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Question 21
A technician needs to install an operating system on several PCs without using physical media. Which method should the technician use?
A) PXE boot
B) DVD installation
C) USB thumb drive
D) CMOS reset
Answer: A)
Explanation:
PXE boot is designed specifically for installing operating systems over a network without relying on physical installation media. It allows a computer to connect to a network server that hosts installation files and begin the OS deployment process directly through its network interface. This method is commonly used in enterprise environments where large numbers of machines must be imaged or updated efficiently. Because this method does not require discs or USB drives and instead relies on centralized deployment, it fits perfectly with the scenario described.
DVD installation requires physical media and an optical drive. Many modern computers no longer include DVD drives, and even if they did, this method requires handling discs for each machine. For environments deploying an OS across several systems, relying on discs is slow, inefficient, and inconsistent. Since the question specifically seeks a method without physical media, this choice does not apply.
USB thumb drives are a convenient way to install an OS on individual machines. However, this still counts as physical media because the technician must insert the USB drive into each PC. Although USB installations are faster than DVDs, they still require manual interaction with each computer, which is inefficient when deploying to several systems. Therefore, it does not solve the requirement of avoiding physical media.
CMOS reset clears BIOS settings or restores them to default values. This action is usually performed for troubleshooting configuration or startup issues. A CMOS reset does not install an operating system, deploy system images, or assist in preparing multiple PCs for installation. It is unrelated to the process of installing an OS over a network.
The correct solution is the method designed to allow installation on many computers without using discs or USB drives, making it the most suitable approach for a technician who needs a non-physical, scalable installation method.
Question 22
A user reports that their laptop’s touchscreen is not responding to touch, although the display appears normal. What should the technician check FIRST?
A) Touchscreen driver
B) Screen refresh rate
C) BIOS password
D) Color calibration
Answer: A
Explanation:
Touchscreen driver issues commonly cause unresponsive touch input even when the display portion is functioning correctly. Touchscreens rely on a separate input driver independent from the display driver. If this driver is corrupted, outdated, or missing after an update, the touch functionality may stop working. Checking the driver status is a quick and direct first step because it immediately reveals whether the system recognizes the touch interface. This makes it highly relevant to the problem described.
Screen refresh rate relates to how often the screen updates its image. Adjusting refresh rate can solve issues like flickering or motion performance problems, but it does not affect touch responsiveness. Even with an incorrect refresh rate, the touchscreen detection hardware remains unaffected, and the problem described would persist. Because the issue centers on user interaction, not visual performance, refresh rate is not the correct first check.
BIOS password affects access to firmware settings but has no relation to touchscreen functionality. A touchscreen failure occurring after system updates or normal usage would not be tied to password-protected BIOS settings. Whether or not a BIOS password is set, touchscreen responsiveness is handled entirely through the operating system and its associated drivers.
Color calibration affects the accuracy of screen colors and display rendering. Calibration errors may cause discoloration, tint issues, or uneven brightness, but they never interfere with touch detection. Touch input relies on the digitizer hardware and related software, which function independently of color settings.
The most logical initial action is checking whether the touchscreen input driver is installed and functioning. Driver problems are among the most common causes of unresponsive touchscreens, especially after system updates or changes in device software.
Question 23
A technician needs to set up a RAID 1 configuration. What is the primary benefit of this setup?
A) Increased write speed
B) Fault tolerance
C) Triple-drive redundancy
D) Hot-swappable memory
Answer: B
Explanation:
Fault tolerance is the primary advantage of RAID 1. This configuration mirrors data identically across two drives, meaning if one drive fails, the other retains a complete and functional copy. Users can continue working uninterrupted, and data loss risk is greatly reduced. RAID 1 focuses on protection and reliability rather than performance, making fault tolerance its key benefit.
Increased write speed is not a main advantage of RAID 1. In fact, because data must be written to two drives simultaneously, write performance is often similar to or slightly slower than a single drive. RAID 1 prioritizes redundancy rather than performance enhancements, so speed improvements are not the primary benefit.
Triple-drive redundancy does not apply to RAID 1. That level of redundancy is found in more complex RAID setups, such as RAID 6, which require additional drives. RAID 1 uses two drives only. Because triple-drive configurations belong to different RAID levels, this characteristic is unrelated to RAID 1’s functionality.
