CompTIA A+ 1001 Flashcards
(Mobile Devices)
What batteries are typically used in Laptops?
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) & Lithium-ion polymer (LiPo)
(Mobile Devices)
What is Degaussing and what can you use it for?
It was used for CRT TVs to clear electromagnetic interference. It cannot be done to an OLED or a plasma screen. When encountering a burn in there, simply replace the monitor.
(Mobile Devices)
What are some important things note about Lithium-ion/Polymer batteries
Lithium Ion has no Memory effect. Charging Lithium-ion batteries diminishes their capacity, so after some time, they will need to be replaced.
(Mobile Devices)
When installing a laptop battery, is there anything you should make sure of, and if so, Why?
You need to make sure the battery goes to that specific laptop make/model. Battery technology progresses all the time and are built for different specs.
(Mobile Devices)
What would you need to replace a laptop keyboard? What would you do if you don’t have a replacement?
Ground yourself, find the screws, unscrew the keyboard, unplug the ribbon cable connecting it, remove it, insert new keyboard, insert ribbon cable, screw in replacement keyboard.
If no replacement, use an external USB keyboard.
(Mobile Devices)
What things are to note when removing/replacing keys on a keyboard?
It is a very delicate procedure. You should check with the manufacturer on the correct way to remove their parts. Be in mind the keyboard components are very fragile. Be especially careful underneath keycaps.
(Mobile Devices)
What could you add to a laptop to increase/replace memory for better processing speed? What are some details to remember?
Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module (SO-DIMM) Installing is a simple as finding the Memory slot. Inserting the (SO-DIMM), and pressing it down until it locks into place.
Note: Some laptop memory is soldered to the system board, which means no upgrade/replacement is available, and that laptop requires a full system board replacement.
(Mobile Devices)
What is (SO-DIMM) and where is it used?
How many chips does it have?
Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module (SO-DIMM)
It’s a memory used in laptops and mobile devices. It usually has 8 black chips with a notch in the bottom 2/3 through.
(Mobile Devices)
What are the options/specs for storage for laptops and mobile devices?
Magnetic disk drives (HDD): They have Traditional spinning drive platters and are formfactor 2.5in to 3.5in (for desktops)
SSD (Solid-state drive): It is all memory, with no moving parts. Silent with fast access time, with less latency. Sometimes can fit within a disk drive slot. Form factor 2.5
M.2: Easy to install and replace, requires no SATA data or power cables. Is much smaller form factor, Can connect them to others.
(Mobile Devices)
What are the steps to replace storage within a laptop? What are some key points
All laptop storage is internal. Open the back cover to access. These can be very modular, so check if there is a slot specifically for the storage. Unscrew two screws and the drive should slide out, unplug cable. Installation is those steps in reverse.
In cases of the M.2, there is only 1 screw and it slides into it spot, much like a RAM card.
(Mobile Devices)
Why would someone want to switch from HDD to SSD? How would you go about doing it?
A SSD offers more speed compared to mechanical drives. It can improve performance on a laptop and decrease load times significantly.
One method of Switching to a SSD requires Installing an OS on the new SSD and moving the documents from the HDD over to the SSD, as well as installing any needed applications as well a drivers. It can be time consuming.
Another method is Imaging a Clone of you HDD and Cloning everything onto the SSD. It does require Imaging software that is sometimes included with the SSD
(Mobile Devices)
What is 802.11 in reference to? Detail some specs
The wireless standard for Local area network (LAN) typically found in home networks. Supports 2Mbps. Was originally invented as a standard for WLANs
(Mobile Devices)
What is a Bluetooth considered under what network and what are some things to note?
Bluetooth is a Personal area network (PAN) It’s very short range and is used for connecting nearby devices and peripherals.
(Mobile Devices)
What is a PCIe and what is it used for.
Can you name the 2 different versions and their measurements for laptops
It is a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express. It is used for connection for high-speed data transfer between electronic components. Usually, it is found within Desktops and mobile devices. Can be used for Bluetooth to 802.11. Sometimes have antenna
Mini PCI = 6in
Mini PCI express =4in
(Mobile Devices)
What are Biometrics, and what should I know about them
They are an alternative to signing in through confirmation through fingerprint readers or face recognition.
It requires additional configuration with the OS along with additional hardware. It however is very secure
(Mobile Devices)
What is an NFC and what does it do?
It is a Near-Field Communication. It is common on mobile phones and smart watches. It has a range of 4 centimeters
It transfers data over a limited area, typically for authentication. Used typically for no touch payment methods, info exchanges, or access token authentication at a Warehouse or hospital
(Mobile Devices)
What is the most common monitor display? What does it stand for and how does it work
The Portable LCD, AKA, a liquid crystal display.
Light shines through liquid crystals with a backlight.
(Mobile Devices)
Why would you use a LCD display, what are the downsides
Low power consumption, lightweight, inexpensive
Black levels are hard to achieve. It also requires a separate back light of a LED, Florescent, or other. The lights in a LCD are hard to replace
(Mobile Devices)
What are the different types of LCD display technologies available and what are their upsides and downsides?
