CompTIA A+ IT Technician Quiz #40

[ramesh]

You are the computer technician for your company. Recently, an employee's computer stopped working and smoke started coming from the back. You determine that the problem was caused by a faulty power supply. How should you fix this issue? Choose the best option(s) from those listed below.

a) Send the power supply to a specialist to fix.
b) Replace the failed component inside the power supply.
c) Replace the computer.
d) Replace the power supply with a known working one.

[grim386]

Answer: D. Replace the employee with a known better one.

[Skele Drew]

*hiss teeth* Specialist? Why?

[ramesh]

If a power supply fails, it is usually easier and less expensive to replace it with a new one than it is to fix it. Opening a power supply and attempting to repair it could cause you great physical harm and, possibly, death from electrocution. The capacitor inside a power supply can hold a lethal charge of electricity long after it is unplugged from the wall.

Correct Option(s):

d) Replace the power supply with a known working one.

Incorrect Option(s):

a) Send the power supply to a specialist to fix. - It is recommended that if you absolutely must repair a power supply, you should ensure it is done by someone that is trained to do so. The risk of electrocution and possible death is too great for an untrained individual. However, it is generally quicker, easier, and less expensive to replace the power supply than to have it fixed by a specialist.
b) Replace the failed component inside the power supply. - You should never open a power supply and attempt to fix it. The capacitor holds a lethal charge long after being removed from a power source and the electrical shock you receive could kill you.
c) Replace the computer. - This option would be very expensive compared to the cost of replacing just the power supply. Some specialty computers may require you to purchase a special power supply and case, but you should never need to replace a whole system.