of heat transfer device which contains fluid inside a sealed cased. When the fluid heats up, it moves to a different part of the computer where it cools down. The liquid then returns to the hot interface and the process continues. The primary cause of rising CPU temperatures is dust buildup. Dust commonly accumulates on a computer's cases over time, clogging fans, blocking air flow, and eventually causing ventilation issues. Making sure the computer's fans are clean and unobstructed will allow the proper air flow for the PC. After you've properly cleaned the heat sink, fans, and vents, check for charring on and around the CPU. This is a good indication of permanent damage to it that will most likely require it to be replaced. If no charring is noted, reboot the computer to see if the overheating issue has been resolved. If the beep code still indicates overheating, more in-depth tactics are needed. How to Clean a Computer To keep a computer working its best, it's recommended to clean the inside every 6 to 12 months. For this process, you'll need a Phillips-head screwdriver. Follow these steps: Turn off the computer. Unplug the computer from its power source. Remove all external cables attached to it. Remove the screws from the side panel from the computer. Start by removing the outermost screws from the outer case. Remove the side panel when the screws have been removed, Sometimes you must slide or lift the panel to remove it. Use compressed air to dust the internal components of the computer. Stay a few inches away and use short bursts of air. Pay extra attention to fan blades, the heat sink, and vents. Make sure that they're cleared of all dirt and dust. If the buildup on the fan or heat sink is too heavy, you may need to remove them in order to properly clean them. To avoid damaging equipment with electrostatic discharge, place your hand on the metal chassis or case prior to disconnecting the fan or heat sink. If you remove the heat sink, you must remove the thermal grease from the CPU and heat sink. You must reapply it before reattaching them. These steps can be found in Video 3. If a beep code or on-screen error message still indicates an overheating issue with the CPU after being properly cleaned, verify that the fan is running. When the computer is booted, listen for the fan. If you don't hear it, check that all cables are properly secured for the fan and heat sink. If the cables are secured but the fan is still not running upon bootup, this may be the cause of the overheating issue. How to Reseat the CPU As the CPU heats up and cools down, it can gradually become unseated from the motherboard. This can also cause damage to the cooling compound that surrounds it. Though rare, this can cause major issues with your computer, resulting in a beep code or on-screen error during POST. Try removing the CPU and reseating it in its socket. If reseating the CPU doesn't resolve the issue, try replacing it with another functioning CPU. If the computer then boots up error free, you have determined the CPU to be faulty. This tactic may also be used when the beep code or on-screen error indicates a bad CPU. To reseat the CPU, you'll need a Phillips-Head screwdriver, anti-static cloth, thermal grease, and thermal grease remover. Follow these steps: Turn off the computer. Unplug the power cable from the back of the computer. Remove all external cables attached to it. Remove the screws from the side panel from the computer. Start by removing the outermost screws from the outer case. Remove the side panel when the screws have been removed, Sometimes you must slide or lift the panel to remove it. Locate the heat sink and CPU. These are often located near the RAM. To avoid damaging equipment with electrostatic discharge, place your hand on the metal chassis or case prior to disconnecting the fan or heat sink. Disconnect the cable connecting the fan to the motherboard. Remove the screws that secure the heat sink to the computer. Twist or wiggle the assembly to loosen the seal bonding it to the top of the processor. Lift up the heat sink and fan. Lift up the lever securing the processor to its socket. Lift the processor from its slot on the motherboard, but be careful when handling the CPU. Try not to touch the pins located on the bottom. Use an anti-static cloth and thermal grease remover to wipe off the residue on the top of the CPU and the bottom of the heat sink assembly. Line up the bevel on the processor with the bevel on the socket and place the processor back onto the socket. Confirm that the processor is aligned properly with the slot. Do not exert too much force or you can damage the CPU. Push down the lever to lock it in place. Apply a small dollop of thermal grease to the top of the processor. Use the small paddle packaged with the thermal grease to spread it in a thin layer on the surface of the CPU. Reinstall the heat sink, making sure good contact is made. Replace the heat sink, fan, screws, and cables, and place the side panel back on. Plug the computer back into the power source and boot it up.

Capacitive Touchscreens

Capacitive touchscreens take advantage of the fact that the human body naturally conducts electricity. They consist of a piece of glass coated with a thin layer of indium tin oxide. Electrodes at the corners of the screen maintain a constant voltage over the conductive layer whenever the device is powered on. When a conductive finger touches the screen, it creates a change in voltage. Sensors under the screen detect the location of the change, which the computer translates into instructions. Smartphones typically use capacitive touchscreens. sharper images sensitive to light touch better multi touching sensing better survival against rough handling

Which of the following stores data using microscopic light and dark spots?

Compact disc

Cooling system

Components, including heat sinks and fans, that keep computer components from overheating.

Tina has accepted a position as a graphic designer. She wants a powerful device that she can connect multiple large screens to. Which device would be the BEST option for her?

Desktop computer

Which of the following devices would be the BEST option for a gamer?

Desktop computer

Digital Camera

Digital cameras and webcams can be connected to input digital images and video into the system. These devices are commonly connected to desktops and laptops using a USB, FireWire, or wireless connection. Mobile devices already include integrated cameras, so they are not commonly used with external digital cameras and webcams. Webcams are most often installed in a laptop, just above the screen. The quality of webcams differs greatly from model to model, but can have a resolutions as low as 25 frames per second (fps) or a high definition resolution as high as 60 or more fps. Digital cameras can also include such devices as a phone or a hand-held camera (used for taking pictures). These devices store their images on a memory card, also known as a flash card, CompactFlash, or Secure Digital (SD) card. Some computers include the ability to plug the devices directly into a computer, letting you copy images from the device. If the memory card can be removed, computers often have a way to plug the memory chip into the computer directly or through a USB adapter. Many of the newer devices even support transferring data using wireless technology.

