Visit here for our full CompTIA 220-1101 exam dumps and practice test questions.
Question 81
A user reports that their PC takes an unusually long time to shut down. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Running background processes
B) Incorrect desktop wallpaper
C) Wrong mouse pointer theme
D) Faulty screensaver
Answer: A
Explanation:
Running background processes is the most likely cause of unusually long shutdown times. When a system attempts to shut down, the operating system must close all active programs, stop background services, and terminate processes gracefully. If numerous applications are running in the background or if certain programs are hanging and failing to close promptly, the shutdown process becomes significantly delayed. Software such as cloud-sync tools, browsers with multiple tabs, update services, or stuck applications often slow shutdown. This behavior is consistent with extended delays during the shutdown process.
Incorrect desktop wallpaper only affects screen aesthetics. A wallpaper image, regardless of size or resolution, does not influence system shutdown procedures, nor does it impact the way the operating system terminates services.
Wrong mouse pointer theme also relates entirely to visual customization. Mouse themes do not interact with core system functions, startup, or shutdown. Changing the pointer theme cannot cause the system to require more time to close processes.
A faulty screensaver only affects the system during periods of inactivity and determines what appears on the screen. It does not influence shutdown time. Screensavers are not active during the shutdown process and therefore cannot cause delays.
Because shutdown delays result from the OS waiting on active programs to terminate, running background processes are the most plausible cause.
Question 82
A technician notices that a workstation displays artifacts and distorted graphics during video playback. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Failing GPU
B) Incorrect time zone
C) Wrong browser homepage
D) Full recycle bin
Answer: A
Explanation:
A failing GPU, an incorrect time zone, a wrong browser homepage, and a full recycle bin may seem unrelated, yet each impacts a computer’s usability in different but noticeable ways. A failing GPU can cause serious graphical issues such as screen artifacts, crashes during games or video playback, and even system instability. Overheating, aging components, or faulty drivers often contribute to GPU failure, and users may notice stuttering performance or sudden black screens as signs that the hardware is deteriorating. Addressing cooling, updating drivers, or replacing the GPU may be necessary to restore stability. An incorrect time zone is less dramatic but can still lead to confusion and functionality problems. When the system clock shows the wrong time, scheduled tasks, email timestamps, website security certificates, and messaging apps may behave inconsistently, making it harder to stay organized. Setting the correct time zone ensures accurate synchronization across applications and services.
A wrong browser homepage can disrupt workflow by loading an unfamiliar or unwanted page at startup. This often happens after software installations or browser extensions change settings without the user noticing. Restoring a preferred homepage creates a more streamlined and comfortable browsing experience. Lastly, a full recycle bin can quietly consume valuable disk space, slowing the system and preventing new files from being stored properly. Regularly emptying the bin helps maintain available storage and keeps the system running efficiently. Together, these issues highlight how both hardware health and simple configuration choices contribute to smooth, reliable computer use.
Question 83
A user states that their laptop intermittently shuts off when the screen is tilted at certain angles. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Loose display cable
B) Incorrect audio levels
C) Wrong font settings
D) Faulty screensaver
Answer: A
Explanation:
A loose display cable, incorrect audio levels, wrong font settings, and a faulty screensaver may seem like minor issues, yet each can noticeably affect the overall computer experience. A loose display cable is one of the most common causes of flickering screens, intermittent signal loss, strange colors, or a completely blank display. Because modern monitors rely on stable digital connections like HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C, even a slightly unseated cable can disrupt the signal. Simply reseating or replacing the cable often restores a stable, clear picture, preventing unnecessary troubleshooting. Incorrect audio levels, on the other hand, can lead to very quiet sound, overly loud output, or muted applications. With modern operating systems offering per-app volume controls, users often experience sound problems because one program is set too low while others are fine. Adjusting levels through the sound settings or volume mixer usually resolves these issues quickly.
Wrong font settings affect readability and the overall visual comfort of the system. Fonts that are too large, too small, or poorly scaled can make menus difficult to read and reduce productivity, especially for users who spend long hours working with text. Adjusting the system’s font size or display scaling helps restore clarity. A faulty screensaver may cause unexpected screen blanking, prevent the screen from turning off properly, or fail to activate at all. This can interfere with privacy, energy-saving features, or general workflow. Troubleshooting typically involves checking power settings, reinstalling the screensaver, or updating the display drivers. Together, these small issues show how simple configuration or hardware problems can impact daily computer use.
