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Question 41
A technician needs to connect a laptop to an older projector that only supports VGA, but the laptop only has HDMI and USB-C ports. What should the technician use?
A) HDMI-to-VGA adapter
B) USB flash drive
C) RJ11 telephone cable
D) DVI-to-HDMI cable
Answer: A
Explanation:
An HDMI-to-VGA adapter is required when a laptop outputs HDMI but the receiving device only accepts VGA signals. HDMI is a digital signal, whereas VGA is analog, so a direct cable cannot perform the conversion. An active adapter converts the digital HDMI output into an analog VGA signal that the projector can interpret. This makes it the correct method when interfacing modern laptops with older projection equipment.
A USB flash drive cannot be used as a video converter. While files can be stored on it, it cannot transmit a live video signal to a projector. Using a USB device for storage has no relevance in connecting a laptop display to a projector’s VGA input.
An RJ11 telephone cable is used for analog phone connections or DSL modems. Its physical connector and signaling standards are incompatible with video hardware. It cannot transmit video and is unrelated to display connections between laptops and projectors.
A DVI-to-HDMI cable supports conversion between two digital formats, but it does not convert signals to VGA. DVI can be either digital or analog, but an HDMI-to-VGA scenario still requires an active digital-to-analog converter. A simple cable cannot perform this conversion, making this option unsuitable.
The correct solution is an adapter designed specifically for digital-to-analog conversion between HDMI and VGA.
Question 42
A user’s wireless mouse cursor moves erratically across the screen. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Dirty optical sensor
B) Slow internet speed
C) Incorrect file permissions
D) Low disk space
Answer: A
Explanation:
A dirty optical sensor is the most likely cause when a wireless mouse cursor moves erratically. Dust, hair, or debris on the sensor lens interferes with how the mouse tracks movement. The sensor requires a clear view of the surface texture to translate movement accurately. When obstructed, the cursor may jump, lag, or drift unpredictably. Cleaning the underside of the mouse typically restores smooth behavior.
Slow internet speed cannot cause erratic cursor movement. The movement of the mouse is a local hardware function, not dependent on network performance. Whether the internet is slow or fast, the mouse will still track normally or erratically based on hardware conditions alone.
Incorrect file permissions affect access to files and folders. They cannot impact cursor tracking, mouse movement accuracy, or hardware detection. When permissions are misconfigured, users may see “access denied” errors, but cursor motion remains unaffected.
Low disk space may slow down overall system performance or prevent applications from saving data. It does not impact mouse tracking. Even with nearly full disks, the mouse movement would behave normally unless unrelated hardware issues occur.
Since the issue is precise cursor instability, sensor obstruction remains the most plausible cause.
Question 43
A user wants to extend their desktop across two monitors. Which setting must the technician configure?
A) Display mode set to “Extend”
B) Disable Wi-Fi
C) Change the wallpaper
D) Enable airplane mode
Answer: A
Explanation:
Setting the display mode to “Extend” allows the desktop to span across two monitors. This mode treats each monitor as an independent screen, increasing available workspace and allowing users to drag windows between displays. The operating system must be told explicitly to extend rather than duplicate or use only one monitor, making this setting essential for dual-monitor productivity.
Disabling Wi-Fi has no effect on multi-monitor configuration. Wireless connectivity is unrelated to display settings and does not influence how monitors are arranged or used.
Changing the wallpaper alters the background image only. While users may customize wallpapers across multiple monitors, the wallpaper setting itself does not enable multi-monitor functionality. Desktop extension must be configured separately.
Enabling airplane mode disables wireless radios such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It offers no functionality related to monitor output, display modes, or screen arrangement. It cannot facilitate dual-monitor setup.
To achieve a true multi-monitor extended workspace, the technician must select the display mode that enables additional screen real estate.
Question 44
A technician needs to free up IP addresses on a small network. What is the BEST solution?
