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Question 101
A user reports that their desktop PC reboots every time they launch a graphics-intensive application. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Insufficient power supply wattage
B) Wrong keyboard layout
C) Incorrect desktop wallpaper
D) Full recycle bin
Answer: A
Explanation:
Insufficient power supply wattage is the most likely cause when a computer reboots during graphics-intensive tasks. These applications require increased GPU and CPU power draw. If the PSU cannot provide the necessary wattage, or if its rails are unstable, the system may abruptly restart to protect hardware. This often occurs during tasks such as gaming, 3D modeling, rendering, or video processing. Since the issue appears only under high load, insufficient power delivery best explains the reboots. A PSU that is borderline in capacity or degraded over time will exhibit this behavior consistently.
Wrong keyboard layout affects typing behavior only. It determines how keystrokes map to characters but cannot cause power fluctuations or system restarts. Keyboard settings are not involved in GPU or CPU performance and have no effect on high-load system stability.
Incorrect desktop wallpaper affects only visual appearance and uses negligible system resources. Wallpaper settings do not increase GPU load or cause power-related restarts. Even high-resolution wallpaper does not impact power supply behavior.
A full recycle bin relates only to storage management. While it impacts how long deleted files remain available, it cannot cause sudden system reboots or instability during demanding applications.
The key indicator here is that the system behaves normally under light load but restarts under heavy load. This pattern strongly suggests that the PSU is unable to provide consistent power at higher demand, making insufficient wattage the correct explanation.
Question 102
A user states that their laptop frequently disconnects from the docking station’s peripherals when the device is bumped lightly. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Loose docking connector
B) Wrong printer theme
C) Incorrect audio output
D) Faulty screensaver
Answer: A
Explanation:
A loose docking connector is the most likely cause when peripherals disconnect after the laptop is bumped. Docking stations rely on precise alignment and firm connection between the laptop and docking interface. If the connector is worn, dirty, damaged, or not fully engaged, even minor movement can break contact momentarily. This leads to loss of video output, network connection, USB device access, or power delivery. The fact that the issue occurs specifically when the device is bumped confirms that physical instability is involved, making a loose connector the most plausible cause.
Wrong printer themes affect only how printed content appears or how software organizes printing preferences. Themes do not influence physical connectivity between the laptop and the docking station.
Incorrect audio output determines which audio device the operating system sends sound to. It cannot cause the laptop to disconnect from docking peripherals or behave differently when the laptop is moved.
A faulty screensaver triggers issues only when the system enters inactivity mode. It does not cause physical connection loss and would not be triggered by bumping the device.
Because the problem appears with physical movement and involves multiple peripherals disconnecting, the docking connector is clearly responsible.
Question 103
A technician identifies that a user’s workstation clock keeps drifting several minutes per hour. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Failing CMOS clock crystal
B) Wrong display scaling
C) Incorrect desktop sorting
D) Faulty wallpaper cycle
Answer: A
Explanation:
A failing CMOS clock crystal is the most likely cause of significant time drift. The motherboard’s real-time clock relies on a quartz oscillator that keeps time at a precise frequency. If the crystal becomes unstable, damaged, or degraded, the frequency changes, causing the system clock to run too fast or too slow. Drifting several minutes per hour is far beyond normal adjustments and strongly indicates hardware-level timing failure. This problem persists regardless of operating system settings and continues even when the system is powered off, confirming the role of the clock crystal.
Wrong display scaling affects only how icons, text, and windows appear visually on the screen. This has no relationship to hardware-level clock timing and cannot cause time drift.
Incorrect desktop sorting changes how files and folders are arranged on the desktop. Organizational changes do not affect system timekeeping mechanisms.
A faulty wallpaper cycle affects how often or when wallpaper images change, but it cannot influence clock frequency or system time drift.
Because the drifting is severe and persistent, the real-time clock hardware is clearly malfunctioning, making the CMOS clock crystal the correct explanation.
