Hardware Flashcards
Your company employs a team of trainers who travel to remote locations to make presentations and teach classes. The team has been issued new laptops to use for those presentations and classes. A contractor is coming to your office to show the trainers the ports they will use to connect different devices for the presentations. Which of the following will he most likely need to demonstrate? (Choose all that apply.)
A) VGA ports
B) ExpressCard ports
C) DisplayPort ports
D) Audio jacks
E) USB port adapters
F) RJ-45 ports
A) VGA ports
C) DisplayPort ports
E) USB port adapters
A user has recently moved to the United States from the United Kingdom. He contacts you asking how to switch his desktop computer to the appropriate voltage. What should you tell him to do?
A) Replace the power supply.
B) Slide the switch on the inside of the power supply to the appropriate voltage.
C) Slide the voltage switch on the side of the power supply to the appropriate voltage.
D) Slide the switch on the motherboard to the appropriate voltage.
C) Slide the voltage switch on the side of the power supply to the appropriate voltage.
You need to implement a RAID level that duplicates a partition on another physical disk, providing two identical copies of the data. Which RAID level should you use?
A) Level 2
B) Level 3
C) Level 0
D) Level 1
E) Level 5
F) Level 4
D) Level 1
RAID Level 1, also known as disk mirroring, duplicates the original disk, and this duplicate is placed on a separate disk, creating a “mirror.” Disk mirroring requires two disks of equal size. It is simple to implement and offers fast recovery if a single disk fails. However, because disk mirroring requires the duplication of the initial partition, only 50% of the total available disk space is used. RAID Level 1 is less efficient when performing disk writes.
Disk duplexing is also implemented at RAID Level 1. Disk duplexing builds on disk mirroring by adding a controller for each disk channel. Disk duplexing eliminates the disk controller as a single point of failure in the system.
RAID Level 0 is disk striping. A RAID-0 volume consists of two hard drives where data is striped across the entire volume. This RAID level provides no fault tolerance and fast data-writing speeds.
RAID Level 2 is disk striping with hamming parity. It requires at least three disks. Data is striped across the disks, and hamming parity information is calculated and stored on the parity disk. This RAID level is not popular.
RAID Level 3 is a striped set with dedicated parity. It requires at least three disks. One disk in the volume is a dedicated parity disk. Data is striped across the remaining disks.
RAID Level 4 is similar to RAID Level 3. However, RAID Level 4 does block-level striping instead of byte-level striping.
RAID Level 5 is disk striping with parity. It requires at least three disks. This level provides fault tolerance. All of the disks in the volume appear as one disk to the end user, and parity information is spread across all the disks.
A user reports that his Windows computer often issues errors about running out of virtual memory. The performance is sometimes sluggish. You want to increase the amount of available virtual memory.
What should you do?
A) Restart the computer.
B) Open the case and verify the type of RAM installed.
C) Edit the size of the paging file in the CMOS.
D) Edit the size of the paging file in the operating system.
D) Edit the size of the paging file in the operating system.
You should edit the size of the paging file in the operating system. In many Windows versions, you can accomplish this by clicking the Settings button in the Performance section of the System Properties dialog box’s Advanced tab. Virtual memory is managed by the operating system. The initial size and maximum size of the paging file can be manually configured by the user. The paging file is virtual memory.
You should not open the case and verify the type of RAM installed. This is a necessary step when upgrading RAM because the Windows operating system can tell you the amount of memory installed, but not the type of memory installed. The only way to discover this is by physically inspecting the RAM chips. Upgrading the RAM will not increase the amount of virtual memory. However, increasing the amount of RAM in your system can often decrease the need for virtual memory.
You cannot edit the size of the paging file in the CMOS. Virtual memory is not managed or configured in the CMOS.
You should not restart the computer. This will reset the paging file so that the virtual memory problem goes away temporarily. However, it does not increase the size of the virtual memory file.
Sluggish performance can be caused by a variety of different issues. If you notice performance is abnormally slow, try updating device drivers, expanding the available RAM, checking the integrity/updating operating system files, and closing background applications. Sluggish performance can also indicate a hard drive failure, fragmented data, or a malware infection.
You are using a color inkjet printer. You print an image containing multiple colors. However, colors in the printed document are not the same as those displayed on the monitor. You want to ensure that printed documents contain the same colors as displayed on your monitor. What should you do?
A) Calibrate the printer.
B) Remove the color cartridge of the printer, shake it, and replace in the printer.
C) Change the screen resolution of your computer to 800 × 600 pixels.
D) Install a new color cartridge in the printer.
A) Calibrate the printer.
