Module 1: Taking a Computer Apart and Putting it Back Together Flashcards
Which statement is NOT true regarding motherboards?
Has a heat sink on the PCIe slots
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 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
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.
What is the connector called on a network cable that connects to an Ethernet port?
RJ-45
A RJ-45 connector connects a network cable to a network port.
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
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.
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).
Docking station
Port replicator
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 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.
When handling a motherboard, cards, or drive, which statement is NOT accurate?
You should not hold expansion cards by the edges.
Holding expansion cards by the edges is the correct method of handling.
What is the second step in opening the case of a working computer?
Power down the system and unplug it
After backing up important data, you should power down the system and unplug it.
How many pins are used in a serial port?
9
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.
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.
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 is the very first step that should be taken when performing work with a computer?
You should back up any important data.
Always back up important data before working with a computer. If you have a problem, you may not be able to recover the data.
What acronym is another name for static electricity, which can damage chips and destroy motherboards?
ESD
Electrostatic discharge or ESD is another name for static electricity. ESD can damage chips and destroy circuit boards, including motherboards.
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.)
The keyboard cable(s) will need to be disconnected from the ZIF socket(s).
The keyboard bezel will need to be removed.
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 the removal of the keyboard.
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.
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 keytops, 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?
Clean the keyboard keys with a contact cleaner.
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 are two resources that may be useful in disassembling a laptop computer?
User manual
Service manual
User manuals may provide guidance on replacing or removing components without full disassembly of the case.
Since laptop computers are unique to manufacturers and models, a service manual will be useful for disassembly.
Which statement is NOT a good practice when working inside a computer case?
Be sure to hold expansion cards by the edge connectors.
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.