A) Decrease DHCP lease time
B) Increase screen brightness
C) Install more RAM
D) Remove the wallpaper image
Answer: A
Explanation:
Decreasing the DHCP lease time forces unused IP addresses to return to the pool sooner. Lease time determines how long a device can keep an assigned address before it must renew it. If many devices connect intermittently, a long lease time may exhaust available addresses unnecessarily. Shortening the lease improves efficient distribution, ensuring addresses return quickly once devices leave the network.
Increasing screen brightness affects only display visibility and has no bearing on networking or IP allocation. It cannot free or assign IP addresses because screen settings affect hardware unrelated to network addressing.
Installing more RAM improves computing performance but does not impact the DHCP server, IP leases, or network configuration. Memory upgrades cannot influence address exhaustion on a network.
Removing the wallpaper image may free some disk space but will not affect network operations. DHCP address management relies on network settings, not visual or storage configurations.
The only option addressing the IP shortage issue is adjusting the DHCP lease duration.
Question 45
A technician needs to reduce interference for a 2.4 GHz wireless network. Which action should they take?
A) Change to channel 1, 6, or 11
B) Replace monitors
C) Install a new printer driver
D) Lower microphone sensitivity
Answer: A
Explanation:
Changing to channel 1, 6, or 11 is the best method for reducing interference in a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. These channels do not overlap with one another, minimizing interference from other wireless devices. Most congestion in the 2.4 GHz band arises from neighboring networks operating on overlapping channels. Selecting a non-overlapping channel reduces signal noise and improves stability.
Replacing monitors has no effect on wireless interference. Monitors do not broadcast at Wi-Fi frequencies and cannot improve or worsen a wireless network’s stability.
Installing a new printer driver affects only local printing functionality. Printer software has nothing to do with wireless signal quality, channel selection, or radio interference.
Lowering microphone sensitivity affects audio input only. Microphones operate on analog electrical signals or digital sampling, not RF communication. Adjusting microphone sensitivity does not impact Wi-Fi signal quality.
Channel selection is a core tuning method for improving wireless performance on the crowded 2.4 GHz spectrum.
Question 46
A user reports their mobile device cannot install new apps due to insufficient storage, even after deleting several apps. What should the technician check NEXT?
A) Cached data
B) Wi-Fi password
C) Phone case color
D) Ringtone settings
Answer: A
Explanation:
Cached data often consumes significant storage space even after uninstalling applications. Many mobile apps store temporary data, media files, or residual folders that remain after deletion. Clearing cached data frees additional space, enabling new app installations. This is a common next step when users experience insufficient space warnings despite uninstalling apps.
Wi-Fi passwords do not relate to storage capacity. They affect connectivity only, not application installation or available internal memory.
Phone case color has no impact on device storage. Physical aesthetics cannot influence digital storage allocation or availability.
Ringtone settings affect audio preferences and storage minimally. Changing ringtones does not resolve insufficient storage errors.
Because residual cached files often remain on mobile devices, verifying and clearing cached data is the logical next step.
Question 47
A technician installs a new NIC in a desktop PC, but it does not obtain an IP address. What should the technician check FIRST?
A) Driver installation
B) Screen saver timeout
C) Audio volume
D) File extension settings
Answer: A
Explanation:
Driver installation is essential for a newly installed NIC. Without the correct driver, the operating system cannot communicate with the hardware, so it will fail to obtain an IP address. Verifying that the NIC appears correctly in Device Manager and ensuring that the proper driver is installed is the first troubleshooting step.
Screen saver timeout influences only display behavior and does not affect network connectivity or IP assignment.
Audio volume affects system sound output and has no relation to NIC functionality or network addressing.
File extension settings determine how files display in the OS. They have no connection to NIC operation, DHCP negotiation, or IP configuration.
Ensuring the NIC has its proper driver installed is the first required step in diagnosing why it cannot obtain an IP address.
Question 48
A laptop user states that their system becomes extremely hot during gaming sessions. What should the technician check FIRST?
