Complete Solutions Manual | Chap 1 to 21 + Appx A
Solution and Answer Guide: CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 12th Edition, ISBN: 9798214409665;
Appendix A: Safety Procedures and Environmental Concerns
Solution and Answer Guide
COMPTIA A+ GUIDE TO IT TECHNICAL SUPPORT, 12TH EDITION, ISBN: 9798214409665;
APPENDIX A: SAFETY PROCEDURES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
Table of Contents
Thinking Critically ................................................................................................................. 1
Hands-On Projects ............................................................................................................... 4
Hands-On Project A-1: Practicing Handling Computer Components ............................... 4
Hands-On Project A-2: Safely Cleaning Computer Equipment ........................................ 4
Hands-On Project A-3: Researching Disposal Rules ........................................................... 5
Real Problems, Real Solutions ............................................................................................ 5
Real Problem A-1: Purchasing a Surge Suppressor ............................................................. 5
Thinking Critically
1. Your friend tells you that they recently added more RAM to their desktop computer
and now applications crash at odd times. What is one question you might ask your
friend to understand the source of the problem?
a. Did you void the warranty when you opened the computer case?
b. Did you wear an ESD bracelet when you did the upgrade?
c. Did you smell smoke when you first turned on the computer after the upgrade?
d. Have you cleaned up the hard drive after the RAM upgrade?
Answer: b. Did you wear an ESD bracelet when you did the upgrade?
RAM is especially susceptible to ESD.
2. You are setting up a small network for a home office and plan to purchase a surge
suppressor to protect the equipment. Which type of measurement of electricity will
you search for to rate the surge suppressor?
a. Volts
b. Joules
c. Watts
d. Ohms
Answer: b. Joules
Joules measure the work a device can expend before it can no longer protect the circuit
from a power surge.
© 2027 1
, Solution and Answer Guide: CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 12th Edition, ISBN: 9798214409665;
Appendix A: Safety Procedures and Environmental Concerns
3. You are building a computer from scratch and plan to use it to do your schoolwork.
What range and electrical measurement might you expect is reasonable for the power
supply in the system?
a. 500–650 volts
b. 100–1000 watts
c. 500–650 watts
d. 100–1000 volts
Answer: c. 500–650 watts
A power supply is rated in watts, which is a measure of the total electrical power needed
to operate a device. A computer used for standard office purposes is likely to require
about 500–650 watts.
4. Which of the following statements is true? (Choose all that apply.)
a. A rectifier converts AC to DC, and an inverter converts DC to AC.
b. An inverter converts AC to DC, and a rectifier converts DC to AC.
c. A transformer changes the ratio of DC to AC.
d. A transformer changes the ratio of voltage to current.
Answer: a. A rectifier converts AC to DC, and an inverter converts DC to AC;
d. A transformer changes the ratio of voltage to current.
A rectifier converts alternating current to electrical current that flows in only one
direction. An inverter converts electrical current that flows in only one direction to
electricity that alternates direction. A transformer can step up voltage and step down
current or can step up current and step down voltage. A computer uses direct current
and low voltage, and a power supply in a computer is both a rectifier and a transformer.
5. Inside a desktop computer, which color wire is likely to be ground?
a. Red
b. Yellow
c. White
d. Black
Answer: d. Black
A computer uses DC circuits. In DC circuits, the common practice is to make wires used
for ground to be the color black.
6. Which device or tool is designed to protect a computer against ESD?
a. Power supply
b. Class C fire extinguisher
c. Surge suppressor
d. Ground bracelet
Answer: d. Ground bracelet
© 2027 2
, Solution and Answer Guide: CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 12th Edition, ISBN: 9798214409665;
Appendix A: Safety Procedures and Environmental Concerns
When using a ground bracelet correctly, ESD is dissipated between you and the computer
before you touch sensitive computer components.
7. Which of the following is most likely to damage a hard drive installed and running
inside a computer in a business environment?
a. Humidity
b. High temperature
c. ESD
d. Electrical fire
Answer: a. Humidity
Computer equipment is sensitive to high humidity, which is why many computer shops
run a dehumidifier in the building.
8. What is best practice for disposing of laser printer toner cartridges?
a. Throw them in the trash.
b. Return them to the manufacturer.
c. Put them in a recycling bin.
d. Mail them to the government recycling center.
Answer: b. Return them to the manufacturer.
The manufacturer might reuse the toner container or can, otherwise, properly dispose of
them.
9. Which type of fire extinguisher is rated for electrical fires?
a. Class A
b. Class B
c. Class C
d. All of these
Answer: c. Class C
A Class C fire extinguisher uses nonconductive chemicals to put out a fire caused by
electricity.
