Shared Flashcard Set

Details

CompTIA A+ 220-801 & 220-802 Cert Guide
N/A
156
Computer Science
Professional
12/24/2012

Additional Computer Science Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
You are working on a computer.  What is considered essential?
Definition

Motherboard, CPU, Memory, Video Card

 

The essential computer components listed here are a motherboard (no motherboard means no computer), a CPU or processor (the brain of the computer), memory, and video output (by means of a video card or a video port intergrated into the motherboard).

Term
What devices might be found on the front or back of a computer?
Definition

Activity lights, Power switch, USB ports

 

You might find all of the listed devices on either the front or back of a computer.  Some, such as a USB ports, are on both front and back.

Term
What can cause a desktop computer to fail?
Definition

Overheating, Loose add-on cards, Drive failures, Adding more memory

 

An overheated processor can shut down the computer or cause an unrecoverable error.  A loose video card causes a blank display.  Hard drive failure results in a non-bootable operating system.  And if the additional memory is incompatiable with the original memory or the motherboard, it could stop the computer from booting.

Term
What are the most commonly used Windows operating systems?
Definition

Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Vista, Windows 98

 

Even though some people still use Windows 98 on their computers, it is not considered a major player among the operating systems of today.

Term
What can be used in your day-to-day work on a standard Windows computer?
Definition

CHKDSK, Disk Defragmenter

 

Use CHKDSK and Disk Defragmenter to help prevent your computer from possible hard drive failure.  Keeping your hard drive defragmented is a very important part of maintaining a computer.

Term
What is the first thing you should do when replacing a PCI card?
Definition

Shut down the system and unplug the power.

 

When installing a new PCI card, the first thing you should do is shut down the computer and unplug the system.  You should always make sure there is no power going into the system to prevent electrostatic disacharge (ESD).

Term
What step is important to peform when opening the case to access the internal parts of a computer?
Definition

Check your system manual

 

You should look at the system manual before opening the case.  Make sure that you are not voiding the service warranty or violating any other service terms by opening the computer case yourself.

Term
What can help in preventing ESD?
Definition

Touch the unpainted metal of the chassis, Wear an antistatic wrist strap.

 

Wearing an antistatic wrist strap is highly recommended when working on the inside of the computer.  If you do not have one you can touch the unpainted part of the computer before touching the components.

Term
How do you identify the cable that connects to the floppy drive?
Definition

There is a twist at one end.

 

The floppy drive uses a 34-pin cable that has a twist at one end.  This end of the cable connects to the floppy drive (A:) drive.  The middle connector is used for B: drive (if it's present; it's not supported on some machines).

Term
How do you attach the VGA cable to the video card to prevent it from losing connection?
Definition

By turning the thumbscrews

 

Turn the thumbscrews so they are completely retracted.  If they are not completely retracted, the VGA cable might not make a proper connection with the video card.

Term
What types of hardware resources do both onboard and add-on card device's use?
Definition

IRQ, DMA, Memory, I/O port

 

Every device needs its own set of hardware resources or needs to have the ability to share IRQs

Term
What is the process of bypassing the CPU called?
Definition

Direct Memory Access

 

The process of bypassing the CPU is called Direct Memory Access (DMA).  DMA transfers can be done in two ways. For example, some DMA transfers (such as those done by tape backup drives or by PCI cards using bus-mastering) do not require a particular DMA channel.  Other devices, such as popular ISA sound cards and the ECP mode of the parallel port, require that we select an unused DMA channel.

Term
The system bus and I/O bus carry four different types of signals throughout the computer which are?
Definition

Data, Power, Control, Address

 

The motherboard is essential to computer operation in large part because of the two major buses it contains: the system bus and the I/O bus.  Together, these buses carry all the information between the different parts of the computer.

Term
What are considered expansion slots?
Definition

PCI, AGP

 

Motherboards use expansion slots to provide support for additional I/O devices and high-speed video/graphics cards.  The most common expansion slots on recent systems include PCI, AGP, and PCI-Express (also known as PCIe).  Some Systems also feature AMR or CNR slots for specific purposes.

