Review Questions Flashcards
1A - 1. When the “ON” button is pressed, which computer component turns on first?
the power supply
1A - Where is the Power On Self-Test (POST) program stored?
on the motherboard ROM
1A - When does the POST program run?
every time the computer is booted
1A - The POST program can indicate hardware failures using audible _____ codes.
beep
1A - What is the job of the bootstrap loader program?
to find an operating system
1A - The _____________ settings can be configured by the user.
CMOS
1A - List 3 storage devices which can be configured to boot an operating system
HDD, USB, CD
1A - A storage device with a usable operating system written on it is called a
bootable disk or system disk
1A - What modern firmware program has replaced BIOS?
UEFI
1A - RAM is also referred to as _____________ or _____________ memory.
main or primary
1A - The most common form of computer memory is _______________.
DRAM (dynamic)
1A - RAM is _____________ memory, because it will retain data only as long as power is applied.
volatile
1A - What kind of RAM more efficiently coordinates the CPU and memory operations?
synchronous (sDRAM)
1A - How can the different versions of DDR SDRAM be identified?
are identified by sight due to the location of the notch on the RAM stick
1A - What kind of RAM is found on a video card?
VRAM
1A - What is the most common cause of a General Protection Fault?
two apps trying to use the same block of memory
1A - The ___________ ___________ is the fastest speed at which a CPU can operate.
clock speed
1A - Which motherboard circuit creates the clock signal?
quartz oscillator
1B1 -Which bus provides bi-directional communication between the CPU, memory, and peripherals?
data bus
1B1 -The _____________ __________ carries signals that report the status of various devices.
control bus
1B1 -How does the CPU access addressable locations in RAM?
Address bus
1B1 -The connection between the CPU and RAM is referred to as _______________________ or system bus.
front side bus
1B1 -How are data and instructions transferred between the different parts of computer hardware?
buses
1B1 -What are the 3 main parts of computer hardware?
CPU, memory, I/O
1B1 -What is the most important task of BIOS firmware?
load the computers operating system
1B1 -Why do motherboards contain a small, coin-sized battery?
CMOS memory is volatile
1B1 -Where are user-configurable settings modified and saved?
EPROM
1B1 -How can ROM be updated?
Flashing the ROM
1B1 -What does it mean when we say that ROM is nonvolatile?
Code on it is not erased on shutdown
1B1 - ROM is considered ____________________ memory.
nonvolatile or permanent
1B1 - The ____________________ is the interface between the CPU and the USB controller.
Southbridge
1B1 - Which part of the chipset provides high-speed interface between the CPU and RAM?
Northbridge
1B1 - List the 3 most common PC motherboard form factors.
Advanced Technology Extended (ATX), MicroATX (μATX) and Information Technology eXtended (ITX)
1B1 - Form factor refers to the _____________ _____________ of the motherboard.
physical dimensions
1B1 - The motherboard contains multiple paths of electrical circuits called ________________.
buses
1B2 - What is the main job of the CPU?
carry out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetic, logic, controlling, and I/O operations specified by the instructions
1B2 - List the 3 main structures found inside a CPU
Control unit, arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and registers
1B2 - The _____________ unit in the CPU manages most computer resources.
control
1B2 - Which CPU structure performs math operations on binary integers?
Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
1B2 - Which CPU structure is made of high-speed volatile memory?
Register
1B2 - What is the overall purpose of CPU cache memory?
Improves computer performance by allowing the CPU to process tasks more quickly
1B2 - Why is CPU Land Grid Array superior to Pin Grid Array?
The LGA contact system makes CPU installation much easier and reduces the chance of damage due to mishandling or misalignment
1B3 - What is the difference between main memory and secondary memory?
Main memory is RAM, secondary memory is HDDs
1B3 - HDD falls under what storage?
magnetic storage
1B3 - SD falls under what storage?
solid state storage
1B3 - DVD falls under what storage?
optical storage
1B3 - SSD falls under what storage?
solid state storage
1B3 - CD-ROM falls under what storage?
optical storage
1B3 - What is the most common HDD attachment standard?
ATA Advanced Technology Attachment
1B3 - Which common storage device contains spinning platters?
Harte disk drives HDD
1B3 - What failure has occurred when HDD read/write head contacts the surface of the platter?
Head crash
1B3 - What is the advantage of shingled magnetic recording (SMR)?
Store more data on the same space
1B3 - What legacy system gives logical addresses to each block of data on a HDD?