DisplayPort/Mini DisplayPort

DisplayPort connectors have 20 pins and come in two sizes: the standard DisplayPort and a smaller Mini DisplayPort. These interfaces are used to send high-quality, digital video and audio signals. DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort function similarly to the HDMI. The main difference in appearance is that HDMI is beveled on two corners and DisplayPort is beveled on only one. DisplayPort has a greater bandwidth than HDMI. While HDMI supports a maximum bandwidth of 18 Gbps, DisplayPort 1.4 has a maximum bandwidth of 32.4 Gbps which supports a much greater resolution. Unlike HDMI, DisplayPort is royalty free (manufacturers do not have to pay a fee to use the interface). Because of this, DisplayPort has the potential to replace HDMI. DisplayPort uses a 20-pin connector. There is also a DisplayPort Dual-Mode (DP++). It allows DisplayPort sources to use simple passive adapters to connect to HDMI or DVI displays.

Marcus was assigned to troubleshoot a problem with a customer not being able to access a cloud application. Which of the following is the LAST step in the troubleshooting methodology that should be completed?

Document findings/lessons learned, actions, and outcomes

While troubleshooting a problem with a computer, a technician has tested and confirmed a theory on how to fix the problem. Which of the following is the NEXT step the technician should perform?

Establish a plan of action to solve the problem and identify potential effects

External hard disk drives

External hard disk drives are frequently connected to computing devices to add additional storage capacity. For desktops and notebooks, the connection is usually a USB or a Thunderbolt connection. Mobile devices use a memory card that inserts into a memory card slot. External hard disk drives also typically come with an enclosure to protect the drive and provide access to the connection ports. Each of these connections provide faster bandwidth as follows: USB 2 - 480 Mbps, has a white or black colored inside. USB 3 - 5 Gbps, has a blue colored inside. USB 3.1 - 10 Gbps, has a blue colored inside. Thunderbolt 2 - 20 Gbps, uses the Mini DisplayPort (MiniDP) connector. Thunderbolt 3 - 40 Gbps, can connect multiple types of devices, such as video, high performance networks, and external storage. It uses the Universal Serial Bus (USB-C connector).

Flash storage

Flash storage uses special memory chips to store data. Flash storage drives are non-volatile. This means you can remove power from a flash storage device and its contents will remain intact. Flash storage devices can connect to computer systems in two ways. Using a USB port - This can be done using an external flash drive or a thumb drive. Using a card reader slot - These slots allow you to insert the flash storage into the device. Many computers and other devices (such as printers) come with a variety of slots in which a flash storage device can be inserted. For example, your system may have some or all of the following types of connectors: USB, CompactFlash, SmartMedia, MMC/SD. Once a flash storage device is connected and recognized by the operating system, you can store data on it and read data from it just as you would with a hard disk drive. Flash memory devices have the following advantages: They are portable. You can move a flash storage device from one system to another. In Windows, be sure to stop the device before unplugging it from the USB port or card reader. They are relatively fast. They can read and write information as fast as a standard hard disk drive. They provide a significant amount of storage capacity in a small physical package. They are great for laptops and mobile devices, because the device won't break if it gets bumped or shaken. Flash storage works well in many devices, including digital cameras, smart phones, digital camcorders, and tablets.

Audio Input / Output Ports

Lime Green Line-out. Used for front speakers and headphones. Used with 5.1 surround sound systems. Pink Microphone. Light Blue Stereo line-in. Orange Subwoofer and center-out. Used with 5.1 surround sound systems. Black Rear sound speaker for 5.1 and 7.1 systems - output. Gray Middle surround speakers for 7.1 systems. Gold Midi/game port (a joystick).

Which of the following should be done before working on hardware in a computer system?

Ground yourself using an ESD wrist strap

You need a storage device that has very large storage capacity, is fast, and is relatively inexpensive. Which storage device will best suit your needs?

Hard disk

Which of the following has the ability to store user data even if the power to the computer is off?

Hard drive

Which of the following would be the MOST LIKELY cause for a computer to perform sluggishly?

Hard drive

Match each item on the left to its appropriate category on the right.

Hardware Monitor correct answer: Power cable correct answer: RAM correct answer: Touchscreen correct answer: Video game controller correct answer: Software Internet browser correct answer: Video game correct answer: Operating system

CompTIA Troubleshooting Steps:

Identify the problem. Gather information. Duplicate the problem, if possible. Question users - Identify symptoms. Determine if anything has changed. Approach multiple problems individually. Research knowledge base/Internet, if applicable. Establish a theory of probable cause. Question the obvious. Consider multiple approaches. Divide and conquer. Test the theory to determine the cause. Once the theory is confirmed (confirmed root cause), determine the next steps to resolve the problem. If the theory is not confirmed, establish a new theory or escalate. Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and identify potential effects. Implement the solution or escalate as necessary. Verify full system functionality and, if applicable, implement preventive measures. Document findings/lessons learned, actions, and outcomes.

You are trying to connect a new USB device to your computer. You install the driver and then connect the device to an open USB port. The device does not work. Which of the following troubleshooting steps is the BEST to try first?

Make sure the USB device is plugged in properly.

Troubleshooting Tips

In a Windows environment, many external peripherals can be managed using the Windows Setting app or Control Panel. This includes such things as configuring extra buttons available with some mice or keyboard settings. If you install an external device and it's not functioning correctly, consider the following troubleshooting tips: Check all cables and connectors to make sure they're securely seated. If the device requires a separate power source in order to operate, verify that it's plugged in. If you're installing the device on Windows, open Device Manager and make sure the device is listed and enabled. Try installing the device on another computer system to make sure the device works correctly. Update the device driver. If you've recently updated the device driver and the device no longer works, roll back the driver to the previous version or revert the operating system to an earlier restore point.

