Chapter 24: Portable Computing

Question 1

Which is not an ACPI power mode in a laptop?

On

Sleep

Hibernation

Off

Answer 1

ACPI does not have an “off” setting.

Question 2

Exam Tip: Questions involving Laptops

Answer 2

Exam will have some questions that involve a customer being on a laptop when the fact they are on a laptop is not relevant. Sometimes it is, but keep in mind that laptops run same OS as desktop equivalent and 99% of issues on a laptop occur on a desktop.

Question 3

Function Keys

Answer 3

On a laptop function keys (F1, F2, etc.) perform several important functions. This includes, but is not limited to: dual display, Touchpad on/off, Economy mode/Battery saver, Web cam on/off, and Airplane mode.

Question 4

Keyboard shortcuts

Answer 4

Laptops often include volume up/down and brightness up/down settings on arrow keys. Also been known to include keyboard back light settings on number pad.

Question 5

Exam Tip: Laptop cannot connect to Wi-Fi

Answer 5

Laptops used to have a Wi-Fi on/off button, and some still do. The exam may mention an internet issue where the answer is to simply press the Wi-Fi on/off button. Connection issues like this can also be caused by turning airplane mode on.

Question 6

Physical laptop lock and cable lock

Answer 6

Laptop has to have a locking port to use this device. combo lock on one end loop on the other. Plug the combo end into the laptop and secure the loop end to something sturdy.

Question 7

Docking Station Port

Answer 7

An older technology that allowed laptops with a docking port to plug into the docking station. Docking station is a proprietary connecter you put laptop into. Station is plugged into peripherals. Allows you to plug laptop in and use monitor, mouse, etc connected to the dock.

Question 8

Port Replicator

Answer 8

A more modern version of the docking station. Alternative to docking station. Simpler, big usb hub. Plug into usb port on laptop and can use all things plugged into replicator.

Question 9

When repairing a laptop use caution!

Answer 9

All laptops are different on the inside. They all have small parts, double/single sided tape, small weak connectors, and very many small screws take time and be careful

Question 10

When going into a laptop have a goal.

Answer 10

When going into a laptop you are most likely going in for some reason, they should not be opened lightly. Know what it is you are trying to replace or investigate.

Question 11

Maintenance Guide Laptops

Answer 11

Look up the laptops manufacturer and find the manual for the laptop model you are working on. It will contain a list of parts and part numbers and step-by-step how to replace parts.

Question 12

Standardized Parts

Answer 12

Laptops have some standardized parts such as HDDs, SSDs, and RAM. These things can be bought from any computer parts store or website don’t need to go to manufacturer for them.

Question 13

Non-Standardized Parts

Answer 13

Broken cases, screen, touchpads, etc must come from manufacturer. Alternatively, Ebay can be a good store for non-standardized parts. Don’t care about buying a dead laptop if you just need its fan or something like that.

Question 14

AC Adapter

Answer 14

What most call a charging cable. Try to buy from manufacture. May have vendor specific power adapters. Match AMP, Wattage, and polarity.

Question 15

AC Adapter good, but no power to laptop

Answer 15

Check for damaged jack/port.

Question 16

Laptop all good, but bad when unplugged

Answer 16

May have a dead batter. Charging circuit could also be bad. Can take battery to batter tester to see if the batter is good or bad.

Question 17

ACPI

Answer 17

Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) - 20 years old, but we still use it today. Can be in BIOS or OS. Sleep timers, Hibernate settings, and other power related configurations.

Question 18

ACPI Level 0

Answer 18

Means it is on but no one is using it.

Question 19

ACPI Level 3

Answer 19

Sleep Mode or Standby mode. CPU stops working, but RAM keeps working. Faster than hibernate but uses more power.

Question 20

ACPI Level 4

Answer 20

Hibernation. Everything on RAM is saved to a file on hard drive and RAM is shut off. Takes longer for laptop to wake up, but saves a lot more power than sleep mode.

Question 21

Where to modify Power settings?

Answer 21

Control panel -> power options.

Can modify power plan, tell laptop what to do when power button is pressed, what to do when laptop lid is closed, what to do if laptop is plugged in or on battery, etc.