You should calibrate the printer to ensure that printed documents contain the same color as those displayed on your monitor. When colors of an image are different on your monitor than the printed output of the image, the first step is to calibrate your monitor. The next step is to calibrate your printer, which can be done by using the printer software. For an inkjet printer, you should also perform the following routine maintenance: clean the print heads, replace the cartridges, and clear paper jams.
You should not install a new color cartridge. You should install a new color cartridge when the ink in the cartridge has run out. You should not shake the color cartridge. You should remove and shake the color cartridge of the printer when you suspect that the printer ink has dried. You should not change the screen resolution of your computer to 800 × 600 pixels. The screen resolution of a computer is used to specify the size of objects and text to be displayed on the screen.
Steven wants to upgrade the RAM in his gaming system. Which features are important considerations before he adds memory modules to a computer’s system board? (Choose two.)
A) Parity
B) Level 1 cache
C) CPU type
D) Access speed
A) Parity
D) Access speed
Adding new memory modules with access speeds and parity settings different from those of existing modules on the same memory bank can cause intermittent system failures. Therefore, the most important considerations are access speed and parity.
Access speed refers to the amount of time a memory module requires to provide data to a memory controller. Access speed is measured in nanoseconds. The memory controller is the interface between physical memory and a computer’s central processing unit (CPU); it is typically part of a system board’s chipset. Mixing modules of different speeds on the same memory bank can cause a computer to stop responding on an intermittent basis and may result in data corruption. Even if the computer is operational with the memory mixture, the memory will run at a slower speed, matching that of the memory module with a slower speed.
Parity is an error-detection method used to verify whether information has been lost as data is moved from one location to another. Memory modules are classified as either parity or nonparity, depending on whether they perform error checking. Combining parity random access memory (RAM) with nonparity RAM can sometimes generate parity errors at startup. It is safest to ensure that all modules within a bank have an identical parity setting, although adding parity modules on a nonparity system board is occasionally feasible.
A system board’s documentation should clarify its minimum access speed requirements for memory modules. It is possible to add memory modules that operate faster than a system board’s minimum requirement, as long as memory modules within a bank have the same access speed. Using faster memory will not provide any performance benefit. Using memory slower than the minimum requirement, however, will cause a computer’s CPU to waste time waiting for slower memory modules during input/output (I/O). Observing the system board’s bank order requires that memory bank 0 be completely filled before memory is added to bank 1, and banks 0 and 1 must be completely filled before memory is added to bank 2, and so on. All memory modules are extremely sensitive to static electricity, so caution should be used when installing or removing them.
Although a Level 1 cache is RAM, a Level 1 cache is built into a CPU and is not a memory module located on a computer’s system board. Neither the CPU nor its cache is a factor that the technician needs to consider when adding memory to a system board. If the computer does not see the memory after it is added, you should check the system BIOS. The BIOS may not be configured to read that amount of memory.
You replace a black ink cartridge in your inkjet printer, and now the printouts consist of jagged lines and characters. What is the first action you should take to resolve the problem?
A) Remove and reinstall the cartridge.
B) Run a printer alignment program.
C) Print a test page.
D) Run a printer diagnostics program.
B) Run a printer alignment program.
After you install a new printer cartridge in an inkjet printer, you should run the printer alignment program to align the inkjet print heads. This should allow the printer to produce clearer output. After you replace an ink cartridge and attempt to print, you will usually receive a message that recommends the running of the alignment program. You should also run the alignment program for your printer if you notice at any time that vertical or horizontal lines in your printer output are not aligned. The jagged printing is due to very small differences between the new and the original cartridges, and the alignment program is specifically designed to adjust for these differences.
Printing a test page will simply produce more evidence of the need to align the cartridge without actually performing the alignment.
A diagnostics program is generally used for troubleshooting, whereas an alignment program is generally used for maintenance.
Removing and reinstalling the cartridge is unlikely to resolve the issue because the position of the new cartridge in the holder will remain the same.
Always keep in mind that you should check the obvious first when troubleshooting a printer. If the printer is not printing, you should make sure it is plugged in and turned on. You should also make sure that it has paper. Most technicians can tell you stories about how they were called in for troubleshooting an issue that had a very obvious fix. Also, keep in mind that some internal components should only be replaced by individuals who are experienced in repairing printers. These printer technicians are usually employed by the vendor from which you purchased the printer.
A user has requested to have a printer duplexer added to his printer. Which function is provided by this component?
A) Document sizing
B) Double-sided printing
C) Document sorting
D) Document stapling
B) Double-sided printing
A printer duplexer, also called a duplexing assembly, provides double-sided printing that usually is purchased as an add-on printer feature.
Document sorting is provided by a collator, and document stapling is provided by a stapler. Document sizing is a feature of most printer/copiers that allows you to shrink or enlarge documents.
You are responsible for managing your research department’s network. This network uses RG6 coaxial cabling. Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding this network?
