CET1178C Chapter #1
What connector has 4 pins, is used for older IDE drives and some SATA drives, and can provide +5 V and +12 V power outputs?
Molex connector Correct. The Molex connector is a 4-pin connector use for older IDE drives, some newer SATA drives, and extra power to video cards. It can provide +5 V and +12 V power.
What tool can help discover and report computer errors and conflicts that occur when you first turn on a computer and before the operating system is launched.
POST card
What is the component called that usually has a dual-voltage selector switch and has cables that connect to the motherboard and internal components?
PSU Correct. The PSU or Power Supply Unit has a dual voltage switch, for using 115V or 220V and connects to the motherboard, expansion cards, and drives through cables.
What is the second step in opening the case of a working computer?
Power down the system and unplug it. Correct. After backing up important data, you should power down the system and unplug it.
What is the connector called on a network cable that connects to an Ethernet port?
RJ-45 Correct. A RJ-45 connector connects a network cable to a network port.
When handling a motherboard, cards, or drive, which statement is NOT accurate?
You should not hold expansion cards by the edges. Correct. Holding expansion cards by the edges is the correct method of handling.
Sometimes an expansion board may have an extra PCIe power connector. This connector comes in what two different pin configurations?
1- 8-pin Correct. Video cards draw a lot of power and newer systems can provide more power than what comes through the PCIe slot. 8-pin configurations are common. 2- 6-pin Correct. Video cards draw a lot of power and newer systems can provide more power than what comes through the PCIe slot. 6-pin configurations are common.
What are two resources that may be useful in disassembling a laptop computer?
1- Service manual Correct. Since laptop computers are unique to manufacturers and models, a service manual will be useful for disassembly. 2- User manual Correct. User manuals may provide guidance on replacing or removing components without full disassembly of the case.
When is it okay to touch the inside of a computer that is turned on?
1- When using a multimeter to measure voltage output Correct. Using a multimeter to measure voltage output is the only exception to touching the inside of a computer that is turned on. Even then, you should be very careful to avoid shock.
How many pins are in the power supply connector that is typically used on most motherboards today?
24-pin Correct. The 24-pin P1 connector is the main motherboard power connector used today.
How many pins are used in a serial port?
9 Correct. 9-pin ports are called DB9 or serial ports. Serial ports have been largely replaced by USB ports, but can still be found on routers and other hardware.
You are troubleshooting a laptop with multiple sticking keys that result in misspelled words while the user types. Other than several sticking keys, the laptop appears to be functioning properly. You have cleaned the keyboard with compressed air, but the problem persists. After removing one of the key tops, it becomes apparent that a liquid was spilled into the keyboard. Which of the following is the next step in resolving the issue of sticking keys?
1- Clean the keyboard keys with a contact cleaner. Correct. Contact cleaner can be used to clean a keyboard in which liquid has been spilled. Contact cleaners readily evaporate without leaving any residue. If the keys continue to stick, you will need to replace the keyboard.
What type(s) of port transmits both digital audio and digital video with a single connector? Select all that apply.
1- DisplayPort Correct. DisplayPort transmits both digital video and audio, but not analog transmissions. DisplayPorts are slowly replacing older ports, such as VGA and DVI ports. 2- HDMI
Which statement is NOT true regarding motherboards?
1- Has a heat sink on the PCIe slots Correct. PCIe slots do not have heat sinks. PCIe slots are for expansion cards. If an expansion card requires additional cooling, then the expansion card may contain a heat sink. Heat sinks may be found on top of the CPU with a cooling fan.
What two devices in a computer should be considered "black boxes," and should never be opened due to risks involving charged capacitors?
1- Monitor Correct. A monitor may have charged capacitors and contain enough power to kill you, so you should never open it unless you have been specifically trained. This is why it is referred to as a "black box." Power supply Correct. The power supply may have charged capacitors and contain enough power to kill you, so you should never open it unless you have been specifically trained. This is why it is referred to as a "black box."
Which component may be considered a field replaceable unit or FRU?
1- Motherboard 2- Hard drive 3- LCD screen 4- Power Supply 5- All of these correct. Laptop FRU or field replaceable unit may include the following: memory modules, hard drive, LCD screen, video inverter, keyboard, touchpad, processor optical drive, DC jack, fan, motherboard, CMOS battery, Mini PCIe card, wireless card, power supply, and speakers.
A technician needs to service a laptop computer that is experiencing an intermittent problem with the display. Which of the following will be most effective at helping the technician complete the work in a timely and efficient manner? (Select TWO).
1- Organize and place all parts and screws and in one place. Correct. After documenting and labeling the location of the parts and screws, the technician needs to organize them and keep them in one place. Doing so will assist in reassembling the unit. 2- Document and label the location of the screws and cables before removing them. Correct. While most desktop computers contain only one or two types of screws, a laptop may have a variety of screws and washers in various sizes and lengths. It is imperative that a technician document and label screws and cables before removing them. Inserting a screw that is too long may penetrate a cable or circuit board and cause damage. Inserting a screw that is the wrong size can also strip the threads, causing the correct-sized screw not to tighten properly. Documenting and labeling locations will assist in reassembling the unit.