Term
What can you use with SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface)?
Definition

Hard drives, Scanners, Laser Printers, DVD-ROMs

 

SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface) is a more flexible drive interface than PATA (ATA/IDE) because it can accomodate many devices that are not hard disk drives.  Devices are high performance hard drives, image scanners, and removable media, as well as laser printers and CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drives.

Term
What are in the ATX family motherboards?
Definition

ATX, Mini-ATX, FlexATX

 

The ATX family of motherboards has dominated desktop computer design since the late 1990s.  ATX stands for Advanced Technology Extended, and it replaced the AT and Baby-AT form factors developed in the mid 1980s for IBM PC AT and its rivals.  The ATX family includes Mini-ATX and FlexATX.

Term
What is considered intergrated I/O ports?
Definition

Serial port, Parallel port, USB port, PS/2 mouse and keyboard, Audio port, Ethernet

 

Motherboards in both the ATX and BTX families feature a variety of integrated I/O ports, including serial, parallel, USB, PS/2, audio, and Ethernet.  These are found in as many as three locations.  All motherboards feature a rear port cluster, and many motherboards also have additional ports on the top of the motherboard that are raouted to header cables that are accessible from the front and rear of the system.

Term
Which porcessor was the last slot-based processor designed by Intel?
Definition

Pentium III

 

The Pentium III processor was the last Intel processor produced in both a slot-based and socket-based design. Slot-based version use Slot 1, the same slot design used by the Pentium II and slot-based Celeron processors. Socketed versions use Socket 370, which is mechanically the same as the socket used by the first socketed Celeron processors. However, some early Socket 370 motherboards are not electrically compatible with the Pentium III.

Term
Which Processor was the first dual-core design by AMD?
Definition

Athlon 64 X2

 

AMD's first dual-core processor was the Athlon 64 X2, which uses a design that permits both processor cores to communicate directly with each other, rather than using the North Bridge (Memory Controller Hub) as in the Intel Pentium D.

Term
What best describes hyperthreading?
Definition

Processing two execution threads simultaneously.

 

Hyperthreading is a technology developed by Intel for processing two execution threads simultaneously within a single processor.  Essentially, when HT Technology is enabled in the system BIOS and the processor is running a multithreaded application, the processor is emulating two physical processors.

Term
Before you remove the processor from the motherboard, what device should you remove first?
Definition

Heat sink

 

If the processor has a removable heat sink, fan, or thermal duct that is attached to the motherboard, you must remove these components before you can remove the processor.

Term
You have been dispatched to a clients' computer.  You have decided that the processor is overheating.  Which of the following steps can you take to help with the air flow around the processor?
Definition

Blow it out with compressed air, Remove the heat sink from the CPU, Place it on a surface covered with old newspaper or waste paper, Clean off the old thermal paste and reapply a small amount to the processor.

 

A system that overheats will stop operating, and with some older processors, serious damage can result.  Most processors today are fitted with active heat sinks that contain a fan.  If the fan stops working, an overheated processor follows.

Term
What can cause overheating?
Definition

Fan failure, Incorrect heat sink

 

Heat sink fans don't have to stop turning to fail; if they turn more slowly than they are specified to run, they can cause processor overheating.  So keep them clean.  If the heat sink is incorrect for the processor model or if the heat sink is not attched correctly, it can also cause overheating.

Term
to connect speakers to the sound card, what must you use?
Definition

1/8-inch mini-jack cable

 

After installing a sound card, you must connect 1/8-inch mini-jack cables from speakers and the microphone to the sound card. Most sound cards use the same PC99 color coding standards for audio hardware that are used by onboard audio solutions.

Term
You have recently purchased a 500GB storage device.  You plug it in to your system and nothing happens.  What could be the cause of the problems, and how would you correct this?
Definition
In this case you should verify whether the port you have plugged into has been disabled in the system BIOS configuration.  If it will not connectm try enabling the port and retry the device.
Term
What is the CMOS memory used for?
Definition

To store BIOS settings.

 

CMOS memory, also reffered to as non-volatile memory, is used to store BIOS settings and should not be confused with system memory (RAM), CMOS stands for complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor.