A) It is thicker than RG59 coaxial cable.
B) It should be used in situations that require lower frequencies than 50 MHz.
C) It does not have a foil shield.
D) Its signal quality is not as good as that of RG59 coaxial cable.
A) It is thicker than RG59 coaxial cable.
RG6 coaxial cable is thicker than RG59 coaxial cable.
None of the other statements is true regarding RG6 coaxial cable. RG6 cable should be used in situations that require the 50 MHz frequencies or higher. RG6 signal quality is better than the signal quality of RG59 cable. RG6 cable has a foil shield. RG59 cable should be used in situations that require lower frequencies than 50 MHz. RG59 is thinner than RG6 cable. RG59 does not have a foil shield. For both of these cable types, the maximum cable length is 185 meters, and the maximum transmission speed is 10 Megabits per second (Mbps).
You are troubleshooting a laser printer that feeds multiple sheets of paper for each page it is supposed to print. Which component could be causing the problem? (Choose two.)
A) The primary corona
B) The feed mechanism
C) The photosensitive drum
D) The paper type
B)The feed mechanism
D)The paper type
Using an incorrect paper type or mixed paper types can cause a laser printer to pick up multiple sheets from its feed rollers. A dirty or worn feed mechanism can also cause multiple pages to be picked up from the paper tray. Relative humidity that is too high or too low changes the paper’s physical properties, which can cause feed rollers to pull several pages at one time. High levels of humidity can cause the paper thickness to increase through moisture adsorption from surrounding air. Low levels of humidity can cause the paper to stick together through electrostatic attraction.
A defective primary corona can cause image problems, such as clouded or faded printer output. If you experience faded or full printing, you should first replace the toner cartridge. If this does not fix your problem, then the primary corona is probably defective.
A defective photosensitive drum can adversely affect images that appear on printed pages. For example, a defective photosensitive drum may cause extraneous markings to appear on each page.
Always keep in mind that you should check the obvious first when troubleshooting a printer. If the printer is not printing, you should make sure it is plugged in and turned on. You should also make sure that it has paper. Most technicians can tell you stories about how they were called in for troubleshooting an issue that had a very obvious fix. Also, keep in mind that some internal components should only be replaced by individuals who are experienced in repairing printers. These printer technicians are usually employed by the vendor from which you purchased the printer.
On a network that you administer, you cannot use a Windows computer named Wkst1 to connect to an Internet host with the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) www.cybervista.net. You want to determine whether a WAN link between Wkst1 and www.cybervista.net is down. You know that data normally passes through 10 hops in transit from Wkst1 to www.cybervista.net. Which command should you use to test connectivity?
A) tracert www.cybervista.net
B) arp www.cybervista.net
C) ipconfig www.cybervista.net
D) nbtstat www.cybervista.net
A) tracert www.cybervista.net
Of the listed commands, you should use the tracert www.cybervista.net command to determine whether a WAN link between Wkst1 and www.cybervista.net is broken. The tracert computername command or tracert IP-Address command starts the tracert utility. The tracert utility displays the path that data travels through a network. The path begins at the host, which is the computer on which the utility is started, and ends at the host specified in the computername or IP-Address variables.
In this scenario, the tracert www.cybervista.net command will display the route that data travels between Wkst1 and www.cybervista.net. Each host that data traverses on its route to the destination host is referred to as a hop. The tracert utility numbers each hop and displays the following information for each hop: time required for the data to travel through the host, the FQDN of the host, and the IP address of the host. You can use the tracert command to determine which WAN link is causing a connectivity problem. In this scenario, for example, you know that data usually passes through 10 hops from Wkst1 to www.cybervista.net. If the tracert utility reports an error transmitting data from hop 7 to hop 8, then a problem likely exists with the WAN link between hop 7 and hop 8.
You can use the arp command with various switches to determine the status of Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) on a computer and to view the ARP cache. ARP is the protocol in the TCP/IP protocol suite that resolves media access control (MAC) addresses to IP addresses. Each NIC in a computer is configured with a MAC address, which is used for physical addressing on a network. If you issue the arp www.cybervista.net command at a command prompt on a Windows computer, then a new command prompt will be displayed. You will not be able to view the route that data travels between the Wkst1 computer and the www.cybervista.net computer.
You can use the nbtstat command to view information about the status of NetBIOS over TCP/IP on a Microsoft network and to troubleshoot problems with Windows Internet Name Service (WINS). WINS resolves NetBIOS names to IP address on Microsoft networks. If you issue the nbtstat www.cybervista.net command at a command prompt, then a screen of instructions for the use of the nbtstat command will be displayed.
You can issue the ipconfig command at a command prompt on a Windows computer to view the IP configuration, including the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway address. If you issue the ipconfig www.cybervista.net command at a command prompt, an error will occur.
