35261 - COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SERVICING

REVIEW QUESTIONS

UNIT – I MOTHERBOARD COMPONENTS

PART - A

1. Define motherboard form factor. [Apr 18]

The height and width of the motherboard is called as Motherboard Form Factor.

2. List the various form factors of a motherboard?

 AT
 Baby AT
 ATX
 Mini-ATX
 Micro-ATX
 Flex ATX

3. Define Hardware
It is a set of physical components available in the computer. Important hardware parts are
given below:
(i)CPU (ii)RAM (iii)Hard Disk
4. Define application software [Oct 19]

It is used to perform a particular function. It includes applications like word Processor,

database programs,web browsers,etc. Example: MS Office

5. What is firmware? [Apr 18]

It is a software program stored on Flash ROM of a hardware device. It is a combination of

hardware and software. It provides the instruction on how that device should operate.
6. What is RTC? [Apr 19]

RTC stands for Real Time Clock. It is available in a microchip known as CMOS
(complementary metal-oxide semiconductor). It helps to provide the current system date
and time.

7. What is the use of jumper?

Jumpers consist of a set of pins that can be covered with a plastic cap.

It allows electricity to flow certain sections of the motherboard. Jumpers are used to change the
settings of devices like hard drives, CD-ROM, etc.,

8. What are port and headers?

Ports:
Ports are connectors used to connect external devices like keyboard,mouse,etc. with the
computer. List of ports: (i)Serial port (ii)Parallel port (iii)USB port
Headers:
Headers are group of pins used to connect devices or ports to the motherboard. A cable runs
between the port and the header.

9. List the various levels of cache memory?

 Level 1 Cache
 Level 2 Cache
 Level 3 Cache

10. What is the use of Xeon Processor?

It is designed for Servers, Work stations and embedded systems.

11. Expand USB

Universal Serial Bus

12. Expand BIOS

Basic Input Output System

13. How many cores are available in a Quad Core processor?

It consists of four cores of CPU’s.

14. What is a chipset? [Apr 19, Oct 19]

Chipset or “PCI set” is a group of microcircuits. It helps to control the flow of data

between key components of a PC like CPU,Memory,I/O devices.

15. List the various components attached to South bridge.

 ISA devices
 PCI devices
 Hard drives
 USB ports

16. Define processor bus. [Oct 18]

It connects the main components of the computer with the CPU. It is also called as System
bus,Main bus or local bus.

PART – B

1. List the features of Xeon processor. [Apr 18]

2. Write any five features of AGP bus. [Apr 18]

3. Write the features of core 2 Duo processor. [Oct 18]

4. Write any five features of PCI bus. [Oct 18]

5. Write briefly about hardware, software and firmware. [Apr 19]

6. Differentiate a north/south bridge architecture from a hub architecture. [Apr 19]

7. Explain RTC. [Oct 19]

8. Write short notes on core i3. [Oct 19]

9. Write any five features of USB bus

10. Write short notes on Processor bus

 PART – C

1. Define chipset and explain hub architecture. [Apr 18 ,Apr 19]

2. Explain motherboard architecture with block diagram. [Apr 18 , Oct 18]

3. Explain Core ‘i’ series processors. [Oct 18]

4. Explain in detail about the various motherboard components with a neat
block diagram. [Apr 19]

5. Explain (i) Core 2 Duo processor (ii) Xeon processor. [Oct 19]
6. Explain north /south bridge architecture with neat diagram. [Oct 19]
7. Discuss about various bus standards in detail

8. Explain AMD A10 series processors

9. Write notes on Quad Core Processor with a diagram

10. Explain (i)Processor sockets (ii)Memory sockets

 UNIT – II MEMORY AND I/O DEVICES

PART – A

1. List the types of memory errors [Apr 18]

 Contact corrosion
 Parity errors
 Incorrect memory size error
2. What is access time? [Oct 18]

It is defined as the time taken to read data from memory to the CPU or the CPU to
memory.
3. What is memory speed? [Oct 19]

It is defined as the speed at which they can receive data and send data to the CPU.
Example: A DDR667 RAM can transfer data at the speed of 667Mhz.

