SQL

• What does SQL stand for?
• What is a database query?
• For the following query, what table is the information being pulled from?
• select (name, address) from (roster) where (class=programming)
• Do you have to learn an SQL language in order to control a database?
• What is the Microsoft Office application that can be used for controlling databases?

SQL

Answer the following questions:

• What does SQL stand for?
• What is a database query?
• For the following query, what table is the information being pulled from?
• select (name, address) from (roster) where (class=programming)
• Do you have to learn an SQL language in order to control a database?
• What is the Microsoft Office application that can be used for controlling databases?

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Another Test

This is another test post...

\

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Test Post

Here's a Test POstingggg

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A+

We are taking the A+ Test on 5.23.09 at Stark State at 8:30am.

If the date, time, or location changes, I'll contact you via email. CHECK YOUR EMAIL!

This is a GOOD TEST SIMULATION for the 601 test...

This is a GOOD TEST SIMULATION for the 602 test...

We all must create a user account with PearsonVUE in order to schedule our tests.

Final Test

Test....

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A+ Format

Here's a link to useful information about the format of the A+ test.

So today, in 40 minutes, we should be able to finish about 45 sample, "Adaptive Drill", questions.

Raise your hand when you've finished.

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Today's Test

There's no talking or other fun today.

The test has 2 parts: Matching & Short Answer.

Click here to take the test.


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Technical Support

The following is a list of "How to Give Terrible Tech Support". You assignment is to rewrite the list so that it pertains to "How to give Awesome Tech Support":

1. Assume that everyone who calls tech support is stupid.
2. Don't read or listen carefully. Light upon a couple of key words and give an answer which speaks to the most common questions, not the one being asked.
3. Blame all communication problems on the caller. You, after all, were hired for your superior people-handling skills and technical knowledge. Reading/listening comprehension is not required.
4. Remember that the human beings are only to be found in tech support. Clients are never human.
5. Direct the client to the FAQ. Don't tell the client where the FAQ can be found.
6. If the client finds the FAQ and the question isn't in the FAQ, insist that it is.
7. If the client can prove that the question isn't in the FAQ, insist that wasn't the question you were asked in the first place.
8. Keep the amount of time you spend answering tech support questions to a minimum. Short, evasive answers are always better than long, accurate ones.
9. Do not ever reveal that there are things you do not know. Do not seek help with a client's problem from other tech support staffers or engineers. If you cannot answer a question, see Rule 16.
10. Tell the client that you can't answer the question because you don't have all the necessary information. Tell them to look in the FAQ for the information they need to provide.
11. If the client provides all the necessary information, write back (being careful not to include a copy of the clients message) and tell the client that you cannot answer the question because he/she didn't provide the requested information.
12. If a client cannot understand what you are saying, don't rephrase it or try to figure out where the misunderstanding is coming from.
13. If the client shows signs of frustration, tell them that they are being rude. Hang up immediately.
14. Tell the client that you are not allowed to assist with that sort of problem.
15. Tell the client that you answer a million calls every day and you don't have time to investigate the problem.
16. When all else fails, simply don't give an answer.

Post your list in a comment to this blog.


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Thursday's Test

Thursday's Test will cover the following:

• Chapters 20 & 21
• Chapter 22
• Chapter 23
• Chapter 24

It will be closed-note, closed-neighbor, closed-everything...
Just you, your brain, and a prayer...


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Thursday's Test

Thursday's test will cover the following:

Chapter 24 (cont'd)

Answer the following concerning CHAPTER 24:

• Items in the Control Panel are manipulated using what type of policy?
• What is a GPO? GPE?
• List 6 possible {reasonable} responsibilities of a network administrator.
• List 4 password attributes that can be set for a domain.
• What is system auditing?
• How many tcp/ip port numbers are there?
• What are the port numbers assigned to the following: ftp, http, https, smtp, rdp, telnet.
• Who is able to access files protected by EFS?
• What is malware?

