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Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of Rule 8: Divide and Conquer in testing your theories?
What is the purpose of Rule 8: Divide and Conquer in testing your theories?
According to Rule 10, it is necessary to assume the worst in data recovery situations.
According to Rule 10, it is necessary to assume the worst in data recovery situations.
False
What action does Rule 11 recommend when you encounter persistent issues?
What action does Rule 11 recommend when you encounter persistent issues?
Reboot and start over
In testing your theory, you should _____ things down to aid in problem-solving.
In testing your theory, you should _____ things down to aid in problem-solving.
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Match the rules with their corresponding actions:
Match the rules with their corresponding actions:
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What is the first step in troubleshooting a computer problem?
What is the first step in troubleshooting a computer problem?
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A good troubleshooting strategy includes fixing the issue before verifying that it is resolved.
A good troubleshooting strategy includes fixing the issue before verifying that it is resolved.
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What should be documented during the troubleshooting process?
What should be documented during the troubleshooting process?
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After determining the source of the problem, one should plan and ______ it.
After determining the source of the problem, one should plan and ______ it.
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Match the following troubleshooting resources with their descriptions:
Match the following troubleshooting resources with their descriptions:
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Which step follows after testing your theory?
Which step follows after testing your theory?
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Preventive measures are taken only after a problem occurs.
Preventive measures are taken only after a problem occurs.
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How many troubleshooting rules are mentioned in the section?
How many troubleshooting rules are mentioned in the section?
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Which of the following devices is NOT typically used to cool a computer system?
Which of the following devices is NOT typically used to cool a computer system?
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Keeping the computer case open is a long-term solution to overheating.
Keeping the computer case open is a long-term solution to overheating.
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What general rule involves cleaning the components inside the computer?
What general rule involves cleaning the components inside the computer?
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The proper function of a power supply is essential for meeting the __________ needs of a system.
The proper function of a power supply is essential for meeting the __________ needs of a system.
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Match the cooling device with its function:
Match the cooling device with its function:
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Which method is recommended to reduce the risk of overheating in a computer?
Which method is recommended to reduce the risk of overheating in a computer?
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Troubleshooting hardware problems during boot should be approached in an organized manner.
Troubleshooting hardware problems during boot should be approached in an organized manner.
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What is one of the key components to troubleshoot when diagnosing electrical system problems?
What is one of the key components to troubleshoot when diagnosing electrical system problems?
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What does one long beep and two short beeps indicate in an Award BIOS?
What does one long beep and two short beeps indicate in an Award BIOS?
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Continuous high and low beeps indicate a CPU problem.
Continuous high and low beeps indicate a CPU problem.
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What should you use as the first approach when solving a computer problem?
What should you use as the first approach when solving a computer problem?
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A single long beep followed by one short beep indicates a __________ problem in Intel BIOS.
A single long beep followed by one short beep indicates a __________ problem in Intel BIOS.
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Match each beep pattern to its meaning:
Match each beep pattern to its meaning:
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Which rule emphasizes finding out what works and what does not before attempting a fix?
Which rule emphasizes finding out what works and what does not before attempting a fix?
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Which of the following symptoms may indicate a failing motherboard, processor, or RAM? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following symptoms may indicate a failing motherboard, processor, or RAM? (Select all that apply)
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Running antivirus software is a step to troubleshoot potential hardware problems.
Running antivirus software is a step to troubleshoot potential hardware problems.
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Using the least invasive solution first is not a recommended practice.
Using the least invasive solution first is not a recommended practice.
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What does the pattern of continuous short beeps typically indicate?
What does the pattern of continuous short beeps typically indicate?
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What tool can be used to test if a memory module is failing?
What tool can be used to test if a memory module is failing?
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Checking the _____ setup may ensure proper settings for troubleshooting.
Checking the _____ setup may ensure proper settings for troubleshooting.
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Match the troubleshooting step with its purpose:
Match the troubleshooting step with its purpose:
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Which action should be taken if problems began after a new install?
Which action should be taken if problems began after a new install?
