Hardware and Network Troubleshooting Key Terms Flashcards
system lockup
A user’s inability to log into a system because the password is forgotten or unknown
overclocking
Increasing a component’s clock rate to run at a higher speed than it was designed to run. Usually applies to the CPU or GPU, but other components can also be overclocked.
POST code beeps
Sounds used by many BIOS versions to indicate either fatal or serious errors
(BIOS)
Boot firmware, also known as System BIOS or, on most recent systems, Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), the first
code run by a computer when it is booted.
blank screen on bootup
Absence of video output during boot sequence. Could indicate cable or software issues.
continuous reboots
An issue that can be caused by problems with the power supply or by a Windows or other operating system configuration setting.
negative pressure
A cooling technique used by power supplies in which the power supply fan works like a weak vacuum cleaner, pulling air through vents in the case, past the components, and out through the fan
distended capacitor
A faulty capacitor that becomes distended and leaks, causing system failure and sometimes physical damage to the motherboard. Capacitors are used as part of the voltage step-down circuits that provide power to the processor. Between 2002 and 2007, many motherboards were built using faulty capacitors
STOP errors
Errors that can occur either during startup or after a system is
running; such errors halt systems by default. Also known as blue screen of death
(BSOD) errors.
Blue screen of death (BSOD)
an error in which the screen background is blue (or
sometimes black) with the error message in white text. Such errors can occur either
during startup or after a system is running, and they halt a system by default
pin wheel
A macOS spinning icon that is caused by an application failing but may also indicate that the system is locked up and needs a hard reboot. Also referred to as the spinning rainbow or “beachball of death.”
multimeter
A tool that can be used to test both coaxial and TP cabling and AC and DC voltage.
power supply tester
A tool for determining whether a power supply is working
read/write failure
A storage error that can result from electronics failure, impact damage, cable damage, or other issues
low RF signal
A wireless network problem caused by obstructions between the router and the wireless client, use of only one antenna by the router or the client, or excessive distance between the router and the client
failure to boot
An error in which a system cannot boot, possibly due to BIOS/UEFI boot order, damage to operating system files, or other causes
drive not recognized
An error that takes place if a misconfiguration, a cable
error, or another problem prevents the computer from detecting a drive.