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Router Quizzzz

Answer the following in a comment to this blog post:

• List the default value for the following router settings:
• Host Name:
  
• DHCP Service:
  
• Local IP Address:
  
• Subnet Mask:
  
• Remote Administration:
• How does the router determine which LAN PC is to recieve a network packet?
• Which is stronger, Windows Firewall or a router firewall?
• What does QoS accomplish?
• Why is enabling DMZ a security risk?
• How would you reset a router back to factory defaults if you are unable to log into its web user-interface?
• Which is stronger, WPA or WEP?

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Welcome Back

Welcome back! I hope that you all had a good break... At least this week is a short one.

Today, since we're easing back into things, we're going to take a look at some "practical" home newtworking. If you mastered the Linksys router, today may somewhat boring.

.

Wireless Encryption

Your assignment, DUE TOMORROW, is to write a 400 word {minimum} report on the strengths and weaknesses of the WEP, WPA, and WPA2 encryption methods.

You must use and cite {I don't care what citation method you use} at least 3 sources.

Name your Word document "wifi-encryption.doc" and upload it when you're finished.

I recommend working in Google Docs so file transportation isn't an issue.

This is a test grade.

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Yeah... OK

We're going to check these out...

• Cracking WEP
• Cracking WPA
• These guys are sweet
  
• Increasing your WIFI signal
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVjN9EK7B0E
• Howard's Home Router
  

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Tech Republic

Today, after the lecture, each of you will be reading an article from TECH REPUBLIC and sharing what you've learned.

Each of you will choose any article on the main page... Post the title for the article that you've chosen in a comment to this blog.


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Chapter 24 ?s

Answer the following concerning Chapter 24

• How could you physically control access to computer system?
• What is password width? What is password depth?
• List 3 'best practices' for passwords.
• Describe how polarized screens work.
• List 4 biometric qualities that could be used for authentication.
• How should sensitive paper documents be disposed of?
• Why is NTFS more secure than FAT?
• How are user accounts different between workgroup and domain environments?
• What is the purpose of user groups?
  
• In workgroup environments, where is the user profile stored?
• What is the name of the user profile file?
• Are you infected with the Conficker virus?

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Chapter 23 ?s

Answer the following questions concerning CHAPTER 23:

DUE TUESDAY!

• What should be the first troubleshooting step in any context or situation?
• Explain how a time domain reflectometer works.
• Explain what the ARP command is used for.
• Explain what the PING command is used for.
• Explain what the NETSTAT command is used for.
• Explain what the TRACERT command is used for.
• Explain what the IPCONFIG command is used for.
• Explain what the PATHPING command is used for.
• Explain what the NSLOOKUP command is used for.
• What are the 3 indicator lights that are commonly found on network connectivity devices?
  
• What does it mean when you have an IP address of 169.254.xxx.xxx
• What are the 2 methods for encrypting a wireless signal?
• Which method is more secure?
• Explain the "power cycle" process.
• What is the default network ID when using ICS?

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Chapter 22 ?s

Answer the following concerning CHAPTER 22:

• What is the most famous WAN?
• Who maintains it?
• How many bits are in an IP address?
• How many host are possible in a class A network?
• How many networks are available in a class B network?
• How many hosts are possible in a class C network?
• Why are subnets created?
• What is a privat network?
• Define .com
• Define .net
  
• Define .org
  
• Define .edu
  
• What do DNS servers accomplish?
• What are the 5 internet access methods presented in this chapter?
• What is the technology that enables a LAN to connect to the internet by using a single IP address?
• What is the big difference between the ordinary phone network and the way that VoIP phones work?
• What are the 3 implementations of VoIP?
• Define TCP/IP.
• Who developed TCP/IP?
• What happens to data which was sent using TCP/IP if it becomes fragmented and out-of-order?
• Define WINS.
• Define DHCP. List 3 settings which are set by DHCP.
• Define ARP.
• Define URL.
• What are the 2 protocols normally used for retrieving email?
• What is the protocol normally used for send email?
• What does SSL accomplish?
• What does telnet accomplish?
• List the ports used for the following: http, https, ftp, telnet, smtp, rdp.
• List 6 different web browsers.
• How are viruses and spyware transmitted via websites?
• What does a proxy server accomplish?