Becca is working on a program that will store data. The program will need quick access to data and data persistence is not important. Where should the data be stored?

In memory

Digital Projectors

In today's world there is often a need to project images from a computer to a larger output, such as a wall or screen. These are often used a team meeting or for training purposes. The devices used to do this are called digital projectors or video projectors. Depending on the need, these can be purchased as small portable devices or more expensive, larger ones are often mounted permanently on the ceiling or wall. These projectors can use LCD or CRT, but the better projectors use the digital light processing, which is a set of chipsets based on optical micro-electro-mechanical technology that uses a digital micromirror device. When used in conjunction with a computer, projectors can be connected to the computer using many of the same interfaces used by other devices, such as Thunderbolt, HDMI, VGA, and DVI.

Which of the following would be the MINIMUM qualification for a PC technician job?

Industry certification

Which of the following is not an advantage of SSDs over HDDs?

Inexpensive

Infrared

Infrared (IR) communication technology uses light waves to transmit information through the air. The light used by IR devices is just beyond the visible red light spectrum, so it's invisible to us. The simplest example of an IR device is a TV remote. When you press a button on a TV remote, IR light is emitted from the front of the remote and picked up by an IR receiver on the TV. Infrared is used by some portable devices such as tablets and smart phones.

Inkjet

Inkjet printers spray small dots of ink from an ink reservoir onto a sheet of paper. Inkjet printers can produce high-quality output and are relatively inexpensive to purchase. However, they have several disadvantages. Replacement ink cartridges are expensive. Ink cartridges have limited print capacities. The ink tends to bleed into the paper. Prints tend to fade over time. The ink will run if it gets wet, unless special water-resistant ink is used.

Which of the following companies is a manufacturer of CPUs?

Intel

Intel

Intel has the following brands. Pentium 4 - Is Intel's brand for an entire series of single-core CPUs for desktops, laptops and entry-level servers. Pentium 4 CPUs were used from 2000 through 2008. Core - Intel's original 32-bit mobile dual-core x86 CPUs derived from the Intel P6 microarchitecture.Later the Core 2, 64-pit processor was released. It had multi-core support.Still later, Intel released three variants named Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7, but the names do not correspond to specific technical features like the number of cores.Intel divided the processors by their performance level, with i3 being low-level, i5 is mid-range, and i7 and i9 providing high-end performance. Celeron - Intel's brand for a number of low-end IA32 and x86-64 CPUs. Intel used the Celeron for many low-cost personal computers. Atom - Intel's IA-32 and x86-64 ultra-low-voltage microprocessors were designed to reduce electric consumption and power dissipation in comparison with other processors of the Intel Core series. The Atom CPU was used for devices, such as netbooks, nettops, smartphones, and tablets. Xeon - Intel's CPU was introduced in 1998 and is used primarily for non-consumer workstation, servers, and embedded system markets.

Which of the following problems would be the MOST difficult to troubleshoot?

Intermittent problem

Abby needs a device that she can take to a client's location and show presentations from. Which of the following devices would be the BEST option for her?

Laptop

Which of the following would a PC repair technician work on?

Laptop

Which of the following devices make use of a battery as its main power source? (Select two.)

Laptop Smartphone

Laser

Laser printers use electrical charges and heat to fuse tiny plastic particles (called toner) to the paper. Laser printers have the following advantages over other types of printers: They produce higher-quality print output. They can print documents much faster. They are ideal for large volume print jobs. Replacement toner cartridges are more economical than inkjet cartridges. They are better suited for sharing over a network. The ink is waterproof and doesn't fade. The output doesn't bleed into the paper. Laser printers have the following disadvantages: They are more expensive to purchase. They are more difficult to maintain.

Micro USB

Micro USB connectors are the smallest type of USB connector. They are commonly used for connections to mobile devices, such as tablets and phones. Cables with a Micro USB connector generally use a Type A connector on the other end of the cable to connect to the computer.

Mini USB

Mini USB connectors are a smaller type of USB connector. They are commonly used for digital cameras and sometimes external hard drives. Cables with a Mini USB connector usually use a Type A connector on the other end of the cable to connect to the computer.

RJ-45

Most computers provide a Registered Jack 45 (RJ-45) connector that allows you to connect the system to a network.

Audio

Most computers provide audio connectors. The pink connector is the microphone jack. It is used to connect a microphone to the system. The blue connector is the line-in connector. You can use it to connect an external audio source to the computer. The green connector is the line-out connector. It is used to connect speakers to the system.

Optical drive

Most desktop and notebook systems include an optical drive. Optical drives use light instead of magnetism to store information. They use microscopic light and dark spots on the bottom surface of the disc. There are three types of optical drives that can be installed in a computer. CD-ROM DVD Blu-ray Newer optical drives are backwards-compatible with older optical discs. For example, a DVD drive can also read CD-ROM discs. Likewise, a Blu-ray drive can also read DVD and CD-ROM discs. Optical discs have several advantages. Most optical discs can store a significant amount of data. Optical discs are portable. It's easy to take an optical disc out of one computer and move it to another. Optical discs also have several disadvantages. They are susceptible to damage. If the bottom of the disc gets scratched, the computer may not be able to read it. Optical discs come in both read-only and read-write formats. If a disc is read-only, you can read information from it, but you can't save information to it. Read-write optical discs do allow you to save information on them, but the process of writing information to one of these discs (called burning) can be quite slow.

x86 Processors

Most large computers, such as desktops, laptops, and servers, use x86 processors. x86 refers to the processor's instruction set which is the list of commands that a processor can execute. Today, most x86 CPUs are designed to process 64 bits of information at once. Older x86 processors could only process 32 bits at a time. The original x86 processors were designed for 16-bit instructions. The two biggest manufacturers of x86 processors are Intel and AMD. 64-bit x86 processors were originally referred to as x86-64 to distinguish them from the 32-bit x86 processors. This is now typically shortened to x64 for 64-bit and x86 for 32-bit processors. 64-bit computers are backwards compatible; they can run both 32-bit and 64-bit programs.

