TestOut CompTIA A+ Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Which case type should you select?

Desktop

Mini-tower

Full tower

Micro-ATX slim tower (correct)

Which of the following motherboard form factors BEST allows for low-consumption power supplies?

Micro-ATX

ATX

Mini-ITX (correct)

NLX

Which of the following form factors does not have expansion slots on the motherboard, but instead uses a riser card for expansion cards?

NLX (correct)

Mini-ITX

Micro-ATX

ATX

What is the BEST method for using a newly purchased PCI card that doesn’t fit due to height?

Use a riser card to allow the new card to be installed parallel to the motherboard. Signup and view all the answers

What is a valid type of power supply that separates multiple power circuits?

A dual-rail power supply provides separate rails used to balance the power load. Signup and view all the answers

What is the least expensive option for connecting an 8-pin PCIe connector?

Use an adapter cable to connect two 4-pin Molex connectors to the 8-pin PCIe connector. Signup and view all the answers

Which statements are true regarding power supply wattage? (Select TWO)

The watt rating indicates how much power can be supplied to various devices. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if the voltage on the red wire of a 4-pin Molex connector is +5.1 volts?

Nothing. The power supply is working normally. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if the voltage on the yellow wire of a 4-pin Molex connector is +10.1 volts?

Replace the power supply. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options are the MOST common voltages produced by the power supply? (Select TWO)

+/- 12 v Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST likely cause of the computer hanging after POST when the date and time are incorrect in UEFI?

The motherboard battery has failed. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do to install a 32-bit application on a dual-core 64-bit processor?

Install the application normally. Signup and view all the answers

What feature allows a single Intel processor to run two threads in parallel?

Hyper-threading Signup and view all the answers

What does multi-core refer to in processors?

Placing two processors on a single processor chip or die. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a multi-processor system?

Multiple processor sockets on the motherboard. Signup and view all the answers

Why might virtual machines run slowly on a single-core CPU configured to use hyper-threading?

Brian's computer has a single-core CPU configured to use hyper-threading. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a CPU socket?

A CPU socket is a single connector between a microprocessor and the motherboard. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following BEST describes AMD and why you would select this option? (Select TWO)

Typically, AMD chips are less expensive. Signup and view all the answers

What should you try first if a new processor doesn't work and the computer beeps with no display?

Update the UEFI firmware. Signup and view all the answers

What actions would MOST likely rectify a processor upgrade issue when the computer beeps and shows no screen? (Select TWO)

Reinstall the old processor in the motherboard. Signup and view all the answers

What can fix the issue of Windows only recognizing 3.5 GB of RAM from two 4 GB modules?

Upgrade to a 64-bit version of Windows. Signup and view all the answers

What component will most likely need to upgrade to fully utilize a 64-bit processor?

Operating system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST efficient cooling system to prevent CPU overheating?

Active heat sink, thermal paste, liquid pipes, and fan. Signup and view all the answers

What is MOST likely causing a computer to automatically shut down after upgrading the CPU?

The fan has no power. Signup and view all the answers

Which computer design concept allows different manufacturer monitors to work with a desktop computer?

Standardization Signup and view all the answers

Which device uses a female TRS connector?

Speaker Signup and view all the answers

Which port type does a dot matrix printer with a 25-pin D-shaped connector connect to?

Parallel port Signup and view all the answers

How would you describe the connector that connects a computer to a projector with only a VGA port?

D-shaped with 15 pins Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the DisplayPort interface?

DisplayPort can send both video and audio signals over the same cable. Signup and view all the answers

Which port should be used for a monitor that uses a digital interface?

DVI Signup and view all the answers

What is the best cable type for connecting a laptop to an LED TV for presentations?

HDMI Signup and view all the answers

Which connector is used to attach a mouse to a modern PC system?

USB Signup and view all the answers

How many pins are on a VGA connector?

15 Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a set of programs that acts as an interface between applications and hardware?

Operating System Signup and view all the answers

What does multiprocessing refer to?

Ability to use multiple processing devices. Signup and view all the answers

What is multitasking?

Ability to run multiple applications simultaneously. Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of multithreading?

Ability to run multiple parts of an application simultaneously. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the operating system core feature that manages security and file systems?

The Kernel Signup and view all the answers

What are the features that improve Windows' visual appearance called?

Windows Aero Signup and view all the answers

What Windows tool is used to browse the file system?

File Explorer Signup and view all the answers

Which items are likely to be displayed in the notification area of a Windows operating system? (Select two.)

The current time Signup and view all the answers

What component of Windows prompts the user for credentials to minimize unwanted software installations?

User Account Control (UAC) Signup and view all the answers

Which operating system features include Cortana, Cloud storage, and Microsoft Store?

