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Quizzes > Computers & IT

Hardware Maintenance Routine Quiz: IT Essentials Chapter 4

Quick, free preventive maintenance quiz with troubleshooting basics. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Lila WalterUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art style hardware tool icons laptop hard drive cloud backup on dark blue background for IT essentials quiz

This quiz helps you practice the hardware maintenance routine from IT Essentials Chapter 4, including preventive maintenance, data backup, and basic troubleshooting. After you finish, try an A+ hardware practice test and a pc hardware quiz for broader parts knowledge, or build troubleshooting skills with an it troubleshooting quiz.

What is the primary purpose of preventive maintenance in IT hardware?
To upgrade all hardware to the latest models
To install the latest software patches
To remove unused user accounts
To prevent hardware failures and extend component life
Preventive maintenance focuses on cleaning, inspecting, and testing equipment to avoid unexpected failures and prolong hardware lifespan. This approach reduces downtime and long-term repair costs. By proactively addressing wear and tear, IT teams ensure better system reliability.
Which tool is most effective for removing dust from inside a desktop computer?
Compressed air canister
Standard household vacuum cleaner
Water spray bottle
Dry microfiber cloth only
A can of compressed air blows away dust and debris without touching sensitive components. Vacuum cleaners can generate static and may damage circuits, while water poses an electrocution risk. Microfiber cloths alone can't reach tight crevices inside the case.
Which of the following is essential for ESD protection when handling internal PC components?
Cotton gloves
Paper towel barrier
Anti-static wrist strap
Rubber-soled shoes
An anti-static wrist strap safely grounds technicians and prevents electrostatic discharge from damaging sensitive electronics. Rubber-soled shoes alone won't eliminate ESD risk. Gloves can trap static, and paper offers no real protection. Proper grounding is critical.
What does S.M.A.R.T. technology monitor in a hard drive?
Internal drive reliability and health indicators
RAM usage
CPU temperature
Network throughput
S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) collects indicators such as read/write error rates and temperature to predict drive failures. It does not monitor network or memory metrics. Regularly checking S.M.A.R.T. data helps schedule preemptive replacements.
Which backup type copies only files changed since the last full backup?
Synthetic full backup
Incremental backup
Mirror backup
Differential backup
A differential backup records changes made since the last full backup, making restoration faster than incremental because only the full and latest differential are needed. Incremental backups record since the last incremental. Mirror backups maintain an exact copy continuously.
What key information should be documented during routine hardware maintenance?
Personal user account passwords
All installed user applications
System configuration and component serial numbers
Internet browsing history
Documenting system configuration and serial numbers helps track warranties, upgrades, and replacements. Installed applications and browsing history are less relevant to hardware maintenance. Passwords should never be recorded in maintenance logs. Proper documentation streamlines future troubleshooting.
What is the first step before performing internal hardware cleaning?
Run a disk defragmentation
Update device drivers
Open the case immediately
Power down and unplug the system
Always shut down and disconnect power to avoid electrical shock or component damage. Opening the case with power connected risks short circuits and electrocution. Disk defragmentation and driver updates are software tasks separate from hardware cleaning.
What is the recommended humidity range in server rooms to minimize static discharge?
10% to 20%
40% to 60%
90% to 100%
0% to 10%
Maintaining 40 - 60% relative humidity reduces electrostatic discharge without causing condensation. Very low humidity increases static risk, while very high can lead to moisture damage. Proper environmental control is vital for hardware reliability.
Which RAID level combines mirroring and striping for both redundancy and performance?
RAID 1
RAID 0
RAID 5
RAID 10
RAID 10 (1+0) uses striped sets of mirrored drives, delivering redundancy and performance. RAID 1 mirrors only and RAID 0 stripes without redundancy. RAID 5 uses parity but offers different trade-offs.
Which device is used to diagnose POST and motherboard errors via codes?
POST diagnostic card
Thermal camera
Network cable tester
Loopback adapter
A POST diagnostic card inserts into a PCI slot and displays POST codes to identify hardware initialization errors. Loopback adapters and cable testers are for network testing, while thermal cameras detect heat.
What labeling practice improves cable management in data centers?
Using transparent tape only
Color-coded and numbered labels
Tying all cables together
Labeling by cable length
Color-coded, numbered labels quickly identify cables by function or port, simplifying maintenance. Transparent tape can peel off and offers no information. Tying cables together can cause airflow issues, and length-based labels are less intuitive.
When should thermal paste be reapplied to a CPU cooler?
Each time the cooler is removed
Never if initial application is done
Only after 5 years
Only if the CPU overheats
Removing the cooler interrupts the thermal interface, so fresh paste ensures proper heat transfer. Old paste can dry out, causing higher temperatures. Waiting years or only on overheating risks damage. Reapply paste with every removal.
What is the primary role of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) in hardware maintenance?
Cool the server rack
Regulate network traffic
Clean electrical contacts
Provide backup power during outages
A UPS supplies temporary power during outages to allow safe shutdown and protect against data loss. It also conditions power, reducing spikes. UPS units do not manage network traffic, cooling, or cleaning.