Beth’s computer keeps locking up, and she is not sure why. She was told by the intern at her company’s help desk that she should reboot her computer often. However, she has noticed that the computer freezes when she opens more than two programs at a time. Before she upgrades the RAM, what else can she do to help alleviate this problem?
A) Install all the updates shown in Windows Update.
B) Increase disk thrashing.
C) Increase the size of the paging file.
D) Choose the Balanced power plan in Control Panel.
C) Increase the size of the paging file. - A swap file, sometimes called a page file or paging file, is space on a hard drive used as a temporary location to store information when RAM is fully utilized. Using a swap file, a computer can use more memory than what is physically installed in the computer. However, if the computer is low on drive space, the computer can run slower because of the inability of the swap file to grow.
Beth could increase the size of the paging file to help alleviate the problem. When systems lock up or there are extended delays between clicks and responses, Windows is demonstrating that it is running out of memory. Seldom are users taught what to do to maintain their computer, so you should help them avoid this situation by keeping track of their page file usage. This keeps them from running out of resources and making their computer run smoothly. Beth should not increase disk thrashing. Thrashing occurs when a computer’s virtual memory is in a constant state of paging, rapidly exchanging data in memory for data on disk. This occurs automatically and will adversely affect a computer’s performance.
Beth should not install all of the updates shown in Windows Update. Windows Update runs in the background and constantly searches to keep your computer up to date with the latest patches or fixes. Users can choose to have automatic or manual updates. Because the problem that Beth is having is most likely caused by too little RAM, updating the computer will not help alleviate the problem.
Beth should not choose the Balanced power plan in Control Panel. This solution would help conserve power, but the problem Beth is experiencing is not due to power issues.
To keep track of your paging file usage, you can run system diagnostic tools and allocate hard disk space as virtual memory. Virtual memory comes preset in your computer to prevent insufficient RAM errors. Computers are designed to exhaust all RAM resources first so that applications will run properly. However, if you allocate hard disk space for RAM, accessing it will be a bit slower than accessing physical RAM but will produce the same results. On the flip side, when you use virtual memory, RAM seems to run applications better and more efficiently. A paging file actually keeps programs from crashing once physical RAM is full.
Users who use virtual memory can save money by using inexpensive hard drive space for RAM. For example, a 32-bit operating system can utilize 3 to 4 gigabytes of hard drive space. The operating system moves information back and forth between the virtual RAM (paging file) and the physical RAM. Virtual RAM is a memory management technique that stores data from various applications by dividing it into several physical memory fragments. Some of these fragments are then stored on an external storage drive or hard drive that are later called upon when a data exchange is going to occur.
Sluggish performance can be caused by a variety of different issues. If you notice performance is abnormally slow, try updating device drivers, expanding the available RAM, checking the integrity/updating operating system files, and closing background applications. Sluggish performance can also indicate a hard drive failure, fragmented data, or a malware infection.
You replace the toner cartridge in a laser printer. Now, all printouts have black specks on both sides. Which action you should take first?
A) Replace the toner cartridge.
B) Clean the interior of the printer.
C) Realign the transfer corona.
D) Check the fuser assembly and fuse.
B) Clean the interior of the printer.
Random specks of toner can appear on printouts for several reasons, including a defective toner cartridge, paper that is moist or does not meet the specifications for the printer, or toner contamination within the printer. The first action you should take is to inspect and clean the inside of the laser printer. Even a small amount of scattered toner inside the printer can cause specks to appear on many printouts. The cleaning should be done according to the manufacturer’s recommended procedure; the cleaning may need to include the general interior, the toner cartridge assembly exterior, the corona wire, and the fuser rollers. Although rough or moist paper can also cause black specks to appear randomly, these specks tend to be on the print side only and not on both sides.
The toner cartridge may also need replacing if it was damaged during handling and installation, but replacement should follow the cleaning procedure and test page printouts. Replace the cartridge only if the test pages do not print properly. Symptoms associated with a dirty or scratched drum within the toner cartridge include white specks on a black background and vertical streaks on the printout, respectively. Although dirt and dust can be carefully removed from a dirty drum, a scratched drum must be replaced.
The transfer corona alignment is generally fixed by the manufacturer and is not adjustable.
A fuser with a blown fuse would not melt the toner onto the page, and the symptom of a defective fuser or a blown fuser fuse would be an easily smudged printout, not a speckled printout. You should always check the manufacturer’s service guide recommendations for the maintenance schedule for a printer.
Always keep in mind that you should check the obvious first when troubleshooting a printer. If the printer is not printing, you should make sure it is plugged in and turned on. You should also make sure that it has paper. Most technicians can tell you stories about how they were called in for troubleshooting an issue that had a very obvious fix. Also, keep in mind that some internal components should only be replaced by individuals who are experienced in repairing printers. These printer technicians are usually employed by the vendor from which you purchased the printer.