Question 84
A technician installs Windows on a new SSD, but the system still boots from the old HDD. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Incorrect boot order
B) Wrong printer selection
C) Incorrect keyboard layout
D) Full desktop folder
Answer: A
Explanation:
Incorrect boot order, wrong printer selection, incorrect keyboard layout, and a full desktop folder are four common but varied computer issues that can affect how smoothly a system runs. Incorrect boot order is a BIOS-level configuration problem that can prevent a computer from starting properly. If the system is set to boot from the wrong device—such as a USB drive, external disk, or an empty network option—the computer may fail to load the operating system, displaying errors or looping through startup attempts. Correcting the boot order ensures the system looks to the proper drive first, restoring normal startup behavior. Wrong printer selection is a simple yet frustrating issue that often causes print jobs to go to an unintended device or fail entirely. Many systems default to older or offline printers, leaving users confused when nothing prints. Choosing the correct printer in the print menu or setting it as the default resolves this quickly and ensures documents go to the intended device.
Incorrect keyboard layout affects typing accuracy by mapping keys differently than expected. For example, switching from a US layout to a UK or multilingual layout can change symbols or reposition certain keys, leading to typing errors and confusion. Correcting the layout in system settings restores proper key mapping and helps maintain smooth communication and productivity. A full desktop folder, while not a functional error, can create major organizational issues. When the desktop becomes packed with files, shortcuts, and downloads, it becomes harder to find important items, and on some systems, it can even slow performance because the operating system must constantly load and display many items at once. Cleaning up or reorganizing the desktop improves efficiency, reduces clutter, and keeps the system responsive. Together, these issues highlight how both system configuration and user habits play important roles in maintaining a smooth and productive computing environment.
Question 85
A user reports their laptop camera produces a black screen during video calls but works in the device manager test tool. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Application permissions
B) Incorrect ringtone
C) Faulty keyboard LED
D) Wrong recycle bin size
Answer: A
Explanation:
Application permissions, an incorrect ringtone, a faulty keyboard LED, and the wrong recycle bin size may seem like small or unrelated issues, but each influences the user experience in different ways. Application permissions determine what a program is allowed to access, such as the camera, microphone, location, files, or system features. When these permissions are set incorrectly—either too strict or too lenient—apps may fail to function properly or may access data the user did not intend to share. Adjusting permissions ensures that each application works as expected while maintaining privacy and security. An incorrect ringtone, although minor, can still be disruptive or confusing. If a device uses the wrong tone for calls, notifications, or alerts, the user may miss important messages or mistake one alert for another. Selecting a clear, familiar ringtone helps improve awareness and eliminates unnecessary distraction.
A faulty keyboard LED is a hardware issue that affects visual indicators such as Caps Lock, Num Lock, and backlighting. When LEDs malfunction, users may not realize certain modes are active, leading to typing errors or reduced visibility in low-light conditions. While the device may still function, replacing or repairing the keyboard is often necessary to restore full usability. Wrong recycle bin size is another overlooked configuration issue that affects file management. If the recycle bin is set too small, deleted files may bypass it and be permanently removed immediately, reducing the chance of recovery. If it is too large, it may consume unnecessary disk space. Adjusting the recycle bin size ensures a balance between data safety and efficient storage use. Together, these issues illustrate how both hardware reliability and thoughtful software settings contribute to a smoother, more controlled computing experience.
Question 86
A technician receives a desktop PC that randomly powers off without warning. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Failing power supply
B) Incorrect USB icon
C) Wrong file extensions
D) Faulty desktop wallpaper
Answer: A
Explanation:
A failing power supply, an incorrect USB icon, wrong file extensions, and faulty desktop wallpaper each represent different issues that can affect a computer in both subtle and significant ways. A failing power supply is one of the most serious hardware problems because it can cause random shutdowns, system instability, difficulty powering on, or even damage to other components if the voltages become unstable. Symptoms such as unexpected restarts, whining noises, or overheating often signal that the power supply is no longer delivering consistent power. Replacing it promptly is important to protect the system and restore reliability. An incorrect USB icon, while much less severe, can lead to confusion when devices appear with the wrong labels or symbols in the system tray. This may happen due to outdated drivers, corrupted system files, or software conflicts, and although the functionality of the USB device may remain intact, users might have trouble identifying which device is connected or removing it safely. Fixing the icon often involves updating drivers or refreshing system settings.