TN (Twisted Nematic) (The original technology)
- Has faster response times
- Viewing from an angle changes the colors.
IPS (In plane switching)
- Excellent color representation
-More expensive that a TN
VA (Vertical Alignment)
(The Compromise)
-Good color representation
Slower response times than TN
(Mobile Devices)
What are is a IPS (In plane switching) and what are the specifics with it?
It has High color quality
Slower response times than TN.
It has wider viewing angles other LCDs
It’s More expensive that a TN
(Mobile Devices)
What are is a Vertical Alignment and what are the specifics with it?
VA (Vertical Alignment)
(The Compromise)
High contrast ratios
Good viewing angles
Good color quality
Slower response times to TN
(Mobile Devices)
What are is a Twisted Nematic and what are the specifics with it?
TN (Twisted Nematic) (The original technology)
It has faster response times.
It has low viewing angles that distort their color.
It has a low color quality
(Mobile Devices)
What is an OLED display and why would you use it? What are somethings to note
OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting diode, where organic compounds emit light when given an electric signal. It’s very useful for tablets, phones, and smart watches.
-Very good color representation
- It’s thinner and lighter, flexible and mobile.
- It doesn’t require a back light
-It costs more than a LCD
(Mobile Devices)
What are the advantages/disadvantages to using an OLED?
It has better contrast ratio and color representation than an LCD Screen
It doesn’t require a back light, because of the compound lights up with an electric signal.
It’s thinner and lighter, flexible and mobile.
It has a lower light output (brightness) when compared to LCDs.
It costs more than a LCD
(Mobile Devices)
Where do they keep the antenna in laptops?
Usually, the Wi-Fi antennas wires are wrapping around the laptop screen.
(Mobile Devices)
What should be noted about webcams and what is their relation with Laptops?
Where are the inputs located?
Webcams are used for video capture. Usually, they include both audio and visual inputs that can require specialized drivers and software.
Many Laptops have them built into the display. They are good for casual use like video calls but not good for non-casual use.
The Lens near the top of the screen is the camera and the holes off to the side are microphones.
(Mobile Devices)
What is the older backlight for an LCD screen and what are some things of note.
It is a Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp. (CCFL)
It requires higher voltage and power and adds thickness to the display. It is no longer common, but older laptops sometimes use these.
(Mobile Devices)
What backlight do modern laptops use and what are some things of note?
What is a common mistake made with them?
It is an LED-backlit LCD display. The backlight uses LEDs either around the monitor or in an array behind the screen. These lights can be in strips behind the screen.
Sometimes a misnomer is used where they are called LEDs instead of an LCD backlight LED.
(Mobile Devices)
What is an Inverter and why would you use it?
An inverter is a component that turns DC into AC or vise versa. Laptops run on DC, but LED backlights and the US grid run AC.
(Mobile Devices)
How can you tell if backlight has failed on your computer? If it has, what does this mean?
You can shine a flashlight on it and see if you can read the words one the screen.
You may have to replace the inverter or display. This depends on the model.
(Mobile Devices)
What is a Digitizer? What is it used for and where can you find them.
Why could the Digitizer not working with no signs of damage
A Digitizer is a touch-sensitive glass panel covering the LCD in a touchscreen assembly and is used to convert touch events to digital signals that can be interpreted as different types of input. Most laptops have a digitizer and an LCD screen if they are touchscreen devices.
If the touch screen is not working, but the display doesn’t look cracked or broken, this is often a sign that the Digitizer Settings are incorrect, or the digitizer is defective.
(Mobile Devices)
Name the USB ports and their shape and usage.
USB - Type A
USB - Mini B Plug
USB - Micro B plug
(C is not included here)
Type A (Rectangular)
- High speed wired communication
- Used for charging and data transfers
Type Mini B (Segmented trapezoid)
- Uncommon, Older
- Slightly larger than Micro B
Type Micro B (rounded trapezoid)
- Common world wide
- Smallest of the three
(Mobile Devices)
How many pins does a USB - C use and what is it used for?
It has 24 pins and is a double-sided connector.
Acts as a USB 2.0/3.0/3.1/4 connection, where different signals can use the same connector. Can transmit signals such as DisplayPort HDMI and Thunderbolt
(Mobile Devices)
What is a lighting cable and what is a it good for?
What advantages do they have over micro-USB
The lightning cable is an apple proprietary that has 8 pin digital signals and is used for IPhone and IPad devices.
They have higher power output for phones and tablets and can be inserted either way. The design is also simpler
(Mobile Devices)
What is a DE-9 and it’s nick name? What is it’s history
If I wanted to cable it to a modern device, what should I use?
DE-9, more recently called a DB-9, is a Serial interface that is commonly used for RS-232 signals. It was recommended standard for 232, and has been industry standard since 1969. Was used for modern connections (Like older USB)
It set the standard for how data is transferred from Data terminal Equipment (DTE) to Data Communication Equipment (DCE)
It used to be the standard, so connect it through A USB to DE-9 converter cable.
(Mobile devices)
What is the DVI-I Specs vs all the other DVI cables. Why is it DVI- I
It’s I for Integrated! Offering digital + analog signal, with single or dual link. It has all the pins.