Applications (D317)

Correct Answer A. Dead pixel

Explanation

A dead pixel is a defect in the screen where one pixel remains stuck on a particular color and does not respond to changes. This is a hardware issue with the display itself, often caused by a malfunctioning pixel or the failure of a transistor that controls that pixel.

Why other options are wrong

B. Video card overheating

While overheating of the video card can cause display issues such as flickering or color distortion, it is not likely to cause a permanent, unchanging color on a specific spot of the screen. Overheating generally leads to performance issues, not the specific problem of a dead pixel.

C. Video drivers are out of date

Outdated video drivers can lead to a variety of display problems, including glitches or poor performance. However, they typically do not cause a single, static color spot on the screen. Driver issues generally result in more widespread graphical anomalies rather than a single fixed color spot.

D. Monitor's inverter is failing

A failing inverter affects the brightness and backlighting of the monitor, especially in LCD screens. It can cause the display to appear dim or even fail to show anything, but it would not create a spot of a specific, unchanging color on the screen.

Correct Answer A. Desktop

Explanation

A desktop computer typically consists of separate components, including a tower (the main processing unit), a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse. The tower houses the CPU, storage devices, and other internal hardware, while the monitor displays output, and the keyboard and mouse allow input.

Why other options are wrong

B. Laptop

A laptop is a portable computing device that integrates the keyboard, screen, and internal components into a single unit, unlike a desktop where these are separate. It does not have a separate tower.

C. All-in-one

An all-in-one computer combines the tower and the monitor into a single unit, unlike a desktop, where the tower and monitor are distinct. The keyboard and mouse are still separate but not part of the integrated unit.

D. Tablet

A tablet is a fully integrated device with a touchscreen interface, and it does not require a keyboard, mouse, or separate tower. It is different from the structure described in the question.

Correct Answer A. The system is not providing enough power to the USB port.

Explanation

Many front USB ports on desktop PCs do not provide sufficient power to run devices that require higher power, such as external hard drives, especially 2.5-inch models that rely entirely on USB power. When the light turns on but the system does not recognize the drive, it usually indicates a power-related issue rather than a data connection issue. Using a powered USB hub or connecting to a rear USB port (which often provides more power) can resolve the issue. This is a common scenario in desktop environments.

Why other options are wrong

B. A 2.5 drive is designed for use with a laptop not with a desktop PC.

This is incorrect because 2.5-inch drives are not limited to laptops; they are often used as external storage for any type of computer, including desktops. The size of the drive does not determine its compatibility. Compatibility is based on connection interfaces and power requirements, not on the form factor alone.

C. Thumb drives and cameras are plugged into the front USB ports; the customer needs to use the USB ports in the back.

While it's true that rear USB ports may provide more power, the issue is not caused by the presence of other devices. The more accurate diagnosis is that the front port itself may not supply enough power, regardless of what else is plugged in. Simply having other devices connected is not the root cause here.

D. The external drive is incompatible with the system.

Incompatibility is less likely, especially if the drive is lighting up, which suggests it’s receiving power and attempting to connect. True incompatibility would more likely result in a system error or warning, not just the drive being unrecognized. Additionally, USB storage devices are generally plug-and-play and widely compatible across systems.

Correct Answer A. A damaged USB cable

Explanation

A damaged USB cable can interrupt the physical connection between the external hard drive and the computer, preventing the system from recognizing the device. If the cable is frayed, broken internally, or has bent connectors, it will not transmit power or data properly, resulting in a failed connection.

Why other options are wrong

B. An outdated operating system

While an outdated OS might cause compatibility issues in some cases, most external hard drives use standard protocols that work across multiple versions of operating systems. Unless the drive requires a very specific driver that isn't supported, the OS itself is unlikely to be the main issue.

C. A faulty port

Though a faulty port can prevent detection, it typically affects only one specific port. If another port works, then the issue is isolated. A damaged cable, however, would affect connectivity across all ports, making it a more probable single source of failure.

D. Insufficient power supply

Many external hard drives are bus-powered and don’t require more than what a standard USB port provides. Unless the drive specifically requires external power and it’s not provided, this is a less common reason for a drive not being detected.