Windows 10 Signup and view all the answers

What command starts a new Bourne-again shell (bash) session?

bash Signup and view all the answers

What command displays the IP addresses and subnet masks on a Linux system?

ifconfig Signup and view all the answers

What command lists files and subdirectories in the current directory?

ls Signup and view all the answers

What command would you use to get information about the usage and command syntax of ifconfig?

man ifconfig Signup and view all the answers

Which command moves a file to a specified directory on a Linux system?

mv widget.txt /home/fred Signup and view all the answers

What command displays the present working directory?

pwd Signup and view all the answers

Which command shuts down a system after 10 minutes and sends a message to users?

shutdown -h +10 message Signup and view all the answers

What command allows a user with limited privileges to switch to root user?

su - Signup and view all the answers

Which Mac OS feature allows installing Windows on a Mac computer?

Boot camp Signup and view all the answers

Which Mac feature is used for launching apps and switching between them?

The dock Signup and view all the answers

What scenario would require a technician to use the Force Quit feature?

A runaway application does not respond to user input. Signup and view all the answers

Which keyboard shortcut accesses the Force Quit feature on a Mac?

Command+Option+Esc Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the Mac feature that uses finger motions for scrolling?

Gestures Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary modifier key on Apple systems?

command Signup and view all the answers

What key is used on Apple notebooks to access the F1-F12 keys?

Fn Signup and view all the answers

Which key is primarily used for text document navigation on Macs?

control Signup and view all the answers

What key is used for application shortcuts and navigation on Mac keyboards?

Alt/Option Signup and view all the answers

Which Mac features can be accessed through Mission Control? (Select three.)

Multiple Desktops Signup and view all the answers

What feature could be used to find a forgotten spreadsheet in Mac OS?

Spotlight Signup and view all the answers

What is the first safety step before upgrading a video card?

Disconnect power Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if a desktop computer has only a two-prong outlet for a three-prong cord?

Find a different outlet that uses three prongs Signup and view all the answers

Which action could be most physically harmful when working with technology?

Looking into the end of a fiber optic cable Signup and view all the answers

How should one obtain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for chemicals used in a shop?

Download them from the manufacturer's website Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an MSDS?

To document how to safely handle and dispose of hazardous materials. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if the fan in a 450-watt power supply is malfunctioning?

Replace the power supply unit Signup and view all the answers

What is the top priority when responding to emergencies and hazardous situations?

The safety of everyone in the area Signup and view all the answers

Which methods are safe for lifting heavy objects? (Select two.)

Bend your knees with your back straight. Signup and view all the answers

What type of cabling is best for communication in EMI-prone environments?

Fiber optic cable (immune to EMI) Signup and view all the answers

Which methods help reduce static discharge when working on computer hardware? (Select two.)

Remain in contact with the server chassis. Signup and view all the answers

What provides the best protection against static electricity buildup in a computer repair environment?

ESD wrist strap Signup and view all the answers

Where should the other end of an anti-static wrist strap be fastened? (Select two.)

Metal area on the computer case Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with non-rechargeable alkaline batteries after use?

They can be trashed Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to deal with old laptop batteries?

They must be recycled Signup and view all the answers

Which components require special disposal procedures for environmental compliance?

Notebook batteries (Ni-cad and NiMH batteries) Signup and view all the answers

Which command displays a summary of how to use a command?

--help Signup and view all the answers

What command displays extensive documentation about the command?

info Signup and view all the answers

Which command changes directories in the file system?

cd Signup and view all the answers

What command copies files and directories to another location?

cp Signup and view all the answers

Which command moves and/or renames files in the file system?

mv Signup and view all the answers

What command deletes files and directories from the file system?

rm Signup and view all the answers

What command displays the contents of a text file?

cat Signup and view all the answers

Which command pauses the output of a text file display one screen at a time?

less Signup and view all the answers

What command displays the first few lines of a text file?

head Signup and view all the answers

What command shows the last few lines of a text file?

tail Signup and view all the answers

Which command edits the contents of a text file?

vi Signup and view all the answers

What command securely shuts down or reboots the system?

shutdown Signup and view all the answers

What type of computer is also known as a notebook?

Laptop Signup and view all the answers

What is an appropriate use for a supercomputer?

Tallying census results or CGI in a film. Signup and view all the answers

What concept allows one physical computer to run multiple virtual machines?

Virtualization Signup and view all the answers

What is a hypervisor type 1?

Doesn't require an operating system; it is designed to share hardware resources among machines. Signup and view all the answers

What is a hypervisor type 2?

Requires an existing operating system since it runs as application software. Signup and view all the answers

What type of computer design would allow upright placement on a desk with minimal space use?

