A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining your PC, 6e (Comprehensive) CHAPTER 1 REVIEWING THE BASICS 1. Why is all data stored in a computer in binary form? Binary is the format that the computer understands, not a programming language or a human language. All instructions between hardware and software in a computer are reduced to a simple yes or no, a state of on or off. 2. What are the four primary functions of hardware? Input, processing, output, and storage 3. What are the two main input devices and two main output devices? The two main input devices are the keyboard and the mouse. The two main output devices are the monitor and the printer. 4. What three things do electronic hardware devices need in order to function? A method for the CPU to communicate with the device, software to instruct and control the device, and electricity to power the device 5. How many bits are in a byte? Eight 6. What is the purpose of an expansion slot on a motherboard? An expansion slot on a motherboard is used for an expansion card, which enables a device that is not on the motherboard to communicate with the CPU. 7. Which component on the motherboard is used primarily for processing?
The CPU (central processing unit), also called the processor 8. Name three CPU manufacturers. Possible answers: Intel, AMD, Cyrix, IBM 9. What technology is most often used today to manufacture microchips? CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) 10. What are two other names for the system bus? Possible answers: memory bus, host bus, front side bus, external bus 11. What are two other names for the motherboard? Main board, system board 12. What are the two basic types of cables found inside a computer case and what are their basic functions? A data cable used for passing data between devices and a power cable used to supply power to a device. 13. List three types of ports that are often found coming directly off the motherboard to be used by external devices. Possible answers: serial port, parallel port, USB port, network port, FireWire or 1394 port, mouse port, keyboard port, S/PDIF port, sound port, wireless LAN antenna port 14. What is the purpose of the S/PDIF port? The S/PDIF port connects to an external home theater audio system, providing digital output and the best signal quality. 15. List three kinds of memory modules. SIMMs (single inline memory modules), DIMMs (dual inline memory modules), RIMMs 16. What is the difference between volatile and nonvolatile memory?
Volatile memory is temporary and needs a constant electrical charge to hold data. Nonvolatile memory is permanent and holds memory even when electricity is turned off. 17. Of the two types of storage in a system, which type is generally faster and holds data and instructions while the data is being processed? Which type of storage is generally slower, but more permanent? Primary storage, secondary storage 18. What technology standard provides for up to four devices on a system, including the hard drive as one of those devices? What are two common industry names loosely used to describe this standard? ATA (AT attachment), also called EIDE (enhanced integrated drive electronics) or IDE 19. What is the size of the data path on most system buses today? 64 bits 20. What is the measurement of frequency of a system bus and CPU? Which is faster, the system bus or the CPU? Frequency is generally measured in Hz, MHz, or GHz. The CPU is faster than the system bus. 21. Name four types of buses that are likely to be on a motherboard today. Possible answers: PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect), AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port), ISA (Industry Standard Architecture), system bus, PCI Express 22. A power supply receives 120 volts of power from a wall outlet and converts it to 3.3, 5, and 12 volts of power. AC, DC
23. ROM BIOS or firmware chips that can be upgraded without replacing the chips are called. Flash ROM 24. CMOS setup allows a technician to change configuration settings on a motherboard stored in. CMOS RAM 25. Name three examples of secondary storage devices. Some possible answers: CD drive, hard drive, floppy drive, DVD drive, Zip drive 26. A hertz is cycle per second; a megahertz is cycles per second, and a gigahertz is cycles per second. One, one million, and one billion 27. An AGP slot is normally used for a(n) expansion card. Video 28. How many sizes of PCI Express slots are currently manufactured for personal computers? Four 29. Name the three purposes the motherboard ROM BIOS serves. The BIOS is used to manage simple devices (system BIOS), to start the computer (startup BIOS), and to change settings on the motherboard (CMOS setup).
30. From where does CMOS RAM receive its power? CMOS RAM is powered by a trickle of electricity from a small battery located on the motherboard or computer case. THINKING CRITICALLY 1. When selecting secondary storage devices for a new desktop PC, which is more important, a CD-ROM drive or a floppy drive? Why? A CD-ROM drive is more important, because most software today is distributed on CD. 2. Based on what you have learned in this chapter, when working on a Word document, why is it important to save your work often? Explain your answer using the two terms, primary storage and secondary storage. It is important because data is temporarily stored in RAM or primary storage, which is volatile. If the power is lost, all data in primary storage is lost. In order to secure the data, it must be copied from primary storage to secondary storage, such as a hard drive or floppy disk, which is nonvolatile or permanent storage. 3. Most buses are 16, 32, 64, or 128 bits wide. Why do you think these bus widths are multiples of eight? Because everything in a computer is stored and processed in binary, and 1 byte equals 8 bits 4. Why would it be difficult to install four hard drives, one CD-ROM drive, and one DVD drive in a single low-end system? These types of drives are normally EIDE devices, and most low-end systems can only hold four EIDE devices. Also, most computer cases do not have enough bays to hold this many drives. 5. In this chapter, a light bulb is used to demonstrate the binary concept used for computer storage and communication. Give another example in everyday life to explain this binary concept.
Get creative. Possible answer: A water hydrant is either on or off. It is difficult to measure the amount of water coming out of the hydrant, but not difficult to decide if the water is off or on. 6. If the CMOS battery inside your computer system died, when you first turn on your system, will you expect the system to boot up normally to the operating system level? What information do you think the system would not have available for a successful boot? No, the system will not boot normally because the configuration information would not be available. This information includes the type of hard drive and floppy drive installed and the boot sequence. 7. Why is it more accurate to describe the CPU and motherboard bus using the term frequency rather than speed? Explain your answer. It is more accurate to describe the CPU and motherboard with the term frequency than speed because the term speed implies there is a continuous motion or flow of data, whereas frequency suggests a digital or binary flow of data. Frequency is more accurate because computer technology is built using the binary on/off system. Chapter 2 REVIEWING THE BASICS 1. List four major functions of an OS. It manages hardware; runs applications; provides an interface for users; and stores, retrieves, and manipulates files. 2. Which operating system is only used on Apple Macintosh computers? Mac OS
Lab Manual for A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC, 6th edition, 0-619-21763-4 Ch. 1 Solutions-1 Review Questions Lab 1.1 Chapter 1 Solutions 1. List two other ways to get to the System Properties dialog box other than using Control Panel. Answer: Right-click My Computer and click Properties in the shortcut menu. Press the Windows and Break keys at the same time. 2. What is one other place, not in Windows or any documentation, where you could determine the CPU, CPU speed, and amount of RAM installed on your system? Answer: CMOS setup, physically inspect the system, benchmarking software 3. What differences, if any, are there between a list of components derived from a physical inspection versus a list of components derived from My Computer and System Properties? Answer: The list could deviate substantially because of such things as BIOS upgrades, non-brand-name components, drive partitioning, or components disabled in BIOS. Lab 1.2 1. Describe how you determined which expansion card was the video card. Answer: This answer is dependent on student s research and experience. 2. If your system has a CD-ROM drive, describe how you determined which drive was the CD-ROM drive. Answer: This answer is dependent on student s research and experience. 3. Describe how you identified the type of CPU you have. Answer: This answer is dependent on student s research and experience. 4. How did you know that you were or were not connected to a network? Answer: This answer is dependent on student s research and experience. 5. Does your system have much room for adding new components? What type of component might be added? Answer: This answer is dependent on student s research and experience. 6. If you were adding or upgrading a component, what would it be and where would you install it in the computer case? Answer: This answer is dependent on student s research and experience. Lab 1.3 1. What URL can you use to find a link to download Sandra? Answer: www.sisoftware.co.uk
Lab Manual for A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC, 6th edition, 0-619-21763-4 Ch. 1 Solutions-2 2. Is Sandra capable of hardware diagnostics only? Answer: Sandra allows you to view configuration files, but mostly it tests hardware. 3. Which two of the four system resources are you not able to view with the version of Sandra you downloaded, and why? Answer: Answers could include any of the following, which are usable if you purchase the full version: DMA settings Memory resources P & P information Network information IP network information Data sources information Common devices information CMOS information Remote access server connections ATA/ATAPI information SCSI information 4. Some software is called diagnostic software, and other software is called application software. Which type of software is Sandra? Answer: Diagnostic software Lab 1.4 1. What URL can you use to find a link to download Belarc Advisor? Answer: http://downloads-zdnet.com 2. What tool do you use to get a printed report from Belarc Advisor? Answer: Belarc Advisor prints via your browser. 3. What type of software is Belarc Advisor? Answer: It is utility software used to examine a system. 4. Compare Belarc Advisor to Sandra that you downloaded and used in Lab 1.3. Which utility do you think is the most useful, and why? Which is easier to use? Answer: This answer is dependent on student s opinion. Lab 1.5 1. Which approach to acquiring a system seems to be less expensive? Answer: This answer is dependent on student s research and experience. 2. What is the single most expensive component of a system built from separate components?