A) Cooling vents for dust buildup
B) Desktop icon size
C) Default browser
D) USB port color
Answer: A
Explanation:
Cooling vents blocked by dust are a common cause of overheating, especially under load such as gaming. Dust restricts airflow, trapping heat inside the device and preventing fans from cooling components effectively. Cleaning the vents often significantly improves temperature control, making this the first and most logical action.
Desktop icon size does not affect heat generation. Icons are purely visual elements and do not influence CPU or GPU temperatures.
Default browser choice likewise has no effect on thermal performance during gaming. Games use their own executables and hardware resources.
USB port color indicates version type (such as USB 3.0), but it does not relate to overheating. Port color cannot influence airflow or temperature.
Checking the vents is the correct first step, as restricted airflow is a common overheating cause.
Question 49
A user’s laptop cannot detect any Bluetooth devices. What should the technician verify FIRST?
A) Bluetooth is enabled
B) Touchpad gestures
C) Screen resolution
D) Default printer
Answer: A
Explanation:
Bluetooth must be enabled for device discovery to work. Many laptops allow Bluetooth toggling via function keys, OS settings, or hardware switches. If Bluetooth is disabled, the device cannot broadcast or detect other devices. Therefore, ensuring that Bluetooth is turned on is the most direct and appropriate first step.
Touchpad gestures relate to navigation controls and do not affect Bluetooth functionality.
Screen resolution affects display clarity but has no connection to wireless communication or Bluetooth scanning.
Default printer settings only determine which printer the device uses but do not affect Bluetooth capability or device detection.
Verifying Bluetooth activation is the logical first action.
Question 50
A customer needs to connect a high-speed external SSD for fast data transfers. Which port should they use?
A) USB-C
B) PS/2
C) VGA
D) RJ11
Answer: A
Explanation:
USB-C, PS/2, VGA, and RJ11 are four different types of connectors commonly found in computing and communication hardware, each serving a unique purpose based on the era and technology they were designed for. USB-C is one of the most modern and versatile connection standards available today, known for its reversible plug, fast data transfer rates, high-wattage power delivery, and ability to support video output through standards like DisplayPort or HDMI over USB. It is widely used in smartphones, laptops, tablets, external drives, and docking stations, offering a single compact port capable of handling multiple tasks at once. PS/2, by contrast, is an older connector type primarily used for keyboards and mice on legacy desktop computers. It features a round 6-pin design and predates USB, offering dedicated and uninterrupted input channels, which some users still prefer for certain applications such as BIOS-level controls or low-latency gaming peripherals. VGA is another older but once-dominant connector used for analog video output between computers and monitors. Easily recognizable by its 15-pin blue connector, VGA was the standard for decades but is limited compared to modern digital standards, often producing lower image quality at higher resolutions. Although many modern systems have moved on to HDMI and DisplayPort, VGA remains common in older projectors and equipment. RJ11, on the other hand, is primarily associated with telephone lines and DSL internet connections. It is a small modular connector used to connect landline phones, modems, and some legacy networking devices. Unlike Ethernet’s RJ45, which supports high-speed data networking, RJ11 is designed for analog signals and lower-bandwidth communication. Together, USB-C, PS/2, VGA, and RJ11 illustrate the evolution of connection standards—from specialized or analog connectors to today’s highly flexible, digital, and multi-purpose interfaces—reflecting the changing needs of technology over several decades.
Question 51
A user reports that their desktop PC reboots every time they launch a graphically intensive game. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Overheating GPU
B) Incorrect desktop theme
C) Wrong monitor cable
D) Disabled screensaver
Answer: A
Explanation:
An overheating GPU is the most likely cause when a computer reboots specifically during graphically intensive tasks such as gaming. When the GPU reaches temperatures beyond its safe operating threshold, protective mechanisms shut the system down or force a reboot to prevent damage. Gaming places heavy demand on the graphics processor, causing it to heat rapidly. If thermal paste has degraded, fans are obstructed by dust, or cooling components are insufficient, the GPU may overheat, resulting in the pattern described.