Term
What happens when the CMOS battery fails?
Definition

All the CMOS configuration information is lost.

 

If the CMOS battery fails it will lose all information, such as time/date, CPU information, and drive types.

Term
To make changes to the default settings in the BIOS, what must you do at startup?
Definition

Press the F2 key.

 

Most motherboards use either a function key, the delete key, or a combination of keys to enter the BIOS setup program.  Which key you use depends on the manufacture of the motherboard.  F2 is a common key when entering the BIOS, as are F1, F10, and Delete.  The F8 key is not used by BIOS programs; it is used by the Windows Advanced Option Boot menu when accessing options such as Safe Mode.

Term
What BIOS settings will allow you to automatically configure your system?
Definition

BIOS Defualts, Setup Defaults, Turbo

 

Many BIOS versions enable you to automatically configure your system with a choice of these options from the main menu.

Term
What will not work when configuring or viewing BIOS settings?
Definition

The mouse

 

Usually, you do not have access to the mouse when you are configuring the BIOS setup.  You must use the keyboard.

Term
What are some examples of system information can be viewed in the BIOS?
Definition

Installed Memeory (RAM), BIOS Information, Processor Type, Processor Speed, L2 cache memory

 

The type and speed of the processor, amount of RAM, amount of cache memory, and the details of the BIOS program can all be viewed from within BIOS setup. Feature settings refers to the ability to configure various features of the operating system.

Term
What features can be found in the advanced BIOS settings?
Definition

Enable quick boot, Enable boot sector protection

 

When accessing the BIOS advanced settings, some of the features available are quick boot, which will skip memory and drive test to enable faster startups, and also protection against boot sector viruses.

Term
In today's most recent systems, what common feature is used to help prevent excessive heat from damaging your computer?
Definition

Hardware Monitor

 

The Hardware Monitor screen (sometimes reffered to as PC Health) is a common feature in most recent systems. It helps you make sure that your computer's temperature and voltage conditions are at  safe levels for your computer, and it sometimes also includes the Chassis Intrusion feature.

Term
What security features are included in most of the currently used BIOSs programs?
Definition

BIOS Password, Power on password, Chassis Intrusion, Boot Sector protection

 

Security features of various types are scattered around the typical system BIOS dialogs.  All of the features listed can be used to secure your computer systems from hacker or unauthorized personnel.

Term
What option would you use if you are in the BIOS of your computer and you want to exit without making any changes?
Definition

Discard Changes, Hit the ESC key

 

When you are in the BIOS and are not planning on making any changes, be sure to click Discard Changes after clicking ESC to prevent accidental changes.

Term
When you start your computer, it performs an important test. What is this test known as?
Definition

POST

 

Each and every time you start your computer it goes through a test known as POST or power-on self test.  If the BIOS finds any errors with the system, it notifies you by error messages known as beep codes.

Term
What are BIOS beep codes used for?
Definition

a fatal error, a serious error

 

Beep codes are used by most BIOS versions to indicate either a fatal error or a seriuos error. A fatal error is an error that is so seriuos that the computer cannot continue the boot process. A fatal error includes a problem with the CPU, the POST ROM, the system timer, or memory. Serious error beep codes report a problem with your video display card or circuit. Although systems can boot without video, you do not want to boot without video because you can't see what the system is doing.

Term
If you are installing a new drive in your computer and it is not recognized, what can you do to fix the problem?
Definition

Update the BIOS

 

Sometimes the BIOS does not support newer technologies.  When making changes to the systems, such as adding a faster CPU or a larger SATA or PATA drive, you might need to update the BIOS.

Term
What is the process called when upgrading the BIOS?
Definition

Flashing the BIOS

 

When it is time for a BIOS update, go to the manufacturer's website to see if a new update has been released.  Flashing the BIOS is the act of erasing all of the BIOS's current contents and writing a new BIOS to the BIOS chip.  You can do this by booting off of a special floppy disk, from CD-ROM, and from within Windows.  This process is now much easier than it used to be, but to be safe you should still backup your BIOS settings before performing this task.