4. What is a wait state? [Apr 19]

It is defined as a delay faced by a CPU while accessing the memory or another device
that is slow to respond. The CPU will wait until the memory provides the required
datas.

5. What is key bouncing? [Oct 18, Apr 19]

“Keybouncing” is defined as the process of generating multiple key presses for a single
key press. Such problems can be avoided by using a debouncing device or by using a
digital filter software.

6. Write any two blu – ray disc parameters. [Oct 19]

Parameters Values
Laser Ultra violet blue laser
Wave length 405nm
Data transfer speed 34 mbps

7. List the types of formatting

(i) Low Level formatting

(ii) High Level formatting
8. Write the formula to calculate the storage capacity of a hard disk.
Storage Capacity= Number of cylinders * Tracks per Cylinders * Sectors per track * Bytes
per sector

9. Define File systems with an example

It is used by operating systems to manage the allocation and utilization of the disk
storage. It helps to organize files in the hard disk. Example: FAT32, NTFS

10. Expand DVD

Digital Versatile Disc

11. Mention the type of lasers used in DVD and Blu-ray disk

Optical Media Type of laser

DVD Red laser
Blu-ray Ultra violet blue laser

12. List the various types of mouse

 Mechanical mouse
 Optical mouse
 Wireless mouse

13. List the various types of keyboard

 Simple or Membrane keyboard
 Mechanical keyboard
 Wireless keyboard

14. What is MFP?

It refers to Multi Function Printer. The different functions performed by an MFP are:
 Xerox
 Scanner
 Fax machine
 Printer

15. Define barcode scanner [Oct 18]

A bar code represents data in a machine readable form. A bar code scanner is an
electronic device used to read bar codes.
 PART – B

1. Explain the types of formatting [Apr 18]

2. List the types of keys and write their uses. [Oct 18]

3. Explain the formatting of a HDD [Apr 19]

4. Explain about the working of a optical mouse [Apr 19]

5. Explain solid state drive. [Oct 19]

6. Write a note on bar code scanner [Oct 19]

7. Explain about file systems

8. How will you troubleshoot the hard disk?
9. Draw the keyboard matrix
10. How will you clean the optical mouse?
11. How will you troubleshoot the printer?
12. How will you troubleshoot the scanner?

PART – C

1. Briefly explain about the recording and playback principles of DVD – ROM [Apr 18]

2. Explain the working principles of bar code scanner [Apr 18]

3. Briefly explain about the recording and playback principles of blu- ray disc. [Oct 18]
4. Explain briefly about laser printer [Oct 18, Apr 19]
5. Explain about the different types of main memory. [Apr 19]
6. Draw the troubleshooting flowchart of a mouse and explain. [Apr 19]
7. Explain about the various blu – ray disc parameters and the recording
principle. [Apr 19]
8. Explain the construction and working principle of hard disk. [Oct 19]
9. Explain the operation of inkjet printer with neat diagram. [Oct 19]
10. Explain the following (i)Memory stick (ii)USB flash drives (iii)SSD
 UNIT– III DISPLAY, POWER SUPPLY and BIOS

PART – A

1. List the types of flat panel displays

 LCD display
 Plasma display
 TFT display
 LED display

2. Give the full form of LCD and LED. [Apr 18]

LCD: Liquid Crystal Display
LED: Light Emitting Diode

3. What is a TFT display? [Apr 19]

TFT stands for Thin Film Transistor. A thin film of semiconductor layer is placed over
a dielectric such as glass. This technology is used to improve the image quality of LCDs
by avoiding ghosting and slow response speed of images.

4. Write the principles of LCD. [Oct 19]

LCD works on the principle of blocking light rather than emitting light. LCD’s
requires backlight as they do not emits light by them.

5. What are the different types of LED display?

 Edge LED display

 Full Array LED display

6. Write any two disadvantages of plasma display

 Costlier than CRT display
 Poor resolution due to limited number of cells.

