Semester One 2009

Student ID Number: …………………………………

SCHOOL OF
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING & TRADES

Final Examination For:

506.510
PC Engineering 1 < hahaha>
Examiner: Charles TSUI

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES Please read carefully

You MUST put your student ID number on ALL LOOSE answer sheets.

All loose answer pages must be stapled together before handing in.

You may NOT leave the examination room during the first 1 hour nor the last 15
minutes of the examination.

TIME: 2 Hours plus 10 minutes reading time

TOTAL:100marks

ANSWER: ALL questions

YOU MAY BRING IN:

Dictionary (non-electronic)
Any calculator

YOU WILL RECEIVE: YOU SHOULD HAND IN:

Answer Book Answer Book
Disk This exam script
Login Slip Login Slip
Manual Disk
© Manukau Institute of Technology - EET Final Exam June 2009 506.510

SECTION A MULTI-CHOICE – 20 QUESTIONS, 1 MARK EACH

SECTION B SHORT ESSAYS – 8 QUESTIONS, 10 MARKS EACH

Total 100 marks Answer all questions

SECTION A Multiple choice – 20 questions, 1 mark each

Select the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question. Write your answer in
the space provided. Clearly indicate your final selection. Zero mark will be awarded for more than
one answer per question.

Q 1. In the event of a catastrophic system or hardware failure, which Windows XP utility

provides a framework for saving and recovering the operating system? ____________

A. Emergency Repair Disk (ERD)

B. Automated System Recovery (ASR)
C. Automated Windows Recovery (AWR)
D. Windows System Recovery (WSR)

Q 2. A _________ is a list of files and subdirectories.

A. file system C. FAT
B. partition table D. directory table

Q 3. Why do mobile devices such as laptop computers use specifically designed CPUs? _______
A. They are smaller.
B. They consume less power.
C. They require customized cooling mechanisms.
D. They need to fit proprietary motherboard

Q 4. During computer boot up, where does the BIOS search for the location of the active
bootable partition?
A. CMOS C. Master Boot Record
B. Root of C: drive D. Volume Boot Record

Q 5. The first program file for loading Windows XP is _________.

A. IO.SYS C. MSDOS.SYS
B. NTLDR D. NTDETECT.COM

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Q 6. What characterizes spoofing in a data sharing network? ___________

A. Sending bulk e-mail to individuals, lists, or domains intending to prevent users
from gaining access to the services.
B. Intercepting or inserting false information in traffic between two hosts.
C. Sending abnormally large amounts of data to a remote server to prevent user
access to the server services.
D. Making data appear to come from a source other than the actual source

Q 7. For all versions of Microsoft Windows (NT, 2000 & XP), you can get a DOS command
prompt window by clicking Start, Run, and entering __________ in the Run dialog box.
A. AUTOEXEC.BAT C. COM
B. CMD D. None of the above

Q 8. What is the purpose of an IRQ? __________

A. Perform input/output between the CPU and peripherals.
B. Establish peer-to-peer communication between devices and software.
C. Request attention from the CPU.
D. Access the computer RAM for reading and writing.

Q 9. What are the recommended jumper settings when using a primary IDE channel to connect
with both a hard drive and a CD drive attached? __________
A. hard drive to master, CD drive to master
B. hard drive to master, CD drive to slave
C. hard drive to slave, CD drive to slave
D. hard drive to slave, CD drive to master

Q 10. What is the main goal of a preventive maintenance program? __________

A. to reduce replacement costs
B. to reduce installation costs
C. to protect against future problems
D. to keep broken parts repaired at a lower cost

Q 11. Which utility can be used to improve the performance of a disk system by rewriting the files
so that they are at the start of the disk? __________
A. Chkdsk
B. Defrag
C. Scandisk
D. Diskpart

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Q 12. When a computer is functioning properly, why should BIOS updates be avoided?
__________
A. A properly functioning computer must already have the latest BIOS updates.
B. BIOS chips have limited capacity and unnecessary updates would waste valuable
storage space on the chip.
C. BIOS chips can be damaged by unnecessary updates.
D. Improper updating could render the computer inoperable.

