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Question 21

Which component allows a desktop computer to connect to a wired Ethernet network?

1. NIC
2. GPU
3. Sound card
4. Capture card

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation

A Network Interface Card (NIC) provides the hardware interface required for network communication. A wired Ethernet NIC typically includes an RJ45 port through which an Ethernet cable connects the computer to a switch, router, or other network device. Some motherboards have an integrated NIC rather than a separate expansion card. A GPU handles graphics processing, a sound card handles audio functions, and a capture card receives audio or video signals for recording or streaming. Therefore, the NIC is the component responsible for wired network connectivity.

Question 22

Which technology allows a laptop to communicate with compatible devices by touching or bringing them within a very short distance?

1. Wi-Fi
2. NFC
3. Ethernet
4. Infrared networking

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless technology designed for communication over very small distances. It is commonly used for contactless payments, access cards, device pairing, and other tap-based interactions. NFC generally operates at a much shorter range than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and is intended for convenient close-proximity communication. Ethernet requires a physical cable, while Wi-Fi provides wireless networking over a significantly greater range. NFC is therefore the technology most closely associated with devices communicating through close physical proximity or a simple tap.

Question 23

A technician is installing a high-performance graphics card that requires additional power beyond what the motherboard slot provides. What should the technician verify?

1. Audio driver version
2. Monitor refresh rate
3. Available PCIe power connectors from the PSU
4. Keyboard layout

Correct Answer: 3

Explanation

High-performance graphics cards can require substantially more electrical power than the motherboard expansion slot alone can provide. Many such cards therefore include additional PCIe power connectors that must be connected directly to the power supply. Before installation, the technician should verify that the PSU has the appropriate connectors and sufficient capacity for the graphics card and the rest of the system. Audio drivers, monitor refresh rate, and keyboard layout do not determine whether the graphics card can receive adequate power. Proper power planning helps prevent instability or failure.

Question 24

Which type of expansion slot is commonly used for modern dedicated graphics cards?

1. PCIe x16
2. PCI
3. AGP
4. ISA

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation

PCI Express x16 is the standard expansion interface commonly used for dedicated graphics cards in modern desktop computers. It provides a high-bandwidth connection between the graphics card and the motherboard, making it suitable for demanding graphics workloads. Older interfaces such as AGP and ISA are obsolete in modern systems, while conventional PCI has much lower bandwidth and is not normally used for current high-performance graphics cards. A technician selecting a graphics card should therefore verify that the motherboard has a compatible PCIe x16 slot and sufficient physical clearance.

Question 25

Which type of memory is designed to retain data even when the computer is powered off?

1. RAM
2. Cache
3. ROM
4. Register

Correct Answer: 3

Explanation

ROM, or Read-Only Memory, is nonvolatile memory, meaning it retains stored information when system power is removed. Firmware such as boot-related instructions can be stored in nonvolatile memory on a computer system. RAM is volatile and loses its contents when power is removed. CPU cache and registers are also volatile forms of memory used for high-speed processing. Although modern firmware is often stored in flash-based memory that can be updated, it still provides nonvolatile storage. Therefore, ROM represents the type of memory that retains information without continuous power.

Question 26

A user wants to connect a second monitor to a computer using a digital video interface that supports high resolutions and refresh rates. Which connector is appropriate?

1. PS/2
2. DisplayPort
3. RJ11
4. Serial

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation

DisplayPort is a digital display interface commonly used to connect computers to monitors and other display devices. It supports high resolutions and refresh rates and can carry digital audio along with video. DisplayPort is widely used on desktop graphics cards and professional displays. PS/2 is associated with older keyboards and mice, RJ11 is commonly used for telephone connections, and serial ports are legacy interfaces for various devices. When a compatible computer and monitor support DisplayPort, it can provide a high-bandwidth digital connection suitable for modern display requirements.

Question 27

Which cooling method uses a fan and heatsink directly attached to a processor to remove heat?

1. Passive cooling
2. Liquid immersion
3. Air cooling
4. Phase-change cooling

Correct Answer: 3

Explanation

Air cooling uses a heatsink to absorb heat from a processor and a fan to move air across the heatsink, allowing the heat to dissipate into the surrounding environment. It is one of the most common cooling methods in desktop computers because it is relatively simple and cost-effective. Passive cooling can use heatsinks without an active fan, while liquid cooling transfers heat through a liquid-filled system. Phase-change and immersion cooling use specialized techniques that are less common in ordinary desktop systems. A fan-and-heatsink combination therefore represents air cooling.