7. What is the use of video capture card?

It is an add-on card used to convert analog video signal from video camera,
DVD player,etc. into a digital signal. The converted digital signal can be
displayed on the computer monitor and it can be stored on the hard disk.
8. List the applications of Graphics card

 It is used to run 2D and 3D graphics applications

 It is used to play audio
 It supports to play high definition games
9. What are the four main functions of BIOS?

(i) POST
(ii) Bootstrap Loader
(iii) BIOS drivers
(iv) BIOS setup

10. Define POST. [Apr 18]

It refers to Power On Self Test. It is the process of verifying that computer

hardware is functioning properly and there is no problem with the hardware.

11. What is AMI? [Oct 19]

American Megatrends, Inc., is the leading manufacturer of BIOS chips for

personal computers.

12. How will you identify the different types of BIOS?

(i) Press the Windows key on your keyboard and start typing System.
(ii) Choose System Information option.

System Information window displays details like BIOS manufacturer,Version/Date,etc.

13. Define power good signal. [Oct 18,Apr 19]

The voltage of Power Good signal is +5v and it is carried by a grey color cable.
The Power Good signal protects the computer from damage due to improper voltage
levels.
14. Write the color codes of cables in SMPS

Color code Voltage

Orange +3.3v
Red +5v
White -5v
Yellow +12v
Blue -12v
Grey +5v
Green +5v
Black 0v

15. What are the output voltages obtained from SMPS?

Output Voltage
+3.3v
+5v
-5v
+12v
-12v
GND

PART – B

1. Explain cold and warm booting. [Apr 18]

2. Define graphics card. Write its applications. [Apr 18,Oct 18]

3. List the common failures of SMPS. [Oct 18]

4. Distinguish between cold and warm booting. [Apr 19]

5. Explain briefly about the post error and beep codes. [Apr 19]

6. Explain plasma display. [Oct 19]

7. Write short notes on BIOS functions

8. Explain about BIOS interrupts
9. Write short notes on Flash BIOS
10. Draw the block diagram of SMPS
 PART – C

1. Explain the working principle of Plasma panel. [Apr 18]

2. Explain BIOS error codes. [Apr 18]

3. Explain post faults related to hardware. [Oct 18]

4. Explain the operation of a SMPS with a neat block diagram. [Oct 18,Apr 19]
5. Explain with a neat block diagram, the functioning of a video capture card.[Apr19]
6. Explain the working principle of TFT display. [Oct 19]
7. Explain error messages and beep codes in POST. [Oct 19]
8. Explain the working principle of LCD display

9. Discuss about BIOS advanced setup

10. Define Graphics card. Explain the applications of a Graphics card.

 UNIT – IV MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING OF
DESKTOP & LAPTOP COMPUTERS

PART – A

1. List out the types of laptop

 Light weight laptop
 Everyday computing laptop
 Desktop replacement laptop
 Entertainment laptop

2. Mention any two differences between a laptop and a desktop

Laptop Desktop
It is Portable It is not portable
It is less weight It is heavy weight

3. List the types of adaptor used in laptop. [Apr 18]

 AC adapter
 Solar adapter

4. List the types of laptop batteries. [Oct 18]

 Nickel Cadmium Battery(Nicd)
 Nickel metal hydride battery(NiMH)
 Lithium ion battery(Li-ion)

5. List the common problems occur in Laptop

 System power on , But no display

 Computer is slow
 Computer turns off automatically

6. List the SMD components of laptop [Apr 18, Oct 18]

1)Active components:
It can control the flow of electricity. xamples:Transistors,IC’s,etc.
2)Passive components:
It can’t control the flow of electricity.Examples:Resistors,capacitors,etc
 7. What is ESD? [Apr 19, Oct 19]

ESD stands for Electro Static Discharge. ESD is generated by two objects with
different electrical charges coming into contact with each other.An electrical
discharge is created to neutralize this difference. It will damage electronic
components and printed circuit boards.