Lab Manual for A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC, 6th edition, 0-619-21763-4 Ch. 1 Solutions-3 Answer: This answer is dependent on student s research and experience. 3. What was the estimated cost of shipping (if any) for the component-built system? Answer: This answer is dependent on student s research and experience. 4. What are some potential pitfalls of building your own PC? What are some rewards? Answer: Pitfalls: Lab 1.6 Not selecting compatible components Inability to assemble the components successfully Damaging a component during the assembly Not having a warranty that covers the entire system Answer: Rewards: Having a completed system customized to your personal needs Experience and knowledge gained in the process Having all documentation for every component installed in the system Personal satisfaction of having built your own system Firsthand knowledge of all internal components installed 1. What is the goal of your system? In other words, how do you plan to use your system? Explain your choices for components. Answer: Answers may vary. 2. How would you change your choices if you were to use this computer in a corporate office as a business workstation? Answer: Answers may vary. 3. What single change would you make if you had an extra $200 in the budget? Answer: Answers may vary. 4. How might you change your design if your budget was only $600? Answer: Answers may vary.
A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining your PC, 6e 2-1 Chapter 2 Introducing Operating Systems At a Glance Instructor s Manual Table of Contents Overview Objectives Teaching Tips Quick Quizzes Class Discussion Topics Additional Projects Additional Resources Key Terms
A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining your PC, 6e 2-2 Lecture Notes Overview Chapter 2 covers operating systems (OSs). After introducing the concept of the operating system, major developments in OS design are discussed. In relation to the evolution of operating systems, a number of specific systems are described. Greatest emphasis is placed on these operating systems: DOS, Windows 9x/Me, Windows 2000/XP, Linux, and Mac OS X. Following the description of particular operating systems, system components and functions are presented. The most important divisions of the operating system are between the kernel (core) and the shell. There are four main OS functions: providing a user interface, managing files, managing applications, and managing hardware. After detailing significant features of operating system software, various graphical tools are reviewed, such as Windows desktop and Device Manager. Chapter Objectives Learn about the various operating systems and the differences between them Learn how an OS interfaces with users, files and folders, applications, and hardware Learn about a few OS tools you can use to examine and maintain a system Teaching Tips Operating Systems Past and Present 1. Describe the services provided by a computer's operating system (OS). The essential intermediary role played by an operating system is captured in Figure 2-1. 2. Indicate that operating systems can be better appreciated and understood when they are studied in historical context. Teaching Tip Emphasize that the operating system has been instrumental in transforming the computer into a user and application friendly device. Using Figure 2-1, explain that without the operating system, the responsibility for accessing and coordinating system resources would revert to the user and/or application. DOS (Disk Operating System) 1. Introduce DOS (disk operating system) as a command-line driven set of programs. Note that DOS was the first OS used in IBM computers and IBM compatibles. 2. Justify the need to study DOS based on its use in legacy systems and support of various system utilities.
A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining your PC, 6e 2-3 3. Using Figure 2-3, demonstrate the hidden role played by DOS in Windows 3.x systems. Describe how Windows 9x/Mx and Windows 2000/XP relate to DOS. Teaching Tip Inform students that DOS is actually a generic name that describes a family of operating systems, such as PC-DOS and MS-DOS. Windows 9X/ME 1. Indicate that Windows 9x/Me refers to Refers to Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows Me. Emphasize that each of these systems runs a user-friendly graphical interface on a DOS core. 2. Define the terms, backward-compatible and legacy systems. Using Figure 2-5, show how Windows 9x/Me forms a bridge between old and new technologies. 3. Using Table 2-1, illustrate the different requirements for the systems that make up the Windows 9x/Me series. Explain how minimum requirements for each system can vary between upgrades and new installations. Add that minimum requirements can also vary between installation and run-time operation. Windows NT 1. Indicate that there are two versions of Windows NT (New Technology): Windows NT Workstation and Windows NT Server. 2. Windows NT replaced the DOS core with a new core operating system, but introduced many new problems. These problems were only solved in later versions of Windows. Advise students to avoid installing Windows NT. Windows 2000 1. Indicate that Windows 2000 is an upgrade of Windows NT and comes in versions for desktops and high-end servers. Highlight the improvements over Windows NT: a more stable environment, support for Plug and Play, Device Manager, Recovery Console, Active Directory, better network support, and features specifically targeting notebook computers. The desktop can be viewed in Figure 2-6. 2. Advise students that hardware and software must qualify for Windows 2000 Professional desktop. A web site that lists approved components is provided in the text. The text also specifies system requirements. 3. As with Windows NT, new versions of Windows 2000 should not be installed. For the most part, Microsoft no longer supports the operating system.
A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining your PC, 6e 2-4 Windows XP 1. Indicate that Windows XP integrates Windows 9x/Me and Windows 2000. There are two main versions: Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional. Other less significant versions are listed in the text. 2. Highlight the noteworthy new features of XP Allows two users to logon and open applications Incorporates Windows Messenger and Media Player Adds advanced security, such as Windows Firewall Supports up to two CPUs. The minimum hardware requirements and recommendations are specified in the text. 3. Emphasize that Windows XP is replacing all previous version of Windows for home and corporate desktops. Teaching Tip Students may be interested to learn that the "XP" in Windows XP is derived from the second two letters of the word, "experience" Windows Vista 1. Notify students that Windows Vista, code-named Longhorn, is the next generation of Windows operating systems. 2. Noteworthy new features: New graphical interface Revamped engine A new interface between it and applications 3. The scheduled release dates are November 2006 for business editions and January 2007 for consumer editions. Windows Server 2003 UNIX 1. Indicate that Windows Server 2003 refers to a suite of operating systems, which are listed in the text. As they are not intended for use in a PC, they are not covered. 1. The term UNIX comprises a class of operating systems used to control networks and applications on the Internet. Versions of UNIX are referred to as flavors or distributions.