Hot-swappable memory is a feature that pertains to server-grade systems with specialized hardware, allowing RAM to be replaced while the system is running. RAID 1 deals with storage drives, not memory modules, and does not enable hot-swapping RAM. This choice falls outside the scope of RAID storage technologies.
The core purpose of RAID 1 is data protection through mirroring, ensuring availability even if one drive experiences failure.
Question 24
A technician is installing a new wireless access point and wants to ensure that devices can automatically switch to the strongest signal when roaming. Which feature must be configured?
A) Same SSID
B) Static IP assignment
C) Port forwarding
D) AP isolation
Answer: A
Explanation:
Using the same SSID across multiple access points enables seamless roaming. When multiple APs broadcast the same network name, security settings, and authentication type, client devices can automatically move from one AP to another without requiring manual reconnection. This allows users to walk around a building and maintain a consistent network experience as their device selects the strongest available signal. This configuration is foundational to enterprise-level Wi-Fi roaming and is essential for achieving smooth transitions.
Static IP assignment provides manually configured IP addresses to devices. While this can be useful in some network scenarios, it does not support or influence roaming behavior. Devices roaming between access points are better served by DHCP, which dynamically assigns addresses. Static addressing does not determine how devices switch between wireless signals and contributes nothing to roaming capability.
Port forwarding is used primarily for directing inbound traffic from a router to a specific device on a network. It is commonly used in gaming, hosting services, or remote access configurations. This setting applies to WAN-to-LAN traffic, not AP-to-client roaming behavior. Wireless roaming is unaffected by port forwarding rules.
AP isolation prevents wireless clients on the same network from communicating with each other directly. It is typically used to secure guest networks, ensuring users cannot access each other’s devices. This setting actually makes roaming less functional in some cases and does not assist in switching between APs.
The correct feature is the matching network name and settings, allowing devices to seamlessly roam between APs based on signal strength.
Question 25
A user reports that their computer boots slowly and frequently accesses the disk at 100%. The system uses a traditional HDD. What upgrade would MOST improve performance?
A) Add more case fans
B) Install an SSD
C) Replace the CPU
D) Increase monitor refresh rate
Answer: B
Explanation:
Installing an SSD provides a dramatic performance improvement compared to traditional HDDs. HDDs rely on spinning platters and mechanical read heads, which significantly slow down data retrieval and system responsiveness. SSDs, using flash memory, access data almost instantly with no moving parts. Boot times shorten dramatically, applications launch faster, and overall system performance becomes noticeably smoother. Replacing an HDD with an SSD is one of the most impactful upgrades for slow systems.
Adding more case fans helps improve airflow and cooling but does not enhance disk performance or reduce 100% disk usage. Even if the system runs cooler, the mechanical limitations of HDDs remain unchanged. Cooling improvements cannot address the root cause of slow disk operations.
Replacing the CPU may improve processing speed but will not substantially help if the bottleneck is disk access. When the drive is saturated performing read/write operations, faster processors remain idle waiting for data. CPU upgrades are most beneficial when tasks require heavy computation, not storage-bound operations.
Increasing the monitor refresh rate affects only the visual output, not system speed or storage performance. A higher refresh rate may make animations smoother but does nothing to reduce disk usage or improve boot times. It has no effect on internal hardware operations involving data access.
Upgrading to an SSD directly resolves the bottleneck created by mechanical disk limitations, delivering the largest improvement in speed for the symptoms described.
Question 26
A user’s smartphone fails to charge when connected to a wall adapter, but it charges normally when plugged into a computer. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Faulty wall adapter
B) Incorrect time zone
C) Damaged SIM card
D) Airplane mode enabled
Answer: A
Explanation:
A faulty wall adapter is the most likely cause when a smartphone charges normally via a computer but not through a wall outlet. Charging through a computer uses a separate power source, and the fact that the phone charges in that situation demonstrates that the cable and the phone’s charging circuitry are functioning. Wall adapters can fail due to internal faults, overheating, or electrical surges. When they fail, they no longer convert AC power into the appropriate DC output required for charging. Because everything else works, the adapter is the probable point of failure.
