Chapter 1: Technician Essentials and Computer/Device Anatomy

Question 1

What are 6 ways that laptops differ from desktops?

Answer 1

1. Most laptops have integrated ports and some include an ExpressCard slot
2. Some laptops support swappable devices
3. Thin laptops don’t include rewritable DVD drives
4. Most laptops no longer have VGA ports; they use HDMI, mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt ports (Apple) for video
5. They include single slot card readers that support SD family flash memory cards
6. They have intergrated pointing devices built into their keyboards.

Question 2

Why do hardware failures take place?

Answer 2

because of loose connections, electrical, or physical damage, or incompatible devices.

Question 3

______ is “software on a chip” and the software’s job is to control the device to which the chip is connected

Answer 3

Firmware

Question 4

What are the 6 steps of the troubleshooting theory

Answer 4

1. Identify the problem (question the user and perform backups
2. Establish a theory of probable cause
3. Test the theory to determine cause
4. Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution
5. Verify full system functionality and implement preventative measures.
6. Document findings, actions, and outcomes

Question 5

checks AC and DC, voltage levels, resistance (Ohms), continuity, amperage, diodes (electrical testing tool)

Answer 5

multimeter

Question 6

tests power supply operation without the need to install the power supply in a system (electrical testing tool)

Answer 6

power supply tester

Question 7

monitors power-on-self test and displays checkpoint and diagnostic codes (system testing tool)

Answer 7

POST card

Question 8

checks for correct input/output from serial, parallel, network, and USB ports (system testing tool)

Answer 8

loopback plugs

Question 9

used when hex drivers are not compatible; nonmagnetic preferred (basic tools)

Answer 9

phillips and straight blade screwdrivers

Question 10

required for some computers; nonmagnetic preferred (basic tools)

Answer 10

torx drivers

Question 11

used for opening and closing cases and securing and removing cards and motherboards; nonmagnetic preferred (basic tools)

Answer 11

hex drivers

Question 12

used for retrieving loose parts from computer interior; prevents lost parts, which can lead to dead shorts (basic tools)

Answer 12

3-claw parts retrieval tool

Question 13

replaces tweezers for inserting and removing jumper blocks and cables (basic tools)

Answer 13

hemostat clamps

Question 14

straightens bent pins (basic tools)

Answer 14

needle nose pliers

Question 15

replaces normal tweezers in toolkit for removing and replacing jumpers (basic tools)

Answer 15

eyebrow tweezers

Question 16

illuminates dark cases (basic tools)

Answer 16

penlight

Question 17

makes small parts and markings easier to read (basic tools)

Answer 17

magnifier

Question 18

enables safe reinstallation of heat sinks (basic tools)

Answer 18

thermal paste

Question 19

enables internal laptop and desktop drivers to be connected to USB ports for data transfer, backups, or testing (basic tools)

Answer 19

SATA to USB converters

Question 20

if you work on small form factor or rack mounted (U1/U2) systems, have short as well as full size versions to cover empty expansion slots (basic tools)

Answer 20

card brackets

Question 21

use the right size screws for each job to avoid problems with equipment failure and stripped screw holes (basic tools)

Answer 21

storage, case, card, and laptop screw kits

Question 22

enables repairs to devices that use small screws (basic tools)

Answer 22

jeweler’s screwdriver set

Question 23

checks cable continuity and twisted pair configuration (network tool)

Answer 23

cable tester

Question 24

used for installing UTP cable into a wall jack (network tool)

Answer 24

punchdown tools

Question 25

checks for correct input/output from various types of Ethernet cables (network tool)

Answer 25

Loopback plug

Question 26

used to determine the patch panel port that matches a particular network wall socket (network tool)

Answer 26

Tone generator and probe

Question 27

removes cable shielding for installations of RJ-11, RJ-45, or coaxial cable connectors (network tool)

Answer 27

Cable/Wire strippers

Question 28

Displays Wi-Fi channels in use (network tool)

Answer 28

Wi-Fi analyzer

Question 29

Use the highest grade in your company or clients’ installations, but nothing less than CAT5e (network tool)

Answer 29

Network cable and connectors

Question 30

attaches connectors to cable (network tool)

Answer 30

crimper

Question 31

What is a toner vacuum and why is it used?

Answer 31

Laser printer toner particles are too small to be contained by a conventional vacuum cleaner bag; use a toner rated vacuum cleaner to pick up spilled or leaked toner

Question 32

blows dust and debris out of all types of printers (printer maintenance tool)

Answer 32

compressed air

Question 33

What are 4 things your should have available in offline installable forms on USB or optical media to help restore, protect, and update systems?

Answer 33

1. Windows, Linux, or OS X operating systems
2. Antivirus, antimalware
3. Driver Files
4. Virtualization software- enables old software to run on newer systems

Question 34

What is the open source printing system used by Linux

Answer 34

CUPS