Short Questions
1. Write one key function of the Resource Monitor.
Resource Monitor shows how CPU, memory, disk, and network are being used.
It helps users identify programs using too many resources.
This makes troubleshooting easier.
2. Define the use of Safe Mode in system recovery.
Safe Mode starts Windows with only essential drivers and services.
It helps diagnose software and driver problems.
Users can repair issues that stop normal startup.
3. List the steps to create a bootable USB using Rufus.
Insert a USB drive and open Rufus.
Select the ISO file and USB device.
Click Start to create the bootable USB.
4. What happens during the Power-On Self-Test (POST)?
POST checks the hardware when the computer starts.
It tests memory, keyboard, and other components.
The system continues booting if no error is found.
5. Why is the boot order setting important when using recovery tools from a USB drive?
Boot order tells the computer where to start first.
The USB must be selected before the hard drive.
This allows recovery tools to load correctly.
6. List the two benefits of running regular disk cleanup.
It removes unnecessary and temporary files.
It frees storage space on the computer.
It can also improve system performance.
7. How does Windows Defender help in maintaining system health?
Windows Defender protects against viruses and malware.
It scans files and monitors threats in real time.
This keeps the system secure and healthy.
Long Questions
1. Explain the roles of Task Manager and Event Viewer in system maintenance. Give one example for each tool where it can help solve a problem.
Task Manager is a built-in Windows tool used to monitor and manage all running applications and processes.
It shows real-time system performance such as CPU usage, memory (RAM) usage, disk activity, and network usage.
If any program becomes slow or stops responding, users can use Task Manager to close it immediately.
This helps the system to run smoothly and avoid freezing.
For example, if a game or software stops working (hangs), Task Manager can be opened and the “End Task” option can be used to close it.
Event Viewer is another important system tool that records all system activities, warnings, errors, and security logs.
It helps users and technicians understand what caused a problem in the system.
It is very useful for troubleshooting system crashes, startup errors, or driver issues.
For example, if a computer keeps restarting unexpectedly, Event Viewer can show error logs that help identify the exact cause of the problem.
2. Your computer is not starting properly due to a system issue. Describe how System Restore or a bootable recovery USB can be used to fix the problem without deleting personal files.
System Restore is a Windows feature that helps bring the computer back to a previous working state.
It uses restore points that are automatically created before system changes like updates or software installation.
When the system has problems, users can restore the computer to an earlier date when it was working properly.
The important thing is that it does not delete personal files like documents, photos, or videos.
If Windows does not start at all, a bootable recovery USB can be used.
This USB contains Windows repair tools and recovery options.
When the computer starts from the USB, users can access troubleshooting tools such as Startup Repair, System Restore, or Reset options.
These tools help fix startup problems without affecting personal data in most cases.
Both methods are useful for fixing system errors while keeping user files safe and unchanged.
3. Briefly explain any two preventive maintenance techniques that help keep a computer running smoothly.
Preventive maintenance helps keep a computer fast, safe, and stable by avoiding problems before they occur.
One important technique is Disk Cleanup.
This process removes temporary files, cache files, and unnecessary system data that slow down the computer.
By freeing up disk space, the system runs faster and more efficiently.
Another important technique is keeping the system updated.
Installing Windows updates and software updates improves performance and fixes security issues.
Updates also fix bugs that may cause system errors or crashes.
In addition, using antivirus software is very important.
It protects the computer from viruses and malware that can damage files or slow down the system.
These simple steps help maintain the overall health of the computer.
4. Explain how deleted files can be recovered using a third-party software. Also, discuss why recovery may not always be successful.
When a file is deleted from a computer, it is not always permanently removed immediately.
Third-party recovery software works by scanning the storage device deeply to find traces of deleted files.
If the file data is still present on the disk, the software can restore it and recover the file.
These tools are useful when files are accidentally deleted from the Recycle Bin or lost due to system errors.
However, recovery is not always guaranteed.
Recovery may fail if new files overwrite the space where the deleted file was stored.
If the storage device is heavily used after deletion, chances of recovery become lower.
Also, physical damage to the hard drive or SSD can prevent any successful recovery.
Therefore, early recovery increases the chances of getting files back safely.