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Chapter 21 ?'s

Answer the following concerning Chapter 21:

• Do MIDX ports need crossover cables?
• Describe what factors need to be considered when placing an WAP.
• What is an 'SSID'?
• What is a usual default IP address for most WAPs?
• List all the NTFS permissions for folders.
• Describe how you map a drive.
• For mapped drives, the path is: \\xxxxx\yyyyy\zzzzz. What are xxxxx, yyyyy, zzzzz?
• What did the mama tomato say to the baby tomato?

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Chapter 20 ?'s

Please answer the following concerning Chapter 20:

• Contrast full-duplex and half-duplex.
• What is the most common topology used in homes and offices?
• How do peer-to-peer networks differ from client/ server networks?
• What does a hub accomplish?
• How does a switch differ from a hub?
• How does a router differ from a switch?
• A network bridge is most like what other connectivity device?
• When would you use a crossover cable?
• What is the maximum speed of CAT 5e cabling?
• What does '10base2' mean?
• 'Thinknet' is what type of cabling?
  
• Why do fiberoptic lines use 2 fibers?
• List 4 fiberoptic connector types.
• What is IrDA?
• How does Bluetooth differ from regular radio signals?
• What wireless standard has a throughput of 54Mbps and uses the 2.4GHz band and the 5.4GHz band?
• What is the newest wireless standard?
• What is 'CSMA/CD'?
• What does 'fast ethernet' mean?
• What is a protocol?
• MS uses NWLink instead of what other protocol?

Answer these:

• How can print density be adjusted for an inkjet?
• What are the consequences of using solvent to unclog an inkjet nozzle?
• What could cause white or black lines in characters made by an inkjet printer?
• What are the 3 major areas where a paper jam can occur?
• Incorrect paper settings can cause what in a laser printer?
• What are the consumables associated with laser printers?
• What are the 8 noraml print delivery problem categories?
• What is the expected service life of a flatbed scanner?
• If a scanner light source is on but will not move, what might be the problem?
• What is a TWAIN driver?

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Printer Servicing

Answer the following in a cokmment to this blog:

• Generally speaking, what are the 3 areas where a printer-related problem could be found?
• If a printer gives an error code, list 2 places to look for a solution.
• What is the most cost effective solution for a faulty control board for a dot-matrix printer?
• List 2 items that would be considered FRUs in printers.
• What does it mean when a printer will print its test page but won't print from the computer?
• What CMOS settings could have an effect on printing?
• Where would you go to ensure that drivers are installed for a printer?
• What's the easiest way to see if a cable is bad?
• If a printer doesn't function, has no display lights, makes no sounds, and performs no actions, what is usually the cause?
  
• What are the 2 consumables associated with a dot-matrix printer?
• Explain how printing paper is specified (categorized}?
• What does it mean if the tops of characters are missing?
• How would a printed page look if the printhead positioning motor was faulty?

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Chapter 19

Read and take notes on the first half on Chapter 19.

You'll have an open-note, closed PDF quiz on Monday...


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Printers

Answer the following questions concerning Chapter 18:

• What is an 'impact printer'?
• What are the 3 common character font types?
• What port did printers originally use to interface with a PC?
• What is a printer controller?
• What is a dot-matrix printer? Describe how it works?
• Describe how thermal printers operate?
• Describe how inkjet printers operate?
• Describe how laser printers operate?
• What are the 6 stages of operation for a laser printer?
• What does LASER stand for?
• Describe how dye sublimation printers operate?
  
• What makes a printer 'network-ready'?
• What s the most important software part of a printer installation?
• What is 'PostScript'?
• What is 'PCL'?
• How do you access the printer spooler?

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Opertating System Utilities

Summaraize the following OS utilities:

• Defrag
• NTBackup
• ChkDsk
• Format
• Devcie Manager
• Task Manager
• MSConfig
• System Restore
• Event Viewer
• RegEdit

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BLOOOGGGGG

EVERTHING BEFORE THIS IS DUE MONDAY!!!