8. What are the precautions and measure to prevent ESD?

1)All equipments like testing devices,instruments,solder irons etc. must be earthed

2)Worker must use wrist angle strap to earth the body
3)Use gloves to prevent direct contact with devices

9. What are the two types of preventive maintenance methods

 Active maintenance
 Passive maintenance

10. List out the types of diagnostic softwares

 POST
 General purpose diagnostic program

PART – B

1. Explain active and passive maintenance. [Apr 18]

2. List the types of batteries and write the basic problems of them. [Apr 18]

3. Write the steps for upgrading the memory. [Oct 18]

4. Give the difference between laptop and desktop. [Oct 18]

5. Differentiate between active maintenance and passive maintenance. [Apr 19]

 6. Draw the block diagram of laptop [Oct 19]
7. Write short notes on configuring laptops
8. How will you configure laptop power settings?
9. Write the steps for upgrading the CPU.
10. Write short notes on upgrading system software

PART – C

1. How to upgrade BIOS and memory? [Apr 18, Apr 19]

2. Explain how to configure laptop and power settings. [Apr 18]

3. Briefly explain about laptop components. [Oct 18]

4. How to upgrade motherboard and CPU? [Oct 18]
5. Explain the working principle of a laptop with block diagram. [Apr 19]
6. Explain in detail about formatting and partitioning of a laptop hard disk. [Apr 19]
7. Explain in detail about the various types of batteries used in a laptop. [Apr 19]
8. Draw the block diagram of laptop mother board and explain. [Oct 19]
9. Explain formatting, partitioning and installation of OS. [Oct 19]
10. Explain in detail about preventive maintenance schedule
 UNIT – V MOBILE PHONE SERVICING

PART – A

1. What is mobile communication? [Apr 18]

Mobile Communication allows us to communicate with others in different locations

without the use of any physical connection (wires or cables).

2. Define mobile. [Oct 18]

The term was intially used in the 1980s to describe computers that you could take with you

and use while you were on-the-go.

3. Write the basics of mobile communication [Oct 19]

Mobile systems evolved from first generation systems to fifth generation systems. It offers

benefits like speed, less cost, accessibility,constant connectivity,etc.

4. What are the various IC’s used in mobile phones? [Apr 19]

Name of IC Function
Flash IC It stores the software and other programs installed in the
mobile phone
Power IC It takes power from the battery and supplies to all other
parts of a mobile phone
Charging IC It takes the current from the charger and charges the
battery

5. Define soldering

It is a process in which two or more metal items are joined together. It is performed by melting and

flowing a filler metal into the joint.

6. What is the use of battery booster?

It is used to boost the power of a mobile phone battery.

7. List any two popular mobile operating system

 Android
 iOS
8. What is the need for jumpering?

While servicing mobile phones, some faulty components will not be available in the
market. With the help of jumpers we can bypass the faulty components.

9. Define unlocking

Most cell phones sold are locked to a particular service provider. It means the handset will
only work when used with that service provider. If you want to change to a different
provider with existing handset then you should unlock the cell phone.

10. List out the popular mobile phone viruses

 Cabir

 Commwarrior

 Skulls

PART – B

1. Define routing and explain its operation [Apr 18]

2. Write the uses of secret codes [Oct 18]
3. Describe the uses of battery booster. [Apr 19,Oct19]
4. Explain jumper techniques. [Oct 19]
5. What are the precautions to protect the mobile phone from viruses?
6. Write the steps to assemble a mobile phone.
7. How do you install an operating system in a mobile phone?
8. Write the steps to flash a mobile phone
9. Write short notes on formatting a mobile phone
10. Explain Anti-virus software

PART – C

1. Explain briefly about names and functions of IC’s used in mobile phone. [Apr 18]

2. Write short notes on anti – virus software. [Apr 18, Oct 18]

3. Write short notes on mobile viruses. [Apr 18, Oct 18]

4. Explain three types of routing. [Oct 18]

5. Explain in detail about the various components of a mobile. [Apr 19]
6. Explain about flashing and formatting of mobiles. [Apr 19]
7. Explain briefly about the various troubleshooting techniques for a mobile. [Apr 19]
8. Explain in brief about mobile viruses and precautions to be taken. [Apr 19]
9. Explain: (i) Antenna (ii) Speaker. [Oct 19]
10. Explain (i) Unlocking (ii) Antivirus software. [Oct 19]