An incorrect desktop theme affects only the appearance of the user interface. Themes change wallpapers, colors, and icons, but they do not interact with GPU temperature management or cause system reboots. Regardless of the theme applied, gaming performance and stability remain unaffected.
Using the wrong monitor cable might produce display problems such as flickering, resolution issues, or no signal errors, but it will not cause the system to reboot. Even with an incompatible or malfunctioning display cable, the system’s internal components would continue functioning, and crashes tied only to GPU-intensive tasks would not occur.
A disabled screensaver has no connection to system stability or overheating. Screensavers activate only during periods of inactivity, and disabling them does not affect GPU performance during gaming. Since the issue occurs while actively using the system, screensaver settings are irrelevant.
The symptom pattern—reboots triggered specifically by GPU workload—points clearly toward an overheating graphics processor.
Question 52
A technician needs to add a second monitor to a workstation, but the existing video card has no additional ports available. What should the technician do?
A) Install a new video card with multiple outputs
B) Defragment the hard drive
C) Change the keyboard layout
D) Update the browser homepage
Answer: A
Explanation:
Installing a new video card with multiple outputs is the correct action when a workstation lacks the necessary ports for a second monitor. A replacement graphics card with dual DisplayPort, HDMI, or DVI outputs enables multi-monitor support. This is a common upgrade when expanding display capabilities, and it ensures proper resolution, refresh rate, and compatibility with additional monitors.
Defragmenting the hard drive improves storage performance on mechanical drives but does not affect display hardware. Fragmentation issues do not prevent connecting additional monitors, nor do they influence video output availability.
Changing the keyboard layout affects typing behavior only. Keyboard settings have no relation to video ports, display hardware support, or multi-monitor functionality. Adjustments to layout cannot add monitor support to a system.
Updating the browser homepage changes which site loads when a browser opens. It is unrelated to hardware limitations of the video card and cannot create new video outputs.
To support a second display, new or additional hardware that provides more video ports is required.
Question 53
A user reports that their computer is extremely slow during startup, but improves after several minutes. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Too many startup applications
B) Incompatible monitor
C) Incorrect wallpaper size
D) Bluetooth device pairing
Answer: A
Explanation:
Too many startup applications, an incompatible monitor, incorrect wallpaper size, and Bluetooth device pairing are four issues that can impact a user’s computing experience in different but meaningful ways. Too many startup applications can cause a computer to boot much more slowly than normal, as each program loads simultaneously when the system powers on. These applications may include messaging apps, cloud storage services, game clients, update managers, and other background utilities. When too many of them launch at startup, they consume CPU, memory, and disk resources, resulting in sluggish performance that can affect the entire system even after booting. Managing startup programs through system settings or task manager helps reduce unnecessary load and significantly improves responsiveness.
An incompatible monitor can lead to problems with display output, resolution limits, or even system instability. If the monitor does not support the refresh rate or resolution being sent by the graphics card, the user may see a blank screen, flickering, or distorted images. This incompatibility often arises when connecting older monitors to modern graphics hardware or when using unsupported adaptors. Ensuring that the monitor’s specifications align with the computer’s output capabilities, and using the correct cables or adaptors, helps maintain a stable and clear display.
Incorrect wallpaper size can affect visual quality and desktop appearance. If the wallpaper does not match the monitor’s native resolution, it may appear stretched, blurred, or pixelated. This can be distracting and reduces the overall aesthetic of the workspace. Choosing an image with a resolution equal to or higher than the screen’s ensures sharp detail and a properly scaled background, improving both visual comfort and professional appearance.
