Name Clas Dat
: s: e:
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 OBJEC WEST.A+.23.1.1 - Disassemble and reassemble a desktop computer safely, and identify external
TIVES: 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 ST WEST.220-1001.23.3.4 - Given a scenario, select, install and configure storage devices
ANDARDS:
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
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 1
,Name Clas Dat
: s: e:
Mod 01 Taking a Computer Apart and Putting it Back Together
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 OBJEC WEST.A+.23.1.1 - Disassemble and reassemble a desktop computer safely, and identify external
TIVES: 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 ST WEST.220-1001.23.1.1 - Given a scenario, install and configure laptop hardware and components
ANDARDS:
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
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 2
,Name Clas Dat
: s: e:
Mod 01 Taking a Computer Apart and Putting it Back Together
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJEC WEST.A+.23.1.2 - Disassemble and reassemble a laptop computer safely, and identify external ports
TIVES: and slots and major internal components. Understand special concerns when supporting and
maintaining laptops.
ACCREDITING ST WEST.220-1001.23.2.8 - Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools
ANDARDS:
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 OBJEC WEST.A+.23.1.1 - Disassemble and reassemble a desktop computer safely, and identify external
TIVES: 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 ST WEST.220-1001.23.1.3 - Given a scenario, use appropriate laptop features
ANDARDS:
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
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 3
, Name Clas Dat
: s: e:
Mod 01 Taking a Computer Apart and Putting it Back Together
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 OBJEC WEST.A+.23.1.1 - Disassemble and reassemble a desktop computer safely, and identify external
TIVES: 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 ST WEST.220-1001.23.3.2 - Identify common connector types
ANDARDS:
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
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 4
: s: e:
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 OBJEC WEST.A+.23.1.1 - Disassemble and reassemble a desktop computer safely, and identify external
TIVES: 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 ST WEST.220-1001.23.3.4 - Given a scenario, select, install and configure storage devices
ANDARDS:
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
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 1
,Name Clas Dat
: s: e:
Mod 01 Taking a Computer Apart and Putting it Back Together
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 OBJEC WEST.A+.23.1.1 - Disassemble and reassemble a desktop computer safely, and identify external
TIVES: 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 ST WEST.220-1001.23.1.1 - Given a scenario, install and configure laptop hardware and components
ANDARDS:
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
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 2
,Name Clas Dat
: s: e:
Mod 01 Taking a Computer Apart and Putting it Back Together
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJEC WEST.A+.23.1.2 - Disassemble and reassemble a laptop computer safely, and identify external ports
TIVES: and slots and major internal components. Understand special concerns when supporting and
maintaining laptops.
ACCREDITING ST WEST.220-1001.23.2.8 - Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools
ANDARDS:
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 OBJEC WEST.A+.23.1.1 - Disassemble and reassemble a desktop computer safely, and identify external
TIVES: 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 ST WEST.220-1001.23.1.3 - Given a scenario, use appropriate laptop features
ANDARDS:
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
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 3
, Name Clas Dat
: s: e:
Mod 01 Taking a Computer Apart and Putting it Back Together
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 OBJEC WEST.A+.23.1.1 - Disassemble and reassemble a desktop computer safely, and identify external
TIVES: 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 ST WEST.220-1001.23.3.2 - Identify common connector types
ANDARDS:
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
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 4