A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining your PC, 6e 2-5 Linux OS/2 1. Introduce Linux as a variation on UNIX developed by Linus Torvald. Both the Linux OS kernel and kernel's source code are freely distributed. Students can experiment with Linux without creating a disk partition or volume, and without major cost. Review the three installation tips described in the text. 2. Indicate that the Linux OS is used in both server platforms and desktop platforms, though it is more prevalent in the former. It is a robust operating system that is a good training tool for UNIX. 3. GUI shells written for UNIX and Linux are collectively referred to as X Windows (Figure 2-9). Mac OS 1. Developed jointly by IBM and Microsoft, the OS/2 is generally limited to certain networks. Windows NT uses some of the core components of OS/2 1. The Mac OS was introduced in 1984 for exclusive use in Macintosh computers. The most recent version, Mac OS X, can now run on other Intel-based computers. It has not yet been licensed for use on non-macintosh computers. 2. There are several important markets for the Mac OS (and Mac): educational institutions, graphics, and desktop publishing. 3. Indicate some of the noteworthy features of Mac OS X: a desktop driven by the Finder program (Figure 2-10), superior Plug and Play capabilities, and excellent support for multitasking. Quick Quiz 1 1. A(n) is software that controls a computer Answer: operating system (OS) 2. True or False. Windows 9x/Me operating systems are built on a DOS core that provide a graphical user interface. Answer: True 3. True or False. Windows XP is replacing all previous versions of Windows in the home market and for the corporate desktop. Answer: True 4. When a Mac is turned on, a program called the is automatically launched. Answer: Finder
A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining your PC, 6e 2-6 What an Operating System Does 1. Describe the four functions common to all operating systems: Providing a user interface Managing files Managing applications Managing hardware 2. Along with four common functions, all OSs share similar core components. These components will be reviewed in the following sections. Operating System Components 1. Indicate that the shell and the kernel are two components common to all operating systems. Using Figure 2-11, explain how the shell services both users and applications. Present the author's analogy of the division of labor in a restaurant-, the host and waiters are like shell routines, while the chefs and kitchen staff members are like the kernel. Highlight specific services provided by the shell, such as handling an application's command to print a document. 2. Describe the role of the registry database and initialization files in Windows. An OS Provides a User Interface 1. After a PC is turned on, the OS is loaded. In the process of taking control over the PC, the OS presents a desktop to the user. Events generated by the user drive the operating system to perform additional tasks. These events include the click of a menu item, the double-click of an icon, or the entry of a text command. 2. Indicate that there are two ways to pass a text command to the Windows XP OS: using the Run option on the Start menu or by using the command console. The command console can be opened by entering Cmd in the Run dialog box or by following the path Start All Programs Accessories and then clicking "Command Prompt". The sample command used in the text is DEFRAG C:. 3. Using Figure 2-13, a screen print of Windows Explorer, explain that most Windows interface tools combine menus and icons. 4. Define the terms, graphical user interface (GUI) and desktop. Teaching Tip There are two common reasons why a command won't work in Windows XP: the command is spelled incorrectly or the path to the command utility is not specified. If students experience the second problem using the command console, they meet to set their path variable as follows: path = C:\Windows\System32.
A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining your PC, 6e 2-7 An OS Manages Files and Folders 1. Indicate that the OS uses a file system to organize files and folders on a hard drive or floppy disk. Two file systems used by Windows are: File systems used by Windows are File Allocation Table (FAT) and New Technology File System (NTFS). NTFS is replacing FAT. 2. Using Figure 2-14, explain how a hard drive or floppy disk is organized to support files and folders. In your explanation, include the terms, track, sector and cluster. Emphasize that the cluster is the smallest unit on disk for storing a file. Clusters are tracked by file systems, such as FAT and NTFS. Files and Directories 1. As shown in Figure 2-15, the file system hierarchy consists of directories, subdirectories (child directories), and files. Directories are called folders in Windows. Directories can contain a number of subdirectories and files. A directory table lists the various subdirectories and files. Each logical drive contains a root directory. For example, C:\ is the root directory for the C drive. 2. The path to a file consists of a drive, directory, 0 to 1 or more subdirectories, a filename, and a file extension. Figure 2-16 breaks down the parts of the sample path, C:\wp\data\myfile.txt. Partitions and Logical Drives on a Hard Drive 1. Describe the uses of primary and extended partitions. Using Figure 2-17, illustrate the hierarchical relationship among partitions, logical drives (volumes), directories, subdirectories, files, and data. 2. Note that partitions can be created when a drive is first installed, when an OS is first installed, or after an existing partition becomes corrupted. 3. Indicate that the Disk Management tool (Figure 2-18) can be used to create partitions, view partitions, and format logical drives. Show students how to open the Disk Management utility. An OS Manages Applications 1. Indicate that the OS is used to install and run all software on a PC. Applications depend on the OS to provide various services, such as memory management. Advise students that applications are typically tailored to a specific OS. The application may not function properly on a foreign OS; it also may not function properly on a newer version of the native OS.
A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining your PC, 6e 2-8 Launching Application Software Using the Windows Desktop 1. Advise students that an application has to be started before it can be used. Various terms refer to starting an application: running, loading, launching, or executing an application. 2. There are four ways to start up an application in Windows. Referring back to the text, show students how to use the following: a shortcut icon, the Start menu, the Run command, Windows Explorer or My Computer. Real (16-bit), Protected (32-bit), and Long (64-bit) Operating Modes 1. The bit designation in each mode refers to the number of bits that can be simultaneously processed. DOS uses the 16-bit mode. Windows 9x/Me and Windows NT/2000/XP all use 32-bit Mode. Windows XP Professional x64 Edition uses 64-bit mode. Each OS listed after DOS is backwardly compatible with earlier modes. Modern processors are built to run in either 32-bit or 64-bit mode and are backwardly compatible with 16-bit mode. 2. Modern operating systems no longer use the real mode, since this mode directly exposes the application to hardware resources. Instead, they run in protected or long mode, which control how an application accesses hardware. 3. Using Figure 2-22, describe preemptive multitasking. Distinguish multitasking from multiprocessing. The former shares multiple applications with a single CPU, while the latter distributes work loads across multiple CPUs. 16-bit, 32-bit, and 64-bit Software 1. 16-bit software was written for Windows 3.x. 32-bit programs are written for Windows NT/2000/XP and Windows 9x/Me. 64-bit programs are written for Windows XP Professional x64 Edition. Most software today is 32-bit or 64-bit. An OS Manages Hardware 1. Indicate that the operating system interacts with hardware using device drivers or BIOS. 2. After introducing device drivers, highlight the three distinct layers of software thus far presented: device drivers or BIOS, the operating system, and application software. Figure 2-23 illustrates the relationship among the three layers. How an OS Uses Device Drivers to Manage Devices 1. Referring once again to Figure 2-23, describe the role of device drivers. Emphasize that device drivers are typically tailored to a particular operating system. The operating system is used to both install and manage device drivers. 2. Device driver software is installed either when the system is initially configured or a new hardware device is added. In the latter scenario, the driver software is usually stored on a CD or floppy disk and bundled with the hardware device. Figure 2-24
A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining your PC, 6e 2-9 shows a package including a video card, a CD containing device driver software, and a user manual. 3. Indicate the three kinds of device drivers: 16-bit real-mode drivers, 32-bit protectedmode drivers, and 64-bit long-mode drivers. Associate each kind of driver with their supporting Windows operating systems. 4. Review the special procedures for installing and operating device drivers in Windows 2000/XP and Windows 9x/Me. Teaching Tip Device drivers were originally extensions to applications, such as the DOSbased Lotus 1-2-3. The inability of application software to keep up with new devices, such as new printers, caused the driver software architecture to change. In the new scheme, the driver has become an extension of the OS. How an OS Uses System BIOS to Manage Devices 1. Using the scenario of system startup, explain how system BIOS (basic input/output system) is used to directly interact with hardware devices, such as floppy drives or keyboards. Indicate that the OS may use BIOS as an alternative to drivers for accessing a device. There is a significant disadvantage to using BIOS for device access: it operates at slower speeds than device drivers. 2. Remind students that system BIOS is hard-coded into ROM BIOS chips. Through CMOS setup, you can control how system BIOS recognizes and uses devices. How an OS Manages Memory 1. List the main memory functions performed by the OS: Assigning addresses to each location in memory Tracking the amount of available memory Moving data in and out of memory 2. Using Figure 2-26, illustrate how the memory addresses enable the three layer software layers to refer to a shared piece of data. 3. Using Figure 2-27, distinguish between 16-bit applications running in real mode from 32-bit programs running in protected mode. Emphasize how protected mode enables the OS to mediate application access to RAM. The OS can insulate the address space of an application running in protected mode. By combining address space protection with virtual memory, the OS can safely support multitasking.