You need to remove several devices from a computer. For which type of device should you use the Safely Remove Hardware icon to stop the device’s operation before removing it from the computer?
A) CD-ROM drive
B) USB flash drive
C) Hard drive
D) DVD drive
B) USB flash drive
You should use the Safely Remove Hardware icon to stop a USB flash drive before removing the drive from the computer. USB flash drives are hot-swappable. However, if you remove the drive from the computer without using the Safely Remove Hardware utility, you may interrupt the write operation. They may also be referred to as compact flash drives.
None of the other drives requires the use of the Safely Remove Hardware icon before removing the drive from the computer. In normal operation, you should power off the computer completely before removing the other drive types.
Users are having trouble accessing a server. You want to view the server’s DNS entry on the DNS server. Which command should you use?
A) ping
B) ipconfig
C) nslookup
D) tracert
C) NSlookup
You should use the nslookup command to view the server’s DNS entry on the DNS server. The nslookup command has two modes: interactive and non-interactive. If you only need to obtain one piece of information, you should use non-interactive mode. Otherwise, interactive mode is probably best. This command can be used to resolve a remote host’s name to its IP address.
You should not use the ipconfig command. This command is used to view the TCP/IP settings on the computer, including IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers.
You should not use the tracert command. This command displays the route a packet takes to a remote host.
You should not use the ping command. This command tests connectivity for a computer. To check functionality of the TCP/IP protocol, you can issue the ping 127.0.0.1 command. This pings the loopback address. To check communication between your local computer and a remote computer, you can ping the remote computer. For example, if the remote computer was named client1.kaplanit.com and had an IP address of 172.16.3.1, you could issue the ping client1.kaplanit.com or ping 172.16.3.1 command.
You are the network administrator for your company. You are installing a new printer in the network. When you check the print server properties, it displays the following error:
Server properties cannot be viewed. The print spooler service is not running.
What should you do to resolve the issue using the least administrative effort?
A) Click Start and Run. Type services.msc to start the printer spooler service.
B) Run the net start spooler command.
C) Run the net stop spooler command.
D) Use the Services program in Administrative Tools to start the printer spooler service.
B) Run the net start spooler command.
You should run the net start spooler command. This command is used from the command prompt to restart the Printer Spooler service.
You should not use the net stop spooler command. This command is used to stop the Printer Spooler service, which is the cause of the problem in this scenario.
You should not access the Services program in Administrative Tools to start the printer spooler because this method requires more administrative efforts as compared to restarting the print spooler service from the command prompt. You should not click Start and Run and type services.msc to start the printer spooler service. This method of restarting the Printer Spooler service requires more administrative effort as compared to restarting the print spooler service from the command prompt. You can also restart the print spooler service by clicking Start > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services. Then select Print Spooler and click Start.
You should attempt to restart the print spooler service if print jobs show up in the print spooler but no printing is occurring, after you have verified that the printer is operational.
Always keep in mind that you should check the obvious first when troubleshooting a printer. If the printer is not printing, you should make sure it is plugged in and turned on. You should also make sure that it has paper. Most technicians can tell you stories about how they were called in for troubleshooting an issue that had a very obvious fix. Also, keep in mind that some internal components should only be replaced by individuals who are experienced in repairing printers. These printer technicians are usually employed by the vendor from which you purchased the printer.
You plan to install an unshielded twisted pair (UTP) network that supports data transfer speeds up to 100 Mbps. Which cable should you use?
A) Cat2
B) Cat4
C) Cat5
D) Cat3
C) Cat5
Cat5 UTP cable supports a data transfer rate of up to 100 Mbps.
Cat7, known as F type cabling, supports the same speed and length but up to 600 MHz.
Cat6a supports up to 10 Gbps and 250 MHz at nominal 100-meter segments (90-meter cable run).
Cat6 UTP supports 10 Gbps at 55-meter segments.
Cat5e supports up to 1,000 Mbps at 100-meter segments.
Cat4 UTP cable supports a data transfer rate of only 20 Mbps.
Cat3 UTP cable supports a data transfer rate of only 10 Mbps.
Cat2 UTP cable supports a data transfer rate of only 4 Mbps.
The length of a cable run includes standard holdovers of 5 meters for access to the patch panel on one end, and to the device on the other end. Therefore, a nominal cable run of up to 55 meters means a physical cable run of only 45 meters, plus 10 held over. To make a run of 100 meters, 90 meters count for the cable run from the patch panel to the wall jack, plus an additional 5 meters between each jack and its attached device (there are usually two of these, so the longest cable run must be reduced accordingly).