10. What is the safest method for cleaning inside a computer case?
a. Use a damp cloth with mild cleaning agent.
b. Vacuum with a household vacuum with attachment for small spaces.
c. Wipe with paper towels to gently remove dust and debris.
d. Spray with compressed air.
Answer: d. Spray with compressed air.
Spraying with compressed air removes dust and debris without touching components and
does not create static electricity.
© 2027 3
, Solution and Answer Guide: CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 12th Edition, ISBN: 9798214409665;
Appendix A: Safety Procedures and Environmental Concerns
Hands-On Projects
HANDS-ON PROJECT A-1: PRACTICING HANDLING COMPUTER COMPONENTS
Estimated Time: 15 minutes
Core 2 Objective: 4.4
Working with a partner, you’ll need some computer parts and the antistatic tools you learned
about in this appendix. Practice touching and picking up the parts and passing them between
you. As you do so, follow the rules to protect the parts against ESD. Have a third person
watch as you work, and point out any ways you might have exposed a part to ESD. As you
work, be careful not to touch components on circuit boards or the gold “fingers” on the edge
connector of an expansion card. When you are finished, store the parts in antistatic bags.
Solution Guidance:
Students show that they are able to protect computer parts from ESD.
HANDS-ON PROJECT A-2: SAFELY CLEANING COMPUTER EQUIPMENT
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Core 2 Objective: 4.5
Practice some preventive maintenance tasks by following these steps to clean a computer:
1. Shut down the computer and unplug it. Press and hold the power button to drain
power.
2. Clean the keyboard, monitor, and mouse. For a wheel mouse, remove the ball and
clean the wheels. Clean the outside of the computer case. Don’t forget to clean the
mouse pad.
3. Open the case and use a ground bracelet to clean the dust from the case. Make sure
all fans move freely.
4. Verify that the cables are out of the way of airflow. Use cable ties as necessary.
5. Check that each expansion card and memory module is securely seated in its slot.
6. Power up the system and make sure everything is working.
7. Clean up around your work area. If you left dust on the floor as you blew it out of the
computer case, be sure to clean it up.
Solution Guidance:
Students are able to safely open a computer case, tidy up cables, seat expansion cards
and memory modules, close the case, and clean the area.
© 2027 4
Solution and Answer Guide: CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 12th Edition, ISBN: 9798214409665;
Appendix A: Safety Procedures and Environmental Concerns
Solution and Answer Guide
COMPTIA A+ GUIDE TO IT TECHNICAL SUPPORT, 12TH EDITION, ISBN: 9798214409665;
APPENDIX A: SAFETY PROCEDURES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
Table of Contents
Thinking Critically ................................................................................................................. 1
Hands-On Projects ............................................................................................................... 4
Hands-On Project A-1: Practicing Handling Computer Components ............................... 4
Hands-On Project A-2: Safely Cleaning Computer Equipment ........................................ 4
Hands-On Project A-3: Researching Disposal Rules ........................................................... 5
Real Problems, Real Solutions ............................................................................................ 5
Real Problem A-1: Purchasing a Surge Suppressor ............................................................. 5
Thinking Critically
1. Your friend tells you that they recently added more RAM to their desktop computer
and now applications crash at odd times. What is one question you might ask your
friend to understand the source of the problem?
a. Did you void the warranty when you opened the computer case?
b. Did you wear an ESD bracelet when you did the upgrade?
c. Did you smell smoke when you first turned on the computer after the upgrade?
d. Have you cleaned up the hard drive after the RAM upgrade?
Answer: b. Did you wear an ESD bracelet when you did the upgrade?
RAM is especially susceptible to ESD.
2. You are setting up a small network for a home office and plan to purchase a surge
suppressor to protect the equipment. Which type of measurement of electricity will
you search for to rate the surge suppressor?
a. Volts
b. Joules
c. Watts
d. Ohms
Answer: b. Joules
Joules measure the work a device can expend before it can no longer protect the circuit
from a power surge.
© 2027 1
, Solution and Answer Guide: CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 12th Edition, ISBN: 9798214409665;
Appendix A: Safety Procedures and Environmental Concerns
3. You are building a computer from scratch and plan to use it to do your schoolwork.
What range and electrical measurement might you expect is reasonable for the power
supply in the system?
a. 500–650 volts
b. 100–1000 watts
c. 500–650 watts
d. 100–1000 volts
Answer: c. 500–650 watts
A power supply is rated in watts, which is a measure of the total electrical power needed
to operate a device. A computer used for standard office purposes is likely to require
about 500–650 watts.