Bluetooth device pairing is another common issue that can disrupt workflow, especially when using wireless peripherals like headphones, keyboards, mice, or speakers. Pairing problems can occur due to outdated drivers, interference from other devices, low battery levels, or incorrect pairing procedures. When a device fails to pair, users may experience connectivity drops or complete failure to establish a connection. Troubleshooting steps such as removing the device from the pairing list, enabling Bluetooth visibility, restarting the device, or updating drivers can usually resolve the problem. These four issues demonstrate how both hardware compatibility and software configurations play essential roles in creating a smooth and efficient computing experience.
Question 54
A technician notices that a user’s laptop fans run loudly even when the system is idle. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Background processes consuming CPU
B) Incorrect display resolution
C) Invalid Wi-Fi password
D) Disabled desktop icons
Answer: A
Explanation:
Background processes consuming CPU, incorrect display resolution, an invalid Wi-Fi password, and disabled desktop icons are four issues that can significantly affect a user’s computing experience, even though they arise from different parts of the system. Background processes consuming CPU resources are a very common cause of slow performance. Many applications run tasks silently in the background, such as software updates, cloud synchronization, antivirus scans, or unnecessary programs that start with the system. When these processes use too much CPU, the computer may become sluggish, programs may respond slowly, and multitasking can become difficult. Identifying and managing these processes through the task manager or system settings helps restore performance, ensuring that only essential programs run while the system remains responsive and efficient.
Incorrect display resolution is another issue that directly affects usability and visual clarity. When the resolution does not match the monitor’s native specifications, the screen may appear blurry, stretched, or improperly scaled. Text can become harder to read, images may lose detail, and overall visual quality becomes unpleasant. This problem often occurs after driver updates, system reinstalls, or when connecting a new monitor. Adjusting the resolution to the correct native value immediately improves clarity and helps the display function as intended, enhancing both comfort and productivity.
An invalid Wi-Fi password is a simple but frustrating obstacle that prevents users from accessing the internet. If the password is mistyped, outdated, or changed by someone else on the network, the device will repeatedly fail to connect. This issue can stop essential tasks such as browsing, downloading files, or participating in online meetings. Verifying the correct password, checking for case sensitivity, and confirming network details usually resolves the problem quickly. In some cases, forgetting the network and reconnecting can help refresh the connection.
Disabled desktop icons can confuse users who rely on desktop shortcuts for quick access to files and programs. When icons disappear, it can seem as if the files have been deleted, even though they may still exist in their folders. This issue often results from a simple display setting being turned off. Re-enabling desktop icons through the customization menu allows the user to regain access to their workspace layout. Together, these four issues highlight how both technical settings and simple user errors can affect overall computer operation, and how proper troubleshooting helps restore a smooth and efficient computing experience.
Question 55
A user reports that their computer time keeps resetting every time they shut down the system. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Dead CMOS battery
B) Wrong display driver
C) Incorrect audio output
D) Damaged HDMI cable
Answer: A
Explanation:
A dead CMOS battery, a wrong display driver, incorrect audio output, and a damaged HDMI cable can each create frustrating and sometimes confusing problems for computer users, even though they stem from very different parts of the system. A dead CMOS battery affects the motherboard’s ability to store essential hardware settings such as system time, boot order, and BIOS configurations. When this small battery fails, users may notice that the computer frequently forgets the correct date and time, displays BIOS-related errors on startup, or resets hardware settings after every reboot. While the computer can still operate, these repeated resets can cause issues with software updates, security certificates, and general system stability. Replacing the CMOS battery is simple and inexpensive, yet it restores proper hardware memory and eliminates the inconvenience of constant reconfiguration.
A wrong display driver, on the other hand, directly affects visual performance. If the installed driver does not match the graphics hardware, users may experience screen flickering, low resolution, poor performance, or an inability to use features like multiple monitors or hardware acceleration. Installing the correct driver ensures that the operating system communicates properly with the graphics card, resulting in smoother visuals, improved performance in applications, and stability during everyday tasks. Incorrect audio output is another common issue that can make users believe their sound system is broken when the problem is actually a simple setting error. Modern systems often have multiple audio output devices, such as speakers, headphones, HDMI audio, or Bluetooth devices. If the system is set to output sound to the wrong device, users may hear no audio at all or experience reduced volume. Selecting the proper output device in the audio settings typically resolves the issue quickly.
