Chapter 3– Review Questions

What is the difference between a hard boot and a soft boot?
Hard boot is more stressful because of initial power surge. Ex. Pushing the power button
Soft boot is faster. Restart the PC w/o turning off the power. Ex. CTRL + ALT + DEL

What are the four main parts of the boot process?
Start –up Bios runs the post and assigns system resources
Start –up Bios program searches for and loads the OS
OS configures the system and completes its own loading
Application software is loaded and executed

What memory address is always assigned to the fist instruction in the ROM BIOS start up program?
FFFFoh

How does startup BIOS communicate errors during POST if video is not yet available?
Short and long beeps indicate an error

Name the program that is needed to locate the beginning of the OS on a drive?
Master boot record (MBR)

List three types of information contained in a hard drive’s partition table?
How many partitions the drive has, how each partition is divided into 1 or more logical drives
Which partition contains the drive to be used for booting (active drive)
Where each logical drive begins and ends

What is the name of the Windows NT/2000/XP boot drive?
Ntldr

How many startup disks are needed to boot Windows 2000 from floppy disks?
4

When troubleshooting a failed boot, if you don’t see any lights or hear any noises, what hardware system do you first assume is at fault?
Electrical system

When booting your computer and you see a blank screen, but hear a single beep, what can you assume worked with no errors?
BIOS

When booting your computer and you see a blank screen, but hear a single beep, what component should you check first?
Monitor and monitor cable

Using the rule”trade good for suspected bad”, describe how to easily troubleshoot a video problem?
Video card, power cord to monitor, cord from monitor to PC and monitor

Give five possible questions that should be asked of a user who is experiencing computer problems.
What error messages, unusual displays or failures did you see?
When did the problem start?
What was the situation when the problem occurred?
What programs or software were you using?
Did you move your computer?
Has anyone else used your computer?
Has there been a recent thunderstorm or electrical problem?

What is the best way to document intermittent problems?
Draw diagrams. Make lists

Using Windows, list the steps to print to screen that shows and error message.
Press the “Print Screen” key. Paste contents into Paint or Word software

What preventative maintenance measures need to be done inside the case at least once a year?
Make sure air vents are clear
Use compressed air to blow the dust out of the case or use a vacuum to clean vents, power supply and fan
Ensure that chips and expansion cards are firmly seated

List at least three tasks you should complete before moving or shipping a computer?
Back up hard drive onto a tape cartridge
Remove any removable disks, tape cartridges or CDs from drives
Turn off power to the computer and all other devices
Disconnect power cords from the electrical outlet and devices
Label the cable connections with white tape or white labels
Coil all external cords and secure with plastic ties or rubber bands
Pack computer, monitor and al devices in their original shipping cartons or similar boxes with enough packing material to protect them
Purchase insurance on the shipment

How do you properly dispose of a battery pack from a notebook computer? A broken monitor? A toner cartridge from a laser printer?
Return them to original dealer or take to recycling center.
Pack separately from other items
Discharge monitor before disposing
Check with local county or environmental officials for laws and regulations
Return to manufacturer or dealer to be recycled

If you are unsure how to properly dispose of a can of contact cleaner, how can you find out the acceptable method of disposal?
Check with local county or environmental officials for laws and regulations
Return to manufacturer or dealer to be recycled

What two tools can be used to remove dust from inside a computer case?
Vacuum and compressed air

What are three types of ribbon cables you might find inside a PC?
Floppy disk drive- 34 pin w/twist in ribbon
IDE – 40 pin w/ 40 wires
IDE – 40 pin w/ 80 wires

Why is it important to not rock an expansion card from side to side as you remove it from its slot?
Might spread the slot opening and weaken the connection

What type of expansion card can have a retention mechanism at the bottom of the card to help stabilize it in the slot?
Video

Name three tools that you can use to protect a system against ESD as you work on it.
ESD gloves, wrist strap and mat

If you suspect that a USB port is faulty, what tool can you use to test the port?
Loop back plug