Q 13. What are the registry files in the Windows XP operating system? __________
A. a list of programs loaded on the hard drive
B. a database used to manage the information needed by the Windows operating system
C. a set of documents holding information about the PC configuration
D. a document that explains how to register a newly installed operating system

Q 14. Which command, available in Windows 2000 and Windows XP, will display the network
configuration information? __________
A. config
B. ifconfig
C. ipconfig
D. winipcfg

Q 15. Refer to the following exhibit

[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(3)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(3)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional"
/noexecute=optin /fastdetect

Which file would contain the lines of text displayed in the exhibit? __________

A. AUTOEXEC.BAT
B. CONFIG.SYS
C. BOOT.INI
D. MSDOS.SYS

Q 16. Which of the following from the Windows XP installation CDROM allows access to a
command line interface for fixing a non-bootable Windows XP installation? __________
A. Safe mode
B. Windows Recovery console
C. Automatic System Repair
D. Registry Manager

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© Manukau Institute of Technology - EET Final Exam June 2009 506.510

Q 17. In Windows XP normal mode, which of the following can be used to create logical drives
within partitions? __________
A. Fdisk C. Disk Management
B. Scandisk D. Both A. and C.

Q 18. A technician has installed the driver for a scanner, attached the scanner to the computer, and
performed an initial test scan. What should the technician do next to complete the testing phase
of the scanner installation? ________
A. Scan the same image again and compare both scanned images to detect scanning
deficiencies.
B. Calibrate the scanner based on the image that has been scanned.
C. Print the scanned image and contrast it with the scanned image.
D. Visually compare the original image against the image on the screen.

Q 19. Which component is most possibly needed to be upgraded when small PATA drives are
replaced by very large ones? ________
A. BIOS
B. Ribbon Cable to the drive
C. CPU
D. Chipset

Q 20. Which type of DSL connection is most commonly deployed for home use? ______
A. ADSL
B. BDSL
C. SDSL
D. VDSL

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© Manukau Institute of Technology - EET Final Exam June 2009 506.510

SECTION B SHORT ESSAYS – 10 QUESTIONS, 8 MARKS EACH

Write your answers in the space provided.

QUESTION 21:
Answer the following in the context of computer maintenance
(a) Explain the function of the anti-static strap.
It prevents the computer components from the hazards caused due to E.S.D

(1 marks)
(b) Describe two scenarios that you should not wear the anti-static strap

1> You should not wear the anti-static strap while working on Monitor.
2> You should not wear the anti-static strap while working on Power Supply Unit

Else it can be dangerous.

(2 marks)

(c) Explain why you should not wear the anti-static strap for the above scenarios in part (b) above

1> Monitors :- Extremely high voltage can be stored in monitors and CRTs, even after being
Disconnected from a power source.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(5 marks)

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© Manukau Institute of Technology - EET Final Exam June 2009 506.510

QUESTION 22:

List four reasons to explain why adding peripherals to a notebook is usually more expensive than a
desktop computer.
(8 marks)
1> Adding peripherals to a notebook is more expensive because they are smaller in size and hence require
More money to manufacture it.
2> Adding peripherals to a notebook is more expensive because they are of specific design and need to be
Compatible with notebooks.
3> Adding peripherals to a notebook is more expensive because they consume less power and hence need
More money
4> Adding peripherals to a notebook is more expensive because they can be trouble shooted by experts only
If they need to get fixed . Only professional experts can fix them....

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© Manukau Institute of Technology - EET Final Exam June 2009 506.510

QUESTION 23:
A customer came into the shop and asked to buy a new computer. With proper explanations, List
four questions that you will ask the customer to achieve the aim of “selecting the most appropriate
computer”.
(8 marks)
1> What is the need of customer ?
For what purpose customer wants to buy a computer.
2> How much memory you need ?
We need to ask him, how much are his memory needs to do his work so that we can select the ram and
hard drive.
3> What type processor do you want ?
We need to ask him, what sort of processing speed we want because they are different processor available
4> What operating system he would like to choose and his network needs ?
Because we need to know, if he wants the OS, he is familiar with and the other thing is his networking
needs.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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© Manukau Institute of Technology - EET Final Exam June 2009 506.510

QUESTION 24:

Computer Waste
(a) Name two computer waste items that are classified as hazardous or toxic to the environment.

