CSLB General Building (B) Trade Practice Test
Frequently asked questions
How many Google IT Support practice questions are here?+
A full bank of original Google IT Support practice questions across the official content areas, weighted like the real exam, with explanations. Free, no signup.
What is the Google IT Support exam like?+
About 100 questions. Practice by topic here, then take the full timed mock exam to gauge readiness.
Are these the real exam questions?+
No. Every question is 100% original, written from public primary sources with explanations. We never copy real exam questions or paid prep material.
Can I study in Chinese or Spanish?+
PrepPass practice is in English, 中文 and Español. The official exam is in English — switch the question language to English any time to rehearse the exact terminology you'll see on test day.
Sample practice questions
A few real questions from this free bank, with full explanations. Use the practice tool above for the