Wrong file extensions can cause a range of usability issues because they determine how the operating system identifies and opens files. If a file is saved with the incorrect extension, programs may fail to open it or may open it incorrectly, leading users to believe the file is corrupted. This can happen during renaming, file transfers, or when downloaded files are misidentified. Restoring the proper extension ensures that the file opens with the correct application and behaves as expected. Faulty desktop wallpaper is a more cosmetic problem but can still impact the user experience. When a wallpaper becomes corrupted, stretched, low resolution, or fails to display correctly, it can make the desktop look unprofessional or distorted. This may result from an incompatible image format, a damaged file, or display settings that do not match the image resolution. Replacing the wallpaper with a properly sized, high-quality image restores a clean and visually pleasing workspace. Together, these issues show how both hardware failures and small configuration problems can influence reliability, clarity, and ease of use in everyday computing.
Question 87
A user states that their monitor randomly switches to a lower resolution during gaming sessions. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) GPU overheating
B) Incorrect printer tray
C) Wrong sound output
D) Full browser history
Answer: A
Explanation:
GPU overheating, an incorrect printer tray, wrong sound output, and a full browser history are four issues that affect different parts of a computer system, yet each can create noticeable problems in everyday use. GPU overheating is a serious performance and stability concern because when a graphics card gets too hot, it may throttle its speed, cause visual glitches, crash applications, or even shut down the system to prevent damage. Dust buildup, failing fans, dried thermal paste, or poor case airflow are common causes. Addressing these involves cleaning the GPU, checking fans, improving ventilation, or reducing heavy graphical loads to keep temperatures under control. An incorrect printer tray setting often leads to printing errors, paper jams, or documents being printed on the wrong type or size of paper. Many printers have multiple trays for letter, legal, photo, or specialty paper, and choosing the wrong tray in print settings can disrupt workflows or waste supplies. Verifying tray assignments in both the printer and software ensures documents print correctly and consistently.
Wrong sound output is a frequent frustration, especially on systems with multiple audio devices such as speakers, headphones, HDMI audio, or Bluetooth devices. When the computer outputs sound to the wrong device, users may hear nothing at all or audio may play through an unintended source. Switching the output device in system audio settings usually resolves the issue immediately. A full browser history, while less technical, can slow down browsing performance over time. Accumulated history, cached files, and stored data can make the browser sluggish, cause outdated versions of websites to load, or reduce available storage. Clearing the history and cache periodically helps maintain faster performance, improves privacy, and ensures webpages load fresh content. Together, these issues demonstrate how both hardware conditions and software settings contribute to the efficiency and comfort of daily computer use.
Question 88
A user reports that their computer does not recognize any external USB drives, although other USB peripherals work fine. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Disabled USB mass-storage drivers
B) Wrong screensaver
C) Incorrect taskbar alignment
D) Full downloads folder
Answer: A
Explanation:
Disabled USB mass-storage drivers, a wrong screensaver, incorrect taskbar alignment, and a full downloads folder are four issues that affect a computer’s usability in different but noticeable ways. Disabled USB mass-storage drivers prevent external drives such as flash drives, portable hard disks, and memory card readers from being recognized by the system. This can happen due to misconfigured group policies, corrupted drivers, or intentional restrictions set by administrators. When these drivers are disabled, users cannot transfer files, back up data, or access important documents stored on external media. Re-enabling or reinstalling the drivers usually restores full functionality. A wrong screensaver is less critical but still disruptive. When the screensaver activates too quickly or displays an unwanted animation, it can interrupt long reading sessions, presentations, or tasks that do not involve constant mouse movement. Adjusting the screensaver type and timing helps maintain both convenience and system behavior that matches user preferences.