Term
You have just started up your computer.  It gives off a series of loud beeps and will not boot.  What would you need to do to determine what the beeps mean and how to fix the problem?
Definition
First you will need to determine who the manufacturer of the motherboard or the particular BIOS is. Then you should go to the website and download the manual for the motherboard or a copy of the beep codes for the BIOS. Reboot the computer and count the beeps and compare with the compare with the chart. It could be as easy as reseating the RAM memory modules, or it could be a video problem.
Term
What would you use to keep your power supply working properly?
Definition

Surge protector, UPS units

 

To keep you power supply up and running and to help prevent damage from power surges, you should use a surge protector.  The UPS will supply power for a short period of time to the computer system in case of total power outage.

Term
Power supplies are rated using what unit?
Definition

Watts

 

Power supplies are rated in watts, and the more watts a power supply provides, the more devices it can safely power.

Term
Newer computers' power supplies typically have what power output ratings?
Definition

500 watts or higher

 

Most newer computers have 500 watt or larger power supplies in them because of the greater number of drives and expansion cards that are available now.

Term
Most power supplies in use today are designed to handle which two voltage ranges?
Definition

115, 230

 

Standard North American power is 115 volts and European power is 230 volts.  Some power supplies have a slider on the back to switch between the two voltages.

Term
What is a cause of power supply overheating?
Definition

Overloading the power supply, Fan Failure, Dirt and Dust

 

All of the listed reasons can cause damage to the power supply as well as overheating your computer.

Term
How many pins are used for the main power connection by recent ATX/BTX motherboards with ATX12V 2.2 power supplies?
Definition

24

 

Most of the newer power supplies in use today have 24 pins.  Older motherboards have a 20-pin connection.

Term
What steps would you use to remove a power supply?
Definition

Shut down the comupter.  If the power supply has an on-off switch, turn it off as well.  Disconnect the AC power cord from the computer.  Disconnect power connections from the motherboard,hard drives, and optical drives.

 

All of the listed answers are correct.  You must disconnect from the wall first, then once inside the computer unhook the connection to the motherboard.

Term
To avoid power supply hazards you must never do what?
Definition

Disassemble the power supply, Put metal tools through the openings.

 

The wire coils inside the power supply retain potentially fatal voltage levels.  To prevent shock you should not disassemble them or stick in a metal object such as a screwsdriver.

Term
What device provides emergency power to a computer in case of a complete power failure?
Definition

UPS

 

A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) will keep a standard desktop up and running in case of a complete power outage.

Term
What is the minimum time recommendation for a UPS to supply power for an individual workstation?
Definition

15 minutes

 

UPSs are designed to supply power to a computer long enough for you to complete a formal shutdown.

Term
[image]
Definition
DIN (top)
&
mini-DIN (bottom)
connectors
Term
[image]
Definition
USB A Connector
Term
[image]
Definition
USB B Connector
Term
[image]
Definition
USB mini-B Connector
Term
Exam Tip
Definition
Static Electricity, and therefore the risk of ESD, is much more prevalent in dry, cool enviroment.
Term
Exam Tip
Definition
Always put components in an anti-static bag, not on the bag.
Term
Exam Tip
Definition
Always unplug a PC when working inside it.
Term
What are the four computer function stages:
Definition
input, processing, output, and storage
Term
Exam Tip
Definition
Remember all three names for the mini-DIN connector: mini-DIN, PS/2, and DIN-6.
Term
[image]
Definition
FireWire connector, also known as IEEE 1394
and port
Term
[image]
Definition
DB-25 connector and port
Term
[image]
Definition
RJ-11 (top) and RJ-45 (bottom)
Term
[image]
Definition
Mini-audio jacks and plug
Term
Exam Tip
Definition
Windows Vista Home Basic and Windows 7 Starter do not support the Aero desktop.
Term
Exam Tip
Definition
Remember for the exam that 32-bit CPUs can support up to 4 GB of RAM. In concept, 64-bit CPUs can support up to 16 exabytes of memory. No one has made a CPU that supports the full 64-bit amount, however, and you cetainly won't find that much memory in the typical PC.
Term
Exam Tip
Definition
There are two smaller versions of HDMI called Mini-HDMI and Micro-HDMI.
Term
[image]
Definition
Keyboard plug and port
Term
[image]
Definition

Video card with (from left to right) S-Video, DVI, and VGA ports

 

VGA (Video Graphics Array) connectors are colored Blue= 15 pin female

DVI (Digital Visual Interface) connectors are colored White

 

Term
[image]
Definition

HDMI connector

 

High-Definition Multimedia Interface

Term
[image]
Definition

Legacy joystick/MIDI port

 

An older sound card may have a female 15-pin DB port that enables you to attach a musical insrtument digital interface (MIDI) device or add a joystick to your PC.