Synthesized DNA Strands

Synthetically produced artificial DNA that is capable of storing vast amounts of information and may be a solution to long-term massive storage.

Troubleshooting Tips

Often the hardest part of troubleshooting is to reproduce the problem. You might need to ask the user questions to identify exactly how the problem occurred. You might need to watch them perform the task again to reproduce the problem. If a hardware device or a software program causes a specific error, check the manufacturer's website for additional help in troubleshooting the error. To help diagnose issues, you can run special software tools supplied by the hardware manufacturer. In addition to a basic toolkit, keep on hand a few spare parts that you know to be in working order. If you suspect that a component has failed, replace it with the known good spare. If that solves the problem, replace the faulty component. Intermittent problems are particularly difficult to troubleshoot. Check for environmental conditions such as kinked cables or overheated components. If you have problems identifying a hardware error, you can simplify the system by removing all but necessary components (processor, memory, and hard disk). Add devices one at a time and restart the system. If an error occurs, remove the newly added device and troubleshoot that device. Another strategy would be to remove a single device and restart the system to see if removing that device corrects the problem. Some problems might be caused by software errors, not hardware failures. You might need to begin by updating the drivers or uninstalling software. Before you make changes, always consider corporate policies and procedures and the change's impact on other people and components.

Where are values the computer is directly working with at a particular moment in time stored?

On the CPU register

Power

One of the most important system components is the power supply unit (PSU). It converts electricity from the alternating current (AC) provided by the power company into low-voltage direct current (DC). Since each system requires a specific amount of power, it's imperative to have a PSU that provides the system with an adequate amount at all times. PSUs are generally designed with around 40% greater capacity than the required power consumption of the system. A PSU that doesn't provide the right amount of power can result a variety of issues whose cause can be difficult to identify, such as random restarts and freezes. Choosing the correct power supply for the system allows for the best possible performance and long-term dependability. The PSU is mounted just inside the back of the computer's case. It can be found by following the power cable to the back of the computer. At the back of the power supply, you will see a fan that sends air out of the case. PSUs are rated by wattage to show how much power they can provide to the computer. Power requirements for a personal computer without high-performing CPUs or graphics cards is usually 300W to 500W. High-performance computers can use up to 1000W. Most modern desktop computer PSUs conform to the ATX specification that provides 5-Volt Standby (5VSB) voltage. ATX PSUs receive a signal from the motherboard to power the computer on or off and show when DC voltages are safe to power up and boot. The PSU has large, colorful bundles of wires which are designed to plug into the motherboard, fans, hard drives, and optical drives.

Cooling

One of the problems of high-speed computing is that it can produce a lot of heat. A typical desktop CPU can get hot enough to boil water. This much heat can damage delicate components if it isn't appropriately dealt with. In a typical desktop system, this is done with heat sinks and fans. A heat sink is a piece of metal that absorbs heat in a way that makes it easy to dissipate. Heat travels up the heat sink into thin branches, which maximize its contact with the air. Then, fans throughout the system replace the hot air inside the machine with cool air from the outside.

Which of the following divides a single physical disk into multiple logical drives called volumes?

Partitioning

Which of the following is a top cause of motherboard failure?

Physical damage

You are troubleshooting a malfunctioning notebook computer. Nothing appears on the LED display when the system is powered on. Which of the following is the BEST step to try first?

Plug in an external monitor

Bus Technology

Power - Each component requires electricity, the bus provides this power. Data - The data is the information that is transferred between the components in the computer. Memory location - Memory is a major component in a computer system, as it temporarily stores the data while its needed for processing. The bus keeps track of the address or location where the data is stored in the memory. Clock timing - A computer has an clock mechanism, often performed by the CPU, which synchronizes how all the components work together over the bus. PCI - The Peripheral Component Interconnect, or PCI, is an older technology but can still be found in many computers. The PCI bus is usually 32-bits wide, although 64-bit versions were used as well. Running at 33 MHz, it can transfer data at 133 MB/s (or 266 MB/s for 64-bit versions). PCI with AGP - AGP is similar to PCI, but designed specifically for graphics support. Motherboards that provide AGP support have a single AGP slot. AGP is commonly used for video cards in modern computer systems, but has been replaced by PCIe. PCI Express - PCI Express, or PCIe is a next generation I/O bus architecture. Rather than a shared bus, each PCIe slot links to a switch which prioritizes and routes data through a point-to-point dedicated connection and provides a serial full-duplex method of transmission.Basic PCIe provides one lane for transmission (x1), at a transfer rate of 250 MBps. It can also provide multiple transmission lanes (x2, x4, x8, x16, x32). Newer versions of PCIe can transfer data at an even higher rate per lane:Version 1: 250 MBpsVersion 2: 500 MBpsVersion 3: 1 GBpsVersion 4: 2 GBpsIn addition to greatly increased speed, PCIe offers higher quality service.PCIe is backwards compatible and allows legacy PCI technology to be run in the same system (i.e. you can have both PCIe and PCI buses in the same system).PCIe buses are most commonly used for video cards in modern computer systems, although nearly any other device can be designed for a PCIe slot.

Which of the following components stores values in short-term memory?

RAM

Which of the following is NOT a long-term storage device?

