alt.certification.a-plus - Contradictory Information?

Author

Contradictory Information?

Mike Smith

2003-07-15, 9:23 pm

I've been studying several different resources as I prepare for my A+ tests,
and I've come across some contradictory information. For example:

* One resource said a static free vacuum cleaner was the best method for
removing dust from your computer, another said canned air was much better
than any vacuum cleaner.
* One resource said you should always unplug your machine when working on
it, another said you should keep the machine plugged in to make sure it's
properly grounded.
* One resource said canned air was the preferred method for cleaning a
keyboard, another said you should rinse it with distilled water.

These are just a few examples. What's a hard working A+ student supposed to
make of these contradictions? Who should I believe? More important, how
does CompTia expect me to answer these questions?

Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Mike

Frédéric

2003-07-15, 10:23 pm

antistatic vacuum cleaner could break components inside the casing,
depending on the way you use it. canned air could push the dirt into the
components and block ventilation path, depending on the way you spray the
air.

At the exam both answers are ok

Unplugging your computer and wearing a static wrist is the only correct
answer, BUT if you don't have a static answer and the casing of the computer
is not metal then you cannot touch the casing in order to equilibrate the
electric charges, in that case, you can plug the computer WITHOUT BOOTING
IT, that way the ground will be connected ( IF THE GROUND WIRE IF CORRECTLY
WIRED IN THE WALL).

At the exam, you are supposed to wear a static wrist and unplug the computer

As a preparation to your exam you shouldn't focus on the differences between
the books, but on the similarities. Both books will say not to plug a laser
printer on a UPS, that is something that you have to remind.

--
Frédéric
MCP, CIWA, i-Net+, A+
http://fredsfastcram.netfirms.com
"Certification will always make you stand out over the competition,
demonstrates a sense of professional accomplishment, instills customer
confidence and leads to increased customer satisfaction."

--
"Mike Smith" <smith@in.net> wrote in message
news:bf27sn$ukt@library1.airnews.net...
> I've been studying several different resources as I prepare for my A+
tests,
> and I've come across some contradictory information. For example:
>
> * One resource said a static free vacuum cleaner was the best method for
> removing dust from your computer, another said canned air was much better
> than any vacuum cleaner.
> * One resource said you should always unplug your machine when working on
> it, another said you should keep the machine plugged in to make sure it's
> properly grounded.
> * One resource said canned air was the preferred method for cleaning a
> keyboard, another said you should rinse it with distilled water.
>
> These are just a few examples. What's a hard working A+ student supposed
to
> make of these contradictions? Who should I believe? More important, how
> does CompTia expect me to answer these questions?
>
> Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Mike
>
>

Pikoro

2003-07-15, 10:23 pm

Let me answer both your questions in one.
Regarding freepractice.com, take seriously their notice that they are
improving, this site still needs a lot of polishing, too many moot questions
in their practice exam and some of them downright wrong.
Since when a polarity tester can prevent or measure power sags?
But, most importantly, and I know that it is a controversial issue, some
authors state that to properly ground your computer you should plug it into
the AC outlet. You might agree or disagree, but if you want to get it right
on the test, always answer that the first most important step is to unplug
the computer, and leave the discussions for later.
I don't think the test will ask you if canned air is prefered to vacuum,
this is a moot question.
I use a wind blower, some guys prefer to vacuum, not much difference.
Remember that the use of emeril, erasers and other materials are wrong
answers because they leave debris.
All purpose cleaners, mild detergents, lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol
are correct answers for cleaning materials.
I don't think they will ask you how to clean keyboards (I know that there is
a book out there that recommends rinsing them under a shower), but obviously
the best method would be turning it upside down and tapping it, canned air
might help.
Any liquid is bound to affect the rubber in the contact materials, heat will
destroy it, distilled water is an impractical answer.
Hope this helps.