Incorrect taskbar alignment affects workflow and comfort. Whether the taskbar is centered, left-aligned, or moved to another edge of the screen, an unexpected position can make navigating applications feel awkward or unfamiliar. Restoring the preferred alignment helps users work more efficiently. A full downloads folder, meanwhile, tends to accumulate large files like installers, documents, images, and temporary data. Over time, this clutter consumes significant storage space, slows the system, and makes it difficult to locate important items. Cleaning or organizing the downloads folder improves performance and keeps storage manageable. Together, these issues show how both system settings and digital housekeeping contribute to a smooth, user-friendly computing experience.
Question 89
A technician needs to expand storage in a small business server without taking it offline. What is the BEST solution?
A) Hot-swappable drive bays
B) Incorrect keyboard skin
C) Wrong desktop theme
D) Expired wallpaper license
Answer: A
Explanation:
Hot-swappable drive bays, an incorrect keyboard skin, a wrong desktop theme, and an expired wallpaper license each affect a computer system or user experience in different ways, ranging from hardware flexibility to visual customization. Hot-swappable drive bays are a valuable hardware feature found in many servers, workstations, and storage systems. They allow users to remove or insert hard drives or SSDs without shutting down the entire machine. This is especially useful in environments where uptime is critical, such as data centers or professional workstations. Hot-swappable bays make it easier to replace failed drives, expand storage, or perform maintenance with minimal disruption. However, they still require proper handling and compatible drives to avoid data loss or hardware issues.
An incorrect keyboard skin, although far less technical, can still interfere with usability. A keyboard skin that does not match the exact model may cover key indicators, obstruct key travel, or cause certain keys to respond poorly. This leads to typing discomfort and errors, especially for users who rely on accurate input. Choosing the correct skin ensures protection from dust or spills without sacrificing functionality.
A wrong desktop theme can affect the computer’s overall appearance and user comfort. Themes control colors, window borders, icons, and sounds. If the theme is overly bright, poorly contrasted, or simply not the user’s preference, it can cause eye strain or reduce productivity. Switching to a more suitable theme restores visual consistency and comfort.
An expired wallpaper license is a more modern issue associated with subscription-based personalization apps or premium wallpaper services. When the license expires, the wallpaper may revert to a default image or display a watermark, disrupting the desktop’s appearance. Renewing the license or switching to freely available wallpapers resolves the issue. Together, these examples highlight how both hardware and aesthetic choices influence the functionality and overall experience of using a computer.
Question 90
A user complains that their laptop cannot detect any audio devices after a system update. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Corrupted audio drivers
B) Wrong font smoothing
C) Incorrect file sort order
D) Faulty recycle bin icon
Answer: A
Explanation:
Corrupted audio drivers, wrong font smoothing, incorrect file sort order, and a faulty recycle bin icon may seem like minor or isolated issues, but each one can noticeably affect the computer’s usability, clarity, and overall experience. Corrupted audio drivers often lead to a complete loss of sound, distorted playback, crackling audio, or devices failing to appear in the system’s audio settings. This corruption can occur after operating system updates, failed driver installations, malware, or sudden system crashes. Since drivers act as the communication bridge between the hardware and the operating system, repairing or reinstalling them is essential for restoring clear and reliable audio output. Wrong font smoothing settings can also impact readability and cause eye strain. When smoothing is disabled or incorrectly configured, text may look jagged, thin, or overly bold, making it difficult to read for extended periods. Adjusting smoothing options, such as ClearType on Windows, helps ensure that characters appear crisp and properly rendered, especially on modern high-resolution displays.
Incorrect file sort order affects organization and productivity. When files and folders are not sorted the way the user expects—whether by name, date, type, or size—it becomes harder to locate documents quickly. This issue often arises after accidental clicks, system updates, or syncing operations that reset folder preferences. Restoring the preferred sort order helps users navigate their directories more intuitively and reduces time spent searching for important files. A faulty recycle bin icon, while cosmetic, can still cause confusion. If the icon fails to update its appearance when the bin is full or empty, users may not realize that old files are accumulating. Icon issues can result from corrupted system files, theme errors, or display cache problems. Fixing or refreshing the icon ensures the recycle bin accurately reflects its status, helping users manage storage and avoid clutter. Together, these issues show how both visual settings and system functionality contribute to a smooth, efficient, and user-friendly computing experience.