1> Batteries

2> Monitors or CRTs

3> Disposal of Toner Kits, Cartridges & Developers

(2 marks)
(b) Name two computer waste items that are non-hazardous or non-toxic to the environment.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(2 marks)

(c) Describe how to properly dispose of the hazardous or toxic waste you mentioned in part (a)
above.

1> Batteries :- All batteries including lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride and
Lead-acid are subject to disposal procedure that comply with local environmental regulations

2> Monitors :- Monitors must be disposed of in compliance with environmental regulations

3> Used print toner kits and printer catridges must be disposed of properly or recycled.
Some toner cartridges suppliers and manufactures wil take empty cartridges for refilling.

(4 marks)

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© Manukau Institute of Technology - EET Final Exam June 2009 506.510

QUESTION 25:

Referring to the exhibit, answer the questions below.

Figure 2: A slot-1 ATX motherboard

(a) Name the components marked as A in Figure 2.

Chipset North Bridge and South Bridge

(1 mark)
(b) Describe three functions of the components marked as A in Figure 2.

North and South Bridge refer to the data channels to the cpu, memory and hard disk data goes to cpu
Using the north bridge and the mouse, keyboard, cd rom, external data flows to the cpu using the
South bridge.

(3 marks)

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© Manukau Institute of Technology - EET Final Exam June 2009 506.510

(c) Name the component marked as B in Figure2.

CMOS Backup Battery

(1 mark)

(d) Describe the function of the component marked as B in Figure 2.

To keep the clock chip running even when the power is off

(1 marks)
(e) Name the component marked as D in Figure 2.

ATX Power Connector

(1 mark)
(f) Describe the function of the component marked as D in Figure2.

Connects the power cable from power supply to main board

(1 mark)

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© Manukau Institute of Technology - EET Final Exam June 2009 506.510

QUESTION 26: Computer Upgrade

A customer came into the shop and asked for an upgrade to a five year old computer.
(a) Give two reasons that upgrading to a recent version of operating system without hardware
upgrade would not be a good idea.
(2 marks)
1> The New Operating System require more RAM, because old ram would not be enough to hold the data
2> It require’s more processing power to run.
3> It requre’s additional graphic card to run smoother.
4> It require’s more space on hard disk.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(b) The customer suggested upgrading the video card only, so that new games can be run on the
computer. Give two reasons that this idea will not work.
(2 marks)
1> New Games Require more memory
2> New Games Require more processing power
3> New Games Require more Space on Hard Disk
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(c) List four investigations or checks that you can carry out that will help to determine which parts
of the computer need to be upgraded, in order to run the new games that the customer wants.
(4 marks)
1> Ram needs to be upgraded for enough memory
2> CPU should be compatible with ram
3> Video card might need upgrade
4> May Some drivers need to support the software.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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© Manukau Institute of Technology - EET Final Exam June 2009 506.510

QUESTION 27:

Answer the following in the context of computer maintenance

(a) Discuss two possible damages that can be caused by a technician to computer components.
(4 marks)
1> Computer components can be damaged due to E.S.D
2> RAM Module may not work properly if technician touches with hand to the connection.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(b) After turning on the computer, a single beep was heard, but nothing displayed on the monitor.

(i) What does the single beep mean?

(2 marks)
It means POST Function has been performed and computer is good to start.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(ii) Briefly describe two possible causes for nothing displayed on the monitor, which is
connected to the onboard video port.
(2 marks)

1> Cable not connected properly

2> Monitor switch is turned off.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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 © Manukau Institute of Technology - EET Final Exam June 2009 506.510

QUESTION 28: Error messages

Answer the following for a desktop computer consisting of a standard ATX motherboard with CPU
and RAM, a PATA hard drive, a keyboard, a mouse, a LCD monitor and a floppy disk drive.
(a) What should be the first thing to check, if a user sees “operating system not found”
appearing on the screen after computer power up.
(2 mark)
Check the Hard Disk and PATA Cable.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(b) Discuss all the required steps to fix “CMOS checksum error” after computer power up.
(6 marks)