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Disabling quick booting features in BIOS/UEFI can help identify potential errors during boot.
Disabling quick booting features in BIOS/UEFI can help identify potential errors during boot.
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What should be updated to potentially resolve hardware issues?
What should be updated to potentially resolve hardware issues?
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Which of the following methods can help prevent overheating in a computer?
Which of the following methods can help prevent overheating in a computer?
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Overclocking the processor can contribute to overheating.
Overclocking the processor can contribute to overheating.
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What should you do if the thermal compound has hardened?
What should you do if the thermal compound has hardened?
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To ensure good airflow, it is important to keep vents and fans __________.
To ensure good airflow, it is important to keep vents and fans __________.
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Match the following components with their recommended actions to prevent overheating:
Match the following components with their recommended actions to prevent overheating:
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Which action is NOT recommended for preventing overheating?
Which action is NOT recommended for preventing overheating?
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It is advisable to leave an empty slot between each installed card in a computer case.
It is advisable to leave an empty slot between each installed card in a computer case.
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What is the purpose of checking the UEFI/BIOS setup regarding processor settings?
What is the purpose of checking the UEFI/BIOS setup regarding processor settings?
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Study Notes
CompTIA A+ Module 4: Power Supplies and Troubleshooting Computer Problems
- Module 4 covers power supplies and troubleshooting computer problems.
- The module objectives include describing cooling methods and devices, selecting a power supply, demonstrating troubleshooting techniques, and troubleshooting problems with components like the electrical system, motherboard, processor, and RAM.
- Methods and devices for keeping a computer system cool include CPU and case fans, coolers, heat sinks, and liquid cooling systems.
- Cooling methods generally include keeping the case closed, using compressed air for cleaning, and maintaining a cool, clean area.
- Processor coolers, fans, and heat sinks. Good coolers maintain a temperature of 90-110 degrees F (32-43 degrees C). These typically have a fan and heat sink to conduct heat away from the CPU.
- Cooler types include aluminum, copper, and combinations. Copper is more expensive but better at conducting heat.
- Cooler power cords connect to a 4-pin header on the motherboard. A three-hole connector usually will work in a 4-pin header, ignoring the last pin. If the cord has three pins, the fan operates at a consistent speed.
- Thermal compounds (pastes) fill gaps between processor and cooling device.
- Thermal pads are thicker alternatives to compounds. They have a higher heat transfer capacity but don't completely fill every gap. Avoid combining thermal compounds and thermal pads simultaneously.
- Troubleshooting resources include the web, manufacturer diagnostic software, and user manuals. Technical associates in the organization can also assist.
- Methods for troubleshooting problems in the electrical system include checking connections, power cord plugs, outlet controller switches, checking loose cables or a blown circuit breaker, and checking for burnt parts with visible odors.
- Problems that come and go are intermittent and include computer stops/hangs without reason, memory errors during boot, possible corrupted data due to intermittent errors, keyboard stoppages, possible motherboard failure, overheating issues with fans or power supplies and temperatures, and possible power supply problems. Consider the power supply as failing if there is an error in the data when devices operate concurrently.
- Troubleshooting the motherboard, processor, and RAM often involves checking system components, looking at error messages, running antivirus software, checking for issues using device manager, looking at event viewer logs, checking for Windows updates and patches, troubleshooting any Windows errors, and potentially replacing or upgrading components.
- Diagnosing problems with the motherboard, processor, and RAM may involve checking the correct configuration of BIOS/UEFI settings, running diagnostic software specific to the motherboard manufacturer, and evaluating whether or not the processor is compatible with the motherboard.
- Troubleshooting the motherboard and power supply frequently involves checking the electrical system and power connections, examining BIOS and UEFI settings, and identifying if there are any hardware or application issues.
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Description
Explore the essentials of power supplies and troubleshoot common computer problems in this CompTIA A+ Module. Learn about various cooling methods and devices, along with troubleshooting techniques for components such as the motherboard, processor, and RAM. This quiz will enhance your understanding of maintaining optimal computer performance.