Question 104
A technician finds that a user’s Bluetooth mouse works only when very close to the computer. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Weak or failing Bluetooth radio
B) Wrong icon pack
C) Incorrect folder color
D) Faulty sound profile
Answer: A
Explanation:
A weak or failing Bluetooth radio is the most likely cause of limited range. Bluetooth devices rely on a short-range radio transmitter. If the transmitter is degraded, obstructed, or loose, the signal becomes weak, reducing effective communication distance. This results in the mouse functioning only when near the laptop or PC. This problem commonly arises from damaged antennas, internal interference, or failing Bluetooth modules. The correlation between range limitation and mouse behavior strongly supports signal degradation.
Wrong icon packs change only the visual representation of icons within the operating system. These files do not impact Bluetooth signal strength or wireless device performance.
Incorrect folder color modifies superficial customization settings but has no effect on radio frequency communication, device detection, or Bluetooth functionality.
Faulty sound profiles influence audio output and equalizer settings. Sound preferences do not interfere with wireless radio operation or reduce Bluetooth range.
Because the mouse works only at extremely short distances, the Bluetooth transmitter is almost certainly weak or failing.
Question 105
A technician observes that a user’s laptop keyboard registers double keystrokes for single key presses. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Debouncing failure
B) Incorrect display brightness
C) Wrong cursor theme
D) Full desktop folder
Answer: A
Explanation:
Debouncing failure is the most likely cause of double keystrokes. Mechanical keys can bounce electrically when pressed, causing the switch to briefly open and close multiple times. Normally, keyboard firmware applies debouncing logic to interpret these rapid fluctuations as a single press. When this logic fails or the switch wears out, the system registers multiple presses. This manifests as repeated characters appearing with one keypress. Wear, dust, or internal switch damage commonly produces this symptom.
Incorrect display brightness affects only screen lighting and cannot alter keyboard input behavior.
Wrong cursor themes change only the appearance of the mouse pointer. They do not influence key registration or switch mechanics.
A full desktop folder uses disk space but does not affect keyboard hardware or the firmware that manages input detection.
Because the symptom directly matches what occurs when debouncing circuitry fails, this is the most consistent explanation.
Question 106
A user complains that their external USB microphone produces static noise only when connected to a specific laptop. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Electrical interference from the laptop’s USB port
B) Wrong file sorting method
C) Incorrect notification style
D) Faulty desktop grouping
Answer: A
Explanation:
Electrical interference from the laptop’s USB port is the most likely cause of static in an external USB microphone. USB ports can introduce electrical noise, especially on poorly shielded motherboards or when power regulation is unstable. Because microphones are sensitive audio devices, interference manifests as static, humming, or crackling sounds. The fact that the issue occurs only with one specific laptop strongly indicates port-related electrical noise or grounding problems.
Wrong file sorting affects only how files appear in folders. Sorting choices cannot introduce electrical noise or alter microphone behavior.
Incorrect notification style changes visual cues for system alerts but does not influence audio input quality.
Faulty desktop grouping determines how icons are organized and is irrelevant to microphone input or electrical interference.
Because microphones are highly sensitive to electrical noise and the issue is tied to a single laptop’s port, interference is the most likely cause.
Question 107
A workstation repeatedly loses its Wi-Fi connection whenever large files are transferred over the network. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Overheating Wi-Fi adapter
B) Wrong printer column settings
C) Incorrect recycle bin icon
D) Faulty desktop font
Answer: A
Explanation:
An overheating Wi-Fi adapter is the most likely cause when connections drop during large file transfers. High-throughput activity increases workload on the wireless chipset, generating heat. If airflow is restricted or the adapter is failing, it may overheat and shut down temporarily, causing disconnections. This behavior occurs specifically under heavy load, matching the symptom of dropped connections only during large transfers.
Wrong printer column settings affect printing layout only. They cannot cause wireless adapters to overheat or drop connections.
Incorrect recycle bin icons are cosmetic and do not influence network performance or hardware thermal behavior.
Faulty desktop fonts relate only to text display and cannot interfere with Wi-Fi chipset stability.
Because disconnections coincide with high data throughput, overheating is the most consistent explanation.
