PC UPGRADE AND MAINTENANCE PRACTICE QUESTIONS

 What are the key factors to consider when selecting a new CPU for an upgrade?
 Compatibility with the motherboard (socket type)
 Power consumption and cooling requirements
 Performance requirements (core count,clock speed)
 Budget constraints
 How can you determine if a specific RAM module is compatible with your motherboard?
 Check the motherboard's manual for supported RAM types (DDR3, DDR4,DDR5)
 Verify the maximum RAM capacity and speed supported
 Ensure the physical size (DIMM vs. SO-DIMM) matches
 Describe the process of installing a new graphics card (GPU) in a desktop PC.
 Power off the computer and unplug it
 Open the case and remove the existing GPU(if any)
 Insert the new GPU into the PCIe slot
 Secure the GPU with screws and connect any necessary power cables
 Close the case, power on the PC, and install the appropriate drivers
 What steps should you take to upgrade a traditional hard drive to a solid-state drive (SSD)?
 Backup data from the old hard drive
 Clone the existing hard drive to the SSD using cloning software
 Physically install the SSD in the PC
 Set the SSD as the primary boot device in the BIOS/UEFI
 Restore any data and ensure the system boots correctly
 How do you clean and maintain a desktop PC to ensure optimal performance?
 Regularly clean the interior with compressed air to remove dust
 Check and clean the cooling fans and heat sinks
 Reapply thermal paste to the CPU if needed
 Ensure cables are tidy to promote good airflow
 Update software and drivers to the latest versions
 What are the benefits of upgrading to a higher wattage power supply unit (PSU)?
 Provides more power for additional or more powerful components
 Improved stability and reliability under heavy load
 Potentially quieter operation with higher efficieney ratings
 Describe how to properly handle and install new RAM modules.
 Power off the PC and unplug it
 Open the case and locate the RAM slots on the motherboard
 Release the retention clips on the slots·
 Insert the RAM modules firmly until the clips snap back into place
 Close the case, power on the PC, and check if the RAM is recognized in the BIOS/UEFI
 What should you check before upgrading your PC's operating system?
 Ensure hardware compatibility with the new OS
 Backup important data and files
 Verify the availability of drivers for essential components
 Check system requirements and free up enough storage space
 How do you upgrade the firmware or BIOS of a motherboard?
 Download the latest firmware/BIOS update from the manufacturer's website
 Create a bootable USB drive with the update files
 Reboot the PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup
 Follow the manufacturer's instructions to update the firmware/BIOS
 What tools and materials are typically needed for PC maintenance and upgrades?
 Screwdrivers (various sizes)
 Anti-static wrist strap
 Compressed air canister
 Thermal paste
 Cleaning cloths and isopropyl alcohol
 Cable ties for cable management
 Explain the steps to diagnose and replace a faulty power supply unit (PSU).
 Check for symptoms like no power, random shutdowns, or component failure
 Use a PSU tester or multimeter to verify power output
 Unplug the PC and remove the old PSU
 Install the new PSU and connect all necessary power cables
 Power on the PC and check for proper operation
 What is the importance of updating device drivers, and how ean it be done?
 Ensures compatibility with the latest OS and software updates
 Improves hardware performance and stability
 Fixes bugs and secuity vulnerabilities
 Update drivers through the device manager, manufacturer's website,or dedicated driverupdate
software
 How do you safely overclock a CPU, and what precautions should you take?
 Ensure adequate cooling solutions are in place
 Enter the BIOS/UEFI and adjust the CPU multiplier and voltage settings
 Incrementally increase the settings and test stability with stress-testing software
 Monitor temperatures and revert settings if instability or overheating occurs
 What are the common signs of a failing hard drive, and how should you address
them?
 Frequent crashes, slow performance, and unusual noises
 Backup important data immediately
 Use diagnostic tools to check for errors
 Replace the failing drive and restore data from the backup
 Describe the process of upgrading a PC's cooling system.
 Identify if additional or more powerful fans are needed
 Choose between air cooling or liquid coolingsolutions
 Install new cooling components, ensuring proper placement for optimal airflow
 Apply thermal paste correctly if installing a new CPU cooler
 Connect fans to the motherboard or fan controller and test for functionality
 What are the steps to upgrade an operating system from Windows 10 to
Windows11?