- Bad or old CMOS battery:

Reboot the computer. If the error still occurs after rebooting, enter CMOS setup and check all values, this includes
verifying that the time and date are correct. Once everything has been verified, make sure you save and exit the CMOS
setup. If everything appears to be proper and the issue persists, try resetting the CMOS values to the defaults and/or
Reset Configuration Data

Note: If this issue continues to occur after you turn off your computer off it is possible that the CMOS battery may be
weak or already used up. More details about replacing CMOS values can be found on your motherboard's manual

- BIOS update:
If you had recently updated your BIOS of the computer, the CMOS values could have been reset. Enter the CMOS setup
and re-enter all the appropriate values. More details about entering the BIOS setup can be found on your motherboard's
manual.

If you are unable to enter into the BIOS setup or after running a BIOS update, your computer no longer keeps its values,
it is possible that an incorrect BIOS update may have been installed for your computer or the version may be corrupted.
We suggest you try to update the BIOS again or roll back to an earlier version.

- Disconnecting power supply before properly shutting down the computer:

If the power had been disconnected to the computer while running, it is possible that this could have corrupted the
CMOS. Therefore, ensure that the computer is properly shut down before switching off the power supply. If you have a
laptop, ensure that the battery is at least 25% charged before switching off the power supply.

If the CMOS has become corrupted, enter the correct values in CMOS setup and save and exit the CMOS. This would
surely solve your problem.

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© Manukau Institute of Technology - EET Final Exam June 2009 506.510

QUESTION 29:

PC1 PC2 PC3

Network Network
Network
Card Card Card Internet

UTP cables
ADSL Modem
HUB 10M bps
Figure 29: Internet Sharing and DHCP server

The above diagram illustrates Internet sharing between three computers. All the computers are
installed with Windows XP. The Internet connection is provided with 1Mbps.

(a) Estimate the minimum required time to download a 5 Mega-byte file from the Internet into
PC3. Show details of calculations.
(2 marks)
Given Speed = 1 mega bits per second
5 Mega byte = 5 x 8 mega bits
= 40 mega bits
So Time = 40 seconds
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(b) A user is copying a 4 Giga-byte video file from PC1 to PC2, while downloading on PC3. With
proper explanations, discuss the effects on the downloading speed.
(2 marks)
The Download speed will be affected because of the HUB. Because HUB passes the data to every other
Port except the one it came from. So its downloading speed is slow.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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© Manukau Institute of Technology - EET Final Exam June 2009 506.510

(c) With proper explanations, suggest four methods to improve file and Internet sharing for this
system.
(4 marks)
1> The HUB should be replaced by switch for more speed.
2> UTP Cable’s can be replaced by fibre optics for more speed
(Replace all cards and switch with optical cable)
3> If the HUB is not replaced by switch it can be replaced by another HUB of more speed.
4> The entire scenario can be changed to secure wireless network.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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© Manukau Institute of Technology - EET Final Exam June 2009 506.510

QUESTION 30: Notebook / Laptop computer

(a) Describe one potential hazard to the user when using a notebook.
(1 mark)
The Battery can explode if its mis handled
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(b) Describe four software or hardware (not including external peripherals) maintenance tasks you
should carry out on a notebook regularly.
1> It should be cleaned with compressed air or soft cloth.
2> Check Updates on Manufactures website for drivers.
3> Disk defragment should be carried out.
4> Software updates should be carried out.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(c) A notebook has an IEEE1394 port.

• Commercially IEEE1394 is named differently. Give one of the commercial names for this
port.
(1 mark)

Firewire
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

• Describe two different usages or devices for this port.

(2 marks)

1> External Had drive for data storage

2> For Security when connecting to a network.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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© Manukau Institute of Technology - EET Final Exam June 2009 506.510

EXAMINER
Question numbers
Marks per
STUDENT ID: question

Q.1-20

Q.21

Q.22

Q.23

Q.24

Q.25

Q.26

Q.27

Q.28

Q.29

Q.30

TOTAL MARKS

PERCENT

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