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A+ Chap 14

Answer the following concerning Chapter 14:

• Where can you go to check Windows hardware compatibility?
• What 2 file systems are supported by Windows 2000 and XP?
• What is an attended installation?
• What are the 2 types of unattended installations?
• Which unattended method would be best for installing to 50 computers with different hardware configurations?
• Which unattended method would be best for installing to 50 identical computers?
• What is RIS?
• What does Microsoft call its software patches?
• What are the minimum requirements for installing Windows 2000 Professional?
• What are the minimum requirements for installing Windows XP Professional?
• What are the minimum requirements for installing Windows XP Media Center Edition?
  
• What executable file begins Windows installation?
• What subsection of the device manager must you go to in order to make sure that SATA drivers are installed?
• Why is there a distinction make between signed and unsigned drivers?
• What are your 3 Windows options for handling driver signing?

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Chapter 12 - The Windows OS

Answer the following concerning Chapter 12:

• Define DOS.
• define GUI.
• Name 5 different Linux distributions.
• How do workgroup and domain environments differ?
• What is an intranet?
• What is an extranet?
• What technology allows work to be distributed to multiple CPUs?
• Define NLB.
• Define MSCS.
• List all versions of Windows 2000.
• List all versions of Windows XP.
• List all versions of Windows 2003.
• List all versions of Windows Vista.
• How much VRAM does Windows 2000 Server Datacenter support.
  
• What happens to a file when it's moved into the recycle bin?
• What is the name of the part of the taskbar where the clock is located?
• How is the Device Manager accessed?
• What does a wizard help you do? (Be creative...)
• How do yo uaccess the command line?
  
• What file types can be executed directly from the command line.
  
• What is the DOS command for changing the working directory?
  
• What is the DOS command for creating a new directory?
• What is the DOS command for erasing files?
• What is the DOS command for renaming files?
• What is the DOS command for changing file permissions?

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Chapter 10 - Part 2

Answer the following concerning Chapter 10:

• How large are most portable HDDs?
• How do portable CD/ DVD drives differ from desktop models?
• Define 'hot-swappable'.
• What are the 2 portable display types?
• Which lasts longer, LCD or CRT?
• What is 'contrast ratio'?
• How many keys are on most portable keyboards?
• What are the 3 pointing devices you could find on a portable?
• How are most peripheral storage devices connected to portables?
• What is the enhanced version of the PCMCIA standard called?
• How thick are the 3 types of PC Cards?
  
• What are the 4 standards for wireless communication in order of increasing capability?
• Define 'APM' and 'ACPI'.
• What happens when a system goes into 'Standby'?
• What happens when a system goes into 'Suspend'?
• What happens when a system goes into 'Hibernate'?
• How do docking stations and port replicators differ?
• What is most popular battery used in portables today?

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Chapter 10 - Part 1

Answer the following concerning Chapter 10:

• Define 'proprietary'.
• What is the main difference between desktop and portable CPUs?
• What was Intel's first mobile chip?
  
• What is the lowest operating voltage of the Pentium M?
• What does 'mobile voltage positioning'?
• What is the approximate battery life of the Pentium M?
• How much RAM does the the mobile Core Duo support?
• What is AMDs proprietary high-speed FSB?
• What is AMDs equivalent to the Core Duo?
• Define SODIMM.
• What are the approximate dimensions of a MicroDIMM chip?
• What is the first step in replacing or upgrading RAM?

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Win Structures - Part 2

Answer the following questions concerning Chapter 13:

• What is the drive letter of the first primary partition?
• What is the active partition?
• Using NTFS, how many primary partitions can you create?
• Where is the partition table located?
• What's the difference between low-level and high-level formatting?
• Using FAT, what is the first area on the disk reserved for?
• Using FAT, what is the second area on the disk reserved for?
• Using FAT, what is the third area on the disk reserved for?
• Using FAT, how many entries can each directory hold?
• Under NTFS, what are the 10 files that are automatically created?
• What is a disk quota?
• How is the disk management tool accessed?
• What are file extensions used for?
• How many characters can filenames have in Windows 2000? In XP?
• What are the 6 possible folder permissions?
• What happens to file permissions when an NTFS file is transfered to FAT?

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Win Structures - Part 1

Answer the following concerning Chapter 13. You may need to use the internet to answer some of the questions...

