A+ CompTIA Practice Questions Part 2

When reaching inside an open computer, it is recommended for a technician to use an anti-static wrist strap. This strap helps to prevent the buildup and discharge of static electricity, which can potentially damage sensitive components inside the computer. By wearing the strap, the technician can safely ground themselves and minimize the risk of electrostatic discharge that could harm the computer's internal parts. This precaution is essential in maintaining the integrity and functionality of the computer during repairs or maintenance tasks.

The recommended first step to take prior to diagnosing or repairing a computer is to backup all data currently on the computer. This is important because during the diagnostic or repair process, there is a possibility of data loss or corruption. By backing up the data beforehand, it ensures that important files and information are not lost in case anything goes wrong during the repair process. This step also provides a safety net to restore the data if needed after the repair is completed.

It is extermely dangerous to open the case of a power supply. Besides, power supplies are inexpensive, so it would probably cost less to replace them than to try to fix them, and it would be much safer.

When cleaning a monitor, it is recommended to apply cleaning solution to a lint-free cloth. This is because lint-free cloths are designed to not leave any fibers or residue behind, which can potentially damage the screen or affect its clarity. Using a soft brush or a damp sponge may not be suitable as they can leave scratches or moisture on the display screen, leading to potential damage.

A, C, E, Ask the user to show you exactly where and when they experience the problem.

New software can mean incompatibility problems with existing problems. This is especially true for Windows Programs. A new Windows program can overwrite a required DLL file with a newer version of the same name, which an older program may not find useful.

If changes were made to the computer, ask if they can rememer approximatly when the change was made. Then ask them approximatly when the problem started. If the two dates seem related, theres a good chance that the problem is related to the change.

During the POST (Power-On Self Test), the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) checks for the correct operation of memory. This is an essential step in the boot process as it ensures that the computer's memory is functioning properly. If any issues are detected, the BIOS will typically generate error codes or beep patterns to indicate the specific problem. By verifying the memory's correct operation, the BIOS ensures that the computer can successfully proceed with the boot process and execute tasks effectively.

To address a situation where a user is no longer able to access certain files on the hard drive, checking the file-permissions on the hard drive is the appropriate action to take. This involves verifying the access rights and permissions for the user on the affected files. By doing so, any incorrect or restricted permissions can be identified and modified accordingly, allowing the user to regain access to the files without the need for reformatting or reloading the computer, deleting and re-creating the user account, or logging the user in as a power user.

To rectify the problem of a slow computer, the performance can be improved by using either Disk cleanup or Disk Defragmenter. Disk cleanup helps to remove unnecessary files and free up space on the hard drive, which can improve the overall performance. Disk Defragmenter, on the other hand, rearranges fragmented data on the hard drive, making it more efficient and reducing the time it takes to access files. By using either of these utilities, the computer's performance can be improved and the time taken to open documents can be reduced.

Task Manager is the correct answer because it is a built-in utility in Windows that allows users to monitor the performance of their computer. It provides real-time information about the CPU usage, memory usage, and other system resources. By opening the Task Manager, users can easily identify which program is consuming the most CPU resources and causing high usage. This information can be helpful in troubleshooting performance issues and managing system resources effectively.

Laptop memory comes in smaller form factors known as Small Outline DIMMs.

When booting up the computer, if the BIOS detects a video adapter failure, it will generate a beep code as an indication of the problem. This beep code is a series of beeps that can vary in length and pattern depending on the specific issue. By listening to the beep code, the user can identify that there is a problem with the video adapter and take appropriate actions to resolve it.

A full backup takes the longest to complete because it involves backing up all the data and files on a system, regardless of whether they have changed or not. This means that every file, folder, and database is copied to the backup storage, which can be time-consuming, especially for large amounts of data. In contrast, incremental, daily, and differential backups only copy the files that have changed since the last backup, resulting in shorter backup times.

POST stands for Power-On Self-Test, which is a phase in the startup process of a computer. During this phase, the computer's hardware components are checked to ensure they are functioning properly. This includes checking the CPU, memory, storage devices, and other hardware components. Therefore, POST accurately describes the phase in the startup process that does the initial hardware check.

SMART stands for Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology. It is a technology that allows users to monitor the health and performance of their hard drives. SMART continuously collects data about various parameters such as temperature, error rates, and bad sectors, and alerts the user if any potential failure is detected. This helps users to take preventive measures such as backing up their data or replacing the failing hard drive before it completely fails, thus minimizing the risk of data loss.

The most likely reason for the USB mouse and other USB devices not working is that the USB functionality may be disabled in the computer's BIOS settings. Checking the BIOS to verify that USB functionality is enabled would be the first step to take in troubleshooting this issue. It is important to ensure that the USB ports are enabled in the BIOS to allow proper communication with the connected devices.

