Maintenance: Why is high humidity just as dangerous as low humidity for a PC?
High humidity causes moisture/corrosion; Low humidity increases the risk of ESD (Electrostatic Discharge).
Maintenance: How do you clean RAM modules or adapter card “fingers” safely?
Use Isopropyl Alcohol (99%) and a lint-free swab; never use water or household cleaners.
Maintenance: What is the primary benefit of “Defragmenting” a mechanical hard drive?
It rearranges files into contiguous sectors, reducing drive head movement and increasing data access speed.
Troubleshooting: You have established a theory, but testing proves it wrong. What is the next step?
Reset the device to its original state (if changed during testing) and establish a new theory.
Step 1: Besides asking questions, what should a technician check first during “Identify the Problem”?
Check the Event Viewer (System Logs) and Device Manager for error icons.
Step 2: What is the “Rule of Thumb” when establishing a theory of probable cause?
Start with the easiest and most obvious causes (e.g., unplugged cables) before moving to complex ones.
Step 5: What is an example of a “Preventive Measure” implemented during the verification step?
Installing a Surge Protector after replacing a blown power supply.
Symptom: A computer reboots spontaneously without an error message. What is the likely cause?
Overheating (CPU/GPU) or a failing Power Supply (PSU).
Symptom: The computer boots, but the screen remains black and the motherboard emits 1 long and 2 short beeps.
This typically indicates a Video Card (GPU) failure or seating issue.
Symptom: A “GRUB” or “BOOTMGR is missing” error appears during startup.
This is a Software/OS problem (corrupted boot loader) or a failing storage drive.
Questioning: Why should you avoid using “Technical Jargon” when asking a customer open-ended questions?
It can confuse the customer, leading to inaccurate information or a breakdown in communication.
Hard Drives: What is the “Click of Death”?
A rhythmic clicking sound indicating a mechanical failure of the HDD read/write head.
Power: If a PC smells like ozone or burnt electronics, which component is the most likely culprit?
The Power Supply (PSU) (likely a blown capacitor).
Cables: A user reports the front USB ports don’t work, but the back ones do. What do you check?
The Internal USB Header connection on the motherboard.
Motherboard: What is “Distended Capacitors” (Capacitor Plague)?
Capacitors that are bulging or leaking; a sign the motherboard is failing due to heat or age.
CPU: If a PC runs fine for 10 minutes then shuts off, what should you check in the BIOS?
The CPU Temperature (checks for heatsink/fan failure).
Documenting: What is the “Searchable Database” benefit of Step 6?
It allows other technicians in the organization to search for the solution if the problem happens to someone else.
Environment: Why shouldn’t a PC be placed directly on a carpeted floor?
Carpets act as insulation (trapping heat) and are a major source of dust and static.
Memory: A PC recognizes only 4GB of RAM despite 8GB being installed. What is the cause?
Either a dead RAM stick/slot or a 32-bit Operating System limitation.
Display: What does a “degauss” tool do for an old CRT monitor (Maintenance)?
It removes unwanted magnetic fields that cause color distortion.
Step 4: If a fix requires a part you don’t have, what is your “Plan of Action”?
Order the part, provide the customer with an ETA, and offer a temporary loaner if applicable.
Questioning: “Did you install any new software recently?” is an example of which question type?
Closed-ended (looking for a specific Yes/No to narrow cause).
Questioning: “Can you describe what happened before the blue screen appeared?” is which type?
Open-ended (gathering context).
BIOS: If the BIOS doesn’t see the Hard Drive at all, what is the first thing to check?
The SATA Data and Power cables.
