1.2 - Laptop Hardware – 220-1101 CompTIA A+ : 1.1

What is troubleshooting in laptops?

Diagnosing and resolving issues in a laptop's operation.

What makes laptop repair challenging?

Unique form factors and specific component designs.

What are modular components?

Parts that can be easily removed and replaced.

What technology is used in most laptop batteries?

Lithium-ion or Lithium-ion Polymer.

Why do laptop batteries need replacement over time?

They gradually lose capacity with each charge.

What is a key consideration when replacing a laptop battery?

It must be specific to the laptop's make and model.

Why is the keyboard important in a laptop?

It is the primary input device for the operating system.

How is a laptop keyboard usually connected?

Through a single ribbon cable.

What option exists if a laptop's built-in keyboard fails?

Use an external USB keyboard.

How do space constraints affect laptop keyboards?

They force changes in layout and may omit keys like the numeric keypad.

What does SO-DIMM stand for?

Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module.

Why might some laptops not allow memory upgrades?

The memory is soldered to the motherboard.

What types of storage devices are used in laptops?

Magnetic hard drives and Solid State Drives (SSDs).

What advantage does an SSD have over a hard drive?

Faster read/write speeds.

What is the M.2 interface used for?

Connecting SSDs in a smaller, cable-free form factor.

How do you access storage components in a laptop?

By removing a cover or the entire back.

What is one method to migrate data from a hard drive to an SSD?

Cloning or imaging the hard drive.

What does cloning a drive involve?

Copying all data sector-by-sector to another drive.

What wireless standards are mentioned for laptops?

802.11 (Wi-Fi) and Bluetooth.

What interface is used for wireless cards in older laptops?

Mini PCI or Mini PCI Express.

What additional wireless connection might a laptop have?

A cellular (wireless wide area network) slot.

How are wireless cards installed?

They slide into a slot and are secured with antenna wires.

What does NFC stand for?

Near-Field Communication.

What is the function of NFC in laptops?

To transfer data or perform authentication without direct contact.

What is biometric authentication?

Using physical characteristics like fingerprints or facial recognition to verify identity.

How does Windows Hello utilize biometrics?

It uses a camera or fingerprint sensor to authenticate the user.

What is a dual-factor authentication?

Combining two methods (e.g., password and biometric) for enhanced security.

Why is familiarity with one laptop brand beneficial for technicians?

It increases efficiency in repair due to repeated exposure.

What does the laptop form factor refer to?

The specific design and layout of a laptop.

What is the significance of modular design in laptops?

It allows easier repair and upgrade of components.

How can keycaps on a laptop be damaged?

They are delicate and must be replaced following manufacturer guidelines.

What are the two main types of storage form factors mentioned?

2½-inch magnetic hard drives and SSDs.

How is an M.2 SSD secured in a laptop?

With a single screw.

What does data migration via imaging accomplish?

It transfers the entire operating system, applications, and user data.

What must be used to perform drive-to-drive imaging?

Specialized imaging software or hardware setup.

What are antenna wires used for in wireless cards?

To connect and optimize the wireless signal.

What is one challenge in laptop repairs related to keyboards?

Limited space causes rearranged layouts and fragile key mechanisms.

What type of authentication sensor might be integrated into the laptop keyboard?

A fingerprint sensor.

Why is it important to follow manufacturer instructions during repairs?

To avoid damaging delicate components.

What is the overall goal of proper laptop troubleshooting and repair?

To maintain functionality and enable easy upgrades while ensuring secure and efficient operation.