Incorrect time zone settings do not influence charging capability. Time and date adjustments only affect displayed information and scheduling applications. Even with completely incorrect time settings, a phone will still charge normally. Therefore, this cannot explain the charging discrepancy.
A damaged SIM card impacts cellular connectivity, not power input. A malfunctioning SIM may result in loss of service or inability to authenticate with the carrier, but it does not affect the charging port or the device’s ability to receive power from an adapter or computer. Charging issues and SIM issues are unrelated.
Airplane mode disables wireless transmitters such as cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, but does not prevent a device from charging. Phones charge normally with airplane mode activated. Even if all wireless radios are off, the battery charging function remains unaffected, making this an incorrect explanation.
The most logical cause is the malfunctioning power adapter differing in behavior from the computer’s power output.
Question 27
A technician replaces a user’s keyboard, but some keys type multiple characters when pressed once. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) High repeat rate settings
B) Incorrect GPU settings
C) DHCP misconfiguration
D) Bad monitor connection
Answer: A
Explanation:
High repeat rate settings in the operating system cause keys to register multiple inputs when held down too long or when the sensitivity is set excessively high. If the repeat delay is configured incorrectly, even a quick tap can register multiple characters. This directly matches the symptom described and is one of the most common causes of repeated keystrokes following keyboard replacement or system configuration changes.
Incorrect GPU settings relate to video performance, rendering, and display output. GPU misconfigurations do not affect keyboard input responses. Even severe graphical issues would not cause keys to repeat characters unexpectedly, making this irrelevant to the behavior described.
DHCP misconfiguration affects network addressing and connectivity. While it can cause failures connecting to the internet or local devices, it has no influence on how the keyboard registers input. Keyboard behavior is unrelated to IP addressing or network services.
A bad monitor connection affects video display quality, such as flickering, no signal errors, or color distortion. It cannot cause keystrokes to generate repeated characters. Since monitor wiring is completely separate from keyboard input handling, this explanation does not relate to the described issue.
The issue best aligns with system keyboard settings controlling the delay and speed of repeated key inputs, making this the correct explanation.
Question 28
A user reports they cannot connect to any secure websites, but non-secure websites load normally. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Incorrect system date
B) Faulty keyboard
C) Empty recycle bin
D) Low speaker volume
Answer: A
Explanation:
Incorrect system date frequently causes failures when connecting to secure websites. HTTPS relies on SSL/TLS certificates with strict expiration and validity dates. If the system clock is significantly incorrect—either too far ahead or behind—certificates appear invalid, and browsers block secure connections. Because non-secure sites do not require certificate verification, they load normally, producing exactly the pattern described. Correcting the date usually resolves this immediately.
A faulty keyboard does not affect HTTPS connections. Even if the keyboard malfunctions, it cannot prevent secure websites from loading. Input devices have no relationship with SSL/TLS validation requirements, so typing problems do not explain the issue.
Empty recycle bin simply removes deleted files permanently and has no effect on internet connectivity or website encryption. Clearing the recycle bin does not alter browser settings, certificate stores, or network behavior. It is unrelated to secure site access.
Low speaker volume affects only audio output. Whether sound is muted has absolutely no bearing on web security, certificate validation, or the ability to access secure sites. The inability to load HTTPS websites cannot be influenced by volume settings.
The described symptoms map directly to certificate validation failure caused by an incorrect system clock, making this the most likely cause.
Question 29
A user reports that their desktop frequently emits long beeps during startup and does not boot. What does this MOST likely indicate?
A) RAM failure
B) Print spooler crash
C) Incorrect wallpaper resolution
D) Browser cache full
Answer: A
Explanation:
RAM failure commonly triggers long or repeated beep codes during system startup. Motherboards use beep patterns to indicate hardware problems before video output initializes. Long beeps specifically are associated with memory errors, such as unseated DIMMs, incompatible modules, or faulty RAM sticks. Because the system does not boot and emits beeps before loading the OS, the issue lies in hardware initialization, making memory problems the most likely explanation.
