A+ Essentials Chapter 5
BIOS and CMOS
In this chapter, you will learn how to
• Explain the function of BIOS
• Distinguish among various CMOS setup utility options
• Describe BIOS and device drivers
• Troubleshoot the power-on self test (POST)
- 1.
Jill decided to go retro and added a second floppy disk drive to her computer.She thinks she got it physically installed correctly, but it doesn’t show up inWindows. Which of the following options will most likely lead Jill where sheneeds to go to resolve the issue?
- A.
Reboot the computer and press the F key on the keyboard twice. This signals that the computer has two floppy disk drives.
- B.
Reboot the computer and watch for instructions to enter the CMOS setup utility (for example, a message may say to press the DELETE key). Do what it says to go into CMOS setup.
- C.
In Windows, press the DELETE key twice to enter the CMOS setup utility.
- D.
In Windows, go to Start | Run and type “floppy.” Click OK to open the Floppy Disk Drive Setup Wizard.
Correct Answer
B. Reboot the computer and watch for instructions to enter the CMOS setup utility (for example, a message may say to press the DELETE key). Do what it says to go into CMOS setup.Explanation
Jill should reboot the computer and watch for instructions to enter the
CMOS setup utility (for example, a message may say to press the DELETE key).
She should do what it says to go into CMOS setup.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Henry bought a new card for capturing television on his computer. When hefinished going through the packaging, however, he found no driver disc, onlyan application disc for setting up the TV capture software. After installing thecard and software, it all works flawlessly. What’s the most likely explanation?
- A.
The device doesn’t need BIOS, so there’s no need for a driver disc.
- B.
The device has an option ROM that loads BIOS, so there’s no need for a driver disc.
- C.
Windows supports TV capture cards out of the box, so there’s no need for a driver disc.
- D.
The manufacturer made a mistake and didn’t include everything needed to set up the device.
Correct Answer
B. The device has an option ROM that loads BIOS, so there’s no need for a driver disc.Explanation
Most likely the device has an option ROM because it works.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of the following most accurately describes the relationship betweenBIOS and hardware?
- A.
All hardware needs BIOS.
- B.
All hardware that attaches to the motherboard via ribbon cables needs BIOS.
- C.
All hardware built into the motherboard needs BIOS.
- D.
Some hardware devices need BIOS.
Correct Answer
A. All hardware needs BIOS.Explanation
All hardware needs BIOS!Rate this question:
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- 4.
After a sudden power outage, Samson’s PC rebooted, but nothing appearedon the screen. The PC just beeped at him, over and over and over. What’s mostlikely the problem?
- A.
The power outage toasted his RAM.
- B.
The power outage toasted his video card.
- C.
The power outage toasted his hard drive.
- D.
The power outage toasted his CPU.
Correct Answer
A. The power outage toasted his RAM.Explanation
The long repeating beep and a dead PC most likely indicates a problem
with RAM.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Davos finds that a disgruntled former employee decided to sabotage hercomputer when she left by putting a password in CMOS that stops thecomputer from booting. What can Davos do to solve this problem?
- A.
Davos should boot the computer holding the left SHIFT key. This will clear the CMOS information.
- B.
Davos should try various combinations of the former employee’s name. The vast majority of people use their name or initials for CMOS passwords.
- C.
Davos should find the CMOS clear jumper on the motherboard. Then he can boot the computer with a shunt on the jumper to clear the CMOS information.
- D.
Davos should find a replacement motherboard. Unless he knows the CMOS password, there’s nothing he can do.
Correct Answer
C. Davos should find the CMOS clear jumper on the motherboard. Then he can boot the computer with a shunt on the jumper to clear the CMOS information.Explanation
Davos should find the CMOS clear jumper on the motherboard. Boot the computer with a shunt on the jumper to clear the CMOS information.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Richard over in the sales department went wild in CMOS and made a bunch ofchanges that he thought would optimize his PC. Now most of his PC doesn’twork. He can boot, but only to CMOS, not into Windows. Which of thefollowing tech call answers would most likely get him up and running again?
- A.
Reboot the computer about three times. That’ll clear the CMOS and get you up and running.
- B.
Open up the computer and find the CMOS clear jumper. Remove a shunt from somewhere on the motherboard and put it on the CMOS clear jumper. Reboot and then put the shunt back where you got it. Reboot, and you should be up and running in no time.
- C.
Boot into the CMOS setup program and then find the option to load a plugand- play operating system. Make sure it’s set to On. Save and exit CMOS; boot normally into Windows. You should be up and running in no time.
- D.
Boot into the CMOS setup program and then find the option to load Optimized Default settings. Save and exit CMOS; boot normally into Windows. You should be up and running in no time.
Correct Answer
D. Boot into the CMOS setup program and then find the option to load Optimized Default settings. Save and exit CMOS; boot normally into Windows. You should be up and running in no time.Explanation
Please don’t hand Richard a screwdriver! Having him load Optimized
Default settings will most likely do the trick.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Jill boots up an older Pentium III system that has been the cause of severaluser complaints at the office. The system powers up and starts to run throughPOST, but then stops. The screen displays a “CMOS configuration mismatch”error. Of the following list, what is the most likely cause of this error?
- A.
Dying CMOS battery
- B.
Bad CPU
- C.
Bad RAM
- D.
Corrupt system BIOS
Correct Answer
A. Dying CMOS batteryExplanation
The CMOS battery is likely dying.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Where does Windows store device drivers?
- A.
My Computer
- B.
My Hardware
- C.
Registry
- D.
Drivers and Settings
Correct Answer
C. RegistryExplanation
Windows stores device drivers in the Registry.Rate this question:
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Mar 19, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Oct 28, 2008Quiz Created by
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