A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining your PC, 6e 2-10 Quick Quiz 2 1. A(n) is the portion of the OS that relates to the user and to applications. Answer: shell 2. When each logical drive is formatted, a single directory table is placed on the drive called the directory. Answer: root 3. Device are small programs stored on the hard drive that tell the computer how to communicate with a specific hardware device such as a printer, network card, or modem. Answer: drivers 4. True or False. Windows NT/2000/XP forces all programs to run in protected mode, and it controls how that software accesses memory. Answer: True OS Tools to Examine a System 1. Inform students that there are many diagnostic and configuration tools built into Windows. They will be covered in the following sections. The Windows Desktop 1. Introduce the Windows desktop as the primary tool provided by the Windows shell. Using Figure 2-28, highlight the important components of the Start menu. Review the hierarchy of menus pointed to by All Programs (see Figure 2-29). 2. Define the terms, taskbar, service, and shortcut. 3. Explain the functions of the Display Properties window (Figures 2-30 to 2-31), the taskbar and system tray (Figures 2-32 to 2-33), and shortcuts (Figures 2-34 to 2-36). Teaching Tip The Properties dialog box of a shortcut created by the user includes a number of useful features. For example, the Shortcut tab shows the location of the target file, and also enables the user to quickly navigate to the target. My Computer and Windows Explorer 1. Explain that Windows Explorer is a graphical tool used to navigate directories and manipulate folders and files. My Computer is now a component of Windows Explorer that specializes in drive and disk information. Demonstrate techniques for opening the primary viewing screen of Windows Explorer and the screen for My Computer.
A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining your PC, 6e 2-11 2. Using Figure 2-39, review the tasks that can be performed from the shortcut menu. Demonstrate how to copy a disk (Figure 2-40) and create a new file (Figure 2-41). 3. Cover four basic directory operations: creating a folder (Figure 2-42), deleting a folder, changing file attributes (Figure 2-43), and changing folder options (Figure 2-44). System Properties 1. Show students two ways to open the System Properties dialog box (Figure 2-45). Review the tasks that can be performed using the various tabs, such as accessing the Device Manager from the Hardware tab. Control Panel 1. Define the term applet. Explain that the Control Panel contains applets used to manage system resources. Indicate that Control Panel comes in two views: Category View (Figure 2-46) and Classic View. Show students how to access the Control Panel and how to switch between the views. 2. Advise students that applets can be opened directly via the Run dialog box. Demonstrate the action by opening the Mouse Properties applet with Main.cpl. Device Manager 1. Emphasize that Device Manager is the primary graphical "go to" tool for hardware problems. Demonstrate the system specific methods for opening Device Manager. Show students how to utilize the shortcut menu for a listed device (Figure 2-47). 2. Emphasize the importance of the Properties window for analyzing and troubleshooting problems (Figures 2-48 to 2-49). Review the meaning of the symbols used to indicate the device status. Show students how to enable, disable, and uninstall devices. Demonstrate how to update, roll back, and uninstall device drivers. System Information 1. Introduce System Information as a comprehensive information resource (see Figure 2-50). Demonstrate how to open the utility by entering Msinfo32.exe in the Run dialog box. Identify the most important information gathered from the tool: the BIOS version you are using, the directory where the OS is installed, how system resources are used, and information about drivers and their status. Windows Help and the Microsoft Web Site 1. Show students how to open Windows Help. Indicate that Windows Help is a useful guide to the system and troubleshooting resource. Demonstrate how to diagnose a problem with an Internet connection (Figure 2-51).
A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining your PC, 6e 2-12 2. Indicate that the primary Internet resource for help is the Microsoft Web site, http://support.microsoft.com. Show students how to search for information at this site. Advise students that other sites on the Internet may also provide valuable assistance. Before relying on information provided by an alternative site, the site's reputation should be verified. Keystroke Shortcuts in the OS 1. Using Table 2-3, review the shortcuts that can be used in Windows. Demonstrate task performed with various shortcuts, such as the function keys and text edit operation key combinations. Emphasize that knowledge of keyboard shortcuts is critical when the mouse is not operational. Quick Quiz 3 1. True or False. The Windows desktop is the primary tool provided by the Windows shell. Answer: True 2. A(n) is a program that runs in the background to support or serve Windows or an application. Answer: service 3. A(n) on the desktop is an icon that points to a program you can execute, or to a file or folder. Answer: shortcut 4. Manager is your primary Windows tool when solving problems with hardware. Answer: Device Class Discussion Topics 1. Refer to Figure 2-1. Would it be possible to shift the responsibility of hardware resource management from the operating system to an application, such as Microsoft Word? If possible, would such a task reassignment be desirable or feasible? 2. Compare and contrast the two tools used to interact with an operating system: a graphical user interface (GUI) and a command console. To what extent has the GUI tool replaced the command console? Is there still a need to master both tools? 3. Why do all major operating systems include a shell layer between the application and user on one end and the kernel on the other? 4. Refer to Figure 2-23, which illustrates the relationship among the application, the operating system, and device drivers. Would it be feasible to shift the responsibilities of device drivers to the application layer? What are the disadvantages of assigning device driver responsibilities to an application?