Print spooler crashes are software-level errors within the operating system. Since the issue occurs before the OS loads, spooler services are not active yet, and they cannot produce beeping symptoms. A print spooler malfunction would not prevent the system from booting nor cause pre-boot beep patterns.
Incorrect wallpaper resolution affects cosmetic desktop appearance only. It cannot produce audible beeping from system firmware or prevent the computer from starting. Users would encounter display issues after the system boots, not at startup, making this entirely unrelated.
Browser cache being full affects web browsing performance and loading behavior but cannot influence BIOS-level hardware initialization. Beep codes originate in firmware long before any browsers or caches become relevant. This choice has no connection to the described symptoms.
Long beeps during startup most directly correspond to a memory issue and point toward RAM as the likely failing component.
Question 30
A technician needs to increase storage capacity on a laptop that supports only a single internal drive. What is the MOST practical solution?
A) Replace the internal drive with a larger one
B) Install a second internal drive
C) Add a PCIe expansion card
D) Increase CPU core count
Answer: A
Explanation:
Replacing the internal drive with a larger one is the most practical solution when a laptop supports only a single internal drive bay. This allows the user to increase storage capacity without needing additional internal mounting locations. Technicians often clone the existing drive to a larger SSD or HDD to preserve the user’s data and applications. This method is straightforward, cost-effective, and supported by virtually all laptops regardless of their internal expansion limitations.
Installing a second internal drive is not feasible if the laptop physically lacks the necessary drive bay or connector. Many ultrabooks and compact laptops include only one drive slot, making this impossible. Since the system only supports a single internal drive, attempting to add another is not a viable solution.
Adding a PCIe expansion card is something done inside desktop computers with full-size PCIe slots. Laptops do not provide standard PCIe expansion capabilities except for specific specialized mobile workstations. Even in rare cases, PCIe expansion cards typically add networking, graphics, or I/O capabilities—not internal storage bays. Therefore, this is not practical.
Increasing CPU core count improves processing power but does not affect storage capacity in any way. The number of cores a CPU has is unrelated to available disk space, and upgrading the CPU cannot solve storage limitation issues. It addresses performance rather than capacity.
The most effective and realistic solution is upgrading the existing drive to a higher-capacity model, making it the correct choice in the given scenario.
Question 31
A user reports that their laptop frequently loses Wi-Fi connectivity when they close the lid halfway. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Antenna placement
B) Wrong DNS settings
C) Low SSD space
D) Incorrect desktop theme
Answer: A
Explanation:
Antenna placement inside a laptop is usually embedded around the display bezel, making the Wi-Fi antenna position physically dependent on the angle of the screen. When a user partially closes the laptop lid, the internal antenna may be blocked or shifted into a position where the wireless signal becomes weaker. This degradation can cause intermittent connection drops, particularly when the lid is not fully open. Because the symptoms occur specifically when the lid is adjusted, antenna placement is the most logical explanation.
Wrong DNS settings may lead to slow browsing, inability to resolve website names, or connection errors to specific domains. However, DNS problems do not cause Wi-Fi disconnections triggered by physically moving the laptop lid. DNS issues occur independently of hardware positioning and therefore do not match the behavior described.
Low SSD space affects storage-related performance issues like slow application loading, inability to install updates, and system sluggishness. It does not influence Wi-Fi signal strength or cause connectivity loss tied to the laptop’s lid angle. Disk capacity has no bearing on wireless hardware functionality.
Incorrect desktop theme settings affect graphical appearance, colors, and visual interface elements. They do not impact wireless connectivity, nor do they respond to physical lid movement. Themes are entirely visual and unrelated to networking hardware.
The consistent loss of Wi-Fi connectivity only when the lid is partially closed directly suggests that the antenna is obstructed, repositioned, or losing optimal alignment due to its placement inside the laptop’s display area.
Question 32
A technician needs to reduce power consumption on a workstation without affecting performance during working hours. Which setting should they adjust?
A) Sleep timer
B) Processor thermal design
C) Video resolution
D) BIOS flash utility
Answer: A
Explanation:
Sleep timer settings control when the system enters low-power states during periods of inactivity. Adjusting the sleep timer allows the workstation to save power when not in use, without altering performance during active working hours. By setting appropriate idle intervals, the technician ensures energy savings while leaving operational performance unchanged. This setting is specifically intended for reducing power consumption in controlled ways.