4. Which of the following statements is true? (Choose all that apply.)
a. A rectifier converts AC to DC, and an inverter converts DC to AC.
b. An inverter converts AC to DC, and a rectifier converts DC to AC.
c. A transformer changes the ratio of DC to AC.
d. A transformer changes the ratio of voltage to current.
Answer: a. A rectifier converts AC to DC, and an inverter converts DC to AC;
d. A transformer changes the ratio of voltage to current.
A rectifier converts alternating current to electrical current that flows in only one
direction. An inverter converts electrical current that flows in only one direction to
electricity that alternates direction. A transformer can step up voltage and step down
current or can step up current and step down voltage. A computer uses direct current
and low voltage, and a power supply in a computer is both a rectifier and a transformer.
5. Inside a desktop computer, which color wire is likely to be ground?
a. Red
b. Yellow
c. White
d. Black
Answer: d. Black
A computer uses DC circuits. In DC circuits, the common practice is to make wires used
for ground to be the color black.
6. Which device or tool is designed to protect a computer against ESD?
a. Power supply
b. Class C fire extinguisher
c. Surge suppressor
d. Ground bracelet
Answer: d. Ground bracelet
© 2027 2
, Solution and Answer Guide: CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 12th Edition, ISBN: 9798214409665;
Appendix A: Safety Procedures and Environmental Concerns
When using a ground bracelet correctly, ESD is dissipated between you and the computer
before you touch sensitive computer components.
7. Which of the following is most likely to damage a hard drive installed and running
inside a computer in a business environment?
a. Humidity
b. High temperature
c. ESD
d. Electrical fire
Answer: a. Humidity
Computer equipment is sensitive to high humidity, which is why many computer shops
run a dehumidifier in the building.
8. What is best practice for disposing of laser printer toner cartridges?
a. Throw them in the trash.
b. Return them to the manufacturer.
c. Put them in a recycling bin.
d. Mail them to the government recycling center.
Answer: b. Return them to the manufacturer.
The manufacturer might reuse the toner container or can, otherwise, properly dispose of
them.
9. Which type of fire extinguisher is rated for electrical fires?
a. Class A
b. Class B
c. Class C
d. All of these
Answer: c. Class C
A Class C fire extinguisher uses nonconductive chemicals to put out a fire caused by
electricity.
10. What is the safest method for cleaning inside a computer case?
a. Use a damp cloth with mild cleaning agent.
b. Vacuum with a household vacuum with attachment for small spaces.
c. Wipe with paper towels to gently remove dust and debris.
d. Spray with compressed air.
Answer: d. Spray with compressed air.
Spraying with compressed air removes dust and debris without touching components and
does not create static electricity.
© 2027 3
, Solution and Answer Guide: CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 12th Edition, ISBN: 9798214409665;
Appendix A: Safety Procedures and Environmental Concerns
Hands-On Projects
HANDS-ON PROJECT A-1: PRACTICING HANDLING COMPUTER COMPONENTS
Estimated Time: 15 minutes
Core 2 Objective: 4.4
Working with a partner, you’ll need some computer parts and the antistatic tools you learned
about in this appendix. Practice touching and picking up the parts and passing them between
you. As you do so, follow the rules to protect the parts against ESD. Have a third person
watch as you work, and point out any ways you might have exposed a part to ESD. As you
work, be careful not to touch components on circuit boards or the gold “fingers” on the edge
connector of an expansion card. When you are finished, store the parts in antistatic bags.
Solution Guidance:
Students show that they are able to protect computer parts from ESD.
HANDS-ON PROJECT A-2: SAFELY CLEANING COMPUTER EQUIPMENT
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Core 2 Objective: 4.5
Practice some preventive maintenance tasks by following these steps to clean a computer:
1. Shut down the computer and unplug it. Press and hold the power button to drain
power.
2. Clean the keyboard, monitor, and mouse. For a wheel mouse, remove the ball and
clean the wheels. Clean the outside of the computer case. Don’t forget to clean the
mouse pad.
3. Open the case and use a ground bracelet to clean the dust from the case. Make sure
all fans move freely.
4. Verify that the cables are out of the way of airflow. Use cable ties as necessary.
5. Check that each expansion card and memory module is securely seated in its slot.
6. Power up the system and make sure everything is working.
7. Clean up around your work area. If you left dust on the floor as you blew it out of the
computer case, be sure to clean it up.
Solution Guidance:
Students are able to safely open a computer case, tidy up cables, seat expansion cards
and memory modules, close the case, and clean the area.
© 2027 4