Cylinder head sector CHS
1B3 - What is the smallest unit of storage on a HDD disk?
Sector = 512 bytes
1B3 - A ________________ is the set of all tracks that the heads are currently located at.
Cylinder
1B3 - To make a HDD useful, it must be ____________________ and formatted.
(Conditioned) Partitioned
1B3 - A HDD must have at least one _________________ in order to function.
Partition
1B3 -What partition types can be created using Master Boot Record (MBR)?
Primary and extended
1B3 -Windows must be installed on a ___________ partition.
primary
1B3 -What is the maximum number of partitions supported by MBR? _____
4
1B3 -How are GTP partitions identified?
Random string of characters
1B3 -How many Windows partitions can be created using GPT?
128
1B3 -List 2 Windows tools for partitioning a HDD.
Diskpart & disk management
1B3 -After partitioning, a HDD must be __________________ with a file system.
formatted
1B3 -Which legacy Microsoft file system is very popular for USB flash drives and other portable media?
FAT32
1B3 -Which file system has been adopted by the SD Card Association for SD cards larger than 32GB?
exFAT
1B3 - What is the only file system that can be used to format a Windows partition?
New technology file system NTFS
1B3 -Which advanced feature of NTFS maintains a running record of file changes?
journaling
1B3 -How can the NTFS save disk space?
compression
1B3 -What does NTFS do about bad sectors on a HDD?
Automatically discovers and maps
1B3 -List 3 factors that affect HDD performance.
Seek time, access time, RPM, capacity, & interface
1B3 -Where are SAS interface-compatible hard disk drives usually found?
servers & enterprise class computers
1B3 -List 3 advantages of a solid-state drive (SSD) over a traditional HDD
More resistant to physical shock, are silent, have faster access & read/write times
1B3 -What is the difference between a hybrid drive and a HDD?
They combine flash memory and platter based into a single hard drive
1B3 -How is binary data recorded on a compact disc (CD-ROM)?
pits and lands
1B3 -How is data read from a DVD disc?
650nm red laser
1B3 -Where did the Blu-ray disc get its name?
405nm blue-violet laser
1B3 -Which optical disc media holds the most data?
blu-ray
1B3 -List 2 advantages of magnetic tape as a storage media.
High resistance to physical shock & extremely long data retention shelf-life
1B3 -Why does magnetic tape suffer from lengthy access time?
Takes a long time to find the desired data
1B3 -What does it mean when we say that flash memory is nonvolatile?
It can retain data even with the power off
1B3 -List 3 advantages of flash media over other portable storage media.
Smaller in size, silent, allows faster access, lighter, & has no moving parts
1B4 - Which component allows a computer to “talk” to a monitor?
Video cards
1B4 -List 4 major components of a video card
GPU, VRAM, video BIOS, & RAMDAC
1B4 -Which digital display standard can support up to 4 monitors from one video card?
Display port
1B4 -Every network interface card (NIC) is assigned a unique, 48-bit ____________ address
MAC
1B4 -List 3 kinds of bound media supported by network interface cards.
Fiber, coaxial cable, copper cable, & twisted pair copper cable
1B4 - Which layers of the OSI reference model apply to network interface cards?
Layer 1 (physical) & layer 2 (data link)
1B4 -Which peripheral device is the primary user interface to a computer?
Keyboard
1B4 -Keyboards communicate with computers using a unique binary pattern called
Scan code
1B4 -Why does a computer need Input/Output (I/O)?
To receive information from the outside world and sends results back
1B4 -List 3 hardware devices which can send Interrupt Requests (IRQ) to the CPU
Sound cards, modems, and keyboards
1B4 -What is the software component of a hardware device called?
Device drivers
1B4 - What was the original purpose of the USB standard?
To make computers easier to use
1B4 - The USB _______________________ is part of the motherboard chipset which controls every USB device connected to it.
Host controller
1B4 -The USB root hub can support up to ______________ connected devices.
127
1B4 -USB is described an _________________ serial bus
Asynchronous
1B4 -Which USB device class supports keyboards and mice?
03h human interface device HiD
1B4 -USB flash drives and external hard drives are supported by the _____________________ device class.
08h mass storage class MSC
1B4 - What is the purpose of USB Power Delivery Standards (USB PD)?
To provide output voltage
1B4 -Which expansion device allows connection of a microphone and speakers to a computer?
Sound card
1B4 -A power supply converts 120V AC power into __________________ for internal components of a computer.
