A+ 1101 PM Review Day 1

During a computer lab session, Maura and Oscar were discussing the different types of devices that help users interact with a computer. They wanted to know what examples of PC peripheral input devices are. Can you help them?

• Monitor and speakers

• Mouse and keyboard

• CPU and PSU

• Fixed disks

Answer explanation

Explanation: Input devices allow the user to interact with the computer by providing data. A monitor and speakers are output devices, while CPU and PSU are internal components. Exam Tip: Remember the difference between input (providing data) and output (displaying results).

While working on a group project, Luis and Paul were discussing how different devices connect to their computer. They wondered, what is the function of an I/O port on a computer?

• Store data permanently

• Allow devices to connect to the PC

• Provide cooling to internal components

• Secure the power supply unit

Answer explanation

Explanation: I/O ports serve as the connection point for peripheral devices, allowing data transfer between the PC and external hardware. Exam Tip: Know the purpose of I/O ports and how they interact with connectors and cables.

Colin is setting up a new computer lab and wants to connect multiple devices to a single USB host controller. What is the theoretical maximum number of devices he can support?

• 64

• 127

• 255

• 512

Answer explanation

Explanation: A single USB host controller can theoretically support up to 127 devices, although bandwidth limitations reduce practical usage. Exam Tip: Numbers like 127 for USB devices and 3 or 5 meters for cable lengths are worth memorizing.

What determines the bandwidth required for video cables when Tornita is setting up her new gaming system?

• Screen size and refresh rate

• Resolution and refresh rate

• Cable length and resolution

• Frame rate and screen size

Answer explanation

Explanation: Higher resolutions and faster refresh rates require more bandwidth for video data transmission. Exam Tip: Focus on the relationship between resolution (e.g., 4K) and refresh/frame rates (e.g., 60 Hz or fps).

While setting up her new office, Lauren wants to connect multiple monitors to her computer. What feature makes DisplayPort suitable for multi-monitor setups?

• HDCP support

• Audio transmission

• Daisy-chaining

• Reversible connectors

Answer explanation

Explanation: DisplayPort supports daisy-chaining, which allows multiple monitors to connect to a single video source. Exam Tip: Daisy-chaining is exclusive to DisplayPort, making it a unique feature over HDMI.

While working on a computer assembly project, Oscar and Colin were discussing the specifications of various connectors. Oscar asked, 'How many pins does a standard SATA data connector have?'

• 4 pins

• 7 pins

• 15 pins

• 9 pins

Answer explanation

Explanation: A SATA data connector uses 7 pins to transfer data between the drive and motherboard. Exam Tip: 7 pins for data, 15 pins for power—make sure to differentiate them.

What does it mean when system memory (RAM) is described as nonpersistent?

• RAM stores data permanently.
• RAM only holds data when the PC is powered on.
• RAM can store data without needing a bus interface.
• RAM is faster than mass storage devices.

Answer explanation

Explanation: RAM is volatile, meaning it requires constant power to retain data. Data is lost when the PC shuts down. Exam Tip: Know the difference between volatile memory (RAM) and nonvolatile mass storage.

What is the first step Luis should take before opening a computer case?

• Discharge the power supply

• Remove all adapter cards

• Disconnect the PC from the power supply

• Put on an anti-ESD wrist strap

Answer explanation

Before opening a PC case, always disconnect the power supply to ensure safety and prevent electrical shocks. Exam Tip: Safety first! Disconnect power before touching any internal components.

In a computer lab, Justice is trying to understand how the components of a motherboard work together. He learns that the CPU socket is crucial for connecting the CPU to the motherboard. What is the primary purpose of a CPU socket on a motherboard?

• To connect system memory modules

• To house and connect the CPU to the motherboard

• To cool the CPU with a heat sink

• To provide power to the chipset

Answer explanation

The CPU socket securely holds the CPU and connects it to the motherboard for communication with other components. Exam Tip: Focus on how different motherboards support specific CPU sockets (Intel vs. AMD).

During a computer assembly project, Koffi and Emma were discussing the types of devices that connect to the motherboard using SATA ports. What type of devices were they referring to?

• USB devices

• Internal fixed and removable drives

• M.2 SSD drives

• Network adapters

Answer explanation

SATA ports are primarily used to connect internal drives like HDDs, SSDs, and optical drives (e.g., DVDs). Exam Tip: SATA = Internal storage connection. Separate data and power cables are required