A damaged HDMI cable can also cause significant display or audio problems. Symptoms may include intermittent signal loss, distorted colors, flickering, or complete failure of the screen to display anything. Because HDMI carries both video and audio, damage to the cable can interfere with either signal. Replacing the cable with a reliable, undamaged one restores proper connectivity and ensures stable high-quality output. Together, these issues illustrate how both hardware failures and configuration errors can disrupt the computing experience, and how proper troubleshooting can help quickly identify and resolve the root cause.
Question 56
A technician needs to install a high-performance graphics card that requires dual power connectors. What must they verify FIRST?
A) Power supply wattage
B) Screen resolution settings
C) Printer configuration
D) Mouse pointer speed
Answer: A
Explanation:
Power supply wattage, screen resolution settings, printer configuration, and mouse pointer speed are four areas of computer setup and maintenance that can greatly impact the performance, usability, and overall satisfaction of a computing experience. Power supply wattage is one of the most important yet frequently overlooked components when building or upgrading a computer. If the power supply unit does not provide enough wattage to support all connected hardware—such as the CPU, GPU, storage drives, cooling systems, and peripherals—the system may experience instability, unexpected shutdowns, or difficulty powering on. Choosing a power supply with adequate wattage and good efficiency ensures reliable performance and extends the life of the components by delivering consistent, clean power. Screen resolution settings also play a crucial role in user experience. When the display is set to the wrong resolution, images and text may appear stretched, blurry, or too large or small to read comfortably. Using the monitor’s native resolution ensures the clearest possible picture and the best use of screen real estate, allowing users to work more efficiently, enjoy sharper visuals, and reduce eye strain during prolonged use.
Printer configuration is another key factor in maintaining a smooth workflow, especially for students, office workers, and anyone who frequently handles printed documents. Incorrect printer settings can lead to poor print quality, mismatched paper sizes, slow printing, or failed print jobs. Configuring the printer properly involves selecting the right drivers, setting default print preferences, connecting it to the correct network, and ensuring compatibility with the operating system. When configured correctly, printing becomes simple, predictable, and efficient. Mouse pointer speed may seem like a minor detail, but it strongly influences how easily a user can navigate the desktop, select items, and interact with software. If the pointer moves too slowly, the user may struggle to reach different parts of the screen efficiently; if it is too fast, precision tasks such as graphic design or detailed editing become difficult. Adjusting pointer speed to match personal comfort and the size of the display can significantly improve accuracy and ease of use. Together, these four elements demonstrate how proper hardware choices and optimized settings contribute to a smoother, more reliable, and more enjoyable computing environment.