Question 108
A user reports that their laptop battery percentage jumps unpredictably from high to low values. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Failing battery sensors
B) Wrong theme colors
C) Incorrect taskbar shape
D) Faulty keyboard layout
Answer: A
Explanation:
Failing battery sensors are the most likely cause when battery percentage fluctuates erratically. Batteries contain internal circuitry that reports charge levels to the system. When this circuitry fails, the reported values may change suddenly, showing rapid jumps from high to low or vice versa. This behavior is common in aging batteries or batteries exposed to heat or physical wear. The system cannot accurately gauge remaining capacity, resulting in unpredictable readings.
Wrong theme colors affect only the visual appearance of the interface and cannot influence battery readings or sensor behavior.
Incorrect taskbar shape impacts only layout customization. It has no connection to power management or battery circuitry.
Faulty keyboard layouts affect typing behavior but have no relationship to battery monitoring.
Because the symptom involves inconsistent charge reporting rather than fast power drain, failing sensors are the correct explanation.
Question 109
A server administrator finds that one of the system’s fans is constantly running at maximum speed even when under minimal load. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Faulty temperature sensor
B) Wrong desktop icon spacing
C) Incorrect screensaver transition
D) Full recycle bin
Answer: A
Explanation:
A faulty temperature sensor, wrong desktop icon spacing, incorrect screensaver transition, and a full recycle bin each influence a computer in different but noticeable ways, affecting hardware reliability, visual layout, user experience, and storage management. A faulty temperature sensor is one of the more serious issues because temperature readings play a crucial role in how the system manages cooling. If the sensor provides inaccurate data—such as falsely reporting overheating or failing to detect high temperatures—the computer may throttle performance unnecessarily, run fans at full speed, or, in worse cases, neglect cooling when it is actually needed. This can lead to slowdowns, unexpected shutdowns, or long-term component damage. Replacing or recalibrating the sensor, updating firmware, or servicing the device is often required to ensure accurate thermal management and stable operation.
Wrong desktop icon spacing is a visual and usability issue that affects how neatly and comfortably a user can navigate the desktop. If icons are spaced too closely, the screen may look cluttered and difficult to scan. If spaced too far apart, the desktop may appear empty and inefficiently used, forcing users to move the mouse excessively to reach certain shortcuts. Adjusting icon spacing through display or registry settings helps maintain a balanced layout, improving organization and making daily navigation smoother.
Incorrect screensaver transition affects the aesthetic flow and performance of the screensaver. Choppy, delayed, or overly fast transitions can make the screensaver appear unpolished or distract users when it activates. In some cases, transition issues may be caused by outdated graphics drivers, incompatible themes, or corrupted screensaver files. Correcting these settings or reinstalling the screensaver ensures a smoother, more visually pleasing effect and prevents unnecessary strain on the GPU.
A full recycle bin, though simple, has practical implications for storage and system performance. When the recycle bin accumulates too many files, it consumes valuable disk space and may cause slower file operations. In some systems, once the bin reaches a designated size limit, newly deleted files bypass it entirely and are permanently erased, increasing the risk of accidental data loss. Regularly emptying the recycle bin not only frees space but also ensures deleted items follow the expected recovery process. Together, these issues highlight the importance of both hardware accuracy and thoughtful system maintenance in maintaining a smooth, reliable computing experience.
Question 110
A technician discovers that a user’s laptop cannot detect any Wi-Fi networks, but wired Ethernet works normally. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Disabled wireless adapter
B) Incorrect document margins
C) Wrong notification chime
D) Faulty wallpaper slideshow
Answer: A
Explanation:
A disabled wireless adapter is the most likely reason a laptop cannot detect any Wi-Fi networks while Ethernet remains functional. If the wireless adapter is turned off via hardware switch, BIOS setting, airplane mode, or system control panel, the laptop cannot scan for or connect to wireless networks. Wired Ethernet continues working because it relies on a separate adapter and independent drivers. The inability to detect any networks at all strongly indicates a disabled wireless device rather than a network-specific issue.
Incorrect document margins affect only printed or displayed document layout. They have nothing to do with network connectivity or wireless functionality.