A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining your PC, 6e 2-13 5. What are the major advantages to running operating systems in the protected mode? Are there are performance tradeoffs associated with using a protected mode over a real mode? Additional Projects 1. Research the specifications for the first version of PC-DOS and those for Windows XP Professional. Determine how many lines of code were used to implement each system. Based on these figures, contrast the development and maintenance requirements for each system. Report your results in 1-2 paragraphs. 2. The operating system kernel in Windows NT completely replaced the DOS core in Windows 9x/Me. Research Microsoft's rationale for overhauling the design of the OS core. List 3-5 features in the Windows NT core that represent an improvement over the DOS core. 3. Identify 3-5 services provided by the New Technology file system (NTFS) that are not provided by any of the FAT (File Allocation Table) systems. Are there any circumstances where FAT32 would be preferred to NTFS? Summarize you findings in 1-2 paragraphs. 4. Because the first operating systems offering protected mode were binary compatible with real mode code, it was theoretically possible for them support real mode applications. Identify 3-5 rules that DOS (16-bit) applications were required to obey in order to run in protected mode. Were the rules followed or violated? Explain your answer in 1 paragraph. Additional Resources 1. DOS description and developmental timeline http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/dos 2. Microsoft's home page for Windows XP http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/default.mspx 3. Information about Linux http://www.linux.org/ 4. Information about Mac OS X http://www.apple.com/macosx/ 5. Overview of Operating System Functions http://computer.howstuffworks.com/operating-system.htm
A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining your PC, 6e 2-14 Key Terms child directory: Another term for a subdirectory. cluster: One or more sectors that constitute the smallest unit of space on a disk for storing data (also referred to as a file allocation unit). Files are written to a disk as groups of whole clusters. CMOS setup: (1) The CMOS configuration chip. (2) The program in system BIOS that can change the values in CMOS RAM. desktop: The initial screen that is displayed when an OS has a GUI interface loaded. device driver: A program stored on the hard drive that tells the computer how to communicate with an input/output device such as a printer or modem. directory table: An OS table that contains file information such as the name, size, time and date of last modification, and cluster number of the file s beginning location. file allocation table (FAT): A table on a hard drive or floppy disk that tracks the clusters used to contain file. file extension: A three-character portion of the name of a file that is used to identify the file type. In command lines, the file extension follows the filename and is separated from it by a period. For example, Msd.exe, where exe is the file extension. file system: The overall structure that an OS uses to name, store, and organize files on a disk. Examples of file systems are FAT32 and NTFS. filename: The first part of the name assigned to a file. In DOS, the filename can be no more than eight characters long and is followed by the file extension. In Windows, a filename can be up to 255 characters. folder: another term for directory or subdirectory. graphical user interface (GUI): A core Windows component responsible for building graphics data to display or print. A GDI printer relies on Windows to construct a page to print and then receives the constructed page as bitmap data. initialization files: Configuration information files for Windows. System.ini is one of the most important Windows 9x/Me initialization files. kernel: The portion of an OS that is responsible for interacting with the hardware. logical drive: A portion or all of a hard drive partition that is treated by the operating system as though it were a physical drive. Each logical drive is assigned a drive letter, such as drive C, and contains a file system. Also called a volume. long mode: A CPU processing mode that processes 64 bits at a time. The AMD Athlon 64 and the Intel Itaninum CPUs use this mode. multitasking: Doing more than one thing at a time. A true multitasking system requires two or more CPUs, each processing a different thread at the same time. Compare to cooperative multitasking and preemptive multitasking. New Technology file system (NTFS): The file system for the Windows NT/2000/XP operating systems. NTFS cannot be accessed by other operating systems such as DOS. It provides increased reliability and security in comparison to other methods of organizing and accessing files. There are several versions of NTFS that might or might not be compatible. operating system (OS): Software that controls a computer. An OS controls how system resources are used and provides a user interface, a way of managing hardware and software, and ways to work with files. partition: A division of a hard drive that can be used to hold logical drives.
A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining your PC, 6e 2-15 path: (1) A drive and list of directories pointing to a file such as C:\Windows\command. (2) The OS command to provide a list of paths to the system for finding program files to execute. preemptive multitasking: A type of pseudo-multitasking whereby the CPU allows an application a specified period of time and then preempts the processing to give time to another application. protected mode: An operating mode that supports preemptive multitasking, the OS manages memory and other hardware devices, and programs can use a 32-bit data path. Also called 32-bit mode. real mode: A single-tasking operating mode whereby a program can use 1024 K of memory addresses, has direct access to RAM, and uses a16-bit data path. Using a memory extender (Himem.sys) a program in real mode can access memory above 1024 K. Also called 16-bit mode. registry: A database that Windows uses to store hardware and software configuration information, user preferences, and setup information. root directory: The main directory created when a hard drive or disk is first formatted. In Linux, it s indicated by a forward slash. In DOS and Windows, it s indicated by a backward slash. sector: On a disk surface one segment of a track, which almost always contains 512 bytes of data. service: A program that runs in the background to support or serve Windows or an application. shell: The portion of an OS that relates to the user and to applications. shortcut: An icon on the desktop that points to a program that can be executed or to a file or folder. startup BIOS: Part of system BIOS that is responsible for controlling the PC when it is first turned on. Startup BIOS gives control over to the OS once it is loaded. subdirectory: A directory or folder contained in another directory or folder. Also called a child directory or folder. system BIOS: The bus between the CPU and memory on the motherboard. The bus frequency in documentation is called the system speed, such as 400 MHz. Also called the memory bus, front-side bus, local bus, or host bus. system tray: An area to the right of the taskbar hat holds the icons for running services; these services include the volume control and network connectivity. taskbar: A bar normally located at the bottom of the Windows desktop, displaying information about open programs and providing quick access to others. track: One of many concentric circles on the surface of a hard drive or floppy disk. volume: another term for a logical drive.
Chapter 2 Assessment Preparation & Answer Key Table of contents Introduction 3 End of chapter exams 3 Mid-term and Final exams 3 Item/question documentation 4 Chapter 2 Answer Key 5 FOR TEXTBOOK: Course Technology A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC, Sixth Edition, Comprehensive by Jean Andrews. ISBN 0619217588.
dtimetrics Assessment Preparation Release 1.0 COPYRIGHT 2008 dti Publishing Corp. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this work may be reproduced, transcribed, or used in any form or by any means geographic, electronic, or mechanical, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, taping, Web distribution, or information storage and retrieval systems without the prior written permission of the publisher. For more information contact: dti Publishing Corp. 1662 Bonanza Drive Suite 3A Park City, UT 84060 Or find us on the web at www.dtipublishing.com Trademarks dtimetrics is a trademark of dti Publishing Corp. CertBlaster is a registered trademark of dti Publishing Corp. Course Technology is a registered trademark of Cengage Inc. A+ is a registered trademark of CompTIA Microsoft is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Disclaimers dti Publishing reserves the right to revise this publication and make changes from time to time in its content without notice. 2
Introduction dtimetrics Assessment System is a powerful tool that delivers technology enhanced support to educators like you who use textbooks. Using the latest proven technologies, dtimetrics Assessment System streamlines the testing and reporting processes essential to meeting today s academic demands. The exam questions described and answered in this text have been tailored for the A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC, Sixth Edition, Comprehensive by Jean Andrews. ISBN 0619217588. Publisher: Cengage, Course Technology. For maximum success in the classroom we recommend you use following procedure: A) Before teaching the chapter: Perform a quick review of these questions prior to teaching the chapter B) While teaching the chapter: Keep the questions handy to make sure all topics are covered as you teach the corresponding content C) After administering the chapter exam: Use the answer key to verify the accuracy of the student s response in the event of a challenge to a grade or question. Remember that dtimetrics enables you to override a grade if necessary These exams follow the Best Practices and conventions as applied by CompTIA for all their tests. Multiple choice single answer questions always provide for four answer alternatives with clickable radio buttons. Multiple choice multiple answer questions provide for a minimum of five answer alternatives if there are two correct answers and a minimum of six answer alternatives if there are three correct answers. These are answered with clickable check boxes. Capitalized negatives as in everything EXCEPT or which one is NOT. Interactive tasks such as bull s eye and drag and drop all mimic the A+ exam format as applied by CompTIA. End of chapter exams The end of chapter exams (22 in all), contain 37-39 questions each. The exception to this is the chapter 22 exam (a significantly shorter chapter) that contains 29 questions. Of this total, you will find between 4 and 15 interactive questions in each depending on how well these integrate with the content in the chapter. The examination time is set to 45 min for all end of chapter exam with the exception of chapter 22 that is set to 30 min. Mid-term and Final exams Additionally one mid-term and one final exam are available. These contain 52 questions each and examination time is 60 min. The mid-term exam covers content taught in chapters 1 11. Chapters 1 14 and 17 22 are covered in the final exam. Chapters 15 and 16 are excluded from this exam because they are not mapped to the A+ exam. Although, these chapters offer excellent foundational content (and we still include end of chapter exams for these chapters) some instructors, when pressed for time, may on 3
