IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software v4.0
Exploring Virtual Laptop
Chapter 6 – Lab\Instructor
Name Key
As you use Virtual Desktop to practice putting a computer together, answer the following
questions.
1. What type of battery is commonly used in today’s laptops? Lithium Ion (Li-ion) are commonly used due to
their size and lack of memory effect.
2. Is it possible to install the RAM backwards? No. Why or why not? The insertion notch key prevents it from
being installed the wrong way.
3. What type of RAM is used in laptops? Small outline dual in-line memory modules (SO-DIMMS) are used in
laptops because of their smaller size.
4. How is the insertion of RAM in a laptop different from a desktop? In a laptop, RAM is inserted at an angle and
tilted toward the motherboard, making it flush with the motherboard. In a desktop, RAM is inserted
perpendicular to the motherboard.
5. Why would manufacturers make it easy to replace laptop optical drives? The ease of installation makes it
possible for a user to quickly change from a CD-ROM drive to a CD-R/W to a DVD combo drive. Because of
the small form factor of a laptop, manufacturers originally used it as away to swap between floppy and CD
drives.
6. What types of devices can be added using a PC card? Wired or wireless NICs, modems, cellular Internet
access, TV tuners, and Smart Card readers can by added using a PC or PC Express card.
7. What are the benefits of a docking station? A docking station allows you to quickly connect a laptop to a fillsized keyboard, mouse, monitor, and network connection. It also charges the laptop while it’s docked.
8. What kind of connector does the Ethernet cable pictured use? The Ethernet cable has an RJ-45 connector.
9. What type of monitor cable was connected to the laptop? A DVI cable was attached to the laptop.
10. Which color is typically reserved for a keyboard port and connector? Purple usually indicates a keyboard port
or cable, while green is usually reserved for a mouse.
11. What is the name of the keyboard connector used in this lab? The keyboard was connected with a PS/2 or
miniDINN connector.
12. List the other ports pictured on the docking station that weren’t used in this lab. AC Power Connector, PC
card/ExpressCard Slots, VGA Port, DVI Port, Line-In Connector, Headphone Connector, 4 USB Ports,
Ethernet Port, Modem Port, Security Key Hole, Serial Port, Parallel Port, External Diskette Drive Connector,
Keyboard Port, Mouse Port (These include all ports pictured).
Cisco Networking Academy