Question 28

A desktop computer contains two identical RAM modules installed in the appropriate paired motherboard slots. Which feature may improve memory bandwidth?

1. Dual-channel memory
2. Virtual memory
3. ECC correction
4. Memory compression

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation

Dual-channel memory allows compatible memory modules to communicate with the memory controller across multiple channels, increasing the available memory bandwidth compared with a single-channel configuration. Motherboards commonly identify recommended paired slots to enable this feature when compatible modules are installed. ECC provides error detection and correction rather than primarily increasing bandwidth. Virtual memory uses storage as an extension of system memory, while memory compression reduces the amount of physical RAM required for certain workloads. Properly configured dual-channel memory can therefore improve data transfer performance between RAM and the memory controller.

Question 29

Which storage form factor is commonly installed directly into an M.2 slot on a modern motherboard?

1. 3.5-inch hard drive
2. M.2 SSD
3. Optical DVD drive
4. External tape drive

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation

An M.2 SSD is a compact storage device designed to fit directly into a compatible M.2 slot on a motherboard. Depending on the specific drive and motherboard, an M.2 device may communicate using SATA or PCI Express/NVMe technology. M.2 drives are significantly smaller than traditional 3.5-inch hard drives and can reduce cable clutter because many install directly onto the motherboard. Optical drives and traditional hard drives use different physical form factors and interfaces. Therefore, an M.2 SSD is the storage device specifically associated with an M.2 motherboard slot.

Question 30

Which CPU socket characteristic must be matched when replacing a processor?

1. Printer interface
2. Display resolution
3. Physical socket compatibility
4. Network SSID

Correct Answer: 3

Explanation

A replacement CPU must be physically and electrically compatible with the motherboard’s processor socket. Different CPU generations and manufacturers may use different socket designs, and even processors from the same manufacturer may require different sockets. The motherboard must also support the processor through its chipset and firmware. Display resolution, printer interface, and wireless network SSID have no relationship to CPU installation compatibility. A technician should therefore verify the exact processor support list, socket type, firmware requirements, and motherboard specifications before purchasing or installing a replacement CPU.

Question 31

Which wireless technology is primarily designed for local wireless networking and internet access?

1. Wi-Fi
2. NFC
3. Bluetooth
4. Infrared

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation

Wi-Fi is the primary wireless networking technology used to connect computers, smartphones, tablets, printers, and other devices to local networks and internet services. A wireless access point or router provides the radio connection, allowing compatible devices to communicate without Ethernet cables. Bluetooth is generally intended for short-range peripheral and personal-area connections, while NFC is designed for very short-range communication and transactions. Infrared requires directional alignment and is largely obsolete for general-purpose networking. Therefore, Wi-Fi is the appropriate technology for local wireless network and internet connectivity.

Question 32

A technician notices that a laptop battery drains quickly even when the system is idle. Which setting should be reviewed first?

1. Screen brightness and power-management settings
2. Printer paper size
3. Keyboard language
4. Ethernet cable category

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation

Power-management settings and screen brightness can significantly affect laptop battery life. A high display brightness level consumes additional power, while inappropriate power settings may prevent the processor, display, storage, or other components from entering lower-power states when idle. A technician should review the operating system’s power plan and display settings before replacing the battery or other hardware. Printer paper size, keyboard language, and Ethernet cable category have no meaningful effect on a laptop’s idle battery consumption. Reviewing power settings is therefore a logical initial troubleshooting step.

Question 33

Which device is specifically designed to provide a wired connection between multiple network devices within a local area network?

1. Modem
2. Switch
3. UPS
4. KVM

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation

A network switch connects multiple devices within a local area network and forwards Ethernet frames toward the appropriate destination based on learned MAC addresses. Switches are commonly used to connect computers, printers, servers, access points, and other Ethernet-enabled devices. A modem provides connectivity to a service provider, while a UPS supplies backup electrical power. A KVM switch allows one keyboard, video display, and mouse to control multiple computers. Because its primary networking role is connecting devices within a LAN, the network switch is the correct choice.

Question 34

Which type of printer uses toner rather than liquid ink?