Pikoro

"Mike Smith" <smith@in.net> wrote in message
news:bf27sn$ukt@library1.airnews.net...
> I've been studying several different resources as I prepare for my A+
tests,
> and I've come across some contradictory information. For example:
>
> * One resource said a static free vacuum cleaner was the best method for
> removing dust from your computer, another said canned air was much better
> than any vacuum cleaner.
> * One resource said you should always unplug your machine when working on
> it, another said you should keep the machine plugged in to make sure it's
> properly grounded.
> * One resource said canned air was the preferred method for cleaning a
> keyboard, another said you should rinse it with distilled water.
>
> These are just a few examples. What's a hard working A+ student supposed
to
> make of these contradictions? Who should I believe? More important, how
> does CompTia expect me to answer these questions?
>
> Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Mike
>
>

Adam Ross

2003-07-15, 11:23 pm

What you have to do is differentiate between preventative maintenance,
(something you might do on a regular basis), and fixing something on the
spot if it needs or requires it. Use common sense as well when thinking
through these questions.
For example, as for the keyboard, do people pour distilled water in
their keyboards on a daily basis to keep them clean? NO! I hope not. Thats
risky and who would think to do that anyway? Water and electricity dont
normally mix. They should use canned air or just blow.
Now, when I accidentally spilled soda in my keyboard, i used distilled
water to see if i can "repair" my keyboard, since it was already damaged
from the soda.

Understand it a bit more now?

As far as the power/grounding stuff, thats neither here nor there. I think
both are correct, just be careful doing things, and i doubt that you'll see
that in the exam.

"Mike Smith" <smith@in.net> wrote in message
news:bf27sn$ukt@library1.airnews.net...
> I've been studying several different resources as I prepare for my A+
tests,
> and I've come across some contradictory information. For example:
>
> * One resource said a static free vacuum cleaner was the best method for
> removing dust from your computer, another said canned air was much better
> than any vacuum cleaner.
> * One resource said you should always unplug your machine when working on
> it, another said you should keep the machine plugged in to make sure it's
> properly grounded.
> * One resource said canned air was the preferred method for cleaning a
> keyboard, another said you should rinse it with distilled water.
>
> These are just a few examples. What's a hard working A+ student supposed
to
> make of these contradictions? Who should I believe? More important, how
> does CompTia expect me to answer these questions?
>
> Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Mike
>
>

RussS

2003-07-16, 3:24 am

Hey Mike

First off, when you are on a service call you would probably use canned air,
but in your own workshop a vacuum cleaner is much better as it doesn't make
the dust fly around your nice clean workshop. I do also have a small
battery powered vacuum cleaner in my tool box as well, just in case I have
to do any work in an area where they would not appreciate a dust cloud (like
the A&E area of a hospital I trained at).

For the exam - cable unplugged with wrist strap is the recommended. No
matter what is mentioned either in books or in forums, the required fact is
that you are NOT grounding yourself or the machine, but equalising the
static charge between you and the machine. Dang near everything has a level
of static electricity and to stop discharge (one way or the other) you short
yourself to the metal frame of the machine.

Cleaning keyboards - hmmm, I remember several authors saying that you can
soak it in mild soapy water, rinse it carefully and then put it outside to
dry. has worked for me many times when EUs have spilled coffee all over
their desks. I do believe there was once a question in the exam pool
covering this, but to my understanding has not been there since the last
review.

JK_Deth

2003-07-16, 9:24 pm

Just wanted to address this bit about plugging or unplugging the comp. There
was a bit of argument among techs in the days of AT power supplies about
whether to plug or unplug, but in these days of ATX power supplies, its no
longer an argument, ATX power supplies must be unplugged to prevent damage
when adding/removing components.

"Pikoro" <pikoro@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:HoOdne9cGO26L4miXTWJig@co
mcast.com...

> But, most importantly, and I know that it is a controversial issue, some
> authors state that to properly ground your computer you should plug it
into
> the AC outlet. You might agree or disagree, but if you want to get it
right
> on the test, always answer that the first most important step is to unplug
> the computer, and leave the discussions for later.

RussS

2003-07-16, 11:23 pm

Unplug!
In the old days there was a hard switch on the computer so if you accidently
forgot to turn the power off at the wall it wasn't a biggie. On an ATX
system however the MoBo is always powered up when the wall switch is turned
on. Replacing components when there is power on is a great way to kill
things. Plus you can always drop a screw and kill the MoBo.

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