Test Bank For
CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support 12th Edition by Jean Andrews, Joy Dark Shelton, Pamela Claire
Schmelz, Walter Jaqua, Jr
Chapters 1-21
Mod_01_Taking_a_Computer_Apart_and_Putting_it_Back_Together_
1. You replace an internal drive that is only used to backup data on a computer. Before you install the case
cover, you power on the computer and observe the disk drive lights are not blinking. You suspect it may not be
receiving power, but cannot find the power supply tester. How can you quickly verify whether power is being
supplied to the disk drive?
a. Use a POST card
b. Replace the power supply
c. Run diagnostic software once the OS loads
d. Use a multimeter
ANSWER: d
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. A POST (power-on self-test) card is used to troubleshoot problems
that occur after you power on the computer but before the operating system is
loaded. The replacement drive is only used to backup data so we can infer
that it does not contain the operating system. The question does not indicate
the computer did not boot successfully so POST must have completed
without errors.
b. Incorrect. Replacing the power supply may fix the problem but it is not the
best way to quickly verify whether power is being supplied to the drive.
c. Incorrect. Running diagnostic software once the operating system is up and
running will not determine if there is power being applied to the drive. If no
power is being supplied, the system will simply will not detect the hard drive.
d. Correct. You can use a multimeter to verify the appropriate voltage level is
detected on the connector used to supply power to the drive.
POINTS: 1
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: WEST.A+.23.1.1 - Disassemble and reassemble a desktop computer safely, and identify
external ports and major components inside a desktop. Describe how they connect and
are compatible. Identify various tools you will need as a computer hardware technician.
ACCREDITING STANDARDS: WEST.220-1001.23.3.4 - Given a scenario, select, install and configure storage devices
TOPICS: Exploring a Desktop Computer
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Analyze
DATE CREATED: 7/22/2022 8:00 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 7/22/2022 8:00 PM
2. A technician is building a custom gaming computer for a customer. In what order should the technician install
the main components?
a. power supply, drives, motherboard, cards
b. drives, motherboard, cards, power supply
, c. motherboard, cards, power supply, drives
d. mother board, power supply, drives, and cards
ANSWER: a
FEEDBACK: a. Correct. Since the motherboard and processor are the most expensive
components, if possible it is best to install the motherboard just before
installing the expansion cards to prevent damage. For example, you would
not want to drop a disk drive or power supply on the motherboard while
installing those components.
b. Incorrect. In some cases, you may need to install the drives before the
motherboard, but if possible, it is best to install the motherboard just before
the expansion cards to prevent accidental damage to the motherboard.
c. Incorrect. If possible, it is best to install the motherboard just before the
expansion cards to prevent accidental damage to the motherboard.
d. Incorrect. If possible, it is best to install the motherboard just before the
expansion cards to prevent accidental damage to the motherboard.
POINTS: 1
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: WEST.A+.23.1.1 - Disassemble and reassemble a desktop computer safely, and identify
external ports and major components inside a desktop. Describe how they connect and
are compatible. Identify various tools you will need as a computer hardware technician.
ACCREDITING STANDARDS: WEST.220-1001.23.1.1 - Given a scenario, install and configure laptop hardware and
components
TOPICS: Exploring a Desktop Computer
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Apply
DATE CREATED: 7/22/2022 8:00 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 7/22/2022 8:00 PM
3. An employee informs the help desk the laptop they are using cannot update the login credentials when they
plug it in to the company's wired network. Wireless connectivity is fine, but the login credentials cannot be
updated using Wi-Fi. What is a possible action the help desk could take to troubleshoot the problem?
a. Replace the network card
b. Ping the loopback address
c. Use a loopback plug
d. Use a USB to RJ-45 dongle
ANSWER: c
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. The network port on a laptop is integrated into the motherboard so
the help desk would not try to replace the network card.
b. Incorrect. Ping is used to verify network connectivity. However, pinging the
loopback address (127.0.0.1) is used to verify the networking protocols are
installed and working properly on the laptop. It does not transmit any data so
it will not serve as an effective method to test the network port on the laptop.
c. Correct. A loopback plug can be used to test whether the network port on the
laptop is working properly.
d. Incorrect. A USB to RJ-45 dongle basically adds another network port to the
laptop through the USB port but in and of itself it will not test the
existing/original network port on the laptop.
POINTS: 1
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
,LEARNING OBJECTIVES: WEST.A+.23.1.2 - Disassemble and reassemble a laptop computer safely, and identify
external ports and slots and major internal components. Understand special concerns
when supporting and maintaining laptops.