The most likely reason for the new CPU overheating and shutting down when the computer is turned on is that the heatsink fan was not properly plugged in. The heatsink fan is responsible for cooling down the CPU by dissipating heat. If it is not properly connected or not functioning properly, the CPU can quickly overheat, causing the computer to shut down as a safety measure.

The yellow exclamation mark next to the device in the Device Manager indicates that there is an IRQ conflict. This means that there is a conflict between the sound card and another device in the system that is trying to use the same Interrupt Request (IRQ) line. This conflict prevents the sound card from functioning properly after a reboot of the Windows-based system.

Isolating possible causes of the issue and eliminating possibilities usually follow after you have gathered information on the problem. This is where your knowledge on the different system and configuration areas is important, as well as knowing the various tools and utilities used to troubleshoot and debug issues pertaining to these areas.

The correct answer is the first pin on the colored side of the ribbon cable. This is because in most ribbon cables, one side is colored while the other side is not. The colored side typically indicates the orientation and numbering of the pins. Therefore, pin 1 can be found on the colored side of the ribbon cable.

USB 2.0 will provide the fastest interface for printing from a workstation because it has a higher data transfer rate compared to the other options. USB 2.0 has a maximum data transfer rate of 480 Mbps, while USB 1.1 has a maximum rate of 12 Mbps. Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11g are wireless technologies that have even lower data transfer rates compared to USB, making USB 2.0 the fastest option for printing.

The correct answer is that the laptop turns off when unplugged from the AC adapter. This is a sign of a malfunctioning battery because it indicates that the battery is not holding a charge or is not functioning properly. When the laptop is unplugged from the AC adapter, it should be able to run on battery power. However, if it turns off immediately or after a short period of time, it suggests that the battery is not providing the necessary power to keep the laptop running.

A secure offsite facility is the best location for data backup storage because it provides a higher level of security and protection for the data. It is separate from the main location, reducing the risk of physical damage or theft. The facility is designed to have advanced security measures such as surveillance cameras, access control systems, and fire suppression systems. It also ensures that the data is stored in a controlled environment with proper temperature and humidity levels. This makes it an ideal choice for keeping backups safe and secure.

If you have two drives on a bus and both are set to master, neither drive will work because they will be fighting each other for control of the disks. If you have two drives on a bus and both are set to slave, neither drive will work because the disks wont know where to get their instructions from.

Powering down a visual projector properly before unplugging it from the electrical outlet is important because there is a possibility of residual heat damage to the internal components of the projector. When a projector is in use, it generates heat, and abruptly unplugging it without allowing it to cool down properly can cause damage to the internal components. By powering it down properly, the projector goes through a cooling process, ensuring that the internal components are not subjected to excessive heat, which could potentially lead to damage.

A USB printer is hot-swappable because it can be connected or disconnected from a computer while the system is running without causing any damage or requiring a system restart. This means that users can easily plug in or unplug the USB printer without disrupting their work or the functioning of the computer. On the other hand, an SVGA monitor, IDE hard drive, and ps/2 keyboard and mouse are not hot-swappable as they require the system to be powered off before connecting or disconnecting them.

The reason why the scanner lamp does not respond when the scan button is pressed is because it got stuck and locked in place. This means that even though the scanner goes through the warm-up process and lights up, the lamp is physically unable to move and therefore cannot perform the scanning function.

A faulty hard drive can cause a computer to report a SMART error on startup. SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a system built into hard drives to monitor their health and detect potential failures. If the hard drive is faulty, it may fail the SMART test during startup, triggering the error message. This can indicate issues such as bad sectors, imminent drive failure, or other problems with the storage device.

Any number of things can cause a blank screen. The first two are the most common: either the power is off or the contrast or brightness is turned down.

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A power failure would shut down the computer, not reboot it. Insufficient memory and possibly faulty software should merely produce an alert to the computer user. Overheating CPU, or in some cases overheated memory, will cause random reboots whenever the CPU reaches the temperatures above the intended working temperature.

Scheduling the regular deletion of temporary files helps optimize system performance by freeing up disk space and reducing clutter. Regularly defragmenting the hard drive helps improve file access and overall system speed. Running an anti-spyware/malware program regularly helps protect the system from malicious software that can slow down performance.

When a new video card is installed, the system may only boot into VGA mode if incorrect drivers have been loaded during the installation process. VGA mode is a generic display mode that allows the system to function with basic video capabilities. If the correct drivers are not installed, the system may default to VGA mode as a fallback option. This can happen if the wrong drivers are selected or if the installation process encounters errors.

A Class C fire extinguisher is the correct answer because it is specifically designed to extinguish fires that involve electrical equipment, such as a computer power supply. These types of extinguishers use non-conductive agents that can safely put out the fire without causing harm to the user or further damage to the equipment. Class B fire extinguishers are used for flammable liquid fires, Class D fire extinguishers are used for combustible metal fires, and Class A fire extinguishers are used for ordinary combustible material fires.