Term
[image]
Definition

S/PDIF connection

 

Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format (S/PDIF)

One S/PDIF connection replaces all of the mini-audio connections, assuming your surround speaker system also comes with an S/PDIF connection.

Term
[image]
Definition

Typical network connection

 

Networks are groups of connected PCs that share information.

Term
[image]
Definition

Mouse with mini DIN connection

 

Deutsche Industrie Norm (DIN)

Term
[image]
Definition

Parallel port

 

For many years, printers only used a special connectors called a parallel port.  Parallel ports use a 25-pin female DB (DB-25) connector that's usually colored fuchsia.

Term
[image]
Definition
eSATA port
Term
Windows XP versions
Definition

32-bit

Windows XP Home

Windows XP Professional

Windows Media Center

 

64-bit

Windows XP 64-bit Edition

Windows XP Professional x64 Edition

Term
What is the primary CompTIA Web site?
Definition

www.comptia.org

 

The primary CompTIA Web site is www.comptia.org (although the .com and .net address will redirect you to the main site).

Term
Which certification is considered required for entrance into the IT industry?
Definition

CompTIA A+ certification

 

The CompTIA A+ certification is considered required for entrance into the PC industry.

Term
How many exams do you need to pass to become CompTIA A+ certified?
Definition

Two

 

You need to pass two exams to become CompTIA A+ certifed.

Term
Which domain receives the most coverage in the 220-802 exam?
Definition

Troubleshooting

 

The 220-802 exam dedicates 36% of the questions to troubleshooting.

Term
Which version of Windows is not tested on the 2012 versions of the CompTIA A+ exams?
Definition

Windows 2000

 

No versions of Windows 2000 are on the CompTIA A+ certification exams.

Term
What company administers the CompTIA A+ certification exams?
Definition

Pearson VUE

 

Pearson VUE administers the CompTIA A+ certification exams.

Term
What pass rate should you strive for on the pratice questions?
Definition

90%

 

You should not take either exam until you are consistently getting at least 90% on the practice exams.

Term
How many study hours to pass the CompTIA A+ exams does Mike recommend to a person just starting out learning PC repair?
Definition

Roughly 240

 

Mike recommends about 240 study hours for a person new to PC repair.

Term
What is the very first step you should take to pass the CompTIA A+ exams?
Definition

Schedule the exams

 

Schedule the exams for some point in the future.

Term
After becoming CompTIA A+ certified, what's the next certification you should attain?
Definition

CompTIA Network+

 

The typical certification path goes from CompTIA A+ to CompTIA Network+, so you have all the basics before you choose to specialize in Microsoft or Cisco products.

Term
What would be considered the most appropriate atire for the workplace?
Definition

Clean, pressed Khaki trousers and Clean, wrinkle-free Polo shirt

 

Khaki trousers and a Polo shirt trump jeans and a T-shirt every time.

Term
While manning the Help Desk, you get a call from a distrught user who says she has a blank screen.  What would be a useful follow-up question?
Definition

Is the computer turned on?  Is the monitor turned on?

 

Go for the simple answer first.  When faced with a blank screen, check to see if the computer and the monitor are turned on.

Term
While manning the help desk, you get a call from Sharon in accounting.  She's lost a file that she knows she saved to her hard drive.  What statement would direct Sharon in the most efficient and professional manner to open her My Documents folder?
Definition

Sharon, a lot of programs save files to a default folder, often to a folder called My Documents.  Let's look there first.  Click the Start button and move the mouse until the cursor hovers over My Documents.  Then press the left mouse button and tell me what you see when My Documents opens.