Which tool tests network cable continuity and wiring configuration?
TDR oscilloscope
Network protocol analyzer
Cable tester
Spectrum analyzer
A cable tester checks pin mapping and continuity across each wire pair. TDR oscilloscopes measure length, protocol analyzers inspect data flows, and spectrum analyzers monitor frequencies. Cable testers are the standard for basic wiring checks.
Which Windows utility scans and repairs file system errors on a disk?
diskpart
defrag
chkdsk
sfc
The chkdsk command checks disk integrity and can repair file system errors. Defrag optimizes file placement, sfc scans system files, and diskpart manages partitions. Regular use prevents data corruption.
Which component stores BIOS settings when the system is powered off?
RAM module
Real-time clock chip
CMOS battery
Power supply capacitors
The CMOS battery maintains the BIOS settings in volatile CMOS memory when the system is off. Capacitors discharge quickly, and RAM loses data without power. While the RTC chip keeps time, it relies on CMOS for settings.
An intermittent system crash is most likely caused by which hardware issue?
Outdated antivirus definitions
Loose RAM module
Incorrect BIOS password
Faulty user profile
Loose or poorly seated RAM can produce random crashes as modules lose contact under movement or vibration. BIOS passwords and antivirus definitions don't cause hardware-level instability. User profiles affect software access, not hardware reliability.
Which thermal interface material offers the highest thermal conductivity for CPUs?
Silicone-based paste
Liquid metal compound
Ceramic-filled paste
Graphite thermal pad
Liquid metal compounds have superior conductivity compared to silicone, graphite pads, or ceramic pastes. They can reduce operating temperatures but require careful application due to electrical conductivity. They're preferred for extreme cooling setups.
What troubleshooting method involves replacing suspected components with known good ones?
Monolithic testing
Divide and conquer
Reverse engineering
Substitution (swap) testing
Substitution testing swaps out a suspect part with a known good component to isolate faults. Divide and conquer systematically tests halves of a system but doesn't replace parts. Monolithic and reverse engineering are unrelated. This method quickly identifies hardware failures.
A hard drive emitting clicking sounds most likely indicates which issue?
Mechanical failure of read/write heads
Network latency problems
Firmware update in progress
Normal spin-up calibration
Clicking or grinding noises typically signal head crashes or mechanical faults inside the drive. Normal spin-up is quiet after initialization, and firmware updates don't produce mechanical noise. Network issues don't cause physical sound. Immediate backup is recommended.
When applying firmware updates to hardware devices, what precaution is most critical?
Uninstall all drivers first
Disconnect all network cables
Ensure the device has continuous power
Repartition the storage drive
A power loss during a firmware update can corrupt device firmware and render it unusable. Network disconnection, repartitioning, or driver removal are not required and may interfere. Always use a UPS or reliable power source.
Which metric is used to measure data center energy efficiency?
Cooling Effectiveness Ratio (CER)
Data Center Infrastructure Efficiency (DCIE)
Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE)
Server Utilization Index (SUI)
PUE is the ratio of total facility energy to IT equipment energy, widely adopted for efficiency benchmarking. DCIE is its reciprocal but less commonly cited. CER and SUI are not standard industry metrics for overall data center power efficiency.
Which multimeter setting is used to measure the resistance of a motherboard track?
DC voltage mode
Continuity buzzer off
AC current mode
Ohm (?) mode
Ohm mode measures resistance in ohms, ideal for checking continuity and resistance of PCB traces. DC voltage mode measures voltage, AC current mode measures alternating current, and continuity buzzer simply indicates connectivity without precise resistance values.
What is the acceptable voltage tolerance for an ATX 12V rail?
±15%
±1%
±10%
±5%
ATX specifications require the 12V rail to stay within ±5% (11.4 - 12.6V) under load. Tighter tolerances are not mandated, while ±10% or ±15% would risk instability and hardware damage. Ensuring compliance prevents peripheral failures.
Which analysis method uses historical performance data trends to predict hardware degradation?
Failure mode and effects analysis
Black box testing
Trend analysis
Root cause analysis
Trend analysis examines historical metrics like temperature or error rates to forecast component wear and schedule maintenance. Root cause analysis identifies fault origins after failures. FMEA is a structured risk assessment, and black box testing concerns software.
When using an oscilloscope to probe motherboard signals, which probe impedance minimizes circuit loading?
75 ?
10 M?
5 M?
50 ?
A 10 M? oscilloscope probe minimizes loading on high-impedance circuits like motherboard traces. Lower impedance probes (50 ? or 75 ?) draw excessive current and distort signals. 5 M? is better than low-impedance but still less ideal than 10 M?.
Which RAID level uses block-level striping with distributed parity across all drives?
RAID 6
RAID 5
RAID 2
RAID 3
RAID 5 stripes data blocks and distributes parity information across all member disks, allowing one drive failure without data loss. RAID 6 uses double distributed parity. RAID 3 uses dedicated parity, while RAID 2 uses bit-level striping with ECC.
Which backup method creates a full backup without impacting the system's performance by using a consolidated image with incremental updates?
Mirror backup
Differential backup
Continuous replication
Synthetic full backup
A synthetic full backup merges an existing full backup with subsequent incremental backups at the backup server, avoiding repeated full scans of source data. Differential and mirror backups differ in scope, and continuous replication copies data in real time but isn't a consolidated image.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Core Maintenance Tasks -

