A+ IT Essentials Exam 4 Flashcards
A web designer installed the latest video editing software and now notices that when the application loads, it responds slowly. Also the hard disk LED is constantly flashing when the application is in use. What is a solution to solve the performance problem?
adding more RAM
Explanation:
RAM problems are often caused by faulty RAM modules, loosely seated modules, an inadequate amount of RAM, and compatibility issues. When there is not enough RAM in the computer, data needs to be swapped often between the RAM and the hard disk (indicated by hard disk LED constantly flashing), which significantly slows down data access speeds.
An employee reports that each time a workstation is started it locks up after about 5 minutes of use. What is the most likely cause of the problem?
The CPU is overheating.
Explanation:
Processor problems are often caused by faulty installations, incorrect CMOS setup, inadequate cooling and ventilation, and BIOS compatibility issues.
A technician is troubleshooting a 4-year-old computer that takes a long time to boot, and identifies that the BIOS rediscovers all the hardware at every boot. What action would fix this problem?
Replace the CMOS battery.
Explanation:
The CMOS battery helps the BIOS to keep the discovered hardware as non-volatile information. The Device Manager will discover new hardware in the operating system. Resetting the BIOS using the CMOS jumper will erase the stored information about the hardware found. The last known good configuration is used to restore the operating system to the last working state.
A user has noticed that the hard drive LED on the front of the computer has stopped working. However, the computer seems to be functioning normally. What is the most likely cause of the problem?
The hard drive LED cable has come loose from the motherboard.
Explanation:
Each light on the front of the case is powered by the motherboard through a cable that attaches somewhere on the board. If this cable comes loose, a particular light on the front of the case will not work.
During the troubleshooting of a PC that will not boot, it is suspected that the problem is with the RAM modules. The RAM modules are removed and put into another PC, which successfully powers on. The RAM modules are then put back into the original PC and it now successfully powers on as well. What was the most likely cause of the problem?
The RAM modules were not seated firmly.
Explanation:
If RAM is not seated firmly in the motherboard DIMM slots, it will not function properly. RAM cannot be inserted backwards into a DIMM slot because both the RAM chip and the slot are keyed so they only fit one way.
What component is most suspect if a burning electronics smell is evident?
power supply
Explanation:
A burning electronics smell is often detected when a power supply is overloaded and damaged.
When troubleshooting a computer, where can a technician find updated information about errors caused by the system, the user, or the software?
Event Viewer
Explanation:
Information about errors caused by the system, user, or software can be found in Event Viewer. Event Viewer is an application that records detailed information about problems including:What problem occurred and the date and time of the occurrence.
The severity and source of the problem.
An event ID assigned to the problem.
The user who was logged in when the problem occurred.
During what step in the troubleshooting process does the technician demonstrate to the customer how the solution corrected the problem?
Document the findings, actions, and outcomes.
Explanation:
Once all repairs have been made, the last step of the troubleshooting process is to verify to the customer the problem and the solutions and demonstrate how the solution corrected the problem.
If a technician is unable to create a backup of data on a customer computer, what three pieces of information should the technician include on the liability release form signed by the customer before beginning work?
permission to work on the computer without a current backup available
a release from liability if data is lost or corrupted
a description of the work to be performed
Explanation:
If there is not a current backup of the data and the technician is not able to create one, then a liability release form signed by the customer should contain the following information:
Permission to work on the computer without a current backup available
Release from liability if data is lost or corrupted
Description of the work to be performed
What should a technician do before beginning any troubleshooting steps on a customer computer?
Perform a data backup.
Explanation:
Because a technician could be held liable for any data loss as a result of working on a customer computer, a backup should be performed before beginning any troubleshooting.
After consulting the manufacturer manuals, a technician applies a series of recommended solutions that resolve a problem with a workstation computer. What is the next step in the troubleshooting process that the technician should perform?
Verify the solution and confirm full system functionality
Explanation:
After the recommended solutions have been applied to resolve the problem, full system functionality should be verified and preventive measures implemented if applicable. This would be followed by documenting the solution and actions. Determining the next steps to resolve the problem and testing the theory of probable cause have already been completed in this scenario.
A customer asks for a solution to a printer problem that is beyond the knowledge level of the technician. What should the technician do?
Gather as much information as possible and escalate the problem.
Explanation:
Trying to fix a problem that is beyond the knowledge level of the technician may create additional problems.
A computer technician performed a number of actions to correct a problem. Some actions did not solve the problem, but eventually a solution was found. What should be documented?
everything that was done to try to solve the problem
Explanation:
Everything that was done to solve a problem should be documented, including failed attempts and the eventual solution. A description of the problem would have been previously documented.
A specific computer has an issue that could not be resolved by the help desk technician. The on-site technician finds that Windows updates have been disabled. The technician re-enables the update service, configures the computer for automatic updates, downloads and installs all missing updates, ensures the computer boots successfully, and verifies with the customer that the issue has been resolved. Which step, if any, is next?
Document the findings, actions, and outcomes.
Explanation:
No technical job is finished until the documentation is complete.
A helpdesk technician takes a call, “Good morning, this is the helpdesk. My name is Greg. How may I help you today?” The frantic caller states, “My computer will not turn on and I have a presentation in 15 minutes.” The technician responds, “Now calm down and let us see what we can do.” The technician then proceeds to lead the caller through the process of checking power cables and power lights. Which troubleshooting step is being used at this point?
Identify the problem.
Explanation:
By leading the caller through the a series of steps the technician is attempting to identify what the caller means by saying that “the computer will not turn on.” Once the problem is identified, then a probable cause can be established and a solution developed and implemented.