RAM

Memory Troubleshooting

RAM Issues Random access memory (RAM) keeps track of the instructions and values the computer is working with at a given time. If memory isn't working properly, you may see a variety of problems from crashes and stalls to being unable to boot the computer. Data Corruption All data passes through the memory at one time or another. Data corruption is often a cause of memory problems. It's important to remember that data corruption can indicate a hard drive issue as well. Data corruption means that unintentional changes have been introduced to the original files. If you open a corrupt document, you may see that the text has been scrambled or that there are random blotches on an image. If your computer is experiencing data corruption, the following things may occur: Files or data go completely missing. Files appear scrambled once they're opened. Programs crash frequently. The computer reboots spontaneously. The computer reports registry errors. The system reports that system files are missing. Computer Memory Errors If your computer is experiencing memory errors, the following things may occur: The computer reports a memory error. The computer boots fine, but its performance diminishes the more you use it. The computer reboots at seemingly random times with or without a blue screen that flashes briefly beforehand. The computer does not recognize the installed memory. You are unable to install new programs. The computer doesn't boot up and only beeps. The computer boots but the screen remains blank. Troubleshooting Memory Errors One reason you might experience memory errors is that the memory card isn't properly installed or has come loose. Also, the socket that the memory card is seated in might have gone bad or needs cleaning. The following steps can help you diagnose and fix the issue. Make sure that the memory card is compatible for the computer, especially if you're getting errors after installing new memory on the system. Compatibility specs can be found on the manufacturer's website. Confirm that you've configured the memory correctly. The correct configuration depends on the kind of computer you're using. The documentation that comes with the computer, the manufacturer's website, or the manufacturer's technical support are all good resources to find the configuration the computer requires. If everything is installed correctly, try re-installing the memory module. Push the module firmly into the socket until you hear a click. Then, compare the height of that module to the surrounding modules to make sure it has a similar height. If the above steps don't fix the problem, try removing any newly installed memory and see if the problem persists. You can also try swapping the memory into different slots. If the memory works in one socket but not in another, the problem may be with the socket and not the memory module. If a socket isn't working, you can clean the socket to see if that improves the situation. First, use a gentle cloth and wipe the pins on the module. You can then use compressed air to blow any built-up dust from the socket. There are also special kinds of cleaners that you can purchase at computer equipment stores. Do not use a solvent as this can cause further damage to the socket. Finally, try to update the BIOS information, especially if you've recently upgraded the memory. The BIOS is regularly updated by motherboard manufacturers. These updates can help to fix bugs that crop up during the life cycle of a particular motherboard. If the BIOS is not up to date, it can contribute to memory problems. If none of these steps work, you may have faulty hardware. If the computer is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer to schedule a repair or replacement. Causes and Prevention of Memory Errors There are many issues that can contribute to damaged memory and data corruption. A few of these issues are:Power surges.Electrostatic discharge when handling computer components.Excessive heat inside the computer.A faulty memory module (manufacturer error). In order to prevent future problems: Always use a surge protector for the computer and its equipment to protect from power surges. If you're working on the inside of the computer, wear an anti-static bracelet to make sure that built-up static electricity doesn't harm the computer's internal components. Keep the computer and its fan free of obstructions so it doesn't overheat.

Scanner

Scanners can be connected to a computer to allow you to scan paper documents into digital files. Many newer scanners use both Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software to scan text documents into editable text files and Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) software to capture images. Scanners can be connected to desktops or laptops using a USB or FireWire connection. Wireless scanners are also available. There are many types of scanners, such as: Flatbed scanner - Provides a flat, glass surface on which you place the item to be scanned; similar to making a copy on a copy machine. It works as follows: White light, usually provided by a cold cathode florescent lamb (CCFL), shines on the object being scanned and creates the image by reading the intensity and color of light that is reflected from the object. The image is recorded using a charge-coupled device (CCD), which is an integrated circuit. The quality of the image is determined by the number of pixels per inch (ppi) that are captured. Most scanners let you determine how many pixels to use. Each pixel is a sample of an original image, therefore the more samples (pixels) being capture increases the quality of the image. Multi-function Devices - Multi-function devices (MFD) may provide for flatbed scanning, but may also (or instead of) provide a way to feed the document to be scanned using a sheet feeder. Some sheet feeders support only thinner paper, so check with the manufacture for the specific thickness supported.

Mobile Device

Small computing devices such as tablets and smart phones that are much more portable than desktops and laptops. Small computing devices, such as tablets and smart phones. Advantages are that mobile devices: Are much more mobile than any other type of computing device. Include a variety of integrated devices, such as cameras, microphones, and wireless networking. Can be less expensive than notebooks or desktops. Use a touch-screen interface. Disadvantages are that mobile devices: Are difficult to repair and nearly impossible to upgrade. Don't typically let you replace the battery. Don't typically support the same productivity applications as notebook and desktop systems. Provide much less computing power than a desktop or notebook system.

Which of the following devices generally include a variety of integrated hardware such as a camera? (Select two.)

Smartphone Laptop

FireWire

Some computers provide a FireWire connector. FireWire is an IEEE 1394 interface standard for a serial bus for high-speed communications and isochronous real-time data transfer. It's connectors are rectangular in shape with a bevel on one end to keep you from inserting them the wrong way. FireWire allows you to connect external devices, such as digital cameras, external hard drives, and scanners to the computer. A powered FireWire connector has 6 pins (FireWire 400 standard) and an unpowered one has 4 pins. The 400 standard has a transfer speed of up to 400 Mbps. FireWire can handle up to 63 units on the same bus, supports PnP, and is hot swappable. It was first developed by Apple. FireWire also has an IEEE 1394 interface standard; it is known as FireWire 800 and has 9 pins. It provides increased data transfer rates of up to 3200 Mbps using an optical cable or beta mode. Other FireWire standards include: FireWire S800T (IEEE-1394c) and FireWire S1600 and S3200.