Wrong notification chimes relate only to audio alerts. They cannot disable Wi-Fi adapters or prevent network detection.
Faulty wallpaper slideshows influence only desktop appearance and cannot disable radio hardware.
Because the Wi-Fi hardware is not functioning at all and wired networking works, the most logical explanation is that the wireless adapter is disabled.
Question 111
A technician finds that a laptop’s speakers produce distorted audio at all volume levels, but headphones sound normal. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Damaged internal speakers
B) Wrong screensaver
C) Incorrect browser font
D) Full downloads folder
Answer: A
Explanation:
Damaged internal speakers are the most likely cause when audio sounds distorted through the laptop speakers but plays normally through headphones. Distortion indicates physical issues such as torn speaker cones, worn drivers, or debris causing vibration. Because the headphone output uses a separate audio path, the difference in behavior between the two outputs strongly points to speaker hardware failure rather than software or driver problems. The consistency of distortion across all volume levels further suggests physical damage, as software issues typically vary with settings. This pattern is a classic sign of degraded speakers.
Wrong screensavers affect system behavior only when idle, controlling visual display changes. Screensavers have no interaction with audio output components and cannot cause distortion in hardware-based sound systems.
Incorrect browser font settings affect only the appearance of text inside a browser window. Font choices have no bearing on audio hardware and cannot produce distorted sound in speakers.
A full downloads folder relates strictly to storage use. It may affect available disk space but does not influence speaker performance or audio quality. Storage conditions are unrelated to physical speaker function.
Given that headphones work perfectly while speakers do not, the hardware within the speakers themselves is most likely worn, damaged, or obstructed, making damaged internal speakers the correct explanation.
Question 112
A user reports that their external USB hard drive disconnects whenever a second USB device is plugged in. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Insufficient USB bus power
B) Wrong printer defaults
C) Incorrect theme color
D) Faulty cursor design
Answer: A
Explanation:
Insufficient USB bus power, wrong printer defaults, incorrect theme color, and faulty cursor design each influence a computer’s functionality and user experience in different ways, ranging from hardware performance issues to visual or workflow challenges. Insufficient USB bus power occurs when a USB port cannot supply enough electricity for a connected device, which often affects external hard drives, webcams, audio interfaces, or high-powered peripherals. When the port is overloaded, devices may disconnect randomly, operate inconsistently, or fail to work altogether. Older USB ports, unpowered hubs, and too many simultaneous connections commonly contribute to this problem. Switching to a powered USB hub, using a USB 3.0 or USB-C port, or reducing active devices helps ensure stable power delivery and reliable operation.
Wrong printer defaults can cause unnecessary frustration, especially in environments where printing is a regular task. If the default printer is incorrect, jobs may go to the wrong device, fail to print, or use unintended settings such as color instead of black-and-white, letter size instead of A4, or duplex instead of single-sided printing. These mistakes waste time, ink, and paper. Adjusting the default printer and verifying key settings before printing restores predictable results and streamlines workflow.
Incorrect theme color affects the look and feel of the desktop or application interface. A theme that is too bright, too dark, or poorly matched with icons and window elements can cause visual discomfort and make text harder to read. This is especially noticeable on high-resolution displays or during long work sessions. Selecting a theme color with proper contrast and visual balance improves readability and enhances the overall user experience.
Faulty cursor design is another seemingly small issue that can significantly impact usability. If the cursor is poorly visible due to incorrect size, color, or transparency settings, users may struggle to locate it on the screen—especially against busy wallpapers or bright backgrounds. A corrupted or incompatible cursor file may also cause graphical glitches. Choosing a clearer cursor design or restoring the default system cursor improves navigation and precision during daily computer use. Together, these issues demonstrate how both hardware configuration and interface design contribute to a smooth, efficient, and comfortable computing environment.