You need to install several USB devices on a server. You have been asked to attach USB hubs to the computer. Only one USB port is available. How many hubs can you daisy chain using the single port?
A) 4
B) 5
C) 3
D) 2
B) 5
According to the USB specifications, you can daisy chain up to five hubs. Daisy chaining means that the hubs are attached to each other in a line. While the specification does allow chaining of up to five hubs, you may experience problems configuring more than two hubs in a line.
None of the other options is correct.
An instructor is describing a component that is always located on the CPU and accelerates the processing of instructions. Which component is being discussed?
A) The address bus
B) The L2 cache
C) The L1 cache
D) The heat sink
C) The L1 cache - *cache is a high-speed access area that’s a reserved section of main memory or an area on the storage device. The two main types of cache are memory cache and disk cache.
Memory cache is a portion of the high-speed SRAM (static random access memory) and is effective because most programs access the same data or instructions repeatedly. By keeping as much of this information as possible in SRAM, the computer avoids accessing the slower DRAM, making the computer perform faster and more efficiently.
disk caching is used to access commonly accessed data. However, instead of using high-speed SRAM, a disk cache uses conventional main memory. The most recently accessed data from a disk is stored in a memory buffer. When a program needs to access data from the disk, it first checks the disk cache to see if the data is there. Disk caching can dramatically improve the performance of applications because accessing a byte of data in RAM can be thousands of times faster than accessing it on a hard drive.
The central processing unit (CPU) uses cache memory to accelerate the processing of instructions and data. CPUs have contained cache memory as part of the chip architecture since the introduction of the 486; this cache memory is known as Level 1 (L1) cache, or internal cache. The amount of L1 cache is fixed because it is located on the processor itself. The L1 cache operates at the same speed as the processor. Some processors have two L1 caches; one cache stores instructions, and the other cache stores data.
A secondary cache, or Level 2 (L2) cache, is also included on most computers. The L2 cache is frequently located on the motherboard, although it can be adjacent to or included on the CPU as part of the chip package. When the L2 cache is on the motherboard, its size can often be increased. The L2 cache can be enabled or disabled from within the complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) setup program. Both the L1 cache and the L2 cache use static random access memory (SRAM), which can operate at faster clock speeds than other types of RAM. The term cache refers to the use of memory as a temporary storage site for instructions or data that the CPU can access immediately. The term buffer is also used to describe temporary data storage. Without a cache to store information, the CPU might have to wait through one or more clock cycles for the information to be provided by the computer’s dynamic random-access memory (DRAM).
A user is not able to access shared folders on the network. While troubleshooting the problem, the technician first checks for the link lights on the Network Interface Card (NIC). The technician observes that the link lights are not on or blinking on the NIC. Which actions should the technician perform to resolve the problem by using the least amount of administrative effort? (Choose two.)
A) Replace the network cable.
B) Run the ipconfig /release command.
C) Replace the NIC.
D) Check that the switch is on and the other end of the cable is connected to the switch.
E) Run the ipconfig /flushdns command.
A) Replace the network cable.
D) Check that the switch is on and the other end of the cable is connected to the switch.
To resolve the problem by using the least amount of administrative effort, the technician should check that the switch is on and the other end of the network cable is connected to the switch. If the switch is not on, or if the other end of the network cable is not connected to the switch, the user’s computer will not be connected to the network. Therefore, the technician should check these areas first. If the problem persists, the technician must try replacing the network cable to resolve the problem because faulty cables can cause network problems. Therefore, while troubleshooting network problems, you should check if the network cable is properly functioning. The number one A+ rule for connectivity issues is always to check the connection.
The ipconfig /release command is not used for troubleshooting NIC problems. The ipconfig /release command is used to release the IP address for network adapters. Before running this command, you must run the ipconfig /renew command to renew the IP address.
Replacing the NIC might solve the problem in this scenario. However, replacing NIC involves more administrative effort and time than checking the switch and network cable. Therefore, you should not replace the NIC as your first troubleshooting step.
The ipconfig /flushdns command is not used for troubleshooting NIC problems. The ipconfig /flushdns command is used to clear the Domain Naming Service (DNS) client cache. If the amber light is constantly flashing on a NIC card, collisions are occurring. A flashing green light indicates normal activity. If the lights do not flash, a failure at the data link level has occurred. If the indicator lights on a network switch are flashing, either the port on the switch or the NIC of the computer to which the switch is connected is faulty.
A network contains 150 Windows client computers that all receive their IP configuration from a DHCP server. The network is divided into two subnets. The network administrator decides to move a client computer from one subnet to another. After moving the client, the computer is having trouble communicating on the network. You suspect that the client computer is using an IP address from the old subnet. You need to run the appropriate commands to ensure that the client computer receives a new IP address.