    Identify which task should be part of a hardware maintenance routine and explain how each step promotes system reliability.

  2. Develop Preventive Maintenance Plans -

    Create a structured preventive maintenance plan by scheduling inspections, cleanings, and component replacements to avoid failures.

  3. Apply Data Backup Strategies -

    Implement effective data backup routines to protect critical information and ensure quick recovery during hardware issues.

  4. Analyze Troubleshooting Techniques -

    Evaluate common troubleshooting methods to diagnose hardware problems swiftly and accurately using a data backup troubleshooting quiz approach.

  5. Evaluate Routine Effectiveness -

    Use checklists and performance metrics to assess and refine your hardware maintenance routine for continuous improvement.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Scheduled Cleaning and Inspection -

    Regular cleaning of fans, vents, and heat sinks reduces dust buildup that can cause overheating and hardware failure. Use the "CIA" mnemonic - Cleaning, Inspection, Auditing - to remember key preventive maintenance steps (source: CompTIA IT Fundamentals). Incorporate this task into your hardware maintenance routine at least quarterly to sustain optimal system performance.

  2. Building a Preventive Maintenance Plan -

    A strong preventive maintenance plan outlines tasks, frequencies, and assigned roles to ensure nothing falls through the cracks (source: Cisco Systems best practices). Include monthly software updates, quarterly hardware inspections, and annual firmware upgrades to stay ahead of issues. This structured approach is essential for passing the IT Essentials hardware quiz and real-world practice.

  3. Data Backup Strategy and the 3-2-1 Rule -

    Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: maintain three copies of your data on two different media, with one copy off-site (source: National Institute of Standards and Technology). Understand full, differential, and incremental backup types to optimize storage and recovery speed. A robust data backup routine minimizes data loss risks and shines in preventive maintenance plan questions.

  4. Structured Troubleshooting Methodology -

    Use the CompTIA six-step troubleshooting process - Identify, Establish theory, Test theory, Plan solution, Implement, Verify, Document - to quickly isolate and fix hardware issues (source: CompTIA IT Essentials). Mnemonic "IETPIVD" can help you recall each stage. Mastering this flow not only boosts your quiz scores but also builds real-world problem-solving confidence.

  5. Environmental Controls and Cable Management -

    Maintain server rooms at 18 - 27°C and 40 - 60% humidity to prevent hardware deterioration and electrostatic damage (source: Uptime Institute). Color-coded labels and Velcro straps improve airflow and simplify future troubleshooting. Proper environmental monitoring and neat cable runs are core elements of any effective hardware maintenance routine.

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