Solid state devices (SSD)

Some desktop and laptop systems replace the traditional internal hard disk drive with a special type of flash storage called an SSD. SSDs are much faster and more durable than hard disk drives. The downside is that they're much more expensive. For this reason, many desktop computers use a small SSD for the operating system and programs and a large HDD for storing files. Some computers use what is called a dual-drive hybrid system where a computer includes both a SSD and HDD. There is also Solid-state hybrid drive (SSHD). It has a single drive with both a SSD and HDD installed in the same drive and uses only one connection to the motherboard. SSDs use a 2.5 form factor and can be connected to the motherboard using DATA or peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) adapter cards (depending on the disk). PCIe is preferred, as it provides a faster connection than the SATA connection.

Motherboard

The CPU and RAM are connected by a large flat component called a Motherboard. The Motherboard is like the spine in your body - it connects all the other parts to each other and sends electrical signals between them. An important part of the motherboard is a chip that contains the BIOS, or Basic Input Output System. The BIOS is like your brainstem, which controls basic functions like heart rate and respiration. When you restart a computer, the BIOS makes sure all the necessary parts are plugged in and working properly, then tells the operating system to start loading.

RAM

The CPU is great at performing calculations, but it can only deal with one line of instructions at a time - it can't keep track of the whole program all at once. Instead, the computer stores this information in RAM, or random-access memory. When you run a program, the computer loads the instructions into its RAM. Then, the processor gets the first line of instructions from the RAM, executes it, and writes the result back into RAM to use later. RAM is extremely fast, but it's also volatile. If you turn off the computer system, RAM will forget everything. For this reason, RAM is sometimes called short-term memory - it's only concerned with whatever the computer is working on right now.

GPU

The CPU is the main processor in a computer, but computers require additional processing power for creating images and graphics. This is supplied by a graphics processing unit, or GPU. Most computers today handle graphics processing through the CPU and RAM on the motherboard. This is called integrated graphics (or on-board graphics). But computers that are used primarily for gaming, video editing, and 3D modeling and animation need a second GPU that's dedicated to graphics processing. The best dedicated graphics cards (sometimes called video cards) are expensive because they also include their own specialized RAM and cooling fan.

DVI Video

The Digital Visual Interface (DVI) connector is designed to connect digital monitors to a computer, typically flat-panel. It is typically white with three rows of eight pins. There are multiple versions of DVI connectors, such as DVI-I (it integrates both digital and analog connections), DVI-D (digital connections only), and DVI-A (analog connections only).DVI-D and DVI-I come in either Single Link or Dual Link. Dual link supports higher resolutions. Single link cables can be identified as having 8 pins missing, while dual link cables use all 24 pins. Most computers now use HDMI, DisplayPort, or Thunderbolt instead of DVI.

HDMI

The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector uses digital signals and is now available on a wide variety of devices such as computers, monitors, TVs, Blu-Ray players, etc. It requires a royalty to use. As the name implies, cables using an HDMI connector are used to transfer high-definition signals and supports both audio and video data.There have been several versions of HDMI; v2.1 is the latest. It offers faster bandwidth than previous versions.HDMI uses a 19 pin configuration for types A, C, and D. Type C is the Mini HDMI connector (often used for portable devices, such as DSLR cameras). Type D is smaller and is known as the Micro HDMI (often used on smaller portable devices such as smartphones).

Thunderbolt

The Thunderbolt (TB) interface is compatible with DisplayPort and is primarily used on Apple computers. Thunderbolt ports can also provide DC power. They are mainly used for external displays, but they can also be used to connect other peripheral devices. There have been many version of this connector: Thunderbolt 1 - Developed around 2011. Thunderbolt 2 - Developed 2013 and supports up to 20 Gbps. Thunderbolt 3 - Developed by Intel and doubles the bandwidth to 40 Gbps. Maximum performance is for cable lengths over 0.5 meters (1.6 feet). Thunderbolt 4 - Key differences between 3 & 4 are: support for USB4, minimum bandwidth of 32 Gbps, and support for dual 4K displays.

USB Type C

The USB Type C specification was introduced in 2014. It is simpler than the previous types. Both ends of a Type C connector are the same and the cord allows bi-directional power flow, so a host device can charge a peripheral and a peripheral device can charge a host. Best of all, you don't need a specialized connector for each pair of devices. All ports are Type-C and one connector works for all ports, even Thunderbolt ports in newer devices. Since the end of the Type C cable is symmetrical, it can be plugged in facing up or down.

VGA Video

The Video Graphics Array (VGA) connector is designed for analog signals and has 15 pins. It is used to connect older or legacy monitors to a computer. You can identify this connector by its blue color and three rows of pins. VGA is not efficient at supporting high resolutions. There have been several versions of VGA standards over time, but all have used the same port and are generally backwards compatible. Most modern displays use the XGA standard described below: VGA: 640 x 480 resolution/ 16 colors SVGA: 800 x 600 resolution/ 4- or 8-bit colors XGA: 1024 x 768 resolution /32- bit colors

Bus

The communication system that allows data to be transferred between the components inside a computer. The term bus comes from the Latin word omnibus that means for all.

Mouse

The hardware within the mouse can keep track of its physical location on a hard surface. Using this information, it can determine how far you have moved the mouse and in what direction. This information is sent to the computer that moves the cursor on the screen accordingly.An external mouse can be connected to a desktop or laptop using a PS/2 port (for older systems), a USB port, or a wireless connection.Although the software (drivers) needed to use the mouse are typically installed by default, you can use the Windows Settings app or Control Panel to make changes to how the mouse functions. To configure a mouse, go to Mouse Properties from Control Panel/Settings. To change the speed of the double click in Windows, select the Activities tab. Then move the slider left to slow down the click speed and right to speed it up.

