Core Hardware

Question 1

BIOS

Answer 1

BIOS (basic input/output system) is the program a computer’s microprocessor uses to start the computer system after it is powered on.

Stored on non-volatile media, AKA Firmware

POST routines are built into the firmware

Question 2

POST (Power on self test)

Answer 2

A Power-On Self-Test (POST) is an operation initiated by a computer after it has been turned on but before it boots up the OS.

A power-on self-test is a process performed by firmware or software routines immediately after a computer or other digital electronic device is powered on. The results of the POST may be displayed on a panel that is part of the device, output to an external device, or stored for future retrieval by a diagnostic tool.

Question 3

Beep Codes

Answer 3

1 Beep - Refresh Failure
Reseat/replace memory, troubleshoot motherboard.

2 Beeps - Parity Error
Reseat/replace memory, troubleshoot motherboard.

3 Beeps - Memory Error (first 64KB)
Reseat/replace memory.

4 Beeps - Timer Failure
Troubleshoot motherboard.

5 Beeps - Processor Failure
Troubleshoot CPU, motherboard.

6 Beeps - Keyboard Controller Failure
Troubleshoot keyboard, motherboard.

7 Beeps - Virtual Mode Exception Error
Troubleshoot CPU, motherboard.

8 Beeps - Display Memory Failure
Trouleshoot graphics card, motherboard.

9 Beeps - ROM BIOS Checksum Failure
Replace ROM BIOS, troubleshoot motherboard.

10 Beeps - CMOS Shutdown Register Failure
Troubleshoot motherboard.

11 Beeps - L2 Cache Failure
Troubleshoot L2 cache, motherboard.

Continuous Beeps - Memory or Video Failure
Troubleshoot memory, graphics card, motherboard.

Question 4

POST Card

Answer 4

A post card displays different codes for a visual representation. - Only valid when booting up

Post cards enable testing for dead computers.

Post errors normal provide a beep code for different errors

Question 5

UEFI BIOS

Answer 5

Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is a specification for a software program that connects a computer’s firmware to its operating system (OS). UEFI is expected to eventually replace basic input/output system (BIOS) but is compatible with it.

Question 6

Boot Password

Answer 6

A BIOS password is authentication information that’s sometimes required to log into a computer’s basic input/output system (BIOS) settings before the computer boots up.

Question 7

USB Permissions BIOS Settings

Answer 7

Can enable and disable USB drives on a computer/system

Question 8

Programmable read only memory

Answer 8

A programmable read-only memory is a form of digital memory where the contents can be changed once after manufacture of the device. The data is then permanent and cannot be changed. It is one type of read-only memory.

Question 9

Single flash ROM chips

Answer 9

Flash memory is an electronic non-volatile computer memory storage medium that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed. The two main types of flash memory, NOR flash and NAND flash, are named for the NOR and NAND logic gates. Both use the same cell design, consisting of floating gate MOSFETs.

Question 10

real-time clock

Answer 10

A real time clock, or RTC, is a digital clock with a primary function to keep accurate track of time even when a power supply is turned off or a device is placed in low power mode.

Question 11

CMOS Battery

Answer 11

CMOS is required for the clock to continue keeping time when the computer is off. If the battery is gone your clock will not keep time until you turn on the computer where the clock will be powered by the computer power supply.

Question 12

Flashing a ROM

Answer 12

Flashing a ROM updates the firmware on flash chip

Question 13

For which failures would you expect POST to issue beep codes?

Missing keyboard

No printer found

Video card

No CPU installed

Answer 13

Video card

Beep codes are issued when error messages can’t be displayed on the screen, thus a bad video card would cause beep codes. Missing keyboard, printers, and network connection failures can all be shown on a screen. The POST program will not run at all without a CPU installed (and thus would not generate a beep code).

Question 14

How would a technician start the system setup program?

Enter the administrator password during bootup.

Touch the system setup button on the front panel of the computer.

Turn off the power switch and unplug the computer, then plug in the computer and press the power switch to automatically start the setup program.