Question 113
A workstation shows extremely slow performance after waking from sleep, but a reboot resolves the issue temporarily. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Memory leak
B) Wrong wallpaper style
C) Incorrect sorting method
D) Faulty icon pack
Answer: A
Explanation:
A memory leak, a wrong wallpaper style, an incorrect sorting method, and a faulty icon pack may seem unrelated, but each affects the computer experience in its own noticeable way. A memory leak is a serious software issue in which a program fails to release the RAM it no longer needs. Over time, this causes the application—and sometimes the entire system—to slow down as available memory is consumed. Users may notice sluggish performance, freezing, or the need to restart programs or the whole computer to restore responsiveness. Memory leaks often stem from poorly optimized software, background services, or browser extensions, and resolving them may require updating or uninstalling the faulty application.
A wrong wallpaper style is a more cosmetic issue but still impacts the user’s comfort and visual experience. If the wallpaper is set to an inappropriate style such as “stretch” or “tile” when the image is not designed for that format, it may appear distorted, pixelated, or misaligned. This can make the desktop look unprofessional or visually unbalanced. Adjusting the wallpaper to a style like “fill,” “fit,” or “center,” depending on the image resolution, improves clarity and ensures the background displays correctly.
Incorrect sorting methods in folders or file explorers can disrupt organization and slow productivity. When files are unintentionally sorted by size, type, or modification date instead of by name or the user’s preferred method, it becomes harder to locate documents quickly. This issue often happens after accidental clicks or system updates. Restoring the intended sorting method improves navigation and helps maintain a tidy digital workspace.
A faulty icon pack affects the overall appearance and navigation of the operating system. Icon packs can become corrupted or incompatible, causing mismatched, missing, or distorted icons. This can make it difficult to identify applications at a glance and can disrupt visual consistency across the desktop. Reinstalling or replacing the icon pack restores proper visuals and improves usability. Together, these issues illustrate how both system-level performance and visual organization contribute to an efficient, stable, and pleasant computing experience.
Question 114
A user states that their laptop takes significantly longer to lock onto a GPS signal than before. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Obstructed sky view
B) Wrong ringtone
C) Incorrect brightness setting
D) Faulty desktop shortcut
Answer: A
Explanation:
Obstructed sky view, a wrong ringtone, incorrect brightness settings, and a faulty desktop shortcut each affect devices in different but important ways, influencing performance, visibility, usability, and workflow. An obstructed sky view is a common issue for GPS-enabled devices such as smartphones, tablets, and dedicated navigation units. When tall buildings, dense trees, tunnels, or bad weather block the line of sight to satellites, the device may struggle to determine an accurate location. This can result in slow GPS lock times, incorrect positioning on maps, or complete loss of navigation. Ensuring the device has a clear view of the sky—such as moving outdoors or away from obstructions—helps restore strong satellite signals and improves navigation accuracy.
A wrong ringtone, while relatively minor, can still disrupt daily routines. Using a ringtone that is too quiet, unfamiliar, or not suited to a user’s environment can cause missed calls or notifications. In shared or professional settings, an overly loud or inappropriate ringtone may also be distracting. Setting a recognizable and appropriately audible ringtone ensures clearer communication and reduces interruptions.
Incorrect brightness settings affect screen visibility and comfort. A screen that is too dim may be difficult to read in bright environments, while one that is too bright can cause eye strain, especially in low-light conditions. This can interfere with work, media viewing, and general device use. Adjusting brightness—either manually or using adaptive brightness—helps maintain clarity and reduces fatigue, making the display more comfortable for prolonged use.
A faulty desktop shortcut is a small but frustrating issue that impacts productivity. If a shortcut becomes broken due to moved files, deleted programs, or corrupted links, clicking it results in errors instead of opening the intended application or folder. Users may waste time searching for the correct file manually. Recreating the shortcut or updating its target path restores quick access and keeps the desktop organized. Together, these issues highlight how both environmental factors and configuration settings play key roles in maintaining a smooth, efficient, and user-friendly computing or device experience.