Low voltage DC power
1B4 -Most computer power supplies conform to the __________________ form factor.
ATX
1B4 -Power supplies are rated in ________________ based on their maximum output power.
Watts
1B4 -What does it mean if a PSU has an 80 Plus certification?
At least 80% of AC energy input is converted into DC energy, with the other 20% being wasted as heat
1B4 -Why are CPUs and graphics processors fitted with heat sinks?
Because of the heat generated by the chips
1B4 -Heat sinks are made of _______________ which are good conductors of heat.
metals
1B4 -What is the purpose of thermal compound?
To help with thermal conduction between the CPU and heat sink
1B4 -Why are CPUs sometimes equipped with fans?
To improve cooling
1B4 - Which cooling system is more effective than air cooling?
Liquid cooling
1C -Which publication governs the use of software in the Air Force?
DAFMAN 17-1203
1C -Which office is responsible for software license management across the entire Air Force?
Chief information officer SAF/CN
1C -Which Major Command (MAJCOM) is the lead for software license management?
ACC
1C -Define software:
Collection of data or instructions that tell a computer how to work
1C -What are the two main categories of software?
System software & application software
1C -What kind of software does work for users?
Application software
1C -_________ software interacts directly with computer hardware.
System
1C - _________ software can be turned on or off by the user while the computer is running.
Application
1C - _____ is software products that are ready-made and available to the public
COTS
1C - ________ is an exclusive legal right granted to an author or inventor
Copyright
1C -What kind of contract defines and limits software use?
License agreements
1C -Only software that is on the __________ __________ __________ can be used on Air Force networks.
Approved Product List
1C - All Air Force desktop/laptop software on new computer systems must comply with the _______.
SDC
1C - Which DoD agency manages USAF software testing and approval?
DISA
1C - The two main priorities of DoD software testing labs are ______________ and ______________ .
Cybersecurity and interoperability
2A - What are the 2 main components of a computer?
Hardware and software
2A -Software consists of ____________ of ___________ written in a programming language.
Lines of code
2A -An operating system is an example of _______________ software.
System
2A -List 3 features a modern operating system is expected to provide
GUI, command prompt, security, file system, networking, update, kernel, & program execution
2A -The kernel is the _____________ of an operating system.
very core
2A - The primary responsibility of the OS kernel is _______________ _________________.
Resource management
2A - List 2 common methods of OS user interface.
File system and command prompt
2A -Which feature of an operating system prevents unauthorized configuration changes?
Security
2A -The OS __________ ____________ provides a search function to make files easy to find.
File system
2A -BIOS consists of lines of code called
Firmware
2A -What is the fundamental purpose of BIOS?
Turn computer over to a operating system
2A -Microsoft Windows 10 OS is based on the _____________________________ kernel.
new technology
2A -What prevents the user from viewing or modifying the Windows OS code?
EULA
2A -Which operating system was developed at Bell Labs Research Center in the 1970s?
Linux
2A -Which UNIX-like OS was developed by Apple Inc.?
MacOS
2A -Which free and open-source OS was developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991?
Linux kernel
2A -Where are Linux-based operating systems most often used?
Internet infrastructure, cloud servers, & public/private data centers
2A -Which OS is most popular for desktop and laptop personal computers worldwide?
Windows
2A -Which devices use Chrome OS?
Chromebook Laptops
2A -What is the primary user interface of Chrome OS?
Chrome web browser
2A - Chrome OS is based on the _____________ kernel.
Linux
2A - How does Chrome OS use the Google Cloud?
User data and applications are based in the cloud
2B - A modern smartphone is a small, general-purpose wireless client computer. (True/False)
True
2B - What is the primary user interface of a mobile device?
Touchscreen
2B -List four characteristics which define a mobile device.
Handheld, uses mobileOS, touchscreen, uses wireless
2B -List three examples of mobile devices.
Smartphones, tablet computers, intermediate sized devices
2B -List the two most common mobile device operating systems
iOS & Android
2B -The iOS user interface is based on _______________ _______________.
Direct Manipulation
2B - _________ OS was originally intended for use on digital cameras.
Android
2B - Android OS is _______________ _______________, meaning it can be freely copied & distributed by anyone.
Open Source
2B - Which mobile OS allows applications only from one single, centralized source?
iOS
2B - Android OS is based on the _______________ kernel.
Linux
2B - Which mobile OS is used in many different products including smart TVs, cars, and home automation systems?