Small form factor or vertical case design Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computer Hardware Connections

Standardization: Allows compatibility between devices, e.g., different manufacturer monitors working with a desktop.
Connectors:
- Female TRS connector: Used for speakers.
- Parallel port: Connects older dot matrix printers using a D-shaped 25-pin connector.
- VGA port: D-shaped with 15 pins, used for video projectors.
- DisplayPort: Supports simultaneous video and audio signals.
- DVI port: Required for connecting digital monitors.
- HDMI cable: Suitable for connecting laptops to TV for video and audio.
- USB port: Connects modern mice.

Operating Systems and Features

Operating System: Acts as an interface between applications and hardware.
Kernel: Manages security, file system, and application platform.
Windows Aero: Enhances visual experience through effects and animations.
File Explorer: Tool for navigating the file system in Windows.
User Account Control (UAC): Prompts for permissions to minimize security risks.

Linux Command-Line Operations

Command for new bash session: bash
Display network interfaces: ifconfig
List directory contents: ls
Access manual for commands: man ifconfig
Move files: mv widget.txt /home/fred
Display current working directory: pwd
Shutdown command: shutdown -h +10 message
Switch to root user: su -

Mac OS Operations

Boot Camp: Allows installation of Windows alongside Mac OS.
Force Quit: Use Command + Option + Esc to stop non-responsive applications.
Dock: Provides access to apps, Trash, and folders.
Mission Control: Manages windows and desktops.

Technician Safety and Best Practices

Disconnect power: First step when upgrading hardware.
Use three-prong outlets: Ensures safe electrical connections for computers.
Store batteries properly: Alkaline batteries can be trashed, while lithium-based batteries must be recycled.
ESD precautions: Use ESD wrist straps and static shielding bags.
Lift heavy objects correctly: Use legs, keep back straight.

Networking and Cables

Fiber optic cables: Best option in EMI-heavy environments for network communication.
Static electricity control: Maintain contact with chassis and use anti-static mats.

File Management Commands in Linux

Copy files: cp
Delete files: rm
View file contents: cat, less, head, tail
Edit files: vi
Change directories: cd

Computer Hardware Form Factors

Micro-ATX slim tower: Ideal for compact desk setups.
Mini-ITX: Supports low-consumption power supplies.
NLX: Uses riser cards for expansions.

Power Supply Information

Dual-rail power supplies: Balance load to prevent overload.
Adapter solutions: Use when power supply lacks specific connectors.

Focus on Safety and Environmental Compliance

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS): Required for handling hazardous materials, obtainable online from manufacturers.
Top priority: Ensure the safety of all individuals in emergency situations.### Power Supply Requirements
A system's wattage requirement is determined by the highest wattage need of an individual circuit, not by the total number of devices.
The formula for calculating wattage: W = V x A (Watts = Volts x Amperes).
Lower wattage ratings allow power supplies to deliver more amps.

Testing Power Supply Voltages

A voltage of +5.1 volts on the red wire of a 4-pin Molex connector indicates normal operation.
If the yellow wire measures +10.1 volts instead of the expected +12 volts, the power supply is failing and needs replacement.
Common voltages produced by a standard power supply include +12 V and +5 V.

Motherboard and Battery Issues

A computer hanging after POST with an incorrect date and time usually indicates a failed motherboard battery.

Processor Compatibility

A dual-core 64-bit processor can run 32-bit applications natively without special configuration.
Intel's hyper-threading technology allows a single processor to run multiple threads simultaneously.
Multi-core refers to multiple processors integrated into a single chip.

Multi-Processor Systems

A multi-processor system features several processor sockets on its motherboard for enhanced performance.

Virtual Machines Performance

Slow performance in virtual machines may occur if running on a single-core CPU with hyper-threading.

CPU Socket Definition

A CPU socket serves as the connector between the microprocessor and the motherboard.

AMD Processors

AMD processors typically use a Pin Grid Array (PGA) socket type and are generally less expensive than competitors.

Upgrading Processors

Updating UEFI firmware is a recommended first step when experiencing issues after a processor upgrade.
Beeping noises upon booting may indicate compatibility problems with the installed CPU.

RAM Recognition Issues

Windows may only recognize 3.5 GB of RAM with a 32-bit version, even if 8 GB is installed; upgrading to a 64-bit version resolves this.

Operating System Upgrades

Upgrading to a 64-bit processor generally necessitates an operating system upgrade for full utilization of the hardware.

Cooling Systems

An effective cooling solution for CPUs involves using an active heat sink, thermal paste, liquid pipes, and fans to prevent overheating.

Computer Shutdown Issues

If a computer shuts down unexpectedly after starting, the most probable cause is a lack of power to the CPU fan, not necessarily a virus or a faulty CPU.

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Description

Test your knowledge of CompTIA A+ concepts with these flashcards. Each card presents a scenario or question related to computer hardware and design principles, helping you prepare for the A+ certification exam.