Question 115
A technician finds that a desktop PC shuts down instantly when the power button is pressed, rather than performing a graceful shutdown. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Faulty front-panel power switch
B) Wrong application theme
C) Incorrect startup folder contents
D) Faulty desktop animation
Answer: A
Explanation:
A faulty front-panel power switch, a wrong application theme, incorrect startup folder contents, and faulty desktop animation each affect a computer in different ways, ranging from hardware problems to visual or organizational issues. A faulty front-panel power switch is a hardware malfunction that prevents the computer from turning on reliably. The switch may become worn out, stuck, or disconnected from the motherboard’s front-panel header. When this happens, pressing the power button may produce no response, require multiple attempts, or cause the system to power off unexpectedly. Troubleshooting often involves checking internal wiring, reseating the switch connector, or replacing the front-panel assembly entirely. Because this issue prevents normal system use, addressing it quickly is essential for restoring proper operation.
A wrong application theme, while less serious, can still make software uncomfortable or difficult to use. Some applications allow themes that change color schemes, backgrounds, and control layouts. If the theme has poor contrast, overly bright colors, or unfamiliar styling, it can make text hard to read or interfere with workflow. Switching to a default or more visually balanced theme improves readability and user comfort, especially during long work sessions.
Incorrect startup folder contents can affect system performance and boot times. If unnecessary programs, outdated shortcuts, or unwanted utilities are placed in the startup folder, the computer will attempt to load them every time it boots. This can slow down the system, clutter the taskbar, or cause programs to run in the background without the user’s knowledge. Cleaning the startup folder and removing unneeded entries ensures faster boot times and a cleaner, more responsive system.
Faulty desktop animation is a visual issue that can make the interface appear glitchy or inconsistent. Animation problems may include choppy window transitions, icons fading incorrectly, or menus opening slowly. These issues often stem from outdated graphics drivers, corrupted animation settings, or insufficient system resources. Adjusting visual effects settings or updating display drivers typically resolves the issue and restores smooth, polished animations. Together, these issues show how both hardware functionality and software configuration shape the overall user experience, affecting comfort, performance, and ease of use.
Question 116
A technician notices that a workstation cannot sync time with the domain controller. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Incorrect system time or date
B) Wrong pointer theme
C) Faulty recycle bin display
D) Incorrect desktop background stretch
Answer: A
Explanation:
Incorrect system time or date, a wrong pointer theme, a faulty recycle bin display, and incorrect desktop background stretch each affect a computer in different but noticeable ways, influencing accuracy, usability, and visual organization. Incorrect system time or date can create a wide range of problems, from failed software updates to issues with secure websites that rely on accurate timestamps to verify certificates. Email timestamps, scheduled tasks, calendar events, and cloud synchronization may also behave inconsistently when the system clock is wrong. This issue can arise from a drained CMOS battery, manual misconfiguration, or disabled automatic time syncing. Correcting the time and enabling synchronization ensures smooth functioning across applications and restores proper communication with online services.
A wrong pointer theme affects the overall usability of the interface. When the cursor design is too small, overly stylized, incorrectly colored, or poorly contrasted, users may struggle to see it clearly on the screen. This can slow cursor tracking, make text selection difficult, and create eye strain—especially on high-resolution displays. Switching to a more visible and appropriately sized pointer theme improves accessibility and creates a more comfortable user experience.
A faulty recycle bin display typically involves the icon failing to update when the bin is full or empty, or displaying the wrong symbol altogether. This visual inconsistency can confuse users who rely on the icon status to know when to empty the bin. The problem is often caused by corrupted icon cache files, theme glitches, or system display errors. Refreshing the cache or resetting the icon usually restores proper behavior and ensures accurate feedback about deleted files.
Incorrect desktop background stretch affects the appearance and clarity of the desktop. When the wallpaper is stretched improperly—often due to mismatched aspect ratios or display settings—it may appear blurry, distorted, or pixelated. This reduces visual quality and makes the workspace look unprofessional or untidy. Adjusting the wallpaper’s fit mode to fill, fit, or center, depending on the image and monitor dimensions, restores proper scaling and improves overall screen aesthetics. Together, these issues show how both system accuracy and visual configuration contribute to a smooth and enjoyable computing experience.
