2.4.7 Practice Questions PC Maintenance

Which device type should typically not be plugged into a protected outlet on a UPS unit?

Laser printer Explanation Typically, a laser printer should not be plugged into a UPS. Instead, a laser printer should be plugged directly into the wall.

A new laptop was delivered to your home and left on the porch while you were at work. It is very cold outside, and you don't know how long it has been there. You unpack the computer and would like to know if it is working properly. What should you do?

Let the computer warm up to room temperature before turning it on. Explanation If a computer has been in a cold environment, you should let it warm up (approx. 6-24 hours) to room temperature before turning it on. Otherwise, the heat produced by the components might cause water condensation inside the computer. This water might then damage system components. However, placing the laptop next to a heater set on High would be a poor strategy for warming the system up because it could potentially melt the plastic parts within the unit.

Which of the following are common tools used to physically clean the inside of a computer?

Natural bristle brush Compressed air. Explanation You can use a natural bristle brush and can of compressed air to blow dust off of a motherboard and other circuit cards. Never use anything harsh such as a wire brush. Rags are also discouraged because they easily snag on electrical leads and parts.

Which of the following features should you look for when selecting a vacuum cleaner for your cleaning kit?

Non-static generating. A vacuum cleaner that bows as well as vacuums. Explanation It is important to select a vacuum cleaner for use with computer equipment that will not generate harmful static. Electrostatic discharge should always be avoided around sensitive computer components. In some cases, it may be better to remove dust and other foreign matter by applying a blowing force rather than vacuuming. The bag used in this type of vacuum should always be avoided around sensitive computer components. In some cases, it may be better to remove dust and other foreign matter by applying a blowing force rather than vacuuming. The bag used in this type of vacuum should be fine enough to collect toner particles. Otherwise, these particles may circulate within and outside the vacuum and spread toner.

Besides protecting a computer from under-voltages, a typical UPS also performs which other actions?

Protects from over-voltages. Conditions the power signal. Explanation A typical UPS protects a computer from overvoltages as well as undervoltages. Also, because the quality of the electrical signal provided by a UPS battery is not as good as the AC power from the wall outlet, UPS devices often have built-in line conditioners.

Which of the following devices help protect against temporary, above-normal voltages?

Surge protector Explanation A power surge is a temporary increase in excessive voltage to a computer. A surge protector helps protect against power surges. A power strip may or may not include surge protection circuits. An ESD grounding strap should be worn when touching anything inside a computer to avoid shocking computer components by not sharing a common ground.

You are trying to help a co-worker order a UPS for each PC in her remote office location. What rating is used to specify the size of a UPS?

VA Explanation The size of a UPS is specified by a volt-amp (VA) rating. The larger the VA rating of the UPS, the longer the UPS can keep the system running in the event of a power failure. Volts are only part of the rating system used for UPS units. Ohms are not used to rate UPS units nor is wattage.

Which of the following is most helpful in keeping a computer cool?

Verify that cooling fans are not circulating air in the wrong directions. Vacuum dust from the system regularly. Explanation Vacuuming dust from the system is critical for keeping the computer cool. In addition, verify that your cooling fans are blowing air in the right direction and are not working against each other. Do not remove any slot covers in an attempt to cool the computer. A lack of slot covers decreases the fan's ability to remove hot air from inside the computer.

Which of the following statements about cleaning monitors and display devices is true?

You should clean the monitor while it is powered off with a lint-free cloth. Explanation Cleaning cloths should always be lint free. In general, an LCD monitor is best cleaned using a dry cloth.While many newer monitors do have certain automatic calibration features, self-cleaning is not one of them.