Correct Answer A. COBOL

Explanation

COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language) is an old programming language primarily used for business, finance, and administrative systems in mainframe computing. While COBOL remains in use in legacy systems, it is not relevant for mobile app development, which focuses on modern languages like Swift (for iOS) and Kotlin (for Android). Java is also used for Android development but is less modern than Kotlin.

Why other options are wrong

B. Java

Java is relevant for mobile app development, especially for Android apps. While Kotlin is preferred for Android development today, Java remains an important language in the mobile development ecosystem.

C. Swift

Swift is the programming language specifically used for iOS development. It is highly relevant for Mia if she wants to develop mobile apps for Apple's ecosystem.

D. Kotlin

Kotlin is the modern language for Android app development and is increasingly popular due to its concise syntax and seamless integration with Java. It is highly relevant for mobile app development on Android devices.

Correct Answer B. To demonstrate the capabilities of artificial intelligence

Explanation

The primary objective of teaching early computers to play games like chess and tic tac toe was to demonstrate and explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI). These games provided a controlled environment in which AI could be tested and improved, focusing on algorithms and decision-making processes that mimic human intelligence.

Why other options are wrong

A. To enhance user interface design

Although games can contribute to improving user interfaces, early computer programming focused more on artificial intelligence rather than user interface design, which was not the primary goal in these early experiments.

C. To improve hardware performance

The primary goal was not to improve hardware performance but to showcase how software could emulate intelligent behavior. Hardware advancements followed as a result of the software improvements.

D. To create entertainment software

Entertainment software was not the primary aim. The goal was to explore and demonstrate the potential of machines to make decisions, not just to provide entertainment.

Correct Answer A. Laser pointer

Explanation

A laser pointer is typically used for directing attention or highlighting something in a presentation, not for interacting with a computer screen. In contrast, a mouse, stylus, and touchscreen are all commonly used as pointing devices to interact directly with a computer's interface.

Why other options are wrong

B. Mouse

A mouse is a standard pointing device used to move a cursor and interact with elements on a computer screen.

C. Stylus

A stylus is a pen-like tool used to interact with touchscreens or graphic tablets, functioning as a precise pointing device.

D. Touchscreen

A touchscreen is both a display and an input device, allowing users to interact with the computer screen directly through touch, making it a valid pointing device.

Correct Answer A. Projector

Explanation

A projector is the most suitable device for delivering presentations in a classroom or conference room because it can display slides, videos, and other content on a large screen or wall, ensuring that all attendees can see the information clearly. It is designed for the purpose of sharing visual content with a group.

Why other options are wrong

B. Voice synthesizer

A voice synthesizer is designed to convert text to speech and is typically used for accessibility purposes. It does not serve the purpose of displaying visual content in presentations.

C. Printer

A printer is used for producing physical copies of documents, not for presenting information to an audience. It’s not suitable for displaying live, visual content during presentations.

D. Headset

A headset is a personal audio device, typically used for communication or audio tasks. While useful for personal sound, it does not help in visually presenting content to a group in a classroom or conference room setting.

Correct Answer D. If the app server goes down or is terminated, you cannot use the app.

Explanation

Web apps rely on an active connection to a remote server. If the server is unavailable, either due to maintenance, a crash, or permanent termination, the web app cannot function, rendering it inaccessible to the user. This dependency on a server is a significant disadvantage compared to standalone applications that can operate independently. While web apps offer flexibility and accessibility, their reliance on external infrastructure is a vulnerability.

Why other options are wrong

A. Data between your device and the server cannot be encrypted.

This is incorrect because modern web apps typically use encryption protocols like HTTPS to secure data in transit. Encryption is a standard security feature and not a disadvantage specific to web apps. In fact, many web apps are designed with strong security practices, including end-to-end encryption.

B. Your data is stored locally on your computer.

This is not a disadvantage of a web app but rather of traditional desktop applications. Web apps are designed to store data on the server or in the cloud, allowing for remote access and collaboration. They actually reduce reliance on local storage, which can be an advantage in many cases.

C. Installing it may slow your computer down for other uses.

Web apps generally do not require installation since they run in a web browser. This makes them lightweight compared to traditional software. Therefore, they are less likely to consume significant system resources or affect the performance of other applications on your device.