 

Walking customers through the path to a fix by using simple, nontechnical words is the best way to accomplish tasks over the phone.

Term
At the very least, what tool should be in every technician's toolkit?
Definition

Phillips-head screwdriver

 

Every tech's toolkit should have a Phillips-head screwdriver, at the very least.

Term
When is it appropriate to yell at a user?
Definition

Never

 

Don't get angry or yell at clients.

Term
When troubleshooting a software problem on Phoebe's computer and listening to her describe the problem, your beeper goes off.  It's your boss.  What is the most appropriate action for you to take?
Definition

Wait until Phoebe finishes her description, run through any simple fixes, and then explain that you need to call your boss on your cell phone.

 

Focus on the customer and don't use her things.

Term
You are at a customer's workstation to install several software and hardware updates, a process that will take a while and require several reboots of the computer.  What should you do about the password to the user's account?
Definition

Ask the user to change her password temporarily for you to use.

 

In this circumstance, asking for a temporary password is the right answer.  Make sure the user changes her password back before you leave the site.

Term
What is a good practice after completing a troubleshooting call at someone's office?
Definition

Follow up with a call within a couple of days to make sure everything is going well with the fixed computer.

 

A simple follow-up builds good will and trust.  This us a very important step to take after completing a job.

Term

What tool helps you avoid accidental static discharge by keeping you at the same electrical potential as the computer on which you're working?

Definition

Anti-static wrist strap

 

An anti-static wrist strap keeps you at the same electrical potential as the computer.

Term
What helps prevent electromagnetic interference?
Definition

Keep magnets away from computer components.

 

Avoid putting magnets near computer gear to help prevent EMI.

Term
What do you call the commands that tell the computer what to do?
Definition

Programming

 

The commands that tell the computer what to do are called, collectively, programming.

Term
What is a proper name for a stick of RAM?
Definition

DIMM

 

Modern computers use DIMMs for RAM.

Term
Where do you connect an anti-static wrist strap?
Definition

To a handy metal part of the case.

 

Connect an anti-static wrist strap to any handy metal part of the computer.  The metal plate, by the way, is the section on the strap where you connect the cable from the PC.

Term
What sort of connector does a typical network interface card have?
Definition

RJ-45

 

A typical network interface card sports an RJ-45 port.

Term
Modern keyboards connect to which of the following ports?
Definition

Mini-DIN, USB

 

Modern keyboards connect to either mini-DIN or USB ports.

Term
Which end of the USB cable plugs into the PC?
Definition

A

 

Plug the A connector into the PC.

Term
A modern printer usually plugs into which of the following ports?
Definition

USB

 

A modern printer usually plugs into USB.

Term
What do you plug into a three-row, 15-pin port?
Definition

Monitor

 

You plug a monitor into a three-row, 15-pin port.

Term
What connector was designed to connect your PC to a high-end television set?
Definition

HDMI

 

HDMI was designed to connect your PC to a high-end television set.

Term
What connector was designed to connect your PC to a high-end audio system?
Definition

S/PDIF

 

S/PDIF was designed to connect your PC to a high-end audio system.

Term
Windows Vista Versions
Definition

32-Bit

 Windows Vista Home Basic

Windows Vista Home Premium

Windows Vista Business

Windows Vista Ultimate

Windows Vista Enterpirse

 

64-Bit

 Windows Vista Home Basic

Windows Vista Home Premium

Windows Vista Business

Windows Vista Ultimate

Windows Vista Enterpirse

Term
Windows 7 Versions
Definition

32-Bit

Windows 7 Starter

Windows 7 Home Premium

Windows 7 Professional

Windows 7 Ultimate

Windows 7 Enterprise

64-Bit

Windows 7 Home Premium

Windows 7 Professional

Windows 7 Ultimate

Windows 7 Enterprise

Term
Exam Tip
Definition
32-Bit CPUs can support up to 4 GB of RAM.  64-Bit CPUs can support up to 16 exabytes of memory.
Term
What is an advantage of running Windows on NTFS as opposed to FAT?
Definition

Security

 

NTFS offers security.  FAT provides no security.