Question 91
A technician finds that a desktop PC randomly freezes when an external USB hard drive is connected. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Insufficient USB power
B) Wrong desktop icon size
C) Incorrect wallpaper color
D) Faulty printer settings
Answer: A
Explanation:
Insufficient USB power, wrong desktop icon size, incorrect wallpaper color, and faulty printer settings each affect a computer in different but meaningful ways, influencing performance, usability, and everyday workflow. Insufficient USB power occurs when a connected device draws more electricity than the USB port can supply. This issue is common with external hard drives, webcams, audio interfaces, and other peripherals that depend on stable power to function correctly. When the port cannot provide enough energy, the device may disconnect randomly, fail to start, or operate inconsistently. This can interrupt data transfers or cause devices to malfunction at critical moments. Using a powered USB hub, switching to a USB 3.0 or USB-C port, or reducing the number of connected devices often resolves the issue by providing adequate power and ensuring stable operation.
Wrong desktop icon size affects accessibility and visual clarity. Icons that are too large clutter the desktop, limit available space, and make the interface feel overwhelming. Icons that are too small, however, can be difficult to identify, especially on high-resolution or small screens. Adjusting the icon size to a comfortable level helps users locate files quickly and maintain a visually balanced workspace. Incorrect wallpaper color is another aesthetic but important issue. A wallpaper that is too bright, too dark, or mismatched with the monitor’s color calibration can cause eye strain or make the screen appear washed out or unprofessional. Choosing a properly colored wallpaper that complements the display improves visual comfort and sets a better working atmosphere.
Faulty printer settings, meanwhile, can disrupt productivity more directly. Incorrect paper size, orientation, tray selection, or print quality settings often lead to failed or misaligned print jobs. These problems commonly appear after driver updates, printer resets, or accidental changes in settings. Reviewing and adjusting the printer configuration—such as selecting the correct tray, verifying paper size, or reinstalling drivers—restores proper printing behavior. Together, these four issues show how both hardware limitations and simple configuration choices can significantly shape the overall computing experience.
Question 92
A user reports that their laptop touchpad stops responding intermittently, but only when typing. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Palm-rejection settings
B) Faulty HDMI cable
C) Incorrect audio driver
D) Full download folder
Answer: A
Explanation:
Palm-rejection settings are designed to disable the touchpad temporarily during typing to prevent accidental cursor movement. If these settings are set too aggressively, the system may disable the touchpad longer than necessary or react incorrectly to hand placement, causing intermittent unresponsiveness. Many laptops include such settings in the device driver or touchpad software. When these settings are overly sensitive, users experience unresponsive cursor movement while typing but normal behavior once typing stops. This matches the problem described exactly.
A faulty HDMI cable affects only video output between the laptop and an external display. HDMI issues cannot cause intermittent touchpad functionality or affect touchpad behavior during typing.
Incorrect audio drivers affect only audio playback and recording. They do not interact with touchpad hardware or palm-rejection algorithms, and cannot cause the problem described.
A full download folder uses storage space but has no relationship to touchpad responsiveness or typing behavior. Even at maximum storage capacity, the touchpad would still function normally.
Given that the symptom appears specifically when typing, palm-rejection configuration issues are the most likely cause.
Question 93
A workstation begins to operate very slowly after being relocated to a new cubicle. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Loose SATA cable
B) Wrong monitor resolution
C) Incorrect browser homepage
D) Faulty wallpaper setting
Answer: A
Explanation:
A loose SATA cable can easily occur when a workstation is moved from one location to another. Even minor jostling can loosen internal cables. If the SATA data cable becomes partially disconnected, the system may revert to slower fallback modes, dramatically reducing performance. Drives may operate intermittently, causing long loading times, freezing, or sluggish operation. Because the issue began immediately after relocation, physical disturbance to internal components is the most plausible cause. Slow drive communication due to a loose cable directly aligns with the described symptoms.
Wrong monitor resolution affects only display clarity. It cannot cause the entire system to slow down because resolution does not influence storage access or CPU performance.
Incorrect browser homepage only determines what site appears when the browser launches. It does not cause system-wide slow performance, freezing, or delays in unrelated applications.
Faulty wallpaper settings change only desktop appearance and use minimal system resources. Wallpaper issues do not degrade system performance at the level described.
Given the timing and symptom pattern, a loose SATA cable is the most consistent explanation.