• List the 8 steps in a generic bootstrap process
• What is the directory path to NTLDR? What purpose does it serve?
• What is the directory path to BOOT.INI? What purpose does it serve?
• What is the directory path to NTDETECT.COM? What purpose does it serve?
• What is the directory path to BOOTSECT.DOS? What purpose does it serve?
• What is the directory path to NTOSKRNL? What purpose does it serve?
• What is the directory path to HAL.DLL? What purpose does it serve?
• What is the directory path to BOOTVID.DLL? What purpose does it serve?
• What is the directory path to WINLOGON.EXE? What purpose does it serve?
• What is the directory path to LSASS.EXE? What purpose does it serve?
• What is the directory path to SCREG.EXE? What purpose does it serve?
• What is the directory path to PAGEFILE.SYS? What purpose does it serve?
• How do Kernel and User mode differ?
• What are .INF files used for?
• How much memory can be installed on 32-bit W2k and XP?
• How much memory can be installed on 64-bit W2k and XP?
• Usually how big is pagefile.sys?
• What is the registry mostly used for?
• How is the registry edited manually?
• What are the 5 KEY categories in the registry?
• What is the most important registry KEY category?
• What is a registry hive?
• What are the 5 registry hives?
• Where are they located?
  

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Troubleshooting...

We're finishing up Chapter 9 today...

Don't forget that Chapter 10/ 12 PowerPoints are due Before class tomorrow.

Check back through the blogs for the last couple of weeks and make sure that you have them all done!


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Friday

Your assignment today is to answer questions from yesterday's PowerPoint.



Here are the questions:

1. Explain how to correct "battery memory".

2. What 3 portable FRUs follow convention and standards?

3. List 3 hazards that could arise from rough handling.

4. What does it normally mean if your LCD display is dim?

5. What should you check if your docking station's USB ports do not work when the portable is docked?

6. What is a bezel?

7. List 2 software-related problems that could effect your keyboard's functionality.

8. What is the biggest threat to portables?

9. What is the default file format for USB storage devices under Windows XP?

10. What is a driver?

11. What are the 4 major checks that should be made if your portable has power issues?

12. If your portable's LCD display has lines accross it, what should you do?

13. What is the best way to combat heat problems in laptops?


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PowerPoint

Your PowerPoints should be completed today...

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Monday

Your assignment today, tomorrow and Wednesday is to prepare a {nother} PowerPoint presentation over A+ material.

THIS ASSIGNMENT IS NOT A GROUP ASSIGNMENT!!! EACH OF YOU IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ENTIRE CHAPTER.

Half of you will make a PowerPoint over chapter 10, the other half over chapter 12.

• Savannah, Nick, Jason, Sarah, Taylor, Brandon - CHAPTER 10
• Ben, Lee, Castiel, Mike, Zach, Chris - CHAPTER 12
• Everybody else - CHAPTER 11

Email me with ?'s...


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Lo Siento

Lo siento, pero no aqui hoy.

Your assignment today is to read pgs 400 - 434 (the rest of Chapter 9) and create 20 questions which cover the reading.

Create a Word document including your questions and answers and make sure it's uploaded before 8:00pm Sunday.


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Welcome Back

Today we BPA!!!


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Tuesday

You assignment today is to read pages 383 - 400 in Chapter 9 and answer the following questions (the questions start at the beginning of the chapter):