occasion skip these chapters and we did not want the students to be penalized in that situation. To make the mid-term and final exam questions as relevant as possible to the A+ exams, all questions in those two exams map to one of the textbook s A+ Exam Tip. Item/question documentation In this document you will first find the question. If multiple answers are required this is noted in parenthesis. Correct answers are in bold. The reference to the text where this topic is taught follows. Finally is the A+ objective(s) relevant to this question. Interactive bull s eye questions will be displayed in this answer key by their graphic and an arrow or other marker showing the spot declared to be the correct answer. Interactive drag and drop questions will be displayed in this answer key by their graphic and the texts on their respective labels as per the correct answer. Designed with the instructor s needs in mind, dtimetrics Assessment System instantly analyzes test data and provides results so that you can readily identify effective teaching techniques and intervene promptly to address learning gaps. This multi-purpose system generates a variety of useful reports: The student s Remediation Plan The average class grade The class matrix The individual student s performance per learning objective We hope you will find dtimetrics Assessment System frees you up for more teaching time while helping you maximize your classroom performance. Comments or questions? dti Publishing Corp. 1662 Bonanza Drive Suite 3A Park City, UT 84060 Or find us on the web at www.dtipublishing.com 4
Chapter 2 Answer Key 1. Which OS does these recommended system requirements apply to? 133 MHz Pentium-compatible processor - 2 GB hard drive with at least 650 MB free space - 64 MB RAM. Windows 95 Windows NT Windows 2000 Windows XP Chapter 2, page 39 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 2. Which of the following Windows XP versions are the most important? (Choose two) Windows XP Home Edition Windows XP Media Center Edition Windows XP Tablet PC Edition Windows XP Professional Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Chapter 2, page 41 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 3. Drag the correct items from the bottom and drop them into their respective fields. 64 MB 1.5 GB 233 MHz 96 MB 108 MB 2.5 GB 3.5 GB 133 MHz 200 MHz Chapter 2, page 41 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 4. The Linux operating system is the most popular for use on. 5
desktops servers mainframes laptops Chapter 2, page 42 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 5. The Mac operating system is most popular in which of the following areas? (Choose three) Database management Education Accounting applications Desktop publishing Graphics markets Statistical analysis Chapter 2, page 44 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 6. Which of the following is true of X Windows? It is Microsoft s next release of its popular operating System It is a GUI shell for Unix and/or Linux It is a GUI shell for MAC and/or Apple It is IBM s next competitive product targeted at Microsoft s customers Chapter 2, page 43 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 7. Which of the following is NOT a function of the operating system? Managing your files Managing your hardware Managing your applications Managing your graphics Chapter 2, page 45 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 8. The shell acts primarily on which of the following? Applications Hardware Devices 6
Random access memory Chapter 2, page 45 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 9. The kernel acts primarily on which of the following? Applications Hardware Burning CDs Commands to applications Chapter 2, page 45 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 10. Which of the following are directories? (Choose two) Files Disks Subdirectories Path Folders Chapter 2, page 48 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 & 220-602 Test objective 3.1 11. Drag the correct items from the bottom and drop them into their respective fields. Track Sector Chapter 2, page 48 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 & 220-602 Test objective 3.1 12. C:\ is: A physical drive A subdirectory on a logical drive A logical drive root directory A folder on a logical drive 7
Chapter 2, page 48 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 & 220-602 Test objective 3.1 13. What is a root directory? A single directory table that is placed on a logical drive when it is formatted A single directory table that is placed on a physical drive when it is formatted A single directory table that is placed in a subfolder when a logical drive is formatted A single directory table that is placed in a subfolder when a physical drive is formatted Chapter 2, page 48 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 & 220-602 Test objective 3.1 14. What does the character set.doc represent? A folder extension A file extension A subdirectory extension The root directory Chapter 2, page 49 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 & 220-602 Test objective 3.1 15.Up until, and including the Windows XP operating system, a file extension in DOS or Windows never contains more than: Eight characters Six characters Three characters One character Chapter 2, page 49 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 & 220-602 Test objective 3.1 16. Two logical drives on one single hard drive must be formatted using the same file system: Either both use NTFS or both use FAT32 but they can t be mixed on the same physical drive. True False Chapter 2, page 49 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 & 220-602 Test objective 3.1 8
17. Of below five alternatives, which are two common ways to load an application? (Choose two) Use a shortcut icon Use the Internet Use the command line interface Use Google Use the Start menu Chapter 2, page 52 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 18. Of below five alternatives, which are two common ways to load an application? (Choose two) Use the Run command Use Internet Explorer Use Windows Explorer Use the command line interface Use the Internet Chapter 2, page 52 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 19. Which of the following is NOT a CPU operating mode? 16-bit 32-bit 48-bit 64-bit Chapter 2, page 53 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 20. Which of the following CPU operating modes is referred to as the long mode? 16-bit 32-bit 48-bit 64-bit Chapter 2, page 53 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 21. Which of the following CPU operating modes is referred to as the protected mode? 16-bit 9
32-bit 48-bit 64-bit Chapter 2, page 53 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 22. Which of the following CPU operating modes is referred to as the real mode? 16-bit 32-bit 48-bit 64-bit Chapter 2, page 53 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 23. Why are computers today using device drivers rather than the BIOS to manage devices? The BIOS is less reliable The BIOS does not manage hardware Device drivers are faster Device drivers are easier to configure Chapter 2, page 58 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 24. The OS can in some circumstances temporarily store some data used as RAM on a hard drive. When this happens we call that: Read only memory Secondary storage Virtual memory Temporary swap Chapter 2, page 59 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 25. When there is insufficient RAM and an OS uses the hard drive to store data or instructions used as RAM, the resulting file is called a: (Choose two) Data file Swap file System file Page file Registry file 10
Chapter 2, page 59 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 26. Drag the correct items from the bottom and drop them into their respective fields. Pinned programs Recently used programs Chapter 2, page 60 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 27. The exhibit shows the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window. What can you see in the red box? A folder added to the taskbar An open application Quick Launch icons Swap files 11
Chapter 2, page 63 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 28. Drag the correct items from the bottom and drop them into their respective fields. Quick launch icon(s) Open application(s) Service(s) running now Chapter 2, page 63 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 & 220-602 Test objective 3.1 29. The system tray is: In the system folder and stores data for running services On the taskbar and displays icons quick launch of applications In the system folder and stores data that enable quick launch of applications On the taskbar and displays icons for running services Chapter 2, page 64 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 30. You aim to create a new folder named Chapter 1 under a folder named My documents you first click the My Documents folder. Then click the File menu and select New, and you select Folder from the submenu that appears. What is now the name of the folder you just created? Chapter 1 Chapter New Folder New File Chapter 2, page 69 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 & 220-602 Test objective 3.1 12
31. Which of the following file extensions does Windows XP hide by default? (Choose three).exe.doc.xls.com.sys.ppt Chapter 2, page 71 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 & 220-602 Test objective 3.1 32. To access the Control Panel in Windows 2000 you need to: Click Start, Settings, and Control Panel Click Start, Properties, and then click Control Panel Click Start and then click Control Panel Click Start, My Computer and then click Control Panel Chapter 2, page 72 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 & 220-602 Test objective 3.1 33. To access the Control Panel in Windows XP you need to: Click Start, Settings, and Control Panel Click Start, Properties, and then click Control Panel Click Start and then click Control Panel Click Start, My Computer and then click Control Panel Chapter 2, page 72 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 & 220-602 Test objective 3.1 34. Which of the following is your main Windows tool to use when solving problems with hardware? My Computer Device Manager Control Panel The registry Chapter 2, page 73 A+ 220-602 Test objectives 3.1 and 3.3 35. The exhibit shows an incomplete window (the title bar is hidden), which of the following utilities does it show? 13
The system properties The driver manager The device manager The control panel Chapter 2, page 74 A+ 220-602 Test objectives 3.1 and 3.3 36. In Device Manager an exclamation point on a yellow background indicates: That the device is disabled A problem with the device That automatic settings were not used That an incompatible driver is installed Chapter 2, page 74 A+ 220-602 Test objectives 3.1 and 3.3 37. Launching Msinfo32.exe will open: The Microsoft FAT32 table The Device Manager The System Information utility None of the above Chapter 2, page 76 A+ 220-602 Test objectives 3.1 and 3.3 14
Final Exam Assessment Preparation & Answer Key Table of contents Introduction 3 End of chapter exams 3 Mid-term and Final exams 3 Item/question documentation 4 Final Exam Answer Key 5 FOR TEXTBOOK: Course Technology A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC, Sixth Edition, Comprehensive by Jean Andrews. ISBN 0619217588.