 Check if the hardware meets the Windows 11 system requirements
 Backup important data
 Download the Windows 11 installation assistant from the Microsoft website
 Run the installation assistant and follow the on-screen instructions
 Perform a clean install or upgrade in-place and verify all applications and data are intact
 How do you manage and update software applications on a Windows PC?
 Use Windows Update for system and driver updates
 Update individual applications through their built-in update mechanisms or
bydownloading updates from the official websites
 Utilize software management tools like Ninite or Patch My PC for batch updates
 Regularly check for and install updates to ensure security and performance
 What steps should be taken to maintain and optimize a Windows PC'sperformance?
 Regularly run disk cleanup and defragmentation tools
 Uninstall unnecessary programs and disable startup programs
 Use Task Manager to monitor and manage system resources
 Keep the operating system and software up to date
 Run antivirus and anti-malware scans regularly
 Explain the process of upgrading firmware for a router.
 Download the latest firmware from the router manufacturer's website
 Access the router's web interface through a web browser
 Navigate to the firmware upgrade section
 Upload the downloaded firmware file and follow the on-screen instructions
 Wait for the router to reboot and check for successful upgrade
 How do you perform a software upgrade on a macOS system?
 Backup important data using Time Machine or another backup solution
 Open the App Store or System Preferences and check for software updates
 Download and install the latest macOS version
 Follow the on-screen instructions and verily that all applications and data are intact
atterthe upgrade
 What are the best practices for maintaining software security on a PC?
 Install and regularly updlate antivirus and anti-malware software
 Enable and configure a firewall
 Keep the operating system and all soltware applications up to date
 Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication
 Avoid downloading and installing software from untrusted sources
 Describe the steps to upgrade and maintain a Linux distribution.
 Backup important data
 Use the package manager (e.g., apt, yum, dnl) to update the system and applications
 Upgrade to the latest distribution version using the appropriate commands (e.g.,
sudoapt-get dist-upgrade for Debian-based systems)
 Verify the integrity of the system and applications post-upgrade
 How can you optimize a macOS system for better performance?
 Clear out old files and applications
 Manage startup items in System Preferences > Users & Groups> Login Items
 Use Activity Monitor to identify and manage resource-heavy processes.
 Keep the system and applications up to date
 Repair disk permissions and perform regular maintenance tasks
 What steps are involved in maintaining and updating a database
managementsystem(DBMS)?
 Regularly backup the database
 Apply software updates and patches to the DBMS
 Monitor database performance and optimize queries
 Clean up old or unnecessary data
 Ensure proper indexing and database configuration for optimal performance
 How do you update and maintain a content management system(CMS)
likeWordPress?
 Backup the website and database
 Update WordPress core, themes, and plugins through the admin dashboard
 Check compatibility of updates with existing themes and plugins
 Perform regular security scans and remove unused plugins and themes
 Monitor site performance and optimize where necessary
 Explain how to upgrade and maintain cloud-based software solutions.
 Monitor for and apply updates provided by the cloud service provider
 Backup data regularly
 Configure automatic updates if'available
 Stay informed about new features and security enhancements
 Ensure compliance with security best practices and policies
 What are the steps to manage and update drivers on a Windows PC?
 Use Device Manager to check for outdated drivers
 Download the latest drivers from the hardware manufacturer's website
 Install drivers manually or use driver update software
 Regularly check Windows Update for driver updates
 Roll back drivers if any compatibility issues arise after an update
 How can you maintain and optimize a database for better performance?
 Regularly backup the database
 Monitor database performance using profiling tools
 Optimize queries and indexes
 Archive or delete old data
 Regularly update the DBMS software
 Describe the process of upgrading an enterprise software application.
 Assess compatibility and requirements for the new version
 Backup data and configurations
 Test the upgrade in a staging environment
 Plan and schedule the upgrade to minimize downtime
 Perform the upgrade and verify functionalty and data integrity
 What are the best practices for maintaining virtual machines(VMs)?
 Regularly update the hypervisor and guest OS
 Backup VMs and critical data
 Monitor resource usage and optimize VM seltings
 Apply security patches and updates
 Manage and clean up snapshots to free up space
 How do you upgrade the software on a networked printer?
 Download the latest firmware or software update from the printer manufacturer's
website
 Access the printer's web interface or use the manufacturer's software utility
 Follow the instructions to upload and apply the update
 Restart the printer and verify the updlate was successful