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Input-Output Device Compatibility

5 minutes 5 Questions

Input-Output (I/O) Device Compatibility focuses on ensuring that peripheral devices, such as keyboards, mice, printers, and displays, can seamlessly interact with the computer system. I/O devices can utilize a variety of connection types such as USB, HDMI, VGA, and Bluetooth, among others. Users sh…

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CompTIA A+ - Input-Output Device Compatibility Example Questions

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Question 1

A user wants to connect a new USB-C device to their computer, but the computer only has USB-A ports. What is the most appropriate solution?

Correct Answer: Use a USB-C to USB-A adapter

The most appropriate solution for connecting a USB-C device to a computer with only USB-A ports is to use a USB-C to USB-A adapter. This is the simplest and most cost-effective method that doesn't require any modifications to the computer's hardware or software.

Using an adapter allows for immediate compatibility between the USB-C device and the USB-A port, enabling data transfer and potentially power delivery (depending on the adapter and device specifications).

The other options are less suitable:

Installing a USB-C expansion card is an unnecessary and more complex solution that requires opening the computer case and may not be possible for laptops or compact desktops.

Updating the computer's BIOS would not add physical USB-C ports to the computer, so this option is irrelevant to the problem at hand.

A Thunderbolt 3 to USB-A converter cable is not the correct choice, as Thunderbolt 3 is a different technology from USB-C, even though they use the same connector type. This option would not be compatible with a standard USB-C device.

Question 2

A user is trying to connect a legacy scanner with a parallel port to a modern laptop. What is the most suitable solution?

Correct Answer: Use a USB to parallel port adapter

The most suitable solution for connecting a legacy scanner with a parallel port to a modern laptop is to use a USB to parallel port adapter. This is the correct answer because:

1. Modern laptops typically don't have parallel ports.
2. USB ports are ubiquitous on modern laptops.
3. USB to parallel port adapters are readily available and easy to use.
4. This solution doesn't require opening up the laptop or making permanent modifications.

The other options are not suitable for the following reasons:

Installing a parallel port expansion card is not feasible for most laptops, as they don't have expansion slots like desktop computers.

Connecting the scanner via Bluetooth is not possible because legacy parallel port scanners don't have Bluetooth capabilities.

Using a FireWire to parallel port converter is not a practical solution because FireWire ports are not common on modern laptops, and such converters are not typically available.

Question 3

A user wants to connect their older keyboard with a PS/2 connector to their new computer. The new computer does not have a PS/2 port. What should they do?

Correct Answer: Use a PS/2 to USB adapter.

The best solution is to use a PS/2 to USB adapter. This allows connecting the older PS/2 keyboard to a USB port on the new computer. Connecting the keyboard to the HDMI port will not work as HDMI is for video, not keyboard input. Purchasing a new computer just for a PS/2 port is unnecessary and wasteful when an adapter can solve the issue. Physically modifying the connectors by cutting and splicing wires is risky and could damage the keyboard or computer if done incorrectly. The PS/2 to USB adapter is the simplest, safest, and most cost-effective approach.

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