ACCREDITING STANDARDS: WEST.220-1001.23.2.8 - Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools
TOPICS: First Look at Laptop Components
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Analyze
DATE CREATED: 7/22/2022 8:00 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 7/22/2022 8:00 PM
4. Which statement best describe when you would need to use a Thunderbolt 3 port as opposed to a DisplayPort
or an HDMI port?
a. When you need to transmit a digital and analog video signal on the same port and cable
b. When you need to transmit video, audio, data, and power on the same port and cable
c. When the system is missing a DVI and/or VGA port to transmit video and audio signals
d. When you do not have a DVI to VGA adapter to convert digital signals to an analog format
ANSWER: b
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. Thunderbolt 3 does not natively transmit analog signals, but it can
be used to connect VGA displays with the aid of an adapter.
b. Correct. Thunderbolt 3 can transmit video, audio, data and power on the
same port and cable. It can support up to six peripheral devices
simultaneously.
c. Incorrect. DVI can transmits digital and analog video. VGA can only transmit
analog video. Neither one can transmit audio or power.
d. Incorrect. VGA and DVI only transmit video signals, no audio or power. A DVI
to VGA adapter is used to convert a digital video signal to an analog video
signal.
POINTS: 1
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: WEST.A+.23.1.1 - Disassemble and reassemble a desktop computer safely, and identify
external ports and major components inside a desktop. Describe how they connect and
are compatible. Identify various tools you will need as a computer hardware technician.
ACCREDITING STANDARDS: WEST.220-1001.23.1.3 - Given a scenario, use appropriate laptop features
TOPICS: Exploring a Desktop Computer
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Analyze
DATE CREATED: 7/22/2022 8:00 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 7/22/2022 8:00 PM
5. Alexa is asked to upgrade the memory on a desktop computer. Which component will she replace?
a. SO-DIMM
b. SSD
c. Flash memory
d. DIMM
ANSWER: d
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. SO-DIMM is a small outline dual-inline memory module. The RAM
form factor used on laptop computers.
b. Incorrect. SSD is a solid-state drive. It provides persistent (not temporary)
, storage to store the operating system, program files, and user data.
c. Incorrect. Flash memory is the memory type used in, for example, USB flash
drives.
d. Correct. DIMM is a dual-inline memory module. It represents the RAM form
factor used on desktop computers to store temporary data and instructions
being processed by the CPU. Once power is turned off, all information in
RAM is lost. If the system is powered off cleanly, the needed information is
written to (saved) on the hard drive.
POINTS: 1
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: WEST.A+.23.1.1 - Disassemble and reassemble a desktop computer safely, and identify
external ports and major components inside a desktop. Describe how they connect and
are compatible. Identify various tools you will need as a computer hardware technician.
ACCREDITING STANDARDS: WEST.220-1001.23.3.2 - Identify common connector types
TOPICS: Exploring a Desktop Computer
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Apply
DATE CREATED: 7/22/2022 8:00 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 7/22/2022 8:00 PM
6. You suspect your computer is overheating because your system sometimes restarts or turns off by itself. At
other times the 32 inch monitor turns blue, and the system remains unresponsive until you manually restart it.
What relatively quick measure can you take to try to fix the problem?
a. Remove the existing CPU and install a new one
b. Replace the fan and heat sink assembly on the CPU
c. Use a can of compressed air to blow out the dust
d. Move the laptop to a temperature controlled environment
ANSWER: c
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. Replacing the CPU may work, but it is not necessarily a relatively
quick measure.
b. Incorrect. Replacing the fan/heat sink assembly on the CPU may fix the
problem but it is not necessarily a relatively quick measure.
c. Correct. The buildup of dust inside a computer can cause the computer to
overheat. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow out the dust inside the
computer and air vents.
d. Incorrect. If the computer has a 32" monitor, it is not a laptop. Plus, moving it
to a temperature controlled environment does not address the root cause of
the problem.
POINTS: 1
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: WEST.A+.23.1.1 - Disassemble and reassemble a desktop computer safely, and identify
external ports and major components inside a desktop. Describe how they connect and
are compatible. Identify various tools you will need as a computer hardware technician.