Question 94
A technician finds that a user’s computer frequently loses its BIOS settings after power loss. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Dead CMOS battery
B) Wrong sound balance
C) Incorrect font style
D) Faulty touchpad gestures
Answer: A
Explanation:
A dead CMOS battery is the most likely cause when BIOS settings reset after power loss. The CMOS battery keeps BIOS memory powered even when the system is unplugged. If the battery is depleted, the system loses its settings—such as time, date, boot order, and configuration—each time the machine loses power. This is a well-known symptom of battery failure and is especially common in older systems.
Wrong sound balance affects audio output only. It cannot influence BIOS memory retention, which operates independently from operating-system-level settings.
Incorrect font style impacts only text presentation in applications or the OS. It has no connection to hardware clock retention or BIOS configuration.
Faulty touchpad gestures influence input behavior but have no relationship to BIOS settings. Touchpad configurations operate after the OS loads, while BIOS settings are stored pre-boot.
Since BIOS resets occur when power is removed, the CMOS battery is the clear cause.
Question 95
A user complains that their laptop overheats when placed on a blanket or soft surface. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Blocked ventilation
B) Wrong browser zoom level
C) Incorrect file naming
D) Faulty sound equalizer
Answer: A
Explanation:
Blocked ventilation is the most likely cause of laptop overheating when placed on soft surfaces. Blankets, couches, or beds obstruct the ventilation openings underneath the laptop, preventing airflow from reaching the cooling system. Without proper ventilation, heat accumulates rapidly, causing overheating, fan overuse, and thermal throttling. Laptops rely heavily on unobstructed intake vents, and covering them disrupts heat dissipation completely. This behavior is widely known and matches the symptoms precisely.
Wrong browser zoom level affects only how web pages are displayed. It has no connection to physical heat generation or cooling efficiency.
Incorrect file naming influences organization and search capability but has no effect on temperature, airflow, or cooling components.
Faulty sound equalizer settings affect audio quality but cannot cause thermal issues. Sound processing does not generate enough heat to cause overheating even at heavy use.
Because the overheating occurs specifically when placed on soft materials that block the vents, restricted airflow is clearly the cause.
Question 96
A technician receives a desktop PC that beeps repeatedly on startup and does not boot. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Faulty RAM
B) Wrong keyboard theme
C) Incorrect desktop icons
D) Full recycling bin
Answer: A
Explanation:
Faulty RAM, a wrong keyboard theme, incorrect desktop icons, and a full recycling bin each affect a computer in different ways, ranging from serious hardware problems to simple visual or organizational issues. Faulty RAM is one of the more critical concerns because memory problems can lead to frequent crashes, random freezes, corrupted files, and programs failing to open. Since RAM is essential for storing temporary data while the computer is running, any defects—whether caused by aging components, electrostatic damage, or manufacturing issues—can severely disrupt performance. Users may notice blue screen errors or unexpected restarts as common signs of failing RAM. Running memory diagnostics or replacing the affected RAM module is typically required to restore system stability. A wrong keyboard theme, while far less severe, can still be inconvenient, especially on devices that support visual themes or skins for virtual keyboards. If the theme has poor contrast, strange colors, or an unfamiliar layout style, typing can become uncomfortable or visually distracting. Switching to a clearer, more familiar theme improves readability and comfort during text input.
Incorrect desktop icons affect organization and navigation on the computer. When icons are mislabeled, broken, duplicated, or arranged poorly, users may have difficulty finding important files or may click the wrong items by mistake. Sometimes icons appear distorted or missing due to system glitches, outdated shortcuts, or display settings. Fixing icon organization—by renaming, restoring defaults, or cleaning up unused shortcuts—helps create a more efficient and visually tidy workspace. Finally, a full recycling bin is a simple but often overlooked issue that can consume valuable disk space. When the bin becomes too full, deleted files may bypass it entirely and be permanently removed without warning. A cluttered recycling bin also contributes to storage shortages, especially on devices with limited space like laptops and SSDs. Emptying the bin regularly frees up storage, improves system performance, and ensures deleted files behave as expected. Together, these four issues highlight how both hardware reliability and thoughtful system organization contribute to a smooth, productive computing experience.