1. Inkjet
2. Thermal
3. Laser
4. Impact

Correct Answer: 3

Explanation

Laser printers use toner, a fine powder, to produce printed documents. The printing process generally involves charging a photosensitive drum, transferring toner to the paper, and using heat and pressure to fuse the toner onto the page. Inkjet printers spray liquid ink through small nozzles, while thermal printers use heat-sensitive media or thermal transfer processes. Impact printers use mechanical mechanisms to strike an ink ribbon against paper. Laser printers are therefore identified by their use of toner and are commonly selected for high-volume text printing.

Question 35

Which printer maintenance component may need replacement when print quality deteriorates because toner is no longer transferred correctly?

1. Drum
2. Ethernet switch
3. Display panel
4. CMOS battery

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation

The imaging drum in a laser printer plays a critical role in transferring toner onto paper. If the drum becomes worn, damaged, or contaminated, it can produce print defects such as repeated marks, lines, spots, or uneven output. Depending on the printer design, the drum may be integrated with the toner cartridge or replaced as a separate consumable. An Ethernet switch, display panel, and CMOS battery have no direct role in the laser printing process. Therefore, the drum should be considered when troubleshooting recurring print-quality problems related to toner transfer.

Question 36

Which device provides temporary battery power to a computer during a short electrical outage?

1. Surge protector
2. UPS
3. Power strip
4. Voltage adapter

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation

An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) provides temporary battery-backed power when the main electrical supply fails. This gives a computer and connected equipment time to remain operational briefly and allows users to save work and shut systems down safely. Many UPS devices also provide protection against certain power disturbances. A surge protector helps protect equipment from voltage spikes but normally does not provide battery backup. A basic power strip distributes electrical power, while a voltage adapter changes electrical characteristics for compatible devices. Therefore, a UPS is the correct choice for short-term backup power.

Question 37

Which connector is commonly used for an internal high-speed NVMe SSD installed in an M.2 slot?

1. RJ45
2. SATA power
3. PCIe-based M.2 interface
4. VGA

Correct Answer: 3

Explanation

Many modern NVMe SSDs use an M.2 form factor and communicate through PCI Express lanes using the NVMe protocol. The drive is inserted directly into a compatible M.2 slot on the motherboard rather than using a traditional SATA data cable. RJ45 is used for Ethernet networking, SATA power is a power connection rather than the data interface for an NVMe M.2 drive, and VGA is an analog display interface. A technician should verify the motherboard’s M.2 slot capabilities because not every M.2 slot supports NVMe or the same PCIe generation.

Question 38

A technician is troubleshooting a desktop that repeatedly loses the system date and time after being powered off. Which component is the most likely cause?

1. CMOS battery
2. GPU
3. CPU fan
4. RAM module

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation

A motherboard’s CMOS or RTC battery helps maintain certain firmware settings and the real-time clock when the computer is powered off. When this battery becomes weak or depleted, the system may repeatedly lose its date and time and may reset certain firmware settings. Replacing the battery with a compatible type can often resolve the issue. A GPU processes graphics, the CPU fan provides cooling, and RAM temporarily stores active data. None of these components normally maintains the system clock while the computer is powered down.

Question 39

Which device can allow a technician to control multiple computers using a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse?

1. UPS
2. KVM switch
3. NAS
4. Access point

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation

A Keyboard-Video-Mouse (KVM) switch allows one keyboard, monitor, and mouse setup to control multiple computers. The technician can switch between connected systems without requiring separate input devices and displays for each computer. KVM switches are particularly useful in server rooms, laboratories, and support environments where several systems need to be managed from one workstation. A UPS provides backup power, a NAS provides network-attached storage, and an access point provides wireless network connectivity. Therefore, the KVM switch is the appropriate device for this requirement.

Question 40

Which troubleshooting approach is most appropriate when a computer problem began immediately after a new hardware component was installed?

1. Ignore the recent change
2. Replace unrelated software
3. Check the new component and its connections
4. Delete the operating system

Correct Answer: 3

Explanation

A recent hardware change is an important troubleshooting clue because the new component or its installation may have caused the problem. The technician should verify that the component is compatible, properly seated, correctly connected, and supported by the system. Drivers or firmware may also need to be checked if applicable. Ignoring the recent change or replacing unrelated software can waste time and obscure the actual cause. Deleting the operating system is unnecessarily destructive. Starting with the newly installed hardware provides a logical and evidence-based troubleshooting path.