1- A diagnostic program built into a computer to test the hardware components before the computer boots up. 2- All wireless technologies are turned off resulting in no transmission or reception of wireless signals. 3- The smaller form factor of the ATX. Its smaller size and reduced expansion ports help reduce costs and power consumption. 4- Performs most of the processing for data and instructions for the entire system. 5- A short-range wireless technology used to connect two devices in a small personal network 6- Smaller connectors for memory on laptops. 7- The standard for computer expansion cards. 8- The connector for memory found on a motherboard. 9- Draws heat away from the CPU or other heat sensitive components so that it can be dissipated quickly. 10- Transmits digital video and audio. They are slowly replacing VGA and DVI ports on computers
1- POST 2- Airplane Mode 3- microATX 4- CPU (Central Processing Unit). 5- Bluetooth. 6- SO-DIMM. 7- PCIe. 8- DIMM 9- Heat Sink 10- DisplayPort
Molly, an end user, connects an external monitor, external keyboard and mouse, and a wired network cable to her laptop while working in the office. She leaves the office frequently to meet with customers and takes the laptop with her. Disconnecting and reconnecting these external connections has become inconvenient. Which of the following devices will allow the user to disconnect and reconnect the laptop to the external connections with the least amount of effort? (Select TWO).
1- Port replicator Correct. A port replicator typically connects to a laptop using a single USB port and provides the convenience of connecting external connections such as monitors, USB devices, and network patch cables. The port replicator isn't proprietary, meaning it is designed to work with any laptop with an open USB port. 2- Docking stationCorrect. A docking station provides the same functionality as that of a port replicator but is typically proprietary, meaning it is designed for a specific brand and model of laptop. Older docking stations are connected to a laptop through a proprietary docking port on the bottom of the laptop.
A technician has determined that a laptop keyboard will need to be removed in order to replace the laptop's CPU cooling fan. Which of the following steps will most likely be required before the technician can remove the keyboard from the laptop? (Select TWO.)
1- The keyboard bezel will need to be removed. Correct. The keyboard bezel is a part of the plastic covers of a laptop and is the cover that surrounds the top of the keyboard. For some laptops, the case top covers the keyboard. Regardless of whether the cover is the bezel or the case top, it will need to be removed first in order to remove the keyboard. 2- The keyboard cable(s) will need to be disconnected from the ZIF socket(s). Correct. Typical laptop keyboards are connected to the system board via one or more ribbon cables. The system board end of the ribbon cable utilizes ZIF (zero insertion force) sockets. These cables will need to be disconnected prior to removal of the keyboard.
What two different types of firmware may be used on motherboards?
1- UEFI Correct. Unified Extensible Firmware Interface or UEFI is the newer firmware that is responsible for managing essential devices (such as the keyboard, mouse, hard drive, and monitor) before the OS launches, starting the computer, and managing motherboard settings. 2- BIOS Correct. Basic Input/Output System or BIOS is the older firmware that is responsible for managing essential devices (such as the keyboard, mouse, hard drive, and monitor) before the OS launches, starting the computer, and managing motherboard settings.
Which statement is NOT a good practice when working inside a computer case?
Be sure to hold expansion cards by the edge connectors. Correct. You should hold expansion cards by the edges, but never touch the edge connectors or soldered components unless it is absolutely necessary. This helps prevent static electricity and reduces corrosion caused by fingerprints.
What acronym is another name for static electricity, which can damage chips and destroy motherboards?
ESD Correct. Electrostatic discharge or ESD is another name for static electricity. ESD can damage chips and destroy circuit boards, including motherboards
A user called to inform you that the laptop she purchased yesterday is malfunctioning and will not connect to her wireless network. You personally checked to verify that the wireless worked properly before the user left your office. The user states she rebooted the computer several times but the problem still persists. Which of the following is the first step you should take to assist the user in resolving this issue?
Have the user press the appropriate function key combination to enable the wireless radio and then attempt to connect to the wireless network. Correct. Modern laptop computers provide an easy method of toggling the Wi-Fi, GPS, and cellular radios on and off by means of the keyboard function keys. For example, to toggle the Wi-Fi radio on/off, the user may be required to depress and hold the Fn key and then press F5.
What tool can help discover and report computer errors and conflicts that occur when you first turn on a computer and before the operating system is launched
POST card Correct. Power On Self Test or POST is a diagnostic program built into a computer to test the hardware components before the computer boots up. A POST card is a specialized card that helps identify and report computer errors and conflicts that occur after you first turn on a computer, but before the operating system launches. Results of the test are displayed as a coded number on the card for reference.
