IT Essentials Chapter 4

A web designer installed the latest video editing software and now notices that when the application loads, it responds slowly. Also, the hard disk LED is constantly flashing when the application is in use. What is a solution to solve the performance problem?

• Adding more RAM

• Upgrade to a faster CPU

• Replace the video card

• Replace the hard drive

Answer explanation

RAM problems are often caused by faulty RAM modules, loosely seated modules, an inadequate amount of RAM, and compatibility issues. When there is not enough RAM in the computer, data needs to be swapped often between the RAM and the hard disk (indicated by hard disk LED constantly flashing), which significantly slows down data access speeds.

An employee reports that each time a workstation is started it locks up after about 5 minutes of use. What is the most likely cause of the problem?

• The hard drive is failing

• CPU is overheating

• RAM is malfunctioning

• CMOS battery needs to be replaced

A technician is troubleshooting a 4-year-old computer that takes a long time to boot and identifies that the BIOS rediscovers all the hardware at every boot. What action would fix this problem?

• Upgrade the CPU

• Replace the hard drive

• Replace the CMOS battery

• Replace the RAM

Answer explanation

The CMOS battery helps the BIOS to keep the discovered hardware as non-volatile information. The Device Manager will discover new hardware in the operating system. Resetting the BIOS using the CMOS jumper will erase the stored information about the hardware found. The last known good configuration is used to restore the operating system to the last working state.

A user has noticed that the hard drive LED on the front of the computer has stopped working. However, the computer seems to be functioning normally. What is the most likely cause of the problem?

• CPU is overheating

• The CPU fan cable disconnected

• CMOS battery needs to be replaced

• The hard drive LED cable has come loose from the motherboard.

Answer explanation

Each light on the front of the case is powered by the motherboard through a cable that attaches somewhere on the board. If this cable comes loose, a particular light on the front of the case will not work.

During the troubleshooting of a PC that will not boot, it is suspected that the problem is with the RAM modules. The RAM modules are removed and put into another PC, which successfully powers on. The RAM modules are then put back into the original PC and it now successfully powers on as well. What was the most likely cause of the problem?

• RAM modules were not seated firmly

• RAM modules have bad blocks

• RAM not compatible with the motherboard

• RAM not running at the correct speed

Answer explanation

If RAM is not seated firmly in the motherboard DIMM slots, it will not function properly.

What component is most suspect if a burning electronics smell is evident?

• Power Supply

• RAM

• CPU

• Hard Drive

Answer explanation

A burning electronics smell is often detected when a power supply is overloaded and damaged.

When troubleshooting a computer, where can a technician find updated information about errors caused by the system, the user, or the software?

• Event viewer

• Device manager

• BIOS

• Vender diagnostic tools

Answer explanation

Information about errors caused by the system, user, or software can be found in Event Viewer. Event Viewer is an application that records detailed information about problems including

What problem occurred and the date and time of the occurrence.

The severity and source of the problem.

An event ID is assigned to the problem.

The user who was logged in when the problem occurred.

During what step in the troubleshooting process does the technician demonstrate to the customer how the solution corrected the problem?

• Establish a plan of action

• Establish a theory of probable cause.

• Verify full system functionality

• Document the finding, actions, and outcomes.

Answer explanation

Once all repairs have been made, the last step of the troubleshooting process is to verify to the customer the problem and the solutions and demonstrate how the solution corrected the problem.

If a technician is unable to create a backup of data on a customer computer, what three pieces of information should the technician include on the liability release form signed by the customer before beginning work? (Choose three.)

• Description of the problem

• The steps required to solve the problem

• Permission to work on the computer without a current backup available

• A release from liability if data is lost or corrupted

• A description of the work to be performed

What should a technician do before beginning any troubleshooting steps on a customer computer?

• Perform a data backup

• Document the findings

• Identify the problem

• Establish a plan of action

Answer explanation

Because a technician could be held liable for any data loss as a result of working on a customer computer, a backup should be performed before beginning any troubleshooting.