Press a certain key before the computer boots the operating system.

Answer 14

Press a certain key before the computer boots the operating system.

Every computer has a certain key on the keyboard that must be pressed before the OS boots to launch the setup program. There is no automatic procedure or button to start the setup program. The administrator password is not entered until after the setup program has started.

Question 15

Which battery provides power to the RTC and CMOS chip?

CR2032

9 Volt Battery

CR3022

AA Battery

Answer 15

CR2032

CR2032 is the standard CMOS battery. The other choices are not normally used for CMOS in a computer.

Question 16

BIOS programs that enable hardware to function are called _____.

device drivers

CMOS

services

POST

Answer 16

services

Services are BIOS programs that make hardware functional. POST is a testing program in BIOS. CMOS is a type of memory chip. Device drivers make hardware function in an operating system.

Question 17

To prevent random people from booting the OS, what should a technician do?

Set a user password.

Set an administrator password.

Remove the CMOS battery.

Flash the BIOS chip.

Answer 17

Set a user password.

A user password prevents the OS from booting until the password is entered. The administrator password prevents access to the setup program until the password is entered. Flashing the BIOS is for fixing bugs and adding features to the contents of the BIOS chip. Removing the CMOS battery might prevent the OS from booting, but it is not the best answer.

Question 18

Which is more likely to cause a computer’s reported time to fall behind?

The computer was not programmed to recognize leap year.

The wall voltage is too low.

Earth is spinning more slowly.

The CMOS battery is weak or failing.

Answer 18

The CMOS battery is weak or failing.

A weak or failed CMOS battery will slow the system clock and may cause other problems. Missing a leap year won’t affect the computer’s clock rate. Low wall voltage is adjusted in the power supply; if it is too low, the computer won’t boot.

Question 19

Which is found in BIOS?

CMOS battery

Switch POST

real-time clock

POST

Answer 19

POST

Question 20

What is the primary purpose of POST?

It is an add-on card to test the computer.

It enables hardware to function before the OS boots.

It performs diagnostic tests before booting the operating system.

It applies power to the CPU.

Answer 20

It performs diagnostic tests before booting the operating system.

POST is a program in the computer’s BIOS chip that performs diagnostics prior to the computer booting an operating system. POST can send messages to a POSTcard but the card does not contain the POST program. A power supply provides power to the CPU. POST does not enable hardware, it tests hardware.

Question 21

Form Factors

Answer 21

Form factor for computers refers to the size, shape, and physical specifications of hardware or hardware components. Computer form factor is used to describe any physical aspect of a computer system.

Motherboard and cases follow formfactors

Question 22

I/O Area

Answer 22

I/O (input/output), pronounced “eye-oh,” describes any operation, program or device that transfers data to or from a computer. Common I/O devices include printers, hard disks, keyboards and mice.

Question 23

ATX Form Factor

Answer 23

Measuring 305 mm x 244 mm, ATX (which stands for Advanced Technology extended) is easily the most common motherboard form factor around. It was introduced by Intel in 1995, and although the technology on the board has evolved almost beyond recognition, the shape itself hasn’t changed.

Question 24

Micro ATX Form Factor

Answer 24

Micro ATX (mATX), with its compact 9.6”x9. 6” form factor, bridges the gap between ATX and Mini ITX sizes.

Question 25

Mini-ITX Form Factor

Answer 25

Mini-ITX specifies length to be 6.7 inches with width of 6.7 inches. It is the smallest form factor possible utilizing ATX mounting holes. All Mini-ITX motherboards use four (4) mounting holes, there are no known exceptions. This form factor is the smallest of all ATX motherboards.

Question 26

ITX Form Factor (Larger version of mini ITX)

Answer 26

Information Technology Extended, or ITX, is a form factor for small computer motherboards developed by VIA Technologies.

Question 27

I/O Shield

Answer 27

The I/O shield is a part what allows for optimum air flow and grounding for the motherboard ports. The I/O shield helps ensure the motherboard is installed correctly and properly aligned with the case.