Question 57
A user reports that their external USB hard drive disconnects randomly during file transfers. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Insufficient USB power
B) Wrong desktop background
C) Faulty speakers
D) Incorrect search engine
Answer: A
Explanation:
Insufficient USB power, a wrong desktop background, faulty speakers, and an incorrect search engine may seem like small or easily overlooked issues, yet each one can influence the user’s computing experience in noticeable and sometimes frustrating ways. Insufficient USB power is a common problem when connecting devices such as external hard drives, webcams, or high-power peripherals to a computer’s USB ports. Some ports, especially on older systems or unpowered USB hubs, may not supply enough electrical current to support devices that require more energy to function properly. This can lead to intermittent disconnections, device failure, slow data transfer, or complete non-recognition by the system. Ensuring that the device is connected to a powered USB hub, a USB 3.0 port, or directly into the motherboard can resolve these problems and help maintain stable performance. On a different but still meaningful level, a wrong desktop background can affect both the appearance and usability of a computer. When the background does not match the display’s resolution or the user’s visual preferences, it may appear blurry, pixelated, overly bright, or distracting. For individuals who spend long hours working on their computers, visual comfort matters. Choosing a high-quality image that fits the screen properly can create a more pleasant and professional workspace, improving focus and reducing eye strain. Faulty speakers can disrupt tasks that rely heavily on audio, such as video calls, gaming, watching media, or listening to notifications. Speaker issues may arise from damaged hardware, loose cables, incorrect audio settings, or outdated drivers. The result can be distorted sound, crackling, low volume, or a complete lack of audio output. Troubleshooting steps like checking connections, updating drivers, adjusting audio settings, or testing with external speakers can help identify the root cause and restore proper function. Finally, an incorrect search engine can impact the convenience and efficiency of browsing the web. If the browser defaults to a search engine the user does not prefer or one that produces less relevant results, searching becomes slower and less intuitive. Misconfigured settings or unwanted browser extensions often cause these changes. Resetting the default search engine to a familiar and trusted option improves speed, accuracy, and overall user satisfaction. Together, these issues highlight how both hardware and software settings contribute to a smoother and more enjoyable computing experience when properly configured.
Question 58
A technician needs to connect a workstation to a corporate VLAN. What setting must be configured?
A) Correct network switch port assignment
B) Screensaver delay
C) Mouse double-click speed
D) Desktop icon arrangement
Answer: A
Explanation:
Correct network switch port assignment, screensaver delay, mouse double-click speed, and desktop icon arrangement each play an important role in shaping how smoothly and comfortably a computer system functions, even though these settings may seem simple at first glance. Correct network switch port assignment is crucial for ensuring that devices receive the proper bandwidth, priority, and network access intended for them. In many office or enterprise environments, different ports on a network switch may be configured with specific VLANs, security policies, or Quality of Service rules. If a device is plugged into the wrong port, it could suffer from slow speeds, restricted access, or connectivity problems that impact daily productivity. Making sure each device is connected to the correct port helps maintain reliable network performance and ensures that security and access rules are correctly applied. In contrast, screensaver delay is a more user-focused setting that controls how long the computer remains idle before the screensaver activates. A delay that is too short may interrupt the user while reading or performing tasks that do not involve constant input, whereas a delay that is too long may reduce energy efficiency or leave sensitive information visible for longer than desired. Adjusting the delay based on personal habits or workplace security policies can provide a balance between convenience and protection. Mouse double-click speed, another often overlooked setting, can significantly influence how easily users interact with files and applications. If the double-click speed is set too fast, some users may struggle to open files because their clicks register too slowly, causing frustration. Conversely, a very slow setting can trigger unintended actions or slow down workflow. Customizing the speed to match a user’s clicking rhythm ensures smoother navigation and better control. Desktop icon arrangement may seem purely aesthetic, but for many users it affects organization, efficiency, and ease of access. A cluttered or randomly arranged desktop can make it difficult to locate files quickly, whereas grouping icons logically or aligning them neatly can improve workflow and reduce frustration. Whether arranging icons by type, frequency of use, or placing them in specific areas of the screen, a well-organized desktop helps create a cleaner and more productive workspace. Together, these settings illustrate how small adjustments can significantly improve both usability and overall computing experience.
Question 59
A user complains that their new SSD is fast during boot but slow when copying large files. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) SSD is connected to a SATA II port
B) Incorrect wallpaper resolution
C) Faulty webcam
D) Low speaker volume
Answer: A
Explanation:
An SSD connected to a SATA II port, an incorrect wallpaper resolution, a faulty webcam, and low speaker volume may seem like simple or isolated issues, yet each can significantly influence the overall experience and performance of a computer system. When an SSD is connected to a SATA II port instead of a faster SATA III port, the user may not fully benefit from the drive’s maximum speed potential. SATA II supports transfer speeds up to 3 Gb/s, while SATA III offers up to 6 Gb/s. Although the SSD will still function, it can feel noticeably slower during booting, loading applications, or transferring files. This reduced speed can limit the performance advantages that make SSDs so appealing compared to traditional hard drives. Ensuring the drive is plugged into a SATA III port allows users to take full advantage of faster read and write speeds, resulting in smoother and more responsive system performance.
