Computer Maintenance & Support: Exam Notes

Computer Maintenance and Support Exam Notes

Instructions to Candidates

• Candidates are required to write their name and index number in the provided spaces
• Candidates should sign and date the examination in the designated areas
• The exam paper is divided into two sections: A and B
• All questions in Section A should be answered directly on the question paper in the spaces provided
• Candidates must answer any four questions from the five provided in Section B directly on the question paper
• Answers must be written in English

Section A: Computer Maintenance Roles and Concepts

• An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) safeguards against power interruptions during computer maintenance
• Cotton swabs assist in cleaning sensitive computer components by removing dust and residues
• Computer motherboard form factors include examples other than BTX
• BTX form factor motherboards have specified characteristics tailored for efficient cooling and layout
• Mini tower and full tower computer cases differ in size and expansion capabilities
• Discrepancies between displayed and actual capacity of storage media can arise from formatting overhead or file system limitations
• To convert 12536 bits to bytes, divide by 8
• 1048576 bytes is equivalent to 1 megabyte
• ROM (Read-Only Memory) stores firmware, while RAM (Random Access Memory) is used for active data and program storage

Troubleshooting Slow Systems & Hardware

• Windows operating system tools can troubleshoot abnormally slow computer performance
• SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) and IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) hard disks differ in data transfer speeds and interface technology
• the computer mouse offers advantages as an input device
• Feature (a) on a power supply unit regulates voltage
• Terminal (b) on a power supply unit powers specific computer components

Power Supply Failures and Maintenance Tools

• Power supply failures can stem from voltage spikes or component degradation
• Microfiber lint-free cloths are used to gently clean computer screens without scratching
• USB keyboard vacuum cleaners are utilized to remove debris from between the keys of a keyboard
• Portable hard drives serve as external storage for backing up data or transporting files

Active vs Passive Maintenance & Mouse Functions

• Active preventive maintenance involves routine tasks like disk defragmentation
• Passive preventive maintenance includes measures like using surge protectors
• The left mouse button is typically used for selection
• The right mouse button is commonly used to access context menus, and the scroll wheel facilitates scrolling through documents or web pages

Software Documentation & Heat Control

• Documentation booklets for newly acquired software can be used for reference, troubleshooting, and learning program features
• Heat control methods within a computer system unit include using cooling fans, heat sinks, liquid cooling systems, and optimizing airflow

Computer toolkits & Software Installation

• Essential tools for assembling a computer system unit include screwdrivers, antistatic wrist straps, pliers, and cable ties
• Precautions during computer assembly involve handling components with care, using proper grounding techniques, and following the manufacturer's instructions
• Device drivers enable communication between the operating system and hardware
• Disk utilities manage, organize, and maintain the computer's file systems
• Configurations during operating system installation include partitioning, formatting, setting up user accounts, and configuring network settings

Boot Order & BIOS Functions

• The order in which software is installed is critical to ensure that dependencies are met
• BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System
• The BIOS manages system startup and hardware initialization
• Other boot options include booting from a USB drive, network, or recovery partition
• Electronic waste examples include old computers, monitors, printers, and cell phones

Reducing Electronic Waste & RAM Issues

• Electronic waste reduction strategies include recycling and donating electronics
• Troubleshooting a computer that doesn't turn on involves checking RAM modules for proper seating or damage
• A computer overheating processor indicates cooling failure or excessive thermal paste
• Resolving overheating might involve reapplying thermal paste or upgrading the cooling system

Software benefits & Peripheral devices

• Hosting web pages has benefits over manual booklets with software, that can include instant updates, global accessibility, and cost efficiency
• Storage media for delivering content includes USB drives, external hard drives, and cloud storage
• Peripheral devices are external components that connect to a computer to extend its functionality
• Input/output devices are considered peripheral devices that can be used in an office, such as printers and external storage

Understanding the CPU

• The arithmetic/logic unit (ALU) performs calculations and logical operations within the CPU
• The control unit manages and coordinates CPU operations
• Registers provide fast access storage locations for data and instructions within the CPY