dtimetrics Assessment Preparation Release 1.0 COPYRIGHT 2008 dti Publishing Corp. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this work may be reproduced, transcribed, or used in any form or by any means geographic, electronic, or mechanical, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, taping, Web distribution, or information storage and retrieval systems without the prior written permission of the publisher. For more information contact: dti Publishing Corp. 1662 Bonanza Drive Suite 3A Park City, UT 84060 Or find us on the web at www.dtipublishing.com Trademarks dtimetrics is a trademark of dti Publishing Corp. CertBlaster is a registered trademark of dti Publishing Corp. Course Technology is a registered trademark of Cengage Inc. A+ is a registered trademark of CompTIA Microsoft is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Disclaimers dti Publishing reserves the right to revise this publication and make changes from time to time in its content without notice. 2
Introduction dtimetrics Assessment System is a powerful tool that delivers technology enhanced support to educators like you who use textbooks. Using the latest proven technologies, dtimetrics Assessment System streamlines the testing and reporting processes essential to meeting today s academic demands. The exam questions described and answered in this text have been tailored for the A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC, Sixth Edition, Comprehensive by Jean Andrews. ISBN 0619217588. Publisher: Cengage, Course Technology. For maximum success in the classroom we recommend you use following procedure: A) Before teaching the chapter: Perform a quick review of these questions prior to teaching the chapter B) While teaching the chapter: Keep the questions handy to make sure all topics are covered as you teach the corresponding content C) After administering the chapter exam: Use the answer key to verify the accuracy of the student s response in the event of a challenge to a grade or question. Remember that dtimetrics enables you to override a grade if necessary These exams follow the Best Practices and conventions as applied by CompTIA for all their tests. Multiple choice single answer questions always provide for four answer alternatives with clickable radio buttons. Multiple choice multiple answer questions provide for a minimum of five answer alternatives if there are two correct answers and a minimum of six answer alternatives if there are three correct answers. These are answered with clickable check boxes. Capitalized negatives as in everything EXCEPT or which one is NOT. Interactive tasks such as bull s eye and drag and drop all mimic the A+ exam format as applied by CompTIA. End of chapter exams The end of chapter exams (22 in all), contain 37-39 questions each. The exception to this is the chapter 22 exam (a significantly shorter chapter) that contains 29 questions. Of this total, you will find between 4 and 15 interactive questions in each depending on how well these integrate with the content in the chapter. The examination time is set to 45 min for all end of chapter exam with the exception of chapter 22 that is set to 30 min. Mid-term and Final exams Additionally one mid-term and one final exam are available. These contain 52 questions each and examination time is 60 min. The mid-term exam covers content taught in chapters 1 11. Chapters 1 14 and 17 22 are covered in the final exam. Chapters 15 and 16 are excluded from this exam because they are not mapped to the A+ exam. Although, these chapters offer excellent foundational content (and we still include end of chapter exams for these chapters) some instructors, when pressed for time, may on occasion skip these chapters and we did not want the students to be penalized in that 3
situation. To make the mid-term and final exam questions as relevant as possible to the A+ exams, all questions in those two exams map to one of the textbook s A+ Exam Tip. Item/question documentation In this document you will first find the question. If multiple answers are required this is noted in parenthesis. Correct answers are in bold. The reference to the text where this topic is taught follows. Finally is the A+ objective(s) relevant to this question. Interactive bull s eye questions will be displayed in this answer key by their graphic and an arrow or other marker showing the spot declared to be the correct answer. Interactive drag and drop questions will be displayed in this answer key by their graphic and the texts on their respective labels as per the correct answer. Designed with the instructor s needs in mind, dtimetrics Assessment System instantly analyzes test data and provides results so that you can readily identify effective teaching techniques and intervene promptly to address learning gaps. This multi-purpose system generates a variety of useful reports: The student s Remediation Plan The average class grade The class matrix The individual student s performance per learning objective We hope you will find dtimetrics Assessment System frees you up for more teaching time while helping you maximize your classroom performance. Comments or questions? dti Publishing Corp. 1662 Bonanza Drive Suite 3A Park City, UT 84060 Or find us on the web at www.dtipublishing.com 4
Final Exam Answer Key 1. DIMM stands for Inline Memory Module. Answer: Dual Chapter 1, page 12 A+ 220-601 Test objective 1.1 2. Serial ATA connectors can support up to hard drive(s)? 1 2 4 8 Chapter 1, page 14 A+ 220-601 Test objective 1.1 3. 6. X Windows is the GUI shell for Unix and Linux? True False Chapter 2, page 43 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 4. Identify the Quick Launch Icons. Chapter 2, page 63 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 & 220-602 Test objective 3.1 5. What is the first step you should take when troubleshooting a PC before starting work on the actual machine? Evaluate change Power down Back up data Solve the problem Chapter 3, page 126 A+ 220-601 Test objective 1.3 5
6. Because there is a universal beep code chart you always know that two beeps always mean a memory problem. True False Chapter 3, page 132 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.3 & 220-602 Test objective 1.2 7. An ATX power supply can be used on a BTX motherboard. True False Chapter 4, page 147 A+ 220-601 Test objective 1.1 8. Power supplies for PCs typically range from watts for a large tower system down to watts for small desktop computer. 200-10 600-200 500-800 6000-2000 Chapter 4, page 169 A+ 220-602 Test objective 1.3 & 220-602 Test objective 1.2 9. Which of the following is a term used for memory cache on the outside of a processor chip? Internal cache Primary cache Level 2 (L2) cache. Level 1 (L1) cache. Chapter 5, page 188 A+ 220-601 Test objective 1.1 10. Sockets were used on older machines but today all processors are sold with slots. True False Chapter 5, page 201 A+ 220-601 Test objective 1.1 11. Enter the three letter acronym for the oldest motherboard form factor that uses the power connector shown. Answer: ATX 6
Chapter 6, page 228 A+ 220-601 Test objective 1.1 12. AMR and CNR are small slots that accommodate which of the following? Jumper settings Riser cards Parallel ports Memory Chapter 6, page 240 A+ 220-601 Test objective 1.1 13. Enter the four letter acronym for the memory module shown in the graphic. Answer: RIMM Chapter 7, pages 280 & 286 A+ 220-601 Test objective 1.1 7