ACCREDITING STANDARDS: WEST.220-1001.23.1.1 - Given a scenario, install and configure laptop hardware and
components
TOPICS: Exploring a Desktop Computer
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Analyze
DATE CREATED: 7/22/2022 8:00 PM
CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support 12th Edition by Jean Andrews, Joy Dark Shelton, Pamela Claire
Schmelz, Walter Jaqua, Jr
Chapters 1-21
Mod_01_Taking_a_Computer_Apart_and_Putting_it_Back_Together_
1. You replace an internal drive that is only used to backup data on a computer. Before you install the case
cover, you power on the computer and observe the disk drive lights are not blinking. You suspect it may not be
receiving power, but cannot find the power supply tester. How can you quickly verify whether power is being
supplied to the disk drive?
a. Use a POST card
b. Replace the power supply
c. Run diagnostic software once the OS loads
d. Use a multimeter
ANSWER: d
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. A POST (power-on self-test) card is used to troubleshoot problems
that occur after you power on the computer but before the operating system is
loaded. The replacement drive is only used to backup data so we can infer
that it does not contain the operating system. The question does not indicate
the computer did not boot successfully so POST must have completed
without errors.
b. Incorrect. Replacing the power supply may fix the problem but it is not the
best way to quickly verify whether power is being supplied to the drive.
c. Incorrect. Running diagnostic software once the operating system is up and
running will not determine if there is power being applied to the drive. If no
power is being supplied, the system will simply will not detect the hard drive.
d. Correct. You can use a multimeter to verify the appropriate voltage level is
detected on the connector used to supply power to the drive.
POINTS: 1
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: WEST.A+.23.1.1 - Disassemble and reassemble a desktop computer safely, and identify
external ports and major components inside a desktop. Describe how they connect and
are compatible. Identify various tools you will need as a computer hardware technician.
ACCREDITING STANDARDS: WEST.220-1001.23.3.4 - Given a scenario, select, install and configure storage devices
TOPICS: Exploring a Desktop Computer
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Analyze
DATE CREATED: 7/22/2022 8:00 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 7/22/2022 8:00 PM
2. A technician is building a custom gaming computer for a customer. In what order should the technician install
the main components?
a. power supply, drives, motherboard, cards
b. drives, motherboard, cards, power supply
, c. motherboard, cards, power supply, drives
d. mother board, power supply, drives, and cards
ANSWER: a
FEEDBACK: a. Correct. Since the motherboard and processor are the most expensive
components, if possible it is best to install the motherboard just before
installing the expansion cards to prevent damage. For example, you would
not want to drop a disk drive or power supply on the motherboard while
installing those components.
b. Incorrect. In some cases, you may need to install the drives before the
motherboard, but if possible, it is best to install the motherboard just before
the expansion cards to prevent accidental damage to the motherboard.
c. Incorrect. If possible, it is best to install the motherboard just before the
expansion cards to prevent accidental damage to the motherboard.
d. Incorrect. If possible, it is best to install the motherboard just before the
expansion cards to prevent accidental damage to the motherboard.
POINTS: 1
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: WEST.A+.23.1.1 - Disassemble and reassemble a desktop computer safely, and identify
external ports and major components inside a desktop. Describe how they connect and
are compatible. Identify various tools you will need as a computer hardware technician.
ACCREDITING STANDARDS: WEST.220-1001.23.1.1 - Given a scenario, install and configure laptop hardware and
components
TOPICS: Exploring a Desktop Computer
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Apply
DATE CREATED: 7/22/2022 8:00 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 7/22/2022 8:00 PM
3. An employee informs the help desk the laptop they are using cannot update the login credentials when they
plug it in to the company's wired network. Wireless connectivity is fine, but the login credentials cannot be
updated using Wi-Fi. What is a possible action the help desk could take to troubleshoot the problem?
a. Replace the network card
b. Ping the loopback address
c. Use a loopback plug
d. Use a USB to RJ-45 dongle
ANSWER: c
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. The network port on a laptop is integrated into the motherboard so
the help desk would not try to replace the network card.
b. Incorrect. Ping is used to verify network connectivity. However, pinging the
loopback address (127.0.0.1) is used to verify the networking protocols are
installed and working properly on the laptop. It does not transmit any data so
it will not serve as an effective method to test the network port on the laptop.
c. Correct. A loopback plug can be used to test whether the network port on the
laptop is working properly.
d. Incorrect. A USB to RJ-45 dongle basically adds another network port to the
laptop through the USB port but in and of itself it will not test the
existing/original network port on the laptop.
POINTS: 1
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
,LEARNING OBJECTIVES: WEST.A+.23.1.2 - Disassemble and reassemble a laptop computer safely, and identify
external ports and slots and major internal components. Understand special concerns
when supporting and maintaining laptops.