Random access memory (RAM)

The main memory of a computer that can be quickly accessed by the CPU. It is where the computer stores data and instructions that it is actively using.

File System

The methods and structures that an operating system uses to organize files on a storage device like a hard drive. File systems often use directory structures to keep track of files.

Hard disk drive

The most common type of long-term storage is the hard disk drive (HDD). Hard disks use thick, magnetic disks encased in a protective housing to store data. Because a hard disk drive is usually installed inside of a computer, it can be difficult to move between systems. If you need a portable hard disk, use an external hard disk drive that uses a USB or FireWire connection to the computer. Hard disks can store a large amount of data, but because they rely on moving parts, they're prone to failure if they get shaken or jostled too much. Hard disks have the following characteristics: Relatively inexpensive Fast Can hold a lot of information Hard disks can come in various sizes or what is called form factors. Key points about form factors include: Most desktop computers usually use a form factor of 3.5 inches. Most laptops use a 2.5-inch form factor. This measurement represents the approximated diameter of the platter encoded in the driver. The 3.5 HDD are usually faster, but due to their size won't fit in a laptop computer. The capacity of an HDD is ever increasing, from 100 GB up to 18TB. As technology continues to improve, these numbers are likely to increase. The performance of a HDD is determined by: How fast it can read and write data, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). Latency (access time). Faster drives have higher RPMs and lower latency. For example, at the time this course was written, the Seagate 18TB Exos X18 functions at 7200 RPM with an average latency of 4.16ms (milliseconds). Hard disks are run by a controller. These controllers are sometimes built into the motherboard but are often a separate card in an expansion slot. The controller connects the physical HDD to the motherboard. Some of the most common HDD controllers are the small computer system interface (SCSI), the integrated drive electronics (IDE), the enhanced IDE (EIDE), the parallel advanced technology attachment (PATA), and the serial advanced technology attachment (SATA). SCSI - A SCSI (scuzzy) controller was one of the first disk controllers. It was developed in the 1970s. It has a 50-pin flat ribbon connector. SCSI controllers are now being phased out. IDE/EIDE/PATA - Controllers based on the IBM PC industry standard architecture (ISA) 16-bit bus standard. SATA - SATA supports disk hot-swapping. This means the drive can be changed while the computer is powered on. SATA uses better cables and provides faster speeds than SCSI and IDE/EIDE/PATA. SATA is the most common controller used in desktop and laptop computers. There are usually four SATA ports on most motherboards.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

The most common type of long-term storage that uses thick magnetic disks encased in a protective housing to store data.

Monitor

The most common type of output device is the monitor. Information is usually displayed on a monitor screen as it's being processed by the computer. Laptop and mobile devices use an integrated screen, while most desktop systems use an external monitor connected to a video port. For desktop computers, the most common monitor is the flat-screen displays. Flat-screen displays/monitors are known as Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). While the old-styled cathode-ray tube (CRT) screens produced the image using electron guns, the flat-screen monitors use fluorescent or light emitting diode (LED) light to illuminate each pixel, each with the subpixels capable of generating the primary colors (red, green, and blue).Desktop and laptop computers can often support multiple monitors. This can be done if the existing graphic card supports multiple output devices, there are multiple graphic cards installed, or by using a display interface that lets you daisy-chain monitors, such as Thunderbolt or Display Ports. In Windows 10, the easiest way to configure multiple monitors is to right-click on the desktop and select Display Settings. This opens the Settings app to the Display page. When using multiple monitors, you have the choice to duplicate what is on one screen to the other screens or to extend the desktop to all of the monitors. This means that you can view different content on each display. When extending monitors it's important to place the monitors in the correct order in the Settings app so the mouse will move in a natural way from screen to screen. Each monitor can also be configured with its own resolution settings.

CPU

The most important part of any modern computer system is the central processing unit, or CPU. Just like the brain controls the body, the CPU controls the other parts of the computer by getting information from them, then telling them what to do. After receiving raw input data from the user, the CPU applies the data to a list of instructions, called a computer program. Then, the CPU follows, or executes, each line of the computer program in order, turning the data from the user into information. This is called processing.

Central processing unit (CPU)

The most important part of any modern computer system; it controls the other parts of the computer.

Encryption

The process of converting information so it cannot be understood without decrypting it using a key, especially to prevent unauthorized access.

Partitioning

The process of dividing a single physical disk into multiple logical drives called volumes.

Journaling

The process of tracking changes to a file so that a file can be repaired or restored in case of file corruption or data loss.

File

The smallest container within a computer's storage system that is used to store information such as data, settings, and commands used in a computer program. A file is the smallest container that can be copied, deleted, or moved within a file system.

Drive

The top-level folder, or directory, of a file system.

File Permissions

The use of user and file attributes that control which users can read, write, move, or delete each file.

File Format

The way a file is organized. File formats are indicated by an extension such as .jpg, .gif, .png., .mp3, .wav, .wma, .mp4, .avi, and .wmv.

ARM Processors

The x86 processors are extremely powerful, but they consume a lot of power and generate immense heat. That's a problem for mobile devices, which depend on battery power and are often carried in their owners' pockets.Most tablets and smartphones use Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) processors. ARM processors use a reduced instruction set. This means they can't do as many types of things as x86 processors. The tradeoff is that they are smaller, consume less power, and generate less heat.These processors are used in many mobile devices and phones made by Apple, HTC, Nokia, Xiaomi, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, nVIDIA Tegra, and others.

Which of the following is a disadvantage of notebook systems?

They are more expensive.