1. List the 3 common indicators of a power supply failure.
2. Where is the best place to start looking for a problem if a system exhibits no signs of life?
3. What multimeter setting should be used to check a power supply's functionality?
4. How many screws secure a typical PSU to a chassis?
5. List 4 units that attach directly to the mother board which are replaceable.
6. List 3 common indicators of a system board failure.
7. List 3 common indicators of a CMOS setup failure.
8. Why is the system board the last step for troubleshooting?
9. What are the 6 voltages supplied by a PSU?
10. What is a soft-memory error?
11. What is a hard-memory error?
12. What could occur if you mix RAM types?
13. What is the only solution for a faulty CPU?
14. If a system locks up after only a few minutes powered on, what is the most likely cause?
15. Can ROM BIOS be repaired? Explain.
16. What is the operating temperature range for Pentium class CPU's?
17. What is one indicator that your CMOS battery is dead?
18. What are the 3 places keyboard problems are confined to?
19. List 3 common indicators of a keyboard failure.
20. Is it cost effective to service a keyboard?
21. What are the 2 main wireless technologies used for keyboards?
22. Explain why Bluetooth is less susceptible to radio interference.
23. Do you need drivers for mice? Explain.
24. What is the main troubleshooting step for wireless mice?
25. List 3 common indicators of a display failure.
26. If BIOS information is visible before a display problem develops, where is the problem?
27. Outline the troubleshooting steps for a display problem.
28. How would you load the most basic display drivers in Windows?

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BPA Test Prep

Each of you have a particular topic to quickly research (12min) and present (3min):

• Malware - Lee B
  
• PSU voltages & wire colors - Mike W
  
• DMA Chips - Castiel B
  
• IRQ - Chris K
  
• I/O port addresses - Jason M
  
• Transistor types - Savannah S
  
• PCI/ ISA/ AGP - Ben Y
  
• File compression - Zach S
  
• Disk Quota - Irgulgru V
  
• Full/ Half duplex - Nick N
  
• Network connectors - Sarah A
  
• ASCII/ Unicode - Brandon P
  
• Touchpads/ Joysticks - Taylor W
  

MIDTERM

Your midterm exam is scheduled for Tuesday @ 12:30p - 1:50p.

It will cover chapters 1 - 8 in the A+ prep book.


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Review

Today is a review day for the upcoming test. The test may cover the following:

• System board
  
• Form factor
  
• CPU
  
• RAM
  
• BIOS
  
• Adapter card
  
• Disk drive
  
• Chipset
  
• PCI
  
• PCIe
  
• AGP
  
• USB
  
• Firewire
  
• PATA
  
• SATA
  
• SCSI
  
• CMOS
  
• Hyperthreading
  
• Overclocking
  
• L1, L2, L3
  
• PGA
  
• Pentium
  
• Athalon
  
• DRAM
  
• SRAM
  
• SDRAM
  
• DDR/ DDR2/ DDR3
  
• Rambus
  
• Partiy checking
  
• ECC
  
• SIMM
  
• DIMM
  
• Cache
  
• Thumb drive/ flash drive
  
• Tape drive
  
• SD cards
  
• HDD
  
• FDD
  
• CD-ROM
  
• DVD-ROM
  
• RAID
  
• HDMI
  
• DVI
  
• Composite
  
• Component
  
• CRT
  
• LCD
  
• S-video
  
• Partition
  
• NTFS
  
• FAT
  
• Active partition
  
• FRU
  
• IDE
  
• POST
  
• POST card
  
• Beep codes
  
• Multimeter

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Chapter 8 ?'s

Answer the following in a comment to this blog:

1. Briefly describe the 4 main steps to basic PC troubleshooting.
2. List the mechanical tools you'd want to include in a PC repair toolkit.
3. List the software tools you'd want to include in a PC repair toolkit.
4. What is the most common source of PC problem?
5. What class of fire extinguisher is to be used with electrical fires?
6. Explain why beep codes are used.
7. Define POST.
8. When do configuration problems usually arise?
9. What 3 electrical quantities can be measured with a multimeter?
10. What are 2 common DC voltages found in PC's?
11. What is a POST card (in relation to PC maintenance)?
12. Define FRU.
13. What common household liquid makes for a good anti-static solution?
14. What should you clean read/ write heads with?
15. What does excessive dust cause to build up?
16. Roughly how many volts are stored within a CRT monitor?
17. What are 3 primary HDD software utilities that should be used regularly?
18. What does a magnetic field do to a floppy disk?
19. How often should a high-level format and re installation be preformed?
    

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Wednesday

Your assignment today is to finish reading Chapter 8.

It's not a tough read, most of it should be a skimmable review...

I'll be back tomorrow.


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Chapter 8

Begin reading Chapter 8.

Click here to download...

Be prepared for a quiz tomorrow covering pages 327 - 342.

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