Module 1.8.3 Quiz – Personal Computers (Answers)

Explanation: Screws and standoffs that are non-metallic may be insulators and protect against grounding.

Explanation: An antistatic wrist strap equalizes the electrical charge between the technician and the equipment and protects the equipment from electrostatic discharge.

Explanation: Laser printers require high voltage when initially powered on and to charge the drum in preparation for writing data to the drum. This high voltage requirement is why most laser printers are not normally connected to a UPS. A laser printer also has a fuser assembly used to apply heat and pressure to the toner to permanently attach it to the paper. The laser printer must be unplugged and the fuser assembly must be allowed to cool before working inside the printer.

Explanation: When using the P-A-S-S memory aid with a fire extinguisher, the “A” in P-A-S-S is for aiming at the base of the fire and not at the flames.

Explanation: Optical drives are installed in 5.25 inch (13.34 cm) drive bays that are accessed from the front of the case. Flash drives typically connect to USB ports. SSDs and hard drives typically install in a 3.5 inch (8.9 cm) drive bay or a 5.25 inch (13.34 cm) drive bay that is not accessed from the front of the case. If the drive is smaller than the bay, a tray may be purchased.

Explanation: The PCIe, or PCI Express, bus has four types of expansion slots with varying lengths: x1, x4, x8, and x16.

Explanation: To install a power supply into a PC tower case, open the case, align the power supply with the case holes, and use screws to attach the power supply to the case.

Explanation: Internal hard drives are commonly SATA drives that have a data cable that extends from the drive to a motherboard SATA connector..

Explanation: In the event of stray current being generated by a fault within the computer, the ground will provide a path of least resistance for the current to flow harmlessly away.

Explanation: When selecting a power supply, make sure the size of power supply is appropriate in that it fits within the case and that it provides the proper amount of wattage for the installed computer parts.

Explanation: The tip of the screwdriver in the toolkit of a PC technician is usually mildly magnetic so it can hold small screws in place, but it is not magnetic enough to damage the computer components. Screwdriver tips can only fit one type of screw; for example, Phillips screws. Screwdriver tips are metal so can conduct electricity. Removing any component out of the socket with force will damage the component.

Explanation: The application of thermal paste to the top of the CPU improves the transfer of heat from the CPU to the heatsink.

Explanation: Optical drives need to be installed the correct way up so optical discs can be loaded into the drive. Optical drives are five and a quarter inches in size and do not required adapters to be used. All drives are secured to the PC case with mounting screws. Power and data cabling are connected to the drive after it is installed in the case.

Explanation: The power supply connects to the motherboard with a 24-pin connector. Internal SATA drives have a 15-pin connector. The CPU fan has a 3-pin power connector. Adapter cards do not usually have a separate power connector to the motherboard.

Explanation: The power supply connects to the motherboard with a 24-pin connector. Internal SATA drives have a 15-pin connector. The CPU fan has a 3-pin power connector. Adapter cards do not usually have a separate power connector to the motherboard.

Explanation: General safety and fire actions you should perform when working on computer equipment include turning off and disconnecting the power to the equipment; wearing safety googles; bending your knees when lifting heavy equipment; taping over sharp corners; not wearing watches and jewelry or loose clothing; and knowing the location of, and be able to use, a fire extinguisher.

Explanation: Voltage as low as 30 volts can damage electronic components, so wear an antistatic wrist strap when working on a computer.

Explanation: Tools most likely to be in the toolkit of a PC technician include screwdrivers with magnetic tip, an extraction tool, a can of compressed air, screwdrivers for different screw types, a cable crimping tool, and a cable tester.

Explanation: It is essential to install a power supply with the correct wattage to ensure that it has sufficient power to run the installed components, such as the CPU and graphics card. The power supply wattage does not determine the location of physical features such as mounting screw holes.

Explanation: The steps to be carried out when installing the motherboard into the computer case are:

1. Align the motherboard in the correct direction
2. Install and locate the standoffs.
3. Align the I/O plate to the back of the case.
4. Lower the motherboard into place.
5. Install the screws into the standoffs.

Explanation: The front panel of the computer case is usually removed to install optical drives, and HDDs, SSDs, and optical drives should be secured in the case with mounting screws. HDD and SSD connectors do not have to face the front of the computer case. Two and a half inch SSDs usually require an adapter to be mounted in a computer case. Optical drives must be mounted on the correct side up.

Explanation: The HD audio connector, HDD activity LED cable, and USB cable connect these functions on the front panel to the motherboard. The SATA 15-pin power cable, power supply 24-pin connector, and 3-pin CPU fan cable connect those devices internally to the motherboard.

Explanation: USB ports provide external connections for the keyboard, mouse, and portable storage device. DVI is an external video connection from the graphics card to the screen. The Ethernet network port provides external access to a network. The internal computer connections are SATA, IDE, and the drive activity LED.