Here are 25 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on cleaning and maintaining hardware, along with their answers and explanations.These questions continue to cover various aspects of cleaning and maintaining computer hardware components, ensuring their proper functioning and longevity.
1. What is the primary reason for regularly cleaning computer hardware components?
- To make the computer run faster
- To prevent hardware damage and extend the lifespan
- To improve software performance
- To reduce electricity consumption
Regularly cleaning computer hardware components helps prevent hardware damage and extends the lifespan of the equipment.
2. What is the best tool for cleaning dust and debris from the inside of a computer case?
- A vacuum cleaner
- A can of compressed air
- A damp cloth
- A lint roller
A can of compressed air is the best tool for cleaning dust and debris from the inside of a computer case as it effectively removes particles without static buildup.
3. When cleaning a computer monitor screen, what should you avoid using to prevent damage?
- Soft microfiber cloth
- Mild glass cleaner
- Paper towels or abrasive materials
- Compressed air
To prevent damage to a computer monitor screen, avoid using paper towels or abrasive materials, as they can scratch the screen.
4. How should you clean a keyboard with sticky or stuck keys?
- Disassemble the keyboard and clean each key individually
- Replace the entire keyboard
- Spray water or cleaning solution directly onto the keyboard
- Use compressed air and a damp cloth to clean the keys
To clean a keyboard with sticky or stuck keys, use compressed air to remove debris and a damp cloth to clean the keys gently.
5. What should you do before cleaning the inside of a desktop computer case?
- Disconnect all cables and peripherals
- Increase the computer's power supply
- Replace the CPU
- Disconnect the keyboard and mouse only
Before cleaning the inside of a desktop computer case, it is important to disconnect all cables and peripherals to ensure safety.
6. What is the primary purpose of thermal paste in a computer's CPU cooling system?
- To add color to the CPU
- To cool the CPU
- To make the CPU run faster
- To improve software performance
Thermal paste is used to improve the thermal conductivity between the CPU and the heat sink, helping to cool the CPU more effectively.
7. How often should you replace the thermal paste on a CPU?
- Once a week
- Once a month
- Once a year
- When you notice increased temperatures or degraded performance
Thermal paste should be replaced when you notice increased temperatures or degraded CPU performance, which can occur over time.
8. What should you do to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) when working on computer hardware components?
- Touch the metal case of the computer to discharge static electricity
- Wear rubber gloves
- Use a plastic screwdriver
- Work in a humid environment
To prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD), touch the metal case of the computer to discharge static electricity from your body before handling sensitive components.
9. What is the recommended method for cleaning an optical disc (e.g., CD or DVD)?
- Wipe it with a damp cloth in a circular motion
- Use a pencil eraser to remove scratches
- Clean it from the center to the outer edge with a microfiber cloth
- Scrub it vigorously with a scouring pad
The recommended method for cleaning an optical disc is to clean it from the center to the outer edge with a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching.
10. What should you do if you spill liquid on a laptop keyboard?
- Continue using it and let it dry naturally
- Shake the laptop to remove excess liquid
- Immediately turn off the laptop, disconnect it from power, and let it dry completely
- Use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process
If you spill liquid on a laptop keyboard, immediately turn off the laptop, disconnect it from power, and let it dry completely to prevent damage.
11. What is the purpose of a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) in hardware maintenance?
- To increase CPU speed
- To provide extra storage capacity
- To protect computer equipment from power surges and provide backup power during outages
- To clean the computer screen
A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is used to protect computer equipment from power surges and provide backup power during outages.
12. What is the recommended method for cleaning the exterior of a laptop or desktop computer case?
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment
- Scrub with soap and water
- Use a damp cloth and mild cleaning solution
- Apply a layer of wax for protection
The recommended method for cleaning the exterior of a laptop or desktop computer case is to use a damp cloth and a mild cleaning solution.
13. How often should you clean the cooling fans and vents of a laptop or desktop computer?
- Once a day
- Once a week
- Once a month
- As needed, based on dust buildup
You should clean the cooling fans and vents of a laptop or desktop computer as needed, based on the level of dust buildup.
