CompTIA A+ 220-1001 - PC Tools

Which tool would you use to grab and lift small objects?

3-prong holder

POST Card

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

Cable Tester

A cable tester verifies that a network can carry a signal from one end to the other and that all wires within the connector are in the correct positions. Most testers have a single unit that tests both ends of the cable at once. Many testers come with a second unit that you can plug into one end of a long cable run to test the entire cable.

Combination Ratchet/Screwdriver

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

Multimeter

A handheld device with a digital readout used to test electrical properties.

Loopback Plug

A loopback plug is used to test network communications by redirecting a signal from the transmit port on a device to the receive port on the same device. Use the loopback plug to verify that a device can both send and receive signals.

Combination ratchet/screwdriver

A multi-tool with interchangeable bits

Multimeter

A multimeter is a device that tests various electrical properties. For example, most multimeters can measure: * AC and DC voltage * Current (amps) * Resistance (ohms) * Capacitance * Frequency

IC insertion and extraction tool

A plastic and metal tool used to add and remove integrated circuit chips.

Power Supply Tester

A power supply tester is a custom multimeter used to test output from a PC power supply. The power supply tester has multiple connectors to test the output for each connector type.

Extension magnet

A small magnet on a collapsible rod used to retrieve parts that fall into a computer case or another area that hands cannot reach.

Three-pronged parts retriever

A small tool used to grasp and retrieve small parts that fall into places difficult to reach with hands.

Loopback plug

A small tool used to test network communications.

Power supply tester

A special multimeter used to test output from a PC power supply.

Antistatic wrist strap

A strap that connects you to an antistatic pad to prevent static electricity from damaging computer components.

Three-Pronged Parts Retriever

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

Cable tester

A tool that verifies that network signals can travel throughout a network.

IC Insertion and Extraction Tool

An IC insertion and extraction tool is used to add or remove integrated circuit chips that are used on motherboards and some computer components. For example, on some motherboards, you can use the IC insertion and extraction tool to change the BIOS chip.

Antistatic Pad/Wrist Strap

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

POST card

An expansion board used to troubleshoot computer system startup

Extension Magnet

An extension magnet is a small magnet on a collapsible rod. Use the extension magnet to retrieve screws that have fallen into a computer case or other areas you cannot reach. As an alternative to a magnet, use an extension tool with retractable prongs.

Antistatic pad

An insulated covering that prevents static electricity from moving between objects and damaging computer components.

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

Antistatic pad and wrist strap

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

DC volts

You are removing screws within a computer, but several have fallen into places you can't reach. Which tool would help retrieve the small screws?

Extension magnet

Which tool would be the best choice for removing and replacing the motherboard BIOS chip?

IC extractor

Known Good Spares

Known good spares are a set of components that you know are in proper functioning order. If you suspect a problem in a component, swap it with the known good component. If the problem is not resolved, troubleshoot other components. Examples of using this strategy are: * Changing the cable connecting a computer to the network * Connecting a different monitor to a computer * Replacing an expansion card

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

Loopback plug

Your workstation is unable to communicate with any other computer on the network. Which of the following tools should you use to test the network card's abilities to send and receive signals?

Loopback plug

Which tool would you use to measure electrical properties such as voltage, amps, and resistance?

Multimeter

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

POST Card Known good spares

Which of the following tools is specifically designed to test the DC voltage on a hard disk drive power connector?

Power supply tester

Which of the following BEST describes the purpose for which loopback plugs are used?

Testing ports by returning output signals as input.

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

Tone generator

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

Tone generator and probe

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

Use a multimeter to test the power supply.