Processor thermal design is a hardware specification that dictates how much heat the CPU can generate and how it must be dissipated. It cannot be “adjusted” in software and does not directly reduce power consumption. This value is fixed based on the CPU model and is not intended as a power-saving control. It plays no role in altering energy use during idle periods.
Video resolution affects display clarity and GPU load but is rarely adjusted to save power. Lower resolutions decrease graphical detail but do not significantly improve power savings on modern systems. More importantly, lowering resolution negatively impacts user experience and performance perception, violating the requirement to avoid performance impact during working hours.
The BIOS flash utility updates firmware on the motherboard. Firmware updates can improve stability or hardware compatibility but do not serve as a method to reduce power consumption. Running a BIOS update does not impact idle power behavior or working-hour performance.
The sleep timer is the setting designed to balance energy conservation with unchanged performance during active use, making it the appropriate choice.
Question 33
A technician replaces a user’s monitor, but the display now appears stretched and blurry. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Incorrect screen resolution
B) Faulty keyboard driver
C) Low speaker output
D) Outdated antivirus software
Answer: A
Explanation:
Incorrect screen resolution is the leading cause of stretched or blurry images on a monitor. When the resolution set in the operating system does not match the monitor’s native resolution, the display scales the image to fit, which results in distortion, stretched objects, and text clarity issues. Modern LCD monitors are designed to operate optimally at a specific resolution, and deviating from it produces the symptoms described.
A faulty keyboard driver affects typing input but has no relationship to display clarity or scaling. Keyboard driver failures may cause missed keystrokes or incorrect character output but do not distort visual images on a monitor. Since the issue is visual, keyboard functionality is irrelevant.
Low speaker output affects audio volume and quality only. Audio settings do not influence display resolution, scaling, or clarity. Even if the speakers were muted or malfunctioning, it would not cause a blurry or stretched image on the monitor.
Outdated antivirus software affects security but has no impact on how images are rendered on a display. Antivirus updates address vulnerabilities, not monitor performance. No antivirus setting alters screen resolution or changes the way graphics appear.
The symptoms described map exactly to a mismatch between the configured system resolution and the monitor’s native resolution, making this the most likely explanation.
Question 34
A technician needs to recover data from a laptop that will not power on. What should they do FIRST?
A) Remove the storage drive
B) Replace the CPU
C) Reflash the BIOS
D) Clean the keyboard
Answer: A
Explanation:
Removing the storage drive is the most reliable first step when a laptop fails to power on and data recovery is needed. The drive can be connected to another computer using a USB-to-SATA or USB-to-NVMe adapter, allowing direct access to its files. This method bypasses the trouble of diagnosing the laptop’s power or motherboard issues and focuses directly on the user’s primary need: retrieving data. It is both efficient and minimally invasive.
Replacing the CPU is a complex task requiring full disassembly of the laptop. CPU failure is rare compared to other hardware faults, and replacing it does not directly aid in data recovery. Even if the CPU were the cause of the power failure, it does not guarantee the system would function after replacement. It is not the correct first action when the goal is data retrieval.
Reflashing the BIOS requires the laptop to at least power on at a minimal level. If the laptop does not turn on at all, this step cannot be performed. Even if possible, it does not guarantee access to data and risks worsening the condition if the flash process fails. It is a risky and unrelated first step.
Cleaning the keyboard is irrelevant for power failures and has no bearing on data retrieval. Keyboards do not prevent a laptop from powering on unless severely damaged and shorting internal components, which would present different symptoms. Cleaning is a maintenance task, not a data recovery method.
The most direct path to retrieving user data is removing the storage drive and accessing it externally.
Question 35
A user states that their VPN connects successfully, but they cannot access internal company resources. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Incorrect DNS configuration
B) Monitor brightness too low
C) Faulty HDMI cable
D) Old print drivers
Answer: A
Explanation:
Incorrect DNS configuration is a common reason users cannot access internal company resources after connecting to a VPN. Many corporate networks require specific DNS servers to resolve internal hostnames. If the client computer continues to use public DNS servers instead of the company’s internal DNS, internal sites and servers will fail to resolve, even though the VPN tunnel is active. This leads to a situation where the VPN appears connected but internal resources remain unreachable.