Term
Which version of Windows uses the Backup Status and Configuration Tool?
Definition

Windows Vista Ultimate

 

The Backup Status and Configuration Tool did not exist before Vista.

Term
What is the proper way to refer to the system root folder?
Definition

%SystemRoot%

 

The system root folder is reffered to as %SystemRoot%.

Term
What folder is a central storage location for user files in XP?
Definition

My Documents

 

Most XP users put their personal files in My Documents.

Term
What utility is helpful in troubleshooting hardware?
Definition

Device Manager

 

For hardware in general, turn to Device Manager.

Term
What Windows utility backs up critical files and settings and enables you to roll back to a previous state?
Definition

System Restore

 

System Restore does the trick here, enabling you to back up and restore your system.

Term
Many tech tools are grouped together in what location?
Definition

Start | All Programs | Accessories | System Tools

 

You'll find many useful tools in there.

Term
What utility is missing from the default Windows XP Home installation?
Definition

Backup

 

Backup is not installed by default in Windows XP Home.

Term

What is displayed in the Computer window?

Definition

All the drives on your system

 

Computer shows your dirves.

Term
What feature of Windows 7 enables you to link folders and view their contents together?
Definition

Libraries

 

Using Libraries, you can link folders and view their contents together as if they were one folder.

Term
How many bits are in a MAC address?
Definition
48
Term
What protocol enables the use of names such as www.totalsem.com rather than IP addresses?
Definition

DNS

 

The Domain Name Service (DNS) protocol enables using names instead of IP addresses.

Term
What is the minimum CAT level cable required for a 100BaseT network?
Definition
CAT 5

100BaseT networks need CAT 5 or better UTP.
Term
What OS enables you to implement HomeGroup?
Definition
WIndows 7
Term
What is an example of a hybrid topology?
Definition
Star bus
Term
What is an advantage of a domain-based network over a workgroup-based network?
Definition
Single sign-on
Term
A typical CAT 6 cable uses which connector?
Definition
RJ-45
Term
Why would you use STP over UTP cabling?
Definition
Better to avoid Interference

Shielded twisted pair cabling handles interference from other electronics much better unshielded twisted pair.
Term
What kind of frame gets received by all NICs in a LAN?
Definition
Broadcast
Term
Interent Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome are all examples of what?
Definition
Web Browsers
Term
Exam Tip
Definition
The CompTIA A+ exams expect you to know that L1 cache will be the smallest and fastest cache; L2 will be bigger and slower than L1; and L3 will be the biggest and slowest cache.
Term
What do registers provide for the CPU?
Definition
The CPU uses registers for temporary storage of internal commands and data.
Term
What function does the external data bus have in the PC?
Definition
The external data bus provides a channel for the flow of data and commands between the CPU and RAM.
Term
What is the function of the address bus in the PC?
Definition
The address bus enables the CPU to communicate with the memory controller chip.
Term
What terms are measures of CPU speed?
Definition
Megahertz and Gigahertz

The terms megahertz (MHz) and Gigahertz (GHz) describes how many million or billion (respectively) cycles per second a CPU can run.
Term
What CPU feature enables the microprocessor to support running multiple operating systems at the same time?
Definition
Virtualization Support

Intel and AMD CPUs come with virtualization support, enabling more efficient implementation of virtual machines.
Term
Into which socket could you place an Intel Core i5?
Definition
Socket LGA 1155

You'll find Core i5 processors in several socket types, notably LGA 1155 and LGA 1154.
Term
What feature enables a single-core CPU to function like two CPUs?
Definition
Hyper-Threading

Intel loves its Hyper-Threading, where a single-core CPU can function like a dual-core CPU as long as it has operating system support.
Term
What steps do you need to take to install an Athlon 64 X2 CPU into an LGA 775 motherboard?
Definition
Take all of the steps you want to because it's not going to work.