14. What is the purpose of defragmenting a hard drive in hardware maintenance?
- To remove viruses
- To organize and optimize data on the hard drive for faster access
- To clean the hard drive
- To increase RAM capacity
Defragmenting a hard drive is done to organize and optimize data for faster access and better overall performance.
15. What should you do if a laptop's battery is not holding a charge as it used to?
- Replace the laptop's motherboard
- Continue using it without a battery
- Recalibrate the battery or replace it if necessary
- Clean the battery contacts
If a laptop's battery is not holding a charge as it used to, you can recalibrate the battery or replace it if necessary.
16. What should you do if you notice that the computer's cooling fan is making unusual noises, such as grinding or rattling?
- Ignore it; the noise will go away on its own
- Replace the entire computer
- Clean the fan and its surroundings, and replace the fan if necessary
- Increase the volume of the computer's speakers to drown out the noise
If the cooling fan is making unusual noises, clean the fan and its surroundings, and replace the fan if necessary to prevent overheating.
17. How can you safely clean the screen of a touchscreen device (e.g., smartphone or tablet)?
- Use a cloth with a small amount of water and gently wipe the screen
- Scrub the screen with a scouring pad
- Use a hairdryer to blow away dust and debris
- Submerge the device in soapy water
To clean the screen of a touchscreen device safely, use a cloth with a small amount of water and gently wipe the screen.
18. What should you do if you accidentally drop a portable hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD)?
- Continue using it; dropping does not affect storage devices
- Place it in the freezer to fix any damage
- Immediately stop using it and check for physical damage; data recovery may be necessary
- Shake it vigorously to redistribute internal components
If you accidentally drop a portable hard drive or SSD, immediately stop using it and check for physical damage. Data recovery may be necessary if there is damage.
19. What is the purpose of a surge protector in hardware maintenance?
- To improve Wi-Fi signal strength
- To provide extra storage capacity
- To protect computer equipment from voltage spikes and surges
- To clean the computer screen
A surge protector is used to protect computer equipment from voltage spikes and surges, helping to prevent damage.
20. What is the recommended method for cleaning the keys of a laptop keyboard?
- Scrub them vigorously with soap and water
- Remove the keys and soak them in bleach
- Use a can of compressed air and a soft brush to dislodge debris
- Apply a layer of wax for protection
The recommended method for cleaning the keys of a laptop keyboard is to use a can of compressed air and a soft brush to dislodge debris.
21. How often should you clean the optical sensor on an optical mouse?
- Once a day
- Once a week
- Once a month
- As needed, based on dust and debris buildup
You should clean the optical sensor on an optical mouse as needed, based on the level of dust and debris buildup.
22. What is the purpose of updating device drivers in hardware maintenance?
- To increase CPU speed
- To prevent overheating
- To improve hardware compatibility and performance
- To clean the hard drive
Updating device drivers is done to improve hardware compatibility and performance by ensuring that the latest software is used.
23. How can you safely clean the exterior of a computer monitor or TV screen?
- Use a cloth with a small amount of water and gently wipe the screen
- Scrub the screen with a scouring pad
- Spray it with cleaning solution and wipe with a paper towel
- Use a hairdryer to blow away dust and debris
To safely clean the exterior of a computer monitor or TV screen, use a cloth with a small amount of water and gently wipe the screen.
24. What should you do if you suspect that your computer's hard drive is failing or malfunctioning?
- Ignore the issue; hard drives never fail
- Immediately replace the entire computer
- Back up your data and seek professional assistance for diagnostics and potential replacement
- Delete unnecessary files
If you suspect that your computer's hard drive is failing or malfunctioning, back up your data and seek professional assistance for diagnostics and potential replacement.
25. What is the primary purpose of cleaning the electrical contacts on hardware components (e.g., RAM modules)?
- To increase CPU speed
- To remove viruses
- To improve electrical connectivity and reduce hardware errors
- To clean the cooling fan
Cleaning the electrical contacts on hardware components is done to improve electrical connectivity and reduce hardware errors.