Select the appropriate command(s) from the left and place them in the appropriate order on the left. Only select commands that are necessary for the scenario. The scenario may include one or more commands. Order is important.
For this scenario, you need to release and renew the DHCP lease for the client computer. You do this by running the following commands:
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
You are replacing the toner cartridge for an old laser printer. You are concerned that several internal components are reaching their maximum age based on the printer’s page count, and you need to replace the parts. However, you also know that certain components are included with the toner cartridge. You do not want to replace any components that are included in the toner cartridge. Which components are normally included in the cartridge? (Choose all that apply.)
A) A photosensitive drum
B) A transfer corona
C) Electrostatically charged toner
D) A fuser
A) A photosensitive drum
C) Electrostatically charged toner
Laser printer toner cartridges ordinarily contain a photosensitive drum and electrostatically charged toner, which is fused to paper during the printing process. To reduce maintenance costs, printer manufacturers typically incorporate laser printer components into replaceable toner cartridges.
A laser printer’s photosensitive drum has a cylindrical surface that laser light strikes. The light writes a path on the drum and leaves an electrical charge wherever it strikes the drum, eventually placing the image of an entire page on the drum. After a page of the document is completely replicated by the electric charge on the drum, the drum is rolled in toner, which is powdery ink consisting of plastic particles bonded to iron particles. The iron particles in the toner are sensitive to the electric charge, and therefore, adhere to the charged image of the document on the drum.
The printer’s fuser contains two rollers, which use heat and pressure at this point in the process to fuse the image onto the paper. After the document is printed, the electrical charge is removed from the drum and the excess toner is collected for reuse. A fuser can also be referred to as a fuser assembly.
The transfer corona applies an electric charge to printer paper with a polarity opposite to that of the toner particles to generate electrostatic attraction between the paper and the ink. Attractive electrostatic force then causes the toner to move from the drum to the paper. At this point, the toner is resting on the paper but still needs to be attached to the paper to create a permanent image.
A department manager reports that one of her department’s printers is printing fuzzy or low-quality print. Which conditions contribute to this problem (Choose two.)
A) A warped roller in the paper path
B) High humidity
C) A problem with the charge wires or the drum
D) Iron particles in the paper fibers
E) Too much paper in the paper tray
F) Damp paper
B) High humidity
F) Damp paper
Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve printer issues
For the A+ exam, you should understand the following common printer symptoms and how to troubleshoot them:
Streaks – This problem is usually caused by a malfunctioning fuser because the fuser is responsible for fusing the toner to the paper. Replace the fuser. In inkjet printers, this could be caused by a malfunctioning ink cartridge or dirty print head. Replace the cartridge, or clean the print head. In dot matrix printers, this is caused by a dirty print head. Clean the print head.
Faded print – This is usually caused when a toner cartridge, ink cartridge, or ribbon is close to empty. You should replace the cartridge or ribbon with a new unit.
Ghost images/Echo images – Ghost images/Echo images are light images of pages that were previously printed that are appearing on the currently printed page. This is usually caused by the erasure lamp or cleaning blade. The cleaning blade is part of the toner cartridge and is easier to replace than the erasure lamp. Try replacing it first. If it does not fix the problem, you will need to replace the erasure lamp.
Toner not fused to the paper – This problem is usually caused by a malfunctioning fuser. Replace the fuser.
Creased paper – This is usually caused by a paper jam. Check the printer internally to ensure that no paper jams or small scraps of paper are obscuring the paper path. Creased paper can also be caused by worn pickup rollers. Replace the pickup rollers. Pickup rollers are part of printer maintenance kits.
Paper not feeding – This is usually caused by worn pickup rollers. Replace the pickup rollers. Pickup rollers are part of printer maintenance kits.
Paper jam – When a paper jam occurs, you need to first completely clear the paper jam. If the paper jam continues to be a problem, you need to determine which printer part could be causing the paper jams. Check to make sure that you are using paper that is approved for the printer. Paper that is too thick will cause paper jams. Also, high humidity can cause the paper to stick together, which causes paper jams. Paper jams can also be caused by worn rollers or broken drive gears. Rollers are part of the printer’s maintenance kit. If you suspect broken drive gears, you will need to contact a printer technician to replace the drive gear. If the paper jams after reaching the corona assembly, the problem could be caused by the static eliminator strip, which needs to be replaced by a printer technician.
No connectivity – If this problem is with a locally attached printer, make sure that the cable is properly attached. Try replacing the cable with a new cable. If this problem is with a network printer, ping the printer to see if it is available. If you can ping the printer, you probably have an incorrect setting or driver.
Garbled characters on paper – This problem is usually caused by an incorrect printer driver. Install the most up-to-date version of the correct printer driver.