Question 117
A user reports that their laptop’s touch screen responds erratically, registering ghost touches. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Contaminants or moisture on the screen
B) Wrong font scheme
C) Incorrect screen saver sound
D) Faulty desktop icon grouping
Answer: A
Explanation:
Contaminants or moisture on the screen, a wrong font scheme, an incorrect screen saver sound, and faulty desktop icon grouping each influence a computer or device in different but noticeable ways, affecting usability, clarity, organization, and overall user experience. Contaminants or moisture on the screen can cause visible smudges, streaks, or touch-response issues on devices with touch functionality. Dust, fingerprints, or moisture droplets interfere with the clarity of the display, making content harder to read and reducing color accuracy. In more severe cases—such as moisture entering the screen edges—ghost touches or unresponsive areas may appear, potentially damaging internal components. Cleaning the screen with proper microfiber cloths, avoiding liquid sprays directly on the display, and keeping the device away from humidity helps maintain visual quality and prevent long-term issues.
A wrong font scheme affects text readability and visual comfort across the operating system and applications. If the selected font is too thin, overly stylized, or poorly contrasted, it can make menus, dialog boxes, and file names difficult to read, increasing eye strain and slowing productivity. Users working with documents or design applications may find it especially distracting. Restoring a standard or more legible font scheme improves clarity and ensures the interface remains visually consistent and comfortable during extended use.
Incorrect screen saver sound is a smaller but potentially disruptive issue. If the sound linked to a screen saver is too loud, inappropriate, or simply unwanted, it may startle users or disturb others nearby. In some cases, unexpected audio may also lead users to believe there is a system error or background program running. Adjusting the screen saver settings or disabling the associated sound eliminates these interruptions and maintains a quieter, more controlled environment.
Faulty desktop icon grouping, meanwhile, affects organization and workflow. When icons fail to group properly—whether due to incorrect settings, corrupted layout files, or accidental sorting changes—the desktop can become cluttered or disorganized. Users may struggle to find files quickly, lose track of important shortcuts, or experience icons shifting unpredictably after restarts. Restoring proper grouping by type, name, or category helps maintain a cleaner, more efficient workspace. Together, these issues highlight how both physical care and thoughtful system configuration contribute to a smooth, visually clear, and productive computing experience.
Question 118
A user states that their smartphone cannot maintain a stable hotspot connection with other devices. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Overheating during hotspot use
B) Wrong ringtone
C) Incorrect photo filter
D) Faulty folder naming
Answer: A
Explanation:
Overheating during hotspot use, a wrong ringtone, an incorrect photo filter, and faulty folder naming each affect a device or computer setup in different but meaningful ways, influencing performance, clarity, organization, and user experience. Overheating during hotspot use is a common issue, especially on mobile devices or laptops acting as Wi-Fi hotspots. Sharing a network connection requires the device to maintain constant cellular and wireless activity, which generates significant heat. When ventilation is poor or the device is used in a hot environment, temperatures can rise quickly, leading to reduced performance, battery drain, automatic shutdowns, or long-term component wear. Ensuring proper airflow, avoiding direct sunlight, and giving the device brief cooling breaks can help manage this heat buildup and maintain stable hotspot functionality.
A wrong ringtone, while minor in comparison, can still interrupt workflow and cause confusion. If the ringtone is unfamiliar, too quiet, overly loud, or accidentally changed, users may miss important calls or mistake their device’s alerts for someone else’s. Customizing the ringtone to something recognizable and appropriately loud ensures clearer notifications and reduces distraction or miscommunication.
Incorrect photo filters affect the quality and accuracy of edited images. Applying the wrong filter can distort colors, reduce detail, or drastically change the mood of a photo, resulting in visuals that do not match the user’s intent. This is particularly problematic for professional or social media use where image consistency matters. Choosing appropriate filters or adjusting them manually helps preserve natural color balance and achieve the desired artistic result.
Faulty folder naming is an organizational problem that can cause confusion when navigating files. Poorly named folders—or folders with inconsistent, unclear, or incorrect labels—make it harder to locate documents quickly. This inefficiency grows over time as the number of files increases. Renaming folders with descriptive, logical titles improves organization, speeds up workflow, and reduces mistakes such as saving items in the wrong place. Together, these issues demonstrate how both technical performance and thoughtful organization contribute to a smoother, more efficient, and more intuitive digital experience.