Monitor brightness settings have no connection to VPN functionality. Brightness adjustments control only the visual output of the monitor and have no impact on network routing, DNS resolution, or VPN tunnel operation. Even if brightness is set incorrectly, the user would still be able to access internal resources normally.
A faulty HDMI cable affects video output from the computer to a monitor or TV. It does not interfere with networking, DNS resolution, or VPN protocols. A user might see connection status on screen, but video cabling has no role in determining whether company resources can be accessed over a VPN.
Old print drivers affect communication with printers but cannot influence DNS or VPN connectivity. Print driver issues would manifest as printing failures, not inability to access network resources through a VPN tunnel.
The described symptoms match DNS-related behavior: the tunnel is active, but internal hostnames cannot be resolved, making incorrect DNS the most likely explanation.
Question 36
A user reports that their desktop shuts down immediately when pressing the power button, with no fan movement or lights. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Failed power supply
B) Incorrect desktop background
C) Loose HDMI connector
D) Wrong browser homepage
Answer: A
Explanation:
A failed power supply is the most likely cause when pressing the power button yields no lights, no fan activity, and no startup signs. The power supply delivers the essential voltage to the motherboard and all components. If it is completely dead, the system cannot initiate any part of the boot process. This behavior directly corresponds with a non-responsive system at power-on and is a frequent point of failure in desktops.
Incorrect desktop backgrounds only affect visual aesthetics within the operating system and do not influence hardware powering on. Since the user cannot reach the OS at all, this choice is irrelevant to the problem. Wallpaper issues affect only functional systems, not those failing at the hardware power stage.
A loose HDMI connector affects display output but would not prevent fans, LEDs, or other components from powering up. Even with no display, fans would typically spin and LEDs would illuminate. The absence of all signs of life indicates a deeper hardware failure, not a monitor connection issue.
Wrong browser homepage affects only web browsing behavior and does not relate to system power. It cannot cause a computer to fail at the initial boot stage. Browser settings have no interaction with power delivery or motherboard initialization.
The lack of fan or LED activity indicates no power delivery, pointing directly to a failed PSU.
Question 37
A user states that their Bluetooth headset connects successfully but produces no sound. What should the technician check FIRST?
A) Default playback device
B) CPU thermal paste
C) BIOS secure boot
D) Virtual memory settings
Answer: A
Explanation:
Default playback device settings determine which audio device Windows uses for sound output. When connecting Bluetooth devices, the system may sometimes select a different audio profile or fail to switch automatically. If the Bluetooth headset is not set as the active playback device, sound continues playing through speakers or remains muted. Checking this setting is simple, fast, and commonly resolves the issue, making it the first step.
CPU thermal paste affects cooling performance but has no relationship to audio output. Even if thermal paste were failing, symptoms would involve overheating or throttling, not missing audio from a Bluetooth device. This is unrelated to headset sound functionality.
BIOS secure boot is a firmware security feature ensuring trusted boot components. It does not influence Bluetooth connectivity or audio playback. Even if secure boot were disabled or misconfigured, Bluetooth devices would still connect and should produce sound normally.
Virtual memory settings manage disk-based memory extension when RAM is scarce. While virtual memory can affect performance, it has no direct impact on audio routing or Bluetooth sound output. Devices would still play audio unless the playback device setting is incorrect.
The most straightforward and likely cause is that the system is not using the headset as the active audio device.
Question 38
A technician needs to set up remote access for a user to control their office computer from home. Which tool is MOST appropriate?
A) Remote Desktop Protocol
B) Disk Cleanup
C) Network printer sharing
D) Startup repair
Answer: A
Explanation:
Remote Desktop Protocol enables users to connect to and control another computer over a network. It provides full access to the remote system’s desktop, applications, and files, making it ideal for users who need to work on their office machine from home. It is widely used in business environments and is specifically designed for remote control functionality.