An incorrect wallpaper resolution can affect the visual quality of the desktop environment. When the chosen wallpaper does not match the native resolution of the monitor, the image may appear blurry, stretched, or pixelated. This visual distortion can be distracting, especially for users who value a clean and aesthetically pleasing workspace. Selecting a wallpaper that matches the exact screen resolution ensures sharpness and clarity. Whether the monitor is 1080p, 1440p, or 4K, using a properly sized image enhances the display experience and maintains a professional appearance.
A faulty webcam can disrupt communication, especially as video calls have become essential for remote work, online classes, and virtual meetings. When a webcam malfunctions, the user may experience poor image quality, intermittent connections, or complete failure to transmit video. The problem may arise from hardware defects, outdated drivers, or loose USB connections. Troubleshooting steps such as updating drivers, testing different ports, or using alternate software can sometimes resolve the issue. If the hardware itself is defective, replacement may be necessary to restore full functionality.
Low speaker volume is another common but frustrating issue that can affect multimedia use, communication, and general productivity. This problem may be caused by incorrect settings, outdated drivers, weak built-in speakers, or obstructions covering the speaker openings. Users may struggle to hear notifications, video audio, or conversations during calls. Adjusting volume settings, checking audio enhancements, updating drivers, or connecting external speakers often resolves the issue. Together, these four factors highlight how both hardware and software configurations can impact user experience, demonstrating the importance of proper setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Question 60
A user reports that their monitor keeps entering sleep mode even while they are actively using the computer. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Faulty video cable
B) Wrong sound theme
C) Incorrect recycle bin size
D) Full browser cache
Answer: A
Explanation:
A faulty video cable, a wrong sound theme, an incorrect recycle bin size, and a full browser cache may seem like unrelated issues, yet each one can have a noticeable effect on a user’s overall computing experience. A faulty video cable is one of the most common and frustrating causes of display problems. When the cable connecting the computer to the monitor becomes damaged, loose, or worn out, it can lead to flickering screens, distorted colors, random blackouts, or a complete loss of signal. Because video cables—such as HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA—carry both visual data and sometimes audio, any physical defect or compatibility mismatch can seriously impact display quality. Replacing the cable with a new, higher-quality or properly rated version often resolves these issues instantly and can even unlock higher resolutions or refresh rates that a damaged or outdated cable could not support.
Meanwhile, a wrong sound theme is a far more subtle issue but can still confuse or annoy users. Operating systems come with preset sound themes that determine the noises played during notifications, errors, or system actions. If the wrong theme is selected, users may hear unexpected sounds—or no sounds at all—leading them to believe something is malfunctioning. In work environments, an inappropriate or loud theme may also be disruptive. Correcting the sound theme is simple: users can change the setting to a default or custom theme that better matches their preferences or workplace expectations.
An incorrect recycle bin size can create unexpected storage issues. The recycle bin reserves a portion of the disk to store deleted files temporarily before they are permanently removed. If the bin’s size is set too low, files users expect to recover might be automatically deleted immediately, reducing the chance of restoring accidentally deleted data. If set too high, the bin may consume excessive disk space, leaving less room for programs or files. Adjusting the size ensures a proper balance between data recovery and storage efficiency.
Finally, a full browser cache can slow down web browsing, cause pages to load incorrectly, or display outdated website content. While the cache helps speed up browsing by storing temporary internet files, allowing pages to load faster on return visits, too much cached data can overwhelm the browser. Clearing the cache periodically improves performance, frees up storage, and ensures websites display their most current content. Together, these issues show how even small system settings or physical components can significantly influence computer usability and performance.