ACCREDITING STANDARDS: WEST.220-1001.23.2.8 - Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools
TOPICS: First Look at Laptop Components
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Analyze
DATE CREATED: 7/22/2022 8:00 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 7/22/2022 8:00 PM
4. Which statement best describe when you would need to use a Thunderbolt 3 port as opposed to a DisplayPort
or an HDMI port?
a. When you need to transmit a digital and analog video signal on the same port and cable
b. When you need to transmit video, audio, data, and power on the same port and cable
c. When the system is missing a DVI and/or VGA port to transmit video and audio signals
d. When you do not have a DVI to VGA adapter to convert digital signals to an analog format
ANSWER: b
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. Thunderbolt 3 does not natively transmit analog signals, but it can
be used to connect VGA displays with the aid of an adapter.
b. Correct. Thunderbolt 3 can transmit video, audio, data and power on the
same port and cable. It can support up to six peripheral devices
simultaneously.
c. Incorrect. DVI can transmits digital and analog video. VGA can only transmit
analog video. Neither one can transmit audio or power.
d. Incorrect. VGA and DVI only transmit video signals, no audio or power. A DVI
to VGA adapter is used to convert a digital video signal to an analog video
signal.
POINTS: 1
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: WEST.A+.23.1.1 - Disassemble and reassemble a desktop computer safely, and identify
external ports and major components inside a desktop. Describe how they connect and
are compatible. Identify various tools you will need as a computer hardware technician.
ACCREDITING STANDARDS: WEST.220-1001.23.1.3 - Given a scenario, use appropriate laptop features
TOPICS: Exploring a Desktop Computer
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Analyze
DATE CREATED: 7/22/2022 8:00 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 7/22/2022 8:00 PM
5. Alexa is asked to upgrade the memory on a desktop computer. Which component will she replace?
a. SO-DIMM
b. SSD
c. Flash memory
d. DIMM
ANSWER: d
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. SO-DIMM is a small outline dual-inline memory module. The RAM
form factor used on laptop computers.
b. Incorrect. SSD is a solid-state drive. It provides persistent (not temporary)
, storage to store the operating system, program files, and user data.
c. Incorrect. Flash memory is the memory type used in, for example, USB flash
drives.
d. Correct. DIMM is a dual-inline memory module. It represents the RAM form
factor used on desktop computers to store temporary data and instructions
being processed by the CPU. Once power is turned off, all information in
RAM is lost. If the system is powered off cleanly, the needed information is
written to (saved) on the hard drive.
POINTS: 1
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: WEST.A+.23.1.1 - Disassemble and reassemble a desktop computer safely, and identify
external ports and major components inside a desktop. Describe how they connect and
are compatible. Identify various tools you will need as a computer hardware technician.
ACCREDITING STANDARDS: WEST.220-1001.23.3.2 - Identify common connector types
TOPICS: Exploring a Desktop Computer
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Apply
DATE CREATED: 7/22/2022 8:00 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 7/22/2022 8:00 PM
6. You suspect your computer is overheating because your system sometimes restarts or turns off by itself. At
other times the 32 inch monitor turns blue, and the system remains unresponsive until you manually restart it.
What relatively quick measure can you take to try to fix the problem?
a. Remove the existing CPU and install a new one
b. Replace the fan and heat sink assembly on the CPU
c. Use a can of compressed air to blow out the dust
d. Move the laptop to a temperature controlled environment
ANSWER: c
FEEDBACK: a. Incorrect. Replacing the CPU may work, but it is not necessarily a relatively
quick measure.
b. Incorrect. Replacing the fan/heat sink assembly on the CPU may fix the
problem but it is not necessarily a relatively quick measure.
c. Correct. The buildup of dust inside a computer can cause the computer to
overheat. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow out the dust inside the
computer and air vents.
d. Incorrect. If the computer has a 32" monitor, it is not a laptop. Plus, moving it
to a temperature controlled environment does not address the root cause of
the problem.
POINTS: 1
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: WEST.A+.23.1.1 - Disassemble and reassemble a desktop computer safely, and identify
external ports and major components inside a desktop. Describe how they connect and
are compatible. Identify various tools you will need as a computer hardware technician.
ACCREDITING STANDARDS: WEST.220-1001.23.1.1 - Given a scenario, install and configure laptop hardware and
components
TOPICS: Exploring a Desktop Computer
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Analyze
DATE CREATED: 7/22/2022 8:00 PM