Intel and AMD processors are not compatible at all.
Term
A clients calls to complain that his computer starts up, but crashes when Windows starts to load. After a breif set of questions, you find out that his nephew upgraded his RAM for him over the weekend and couldn't get the computer to work right afterward. What could be the problem?
Definition
Disconnected CPU fan

Most likely, the nephew disconnected the CPU fan to get at the RAM slots and simply forgot to plug it back in.
Term
Darren has installed a new CPU in a client's computer, but nothing happens when he pushes the power button on the case. The LED on the motherboard is lit up, so he knows the system has power. What could be the problem be?
Definition
He forgot to apply thermal compound between the CPU and the heat-sink and fan assembly.

The best is he forgot the thermal compound, though you can also make an argument for a dusconnected fan.
Term
Exam Tip
Definition
The default and recommended page-file size is 1.5 times the amount of installed RAM on your computer.
Term
Steve adds a second 1-GB 240-pin DIMM to his PC, which should bring the total RAM in the system up to 2 GB. The PC has an Intel Core 2 Duo 3-GHz processor and three 240-pin DIMM slots on the motherboard. When he turns on the PC, however, only 1 GB of RAM shows up during the RAM count. What is most likely to be the problem?
Definition
Steve failed to seat the RAM properly.
Term
Scott wants to add 512 MB of PC100 SDRAM to an aging but still useful desktop system. The system has a 100 MHz motherboard and currently has 256 MB of non-ECC SDRAM in the system. What else does he need to know before instaling?
Definition
If the system can handle that much RAM.
Term
What is the primary reason that DDR2 RAM is faster than DDR RAM?
Definition
The input/output speed of the DDR2 RAM is faster (although the latency is higher).
Term
What is the term for the delay in the RAM's response to a request from the MMC?
Definition
Latency
Term
Rico has a motherboard with four RAM slots that doesn't seem to work. He has two RDRAM RIMMs installed, for a total of 1 GB of memory, but the system won't boot. What is likely to be the problem?
Definition
The motherboard requires the two empty slots to be filled with CRIMMs for termination.
Term
Silas has an AMD-based motherboard with two sticks of DDR2 RAM installed in two of the three RAM slots, for a total of 2 GB of system memory. When he runs CPU-Z to test the system, he notices that the software claims he's running single-channel memory. What could be the problem?
Definition
He needs to move one of the installed sticks to a different slot to activate dual-channel memory. (And he should check the motherboard manual for the proper slots.)

Motherboards can be tricky and require you to install RAM in the proper slots to enable dual-channel memory access.
Term
What Control Panel applet will display the amount of RAM in your PC?
Definition
System
Term
What is the best way to determine the total capacity and specific type of RAM your system can handle?
Definition
Check the motherboard book.
Term
Gregor installed a third stick of known good RAM into his Core i7 system, bringing the total amount of RAM up to 3 GB. Within a few days, though, he started having random lockups and reboots, especially when doing memory-intensive tasks such as gaming. What is most likely the problem?
Definition
Gregor installed RAM that didn't match the speed or quality of the RAM in the system.
Term
Cindy installs a second stick of DDR2 RAM into her Core 2 Duo system, bringing the total system memory up to 2 GB. Within a short period of time, though , she begins experiencing Blue Screens of Death. What could the problem be?
Definition
She installed faulty RAM

If you have no problem with a system and then experience problems after installing something new, chances are the something new is at fault.
Term
Exam Tip
Definition
When overclocking your PC, look for settings that adjust the CPU's clock and bus speeds. The higher you push these, the faster your PC will go.
Term
Exam Tip
Definition
On some motherboards, the CMOS setup program enables you to control the ATA Security Mode Feature Set, also commonly reffered to as drive lock or DriveLock. ATA Security Mode is the first line of defense for protecting hard disks from unwanted access when a system is lost or stolen. Some PC manufacturers also include LoJack security features in their BIOS---this way, if your PC is stolen, you can track its location, innstall a key logger, or even remotely shut down you computer.
Term
What does BIOS provide for the computer?
Definition
BIOS provides the programming that enables the CPU to communicate with other hardware.
Term
What is the correct boot sequence for a PC?
Definition
Power Good, CPU, POST, boot loader, operating system
Term
Jill decided to go retro and added a second floppy disk drive to her computer. She thinks she has it physically installed correctly, but it doesn't show up in Windows. What would most likely lead Jill where she needs to go to resolve the issue?
Definition
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.
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