Microphone

To record audio, a microphone can be connected to a desktop system using a USB connector, an audio jack, or a wireless connection. Laptops and mobile devices already have integrated microphones and are less likely to have an external microphone attached.

NIC

Today, most computers need to connect to the Internet. That's the job of the Network Interface Card, or NIC. Some motherboards have a NIC built in, while others need one to be added on. Some NICs are for a wired connection, some are for wireless, and some can do both.

Touch Screen

Touch screens are commonly used by mobile devices. A touch screen uses a special material overlaid on the top of the device's regular screen that can detect when you have touched it and where. As with a mouse, you can use touch screens to send data and commands to the device.Touch screen devices can also use a pen (sometimes called a stylus) to draw, tap, and select items on the screen. If you have the correct software, Windows can convert your handwriting into characters that can be used by other programs, such as a word processor.To configure the pen settings, open the Settings app and go to Devices > Pen & Windows Ink. A similar option is also available in Control Panel.

Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording

Type of drive that allows bits of data to become smaller and more tightly packed together while still retaining data. It uses a tiny laser to briefly heat the recording surface of the hard drive to write the data making it more receptive to the effects of magnetism, which allow writing on much smaller areas than were possible before.

3D Flash Memory

Type of memory that implements tiers of solid-state flash memory stacked on top of each other allowing for much greater storage capacity at a lower cost than 2D flash memory.

Which kind of connector is pictured here?

USB

Which type of connector is commonly used for keyboards and mice?

USB

External Device Installation Tips

USB USB devices are hot-swappable. This means you can plug and unplug USB peripherals while the system is running. The system will automatically detect the addition or removal of a device and make the necessary configuration changes.To prevent data corruption when disconnecting external storage devices, you must stop them properly in the operating system before removing them. USB devices can be plugged in directly to a USB port on the computer or to an external USB hub that's connected to the computer. Self-powered USB devices USB ports can provide power over the connection. USB devices can receive up to 500 milliamps of power from a USB 2.0 port and up to 900 milliamps of power from a USB 3.0 port. If a device can operate on this much power, it's considered a bus-powered device. This means the USB port provides 100 percent of its power.If a device needs more power than this, it's considered a self-powered device and will typically have an external power adapter that plugs into a wall outlet.USB 2.0 ports can provide 2.5W of power. A standard USB 3.0 port can provide 4.5W of power and allows data transfer. A USB 3.0 dedicated charging port can provide 7.5W of power for a single device, but does not allow data transfer. Drivers For some peripheral devices, you may need to load drivers before connecting the device for the first time. Drivers contain software instructions that the computer needs in order to communicate with the device.For many devices, the necessary drivers are included with the operating system. Other devices may require you to manually install the drivers on the system prior to the first connection.Device drivers may also need to be updated when manufacturers fix bugs and vulnerabilities. If you need to uninstall a driver, the easiest and most effective method is to uninstall the original software package that was installed with the device.Sometimes, driver updates can cause new problems with your software. In this case, a very easy solution is to choose the Roll Back Driver option. This will revert the computer back to its state before installing the update. Network If a computer has access to a local network, either wired or wireless, you might install and configure peripherals to be accessed over the network. For example, you might install an Internet Protocol or IP-based printer and then configure it using a web page in a browser. Another example would be a Wi-Fi access point.

Which connector on the back of a computer is used to attach a mouse to a modern PC system?

USB A

USB Type B

USB Type B connectors have a square shape with a bevel on one edge to keep them from being plugged in the wrong way. They are designed for devices that are usually left plugged in for long periods of time, such as: Printers Scanners USB hubs Cables with a USB Type B connector typically use a Type A connector on the other end of the cable to connect to the computer.

USB Type A

Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type A connectors are rectangular in shape. One end is typically plugged directly into the computer. The other is plugged into a peripheral device. They are designed for devices that may be plugged in and out frequently, such as: Keyboards Mice Cameras Flash drives External hard drives

A customer has brought a computer in to be repaired. He said he thinks that the sound card has stopped working because no audio is produced when music, video, or DVDs are played. Which troubleshooting step should you take first? (Select two.)

Verify that the volume isn't muted. Verify that speakers are plugged into the correct jack and are powered on.

Expansion Cards

Video Cards A video card, also called a display or graphics card, is used to enhance the quality of images shown on a display. Rendering images requires a lot of processing power. A video card acts like an extra CPU that works exclusively on graphics. This frees up the computer's main processor for other tasks. A typical video card includes a graphics processing unit (GPU); a cooling mechanism (such as a fan); and memory and monitor ports such as HDMI. Network Cards A network interface card (NIC) enables a device to connect to a network. Many modern computers have a built-in NIC, but also have the option to add additional NICs to expand the functionality of the system. A NIC connects the device to the network through a RJ-45 port that connects to an unshielded twisted pair cable Audio Cards An audio card (sound card) converts electrical signals to audio signals. This is done using a digital signal processor (DSP) chip.This specialized chip has been optimized for the operational needs of converting electrical signals to audio signals.The conversion recreates the sound we hear through computer speakers or earphones.Sound cards are also used for voice over IP (VoIP), teleconferencing, and other audio functions.Most audio cards use different kinds of input/output jacks and ports for connecting such things as headphones, microphones, or speakers. Audio cards have many uses, but are often used in configuring surround sound systems, such as a digital theater system used in a home theater.Surround systems are often referred to as 5.1 or 5.7 systems.The number (such as 5.1) refers to the number of speaker placements found in the system.

Fragmentation

When parts of a single file, program, or application are stored in different areas of a physical disk.

Printer

You use a printer to create a hard copy of the information processed by the computer. Data is sent through a wire or over radio waves to a printer. The printer receives the data, formats it, and transfers it onto a piece of paper. Printers are commonly connected using a USB port, a FireWire port, or a network connection.