Question 97
A user reports that their smartphone battery drains unusually fast after installing several new apps. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Background app activity
B) Wrong ringtone
C) Incorrect contact list
D) Faulty widgets layout
Answer: A
Explanation:
Background app activity is the most probable cause of sudden battery drain after installing multiple new apps. Many mobile apps continue running in the background, syncing data, sending notifications, tracking location, or refreshing content. This constant activity consumes CPU cycles, memory, network connectivity, and battery power. Apps such as social media, messaging, navigation, and cloud storage are common contributors. The timing—battery drain starting after installing apps—strongly indicates increased background processes.
Wrong ringtones affect only audio preferences. They do not influence battery life except during brief playback. Even excessive ringtone use would not cause rapid drain.
Incorrect contact lists may cause organizational issues but do not engage hardware resources continuously. Contacts do not drain batteries unless synced excessively, which users would notice separately.
Faulty widget layouts influence the home screen appearance but do not significantly affect battery unless they belong to resource-heavy widgets. Widgets alone, however, cannot typically cause major battery drain unless tied to the apps already running in the background.
Given the context, increased background app activity is the most logical explanation.
Question 98
A technician is troubleshooting a laptop that shows fluctuating brightness levels even when adaptive brightness is disabled. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Faulty display inverter or backlight
B) Incorrect wallpaper
C) Wrong keyboard shortcuts
D) Full temporary files folder
Answer: A)
Explanation:
A faulty display inverter or backlight can cause brightness to fluctuate erratically. Even when adaptive brightness or power management features are disabled, hardware problems with the inverter (in older CCFL-based screens) or LED backlight circuitry (in modern displays) can cause inconsistent illumination. This results in the screen randomly brightening or dimming regardless of user settings. Because the issue persists even with adaptive features disabled, the problem is almost certainly hardware-related.
Incorrect wallpaper affects only the desktop background image. It cannot change screen brightness or cause fluctuating illumination.
Wrong keyboard shortcuts might dim or brighten the screen if pressed accidentally, but the symptom described occurs without user input and continues despite setting adjustments.
A full temporary files folder affects storage space but cannot influence backlight behavior or electrical regulation within the display panel.
Given the persistent fluctuations, faulty display hardware is the strongest explanation.
Question 99
A desktop PC emits a grinding noise for several seconds during startup but then operates normally. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Failing mechanical hard drive
B) Wrong audio theme
C) Incorrect browser tab settings
D) Faulty desktop shortcut
Answer: A
Explanation:
A failing mechanical hard drive often emits grinding or clicking noises during startup. Older HDDs perform spin-up operations at boot, and worn bearings or damaged platters may produce grinding sounds. Once the drive reaches full speed, the noise may subside temporarily, which aligns with the symptom of brief startup noise followed by normal operation. This behavior is common in aging drives nearing failure. Even if the system continues to function, these noises are clear warnings of impending mechanical failure.
Wrong audio themes affect only system notification sounds and cannot produce physical grinding noises. They are digital sounds, not mechanical events.
Incorrect browser tab settings influence how websites appear but have no connection to mechanical components or startup noises.
Faulty desktop shortcuts affect only file pointer links. They cannot generate physical noises or impact hard drive hardware.
The mechanical grinding noise during spin-up is almost always associated with a failing HDD.
Question 100
A user reports their Wi-Fi connection drops whenever a microwave oven is in use nearby. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) 2.4 GHz interference
B) Wrong wallpaper
C) Faulty touchpad
D) Incorrect recycle bin size
Answer: A
Explanation:
Microwave ovens operate at approximately 2.4 GHz, which is the same frequency band used by many Wi-Fi networks. As a result, microwaves can radiate interference that disrupts the wireless signal, causing drops in connectivity whenever the appliance is active. This type of interference is well-documented and often creates severe packet loss, reduced throughput, or complete disconnections. The fact that the issue occurs only when the microwave is running makes 2.4 GHz interference the most likely cause.
Wrong wallpaper affects only the screen’s appearance and cannot disrupt wireless communication.
A faulty touchpad relates solely to input behavior and has no interaction with wireless frequency interference or network stability.
Incorrect recycle bin size determines how much deleted data Windows stores but has no effect on wireless network operation.
Because the symptom timing aligns perfectly with microwave use, 2.4 GHz interference is the correct explanation.