Vertical black lines on page – Vertical black lines are caused by scratches on the drum or dirty corona wire. If you suspect that scratches are on the drum, replace the toner cartridge. If you suspect the corona wire, try cleaning it first. If the problem still persists, replace the toner cartridge. For inkjet printers, you should try cleaning the print head or replacing the ink cartridge.
Vertical white lines – Vertical white lines are caused by a dirty transfer corona wire. Clean the corona wires. The corona wire is part of the toner cartridge and can be cleaned using a brush. For inkjet printers, clean the print head. If these solutions do not work, you will need to replace the toner cartridge or ink cartridge.
Backed up print queue – You can try to delete the print job from the print queue that you suspect is causing the problem. If this does not fix the problem, you will need to stop and restart the print queue. This will result in all jobs in the print queue being deleted. All users will have to resubmit their print jobs.
Low-memory errors – Often just turning the printer off and back on will fix this problem. If the problem persists, you could print the page at a lower resolution or change the print page so that it is less complex. If this does not fix the problem, you may try installing a different driver for the printer. You could also add more memory to the printer.
Access denied – This is most often caused by the access control list (ACL) for the printer. Make sure that the user has been granted print permission. This can also be affected by print availability and print priority. Print availability is a way to set up a printer so that a particular group can print to the printer during certain times. If a user attempts to print to the printer outside of the availability times, the print job is unsuccessful. Print priority allows you to assign jobs from a particular group a higher priority. If this technique is used, jobs that have a higher priority will take precedence over other print jobs. Print availability and print priority can prevent or delay print jobs.
Printer will not print – If you are sure that the printer has power and paper, you should try printing a test page. If the test page is unsuccessful, you probably have a connection issue. Replace the cabling if it is a local printer. If it is a network printer, complete network troubleshooting techniques to troubleshoot the issue.
Color prints in wrong print color – This is usually the result of a dirty print head. Clean the print head first. If the problem persists, replace the toner cartridge or ink cartridge. Calibrating the cartridge may also help.
Unable to install printer – If this problem occurs, the account used to install the printer probably does not have permissions to install the printer. Use an administrative-level account to install the printer.
Error codes – For any error codes you are given, consult the manufacturer’s documentation or website to get details on the error. Follow the manufacturer’s suggested troubleshooting steps for the particular error you receive.
Printing blank pages – The most often cause of this problem is that the printer is out of ink or toner. It can also be caused by clogged print nozzles in an inkjet printer. For a laser printer, the toner cartridge has sealant tape over the toner dispenser. If this tape is not removed, pages will be blank.
No image on printer display – This is most often caused because the printer is unplugged or in standby mode.
Incorrect printer orientation – If a page is not printing with the correct orientation, the problem could be the application settings or the printer itself. Ensure that the user is selecting the right orientation in the application and that the application is sending the job to the printer with the appropriate tray selected. In addition, you should ensure that the tray and paper are inserted correctly. Finally, you may need to update the printer driver.
Grinding issues – A printer can create noises for a variety of different reasons. When experiencing grinding noises, power down the printer and unplug it first. Check the cartridges to make sure they are full, the correct ones, and properly installed. Then you should check and clean the rollers as well as update firmware of the printer.
Paper jams – Paper can jam for a variety of reasons such as an overfilled tray, damaged paper, or improper paper. If the printer becomes jammed you should clear the jam and ensure that the paper tray is filled properly with good quality paper.
Incorrect paper size – Printers often require a specific sized paper to print. If a printer is utilizing incorrect paper, it can cause jams or misprints. You should check the paper tray to ensure that the paper is correct. You can find the printer’s paper requirements in its manual.
Multiple prints pending in queue – If a printer has multiple print jobs stuck in queue, you should stop the print spooler, delete the print jobs in queue, and restart the printer to fully reset the Windows printing environment. If that does not work, then you should check for new driver updates.
Speckling on printed pages – Speckling is where tiny ink spots get printed onto the paper unintentionally. This error can be the result of a dirty inkjet, a fault ink cartridge, or a faulty toner cartridge. Replacing these cartridges and cleaning the printer of any debris should stop ink speckling.
Multipage misfeed – This is when multiple pages are simultaneously fed into the printer when using the double-sided print feature. To fix this issue, clear the jam, check to make sure the paper is correctly oriented, undamaged, and the right type for the printer, and restart the print job.
Finishing issues – The two most common finishing issues revolve around staples and hole punches. With staples, the printer’s staples can become jammed. To solve this problem, first clear the jam and ensure that the remaining staples are oriented properly. You may need to replace the staple cartridge if it is running low or is defective. With a hole punch, you should go to printer settings to configure it properly. If the hole punch is still not working, you should check to see if you can install a new driver or reset the printer.