Question 119
A technician finds that a desktop PC frequently blue-screens when multiple memory-intensive applications run simultaneously. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Faulty RAM modules
B) Wrong taskbar alignment
C) Incorrect desktop region settings
D) Faulty wallpaper rotation
Answer: A
Explanation:
Faulty RAM modules, wrong taskbar alignment, incorrect desktop region settings, and faulty wallpaper rotation each affect a computer in different ways, ranging from system-level stability issues to simple visual or usability problems. Faulty RAM modules are among the most serious hardware issues because system memory plays a key role in keeping programs running smoothly. When RAM begins to fail due to manufacturing defects, age, overheating, or physical damage, users may experience frequent crashes, freezes, corrupted files, and sudden system restarts. Blue screen errors and applications closing unexpectedly are also common symptoms. Since RAM issues affect the entire system, diagnosing the problem often involves running memory tests or swapping modules to pinpoint the faulty one. Replacing the damaged module is usually the only reliable fix, restoring stability and preventing data loss.
Wrong taskbar alignment, while less critical, can still disrupt workflow and visual consistency. Modern operating systems allow users to place the taskbar in various positions—left, right, center, or bottom. When the alignment is changed unintentionally, applications and shortcuts may seem harder to reach, and the interface may feel unfamiliar or awkward. Correcting the alignment helps restore a comfortable and efficient layout, making navigation smoother and more intuitive.
Incorrect desktop region settings can cause confusion with date formats, currency symbols, number formats, and even keyboard behavior. For example, selecting the wrong region may switch between 12-hour and 24-hour time, alter decimal formatting, or cause certain apps to display region-specific content incorrectly. Fixing the region settings ensures that the system behaves consistently with the user’s expectations and avoids problems with software localization or file naming.
Faulty wallpaper rotation is a cosmetic but noticeable issue. Rotation problems occur when slideshow settings malfunction, image files are missing or corrupted, or display preferences conflict with theme settings. Instead of changing wallpapers automatically, the system may freeze on one image, skip certain photos, or display low-quality or improperly scaled backgrounds. Resolving this often involves refreshing the wallpaper folder, adjusting personalization settings, or repairing the theme configuration. Together, these issues demonstrate how both hardware reliability and proper system configuration contribute to a smooth, stable, and visually comfortable computing experience.
Question 120
A user reports that their wireless keyboard experiences frequent input lag, especially when multiple Bluetooth devices are nearby. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Radio interference
B) Wrong drive icon
C) Incorrect theme shading
D) Faulty search bar design
Answer: A
Explanation:
Radio interference, a wrong drive icon, incorrect theme shading, and faulty search bar design may seem unrelated, yet each one affects how smoothly and comfortably a computer or device operates. Radio interference is a common issue that disrupts wireless communication. Devices such as Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth peripherals, cordless phones, microwave ovens, and even neighboring networks can create overlapping signals. This can lead to slow internet speeds, dropped connections, lag in wireless mice or keyboards, and unstable Bluetooth audio. Reducing interference often involves repositioning devices, changing Wi-Fi channels, or separating electronics that operate on similar frequencies.
A wrong drive icon, while mostly cosmetic, can create confusion when navigating storage devices. If a hard drive, USB stick, or partition displays an incorrect or generic icon, users may misidentify it or overlook important files. This issue may occur due to corrupted autorun files, theme conflicts, or system cache problems. Restoring the correct icon helps maintain clarity and makes file management more intuitive.
Incorrect theme shading affects the overall visual experience of the operating system. When shading is too dark, too bright, or inconsistently applied, menus and windows may become harder to read, causing eye strain or making the interface feel unpolished. Adjusting theme settings or switching to a more balanced visual style enhances comfort and usability.
Faulty search bar design can significantly slow down productivity. If the search bar is poorly placed, visually unclear, or malfunctioning, users may struggle to locate files, apps, or settings efficiently. A functional and well-designed search bar improves navigation and streamlines tasks. Together, these issues show how both visual design and hardware conditions influence the overall computing experience.