Android
2B - ______ OS permits user-directed installation of applications from many different sources
Android
2B - ______ is the most widely deployed OS in the world
Android
2B - Why are smartphones a special security concern in DoD environments?
Frequently lost or stolen, wireless connectivity makes them prone to compromise. Integrated radios provide multiple avenues for security/privacy compromise, & many apps do not undergo testing for security flaws
2C - Client software includes _______________________ that do real work for users.
Applications
2C - What is the difference between Microsoft SharePoint Standard and SharePoint Enterprise?
Share point standard is hosted on the cloud, share point enterprise is hosted on the customers own server
2C -Which Microsoft web browser is a replacement for Internet Explorer?
Edge
2C -Which Microsoft web browser is no longer supported and has effectively reached end of life?
Internet Explorer
2C - Which web browser offers full integration with the Cortana Personal Assistant included in Windows?
Edge
2C - Which platforms support Google’s Chrome web browser?
Windows, macOS, android, iOS, & Linux
2C -What tasks can users do with the Adobe Reader freeware application?
Viewing, printing, & annotating
2C -What file type encapsulates a document as an image?
Adobe acrobat
2C - List 3 services that McAfee LLC provides to the Department of Defense.
Continuous diagnostics and mitigation, cybersecurity as a service, & endpoint protection
4A - What is software piracy?
Unauthorized copying or distribution of copyrighted software
4A - When you purchase a copy of licensed software, you become the owner of that software. (True/False)
False
4A - Installing software on a server that doesn’t limit user access is an example of ____________________ piracy.
Corporate or end user
4A -A user who disables the copy protection features of licensed software is engaging in ____________________ piracy.
Internet
4A - According to DAFMAN 17-1203, who is ultimately responsible for preventing software piracy in the Air Force?
Chief information officer SAF/CN
4A - Who is responsible for appointing Base Software License Managers (BSLMs) for all software on an installation?
Host or tenant accountable property officer (APO)
4A - Who certifies that the Base Software License Manager (BSLM) has conducted an annual inventory of all software on an installation?
Host or tenant accountable property officer (APO)
4A - What is the BSLM primary control measure for preventing software piracy?
Careful management of software licenses
4A - Under US law software piracy is considered a form of
Copyright Infringment
4A - What are the maximum civil court penalties for software piracy?
$150,000 per violation
4A - What are the possible criminal penalties for software piracy? List two:
5 years in jail & up to 250,000
4B - Ethical use means that Air Force communications systems, email, Internet, and commercial systems paid for by the government are for _________________ use and ________________ purposes only.
Official
Authorized
4B - List two kinds of Official Use communications.
Emergency communication & communications the DoD component determine are necessary
4B - Official use of government communications systems includes communications for morale and welfare of deployed military members. (True/False)
True
4B - While traveling on official government business DoD employees are never authorized to contact family members using Air Force communications devices. (True/False)
False
4B -While traveling overseas an NCO receives an urgent email about a fundraising effort for a young child in America who has cancer. He uses his Air Force issued smartphone to forward the email to his family and friends. This is an authorized purpose because it is a matter of life and death. (True/False)
False
4B - A deployed Air Force officer uses his government issued laptop to send payment to his plumber to do emergency work at his house. The officer is not in trouble because this is an authorized purpose. (True/False)
True
4B - While using the Internet on a Federal Government system, what items of information are recorded by the government?
Name and computer address of the DoD employee
4B -All Federal Government communication systems are secure enough to process classified information without any special requirements. (True/False)
False
4B -What conditions must be met for a DoD employee to transmit classified information over any communications system?
Transmitted using approved security procedure and practices
5A -List 3 alternatives to a clean install of Windows.
Windows autopilot, network boot, & disk clone
5A -Which OS installation method requires the most time and labor?
Clean install
5A - Which OS installation method makes an exact copy of Windows and all files & applications onto another disk drive?
Disk clone
5A - List two ways to obtain Windows installation media.
Commercially purchased & download of windows .iso file
5A -List three possible ways to obtain a Windows activation key.
Supplied with your purchased DVD or flash media, already associated with your computer, & digital entitlement
5A -What is meant by digital entitlement to an activation key?
Free upgrade of existing OS
5A -The Windows activation key may already be associated with your hardware. (True/False)
True
5A -When performing a clean install of Windows why is it necessary to change the CMOS boot device priority?
To pick what media the OS is coming from
5A - Windows installation media can’t be used to partition or format a blank hard disk drive. (True/False)
False