Disk Cleanup is a maintenance tool used to remove temporary files, system debris, and unnecessary data to free disk space. While useful for improving performance, it has no remote access capabilities. It cannot allow a user to operate another computer from home.
Network printer sharing allows multiple users to print to a single printer over a LAN. It is unrelated to accessing a remote computer’s desktop. Printer sharing does not provide remote control or file access capabilities.
Startup repair diagnoses boot problems on a local system. It cannot assist in remote connectivity or remote desktop control. Its purpose is limited to restoring a non-booting system locally.
The tool designed specifically to provide remote desktop control is the correct solution.
Question 39
A user reports that their laptop battery drains extremely quickly even when not running demanding applications. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Background applications
B) Damaged Ethernet cable
C) Incorrect screen saver
D) Faulty web browser extension
Answer: A
Explanation:
Background applications frequently cause excessive battery drain by consuming CPU cycles, memory, network resources, or disk operations even when the user is not actively running demanding programs. Some apps continue syncing, updating, or performing tasks silently. This matches the scenario where battery life drops despite seemingly light usage, making background processes a likely culprit.
A damaged Ethernet cable affects wired network connectivity, but laptops running on battery typically use Wi-Fi. Even if the Ethernet cable were damaged, it would not influence battery consumption. Battery drain occurs internally, unrelated to physical network cabling.
Incorrect screen saver settings only affect what appears on-screen but do not consume significant energy. Modern screensavers are lightweight and rarely draw substantial power. They would not drain the battery quickly unless displaying heavy animations, which the question does not suggest.
A faulty web browser extension may slow browsing performance or cause crashes but is unlikely to drain the battery quickly unless the extension continuously consumes resources. Even then, a single extension would not explain consistent rapid battery drain across multiple usage scenarios as effectively as numerous background processes would.
The most consistent and likely explanation is that many applications are running in the background and consuming power.
Question 40
A technician must ensure that important files stored on a workstation are protected from loss in case of a drive failure. Which solution is MOST appropriate?
A) Regular backups
B) Overclocking the CPU
C) Changing the monitor cable
D) Updating spreadsheet software
Answer: A
Explanation:
Regular backups, overclocking the CPU, changing the monitor cable, and updating spreadsheet software each play a crucial role in maintaining, optimizing, or safeguarding computer performance, and understanding them together provides a clearer picture of both system reliability and efficiency. Regular backups form the backbone of data protection by ensuring that important files, system configurations, and work documents are preserved in case of hardware failure, accidental deletion, cyberattacks, or corrupted software; without them, a single unexpected event could result in irreversible data loss, making automated, frequent backups an essential part of smart computing practices. Overclocking the CPU, on the other hand, focuses on boosting performance by pushing the processor beyond its factory-set speed limits, a technique often embraced by gamers, engineers, and power users who need faster computation for demanding applications; however, this method requires careful monitoring of temperatures, voltage adjustments, and quality cooling solutions because excessive heat or improper settings can cause instability, system crashes, or long-term hardware damage, meaning it offers significant benefits only when performed responsibly. Changing the monitor cable may appear minor compared to the other tasks, yet the type and quality of video cable used—such as HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, or the older VGA—directly affect the clarity, color accuracy, refresh rate, and overall display performance; an outdated or damaged cable can cause flickering, signal interruptions, or limited resolution options, while upgrading to a newer, high-bandwidth cable can unlock features like 4K resolution or high-refresh-rate gaming, making it an important step in troubleshooting or enhancing visual output. Updating spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice Calc, or the automatically updated Google Sheets ensures users benefit from improved functions, enhanced data-processing capabilities, stronger security protections, and better compatibility with modern file formats and collaborative tools; outdated versions may contain bugs, slower performance, or vulnerabilities that expose users to risks, especially in professional environments where spreadsheets often store financial records, analytics, and sensitive data. Together, these four activities highlight different dimensions of system maintenance: backups protect data, overclocking enhances speed, cable changes improve visual quality, and software updates ensure reliability and security. By integrating these practices into regular computer upkeep, users can maintain a stable, efficient, and secure digital environment while reducing the likelihood of system failures, performance bottlenecks, visual problems, or software-related issues that could otherwise disrupt work or personal computing experiences.
