2.3.3 Practice Questions PC Tools

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

3 prong holder Explanation A 3-prong holder is a tweezer-like tool with three prongs used for grabbing and lifting small objects. A multimeter measures electrical properties such as voltage, amps, and resistance. An IC extractor is a tweezer-like tool, usually spring loaded in the open position, used to remove integrated circuit chips. A crimper with interchangeable die is a crimping tool with multiple dies for crimping different wiring configurations.

You need to attach an $J-45 connector to the end of a Cat UTP cable. Which tool should you use?

Crimper Explanation A crimper is used to attach an EJ-45 connector to the end of a UTP cable. It pushes down on the pins in the RJ-45 connector, causing them to pierce the insulation of the individual wires in the UTP cable. A multimeter is used to measure electrical voltage and resistance. A tone probe is used to trace a UTP cable through walls and ceilings. A punchdown tool is used to connect UTP cabling to a punchdown block.

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 Explanation To measure the output of a power supply, measure DC voltage. A power supply converts AC voltage to DC voltage and supplies the DC power to computer components. AC is the voltage input for a power supply. To measure the input, measure the power from the wall socket. An ohm is a measure of resistance, used to check the properties of a resistor. Multimeters can measure amps, but do not measure watts.

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

Explanation A multimeter measures electrical properties such as voltage, amps, and resistance. A mini electronic combination wrench set is a set of standard wrenches which are designed in size and thickness to be used on electronic components. An IC extractor is a tweezer-like tool, usually spring loaded in the open position, used to remove integrated circuit chips. A crimper with interchangeable die is a crimping tool with multiple dies for crimping different wiring configurations.

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 Explanation An extension magnet is a small magnet on a collapsible rod that is used to retrieve screws that have fallen into a computer case or other areas you cannot reach. An IC extractor is a tweezer- like tool, usually spring loaded in the open position, used to remove integrated circuit chips. Unless the lost parts are in an easily accessible location, a screwdriver or pair of pliers would be unlikely to help you retrieve them.

Which tool would be the best choice to remove and replace the motherboard BIOS chip?

IC extractor Explanation An IC extractor is a tweezer-like tool, usually spring loaded in the open position, used to remove integrated circuit chips. Using other tools, such as pliers or a screwdriver, could potentially damage the chip or the motherboard. A combination ratchet has interchangeable bits with a ratcheting handle that provides multiple features in a single tool.

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

Loopback plug Explanation A loopback plug allows an output signal to be returned as input. Loopback plugs are used to test serial and parallel ports. A crimper is used to crimp different wiring configurations. A multimeter measures electrical properties such as voltage, amps, and resistance. An ammeter is an instrument that measures the flow of electric current in a circuit.

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

Power supply tester Explanation A power supply tester is specifically designed to test DC voltage on most connectors coming from a PC power supply. A multimeter measures electrical properties such as voltage, amps, and resistance. A multimeter can also be used to test DC voltage on a Molex connector; however, it isn't a tool dedicated to this purpose. A cable tester verifies that a network can carry a signal from one end to the other, and that all wires withing the connector are in their correct positions. A loopback plug lets you test a port for proper functionality. The loopback plug crosses the receive and transmit wires. Essentially, this lets the computer send a signal to itself.

You need to connect the end of a Cat 6 UTP cable to a 110 punch down block. Which tool should you use?

Punchdown tool Explanation A punchdown tool is used to connect UTP cabling to a punchdown clock. A crimper is used to attach an RJ-45 connector to the end of UTP cable. A cable tester is used to test UTP cables for continuity and resistance. A loopback plug returns a transmitted electrical sign from a connector back to the receptor pins on the same connector.

What are loopback plugs used for?

Testing ports by returning output signals as input. Explanation Loopback plugs are used to test ports by returning output signals as input. Use a loopback plug to test the funtionality of serial ports or networking ports. Null modem cables are used to connect computers using their serial ports without the need for a modem and phone line connection. A 3-prong holder is a tweezers-like tool with three prongs used for grabbing and lifting small objects. An IC extractor is a tweezer-like tool, usually spring loaded in the open position, used to remove integrated circuit chips.

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 probe Explanation A tone probe is used to trace a UTP cable through walls and ceilings. A tone generator is attached to one end of the cable. The the probe is used to audibly trace the wire. A multimeter is used to measure electrical voltage and resistance. A cable tester tests UTP cables for continuity and resistance. A punchdown tool is used to connect UTP cabling to a punchdown block.