14. What is the maximum size of a double-sided DIMM? 512 MB 1 GB 2 GB 4 GB Chapter 7, page 287 A+ 220-601 Test objective 1.1 & 220-602 Test objective 1.1 15. Enter the drive letter that would be assigned to the Floppy drive connected at the point shown on the cable. (Use Floppy 2.jpg) Answer: A Chapter 8, page 303 A+ 220-601 Test objective 1.1 16. Which statement best describes a SCSI host adapter? It is a card installed in an expansion slot It is a device that is built into the motherboard It is an external card connected to the parallel port It is an extension on the hard drive case Chapter 8, page 325 A+ 220-601 Test objective 1.1 17. To which of the following does the term native resolution best apply? A CRT monitor An LCD monitor A XVGA video card The maximum resolution Chapter 9, page 379 A+ 220-601 Test objective 1.1 and 1.2 & 220-602 Test objective 1.1 and 1.2 18. Which of the following devices most typically connects to a notebook using an infrared transmitter/receiver? A printer A PDA A keyboard A mouse Chapter 9, page 398 A+ 220-601 Test objective 1.1 and 2.1 & 220-602 Test objective 2.1 8
19. Another term for EIDE is: Serial ATA Parallel ATA SCSI interface Parallel IDE Chapter 10, page 461 A+ 220-601 Test objective 1.1 and 1.2 & 220-602 Test objective 1.1 20. Which of the following Raid levels is also called a mirrored volume? RAID 0 RAID 1 RAID 5 RAID 10 Chapter 10, page 481 A+ 220-601 Test objective 1.2 & 220-602 Test objective 1.1 21. A partition containing more than one drive is an extended partition. Answer: logical Chapter 11, page 507 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 & 220-602 Test objective 3.1 22. Following a Windows installation what should you install next? Office Applications User s programs Updates and patches Remote Desktop Chapter 11, page 532 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.2 & 220-602 Test objective 3.2 23. Microsoft has certified the device driver for this Wireless card. (Use Chapter 12 P 561 Device Properties.jpg) True False Chapter 12, page 563 A+ 220-601 Test objectives 1.3; 3.2 and 3.3 & 220-602 Test objectives 3.1; 3.2 and 3.3 9
24. In Windows 2000 which command would you type to launch the registry editor version that displays each key in a separate window? Sysinfo Regedt32 Regedit32 Regedit Chapter 12, page 598 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 & 220-602 Test objective 3.1 25. Which would be the best choice to restart a running service? Task Manager Msconfig Services Console Security Center Utility Manager Chapter 12, page 609 A+ 220-601 Test objectives 3.2 and 3.3 & 220-602 Test objective 3.2 26. What is the quickest way to launch a command window from the Start menu in Windows XP? (Choose two) Start > Run> type CMD Start> Accessories> System Tools> Command Prompt Start> Control Panel> Administrative Tools> Command Prompt Start> Open System32 folder and launch cmd.exe Start > Run> type CMD.exe Chapter 13, page 639 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 & 220-602 Test objective 3.1 27. When working at the command prompt what would you type to get help with the Xcopy command? Type the command to in the space provided. Help xcopy Chapter 13, page 640 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 & 220-602 Test objective 3.1 10
28. Working at the command prompt you need to save an older tax record file to a floppy disk for safekeeping. You also want to change the name to 2007tax.txt. The original file is C:\Taxes\mytaxes.txt. The destination is A:\taxes\. Copy C:\Taxes\mytaxes.txt A:\2007tax.txt Copy C:\Taxes\mytaxes.txt A:\taxes\2007tax.txt Copy C:\Taxes\*.txt A:\taxes\2007tax.txt Copy C:\Taxes\mytaxes.txt A:\taxes\2007tax.* Chapter 13, page 641 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.1 & 220-602 Test objective 3.1 29. Which of the choices is NOT a core component of the Win 32 subsystem? Win32.sys Cmd.exe Gdi32.dll User32.dll Chapter 14, page 688 A+ 220-601 Test objectives 3.1and 3.3 & 220-602 Test objective 3.3 30. Which command can create and delete partitions while in the recovery console? Format Fdisk Diskpart Dskpart Chapter 14, page 705 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.3 & 220-602 Test objectives 3.1 and 3.3 31. Your windows XP system boots to the desktop but then displays device driver errors. Which choice would you use to examine and fix the problem? Device Manager System Information Msconfig Services applet in Administrative tools Chapter 14, page 721 A+ 220-601 Test objective 3.3 & 220-602 Test objective 3.3 11
32. Match the cable system to its maximum cable length. Maximum Cable Lengths 10Base2 10Base5 100BaseT 100BaseFL 185 meters 500 meters 100 meters 2 kilometers Chapter 17, page 842 A+ 220-601 Test objective 5.1 & 220-602 Test objective 5.1 33. Match the cable system to the connector type. Cables System Connector Types 10Base2 10Base5 100BaseT 100BaseFL BNC AUI RJ-45 ST or SC Chapter 17, page 842 A+ 220-601 Test objective 5.1 & 220-602 Test objective 5.1 34. Which wireless Ethernet standard uses the 5.0 GHz frequency range? 802.11b 802.11a 802.11.g 802.11n Chapter 17, page 855 A+ 220-601 Test objectives 2.1; 5.1 and 6.1 & 220-602 Test objectives 2.1; 5.1; 6.2 and 6.3 35. Of the choices provided which protocol is fast and non-routable? TCP/IP IPX/SPX NetBEUI AppleTalk Chapter 17, page 865 A+ 220-601 Test objective 5.1 & 220-602 Test objective 5.1 36. A subnet mask that uses all ones or all zeroes in an octet is considered a classful subnet mask. True False Chapter 17, page 871 A+ 220-601 Test objective 5.1 & 220-602 Test objective 5.1 12
37. Match the protocol to the TCP/IP port number that is commonly assigned to it. Port Numbers : Protocols 20 FTP 25 SMTP 110 POP3 443 HTTPS Chapter 18, page 924 A+ 220-601 Test objective 5.1 & 220-602 Test objective 5.1 38. Which of the following is considered a connection-oriented protocol? TCP IP UDP IPX Chapter 18, page 926 A+ 220-601 Test objective 5.1 & 220-602 Test objective 5.1 39. At the Windows XP Command Prompt what command would you use to release the current IP address? Answer: Ipconfig /release Chapter 18, pagse 928-929 A+ 220-602 Test objectives 3.1 and 5.3 40. The SSL encryption system can be used to secure e-mail. True False Chapter 18, page 975 A+ 220-602 Test objective 5.1 41. Power-on passwords prevent unauthorized users from accessing your PC. Where do you set this password? Boot disk User Manager Boot.ini CMOS 13
Chapter 19, page 1000 A+ 220-601 Test objectives 1.1; 6.1 and 6.2 & 220-602 Test objectives 6.1; 6.2 and 6.3 42. Moving an encrypted file from your NTFS to a flash drive with using the FAT file system will produce which of the results shown? Encryption will be lost Move will be denied File will be inaccessible in FAT file system File contents will be unreadable Chapter 19, page 1019 A+ 220-601 Test objectives 6.1 and 6.2 & 220-602 Test objectives 3.1; 6.2 and 6.3 43. Activities like Phishing, scams and hoaxes are aimed at getting individuals to compromise sensitive data. One term is used to identify this collection of activities.what is the term? Social Engineering Chapter 19, page 1021 A+ 220-601 Test objectives 6.1 and 6.2 & 220-602 Test objective 6.4 44. Tracking logon failures will increase system security. Where do you make this change? Chapter 19, page 1027 14