The ntbootd.sys file is significant on Windows XP professional computers because it is required for SCSI devices. SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) is a type of interface used to connect various devices such as hard drives, tape drives, and scanners to a computer. The ntbootd.sys file contains the necessary drivers and instructions for the operating system to recognize and communicate with SCSI devices. Without this file, the computer would not be able to properly interface with SCSI devices and utilize their functionality.

To effectively reduce unnecessary and redundant effort when troubleshooting and repairing computers, it is important to document the activities and outcomes of repair steps. This documentation serves as a reference for future troubleshooting, ensuring that the same steps are not repeated unnecessarily. It also helps in tracking the progress of the repair process and can be shared with other technicians if needed. By documenting the repair steps, technicians can easily identify patterns, common issues, and potential root causes of failure, leading to more efficient and effective troubleshooting. Additionally, documenting the problem resolution and discussing it with the user helps in understanding any recent changes that may have caused the issue, preventing similar problems in the future.

The recommended way to clean card edge connectors is to use an anti-static cloth and rubbing alcohol. This method helps to remove dirt, dust, and any other contaminants from the connectors without causing any damage. Using canned compressed air can also be effective in removing loose debris, but it may not be sufficient for a thorough cleaning. Scraping the connectors with fingernails or wetting fingers with saliva and rubbing the connectors can potentially cause damage to the connectors and should be avoided.

Type 3 card devices are 16 or 32 bit. These cards are 10.5 millimeters thick, allowing them to accomodate devices with components that would not fit type 1 or type 2 height. Examples include HDD cards, and interface cards with full size connectors that do not require dongles.

Jumper settings are the first thing to check when a new drive isnt being recognized. Make sure you have opened up access to the new drive by changing the first drives's jumper switches.

If updating the driver from the manufacturer's website did not resolve the issue and the PCI card still does not work, the next logical step would be to replace the PCI card. This is because the malfunctioning card may have a hardware issue that cannot be fixed by simply updating the driver. By replacing the card, it allows for a fresh start and the possibility of resolving the problem.

The general tab in the systems properties window will yield information regarding the amount of random access memory (RAM) that is currently installed on a WinXP computer. This tab provides general information about the computer system, including the amount of RAM installed.

Hardware compatability should have been ensured before buying the components in the first place, and there is no need to replace the cables unless there is a visual defect on them.

The first thing to check is the plug because nothing is happening with the system, if after you plug it in and nothing happens after switching on, then it is the power supply that may have gone bad.

The computer continuously restarts without reaching the Windows desktop because the Automatic restart on system failure option is enabled. This means that whenever the system encounters a critical error, instead of displaying an error message or allowing the user to troubleshoot, it automatically restarts. This option is enabled by default in some operating systems and can be disabled to allow for better troubleshooting and error resolution.

Dust accumulation inside the computer case can cause the fan or power supply to stop functioning. Dust can clog the fan blades, obstructing airflow and causing the fan to fail. It can also block the vents and heat sinks, leading to overheating of the components, including the power supply. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the computer case can prevent dust buildup and ensure proper functioning of the fan and power supply.

A computer can run slowly due to several reasons. One possible reason is not having enough RAM. RAM is the temporary storage space that a computer uses to perform tasks, and if there is not enough RAM available, the computer may struggle to run programs efficiently. Another reason could be the presence of spyware and viruses. These malicious software can consume system resources and slow down the computer's performance. Additionally, running obsolete services, which are outdated and unnecessary background processes, can also contribute to a slow computer as they consume valuable system resources.

A video card failure is indicated by one short beep and no display on the screen.

The reason for the computer behaving in this manner is that the system registry is overwritten after every successful login. Therefore, the settings on the initial installation were overwritten after the first reboot and login, causing the operating system to remain unstable even after using the Last Known Good Configuration.

Your services process was hijacked by a piece of malware which has now pointed the program to that dll instead of the normal file. Safe mode is not working because the Rootkit is running its own service programmed to run in safe-mode which is preventing the complete start-up of safe-mode. Using the recovery console you can prevent any non-critical processes from loading and then attempt to load safe-mode. If that does not change anything, you can use your Windows CD to run a repair install on the operating system.

To solve the problem of lack of connectivity during lunchtime, reducing the radio frequency around the wireless access point (WAP) would be an effective solution. By reducing the radio frequency, interference from other devices or networks operating on the same frequency can be minimized, improving the overall connectivity for the wireless users. This can be achieved by adjusting the channel settings on the WAP or by using tools to identify and avoid congested frequency bands.

When you find that you are unable to select the desired refresh rate on your CRT monitor, you should check if the manufacturer card and monitor is properly identified in Windows. This is important because if the card and monitor are not properly identified, the system may not be able to support the desired refresh rate. Additionally, you should obtain and install updated drivers for both the card and the monitor. This is necessary because outdated drivers may not have the necessary compatibility or functionality to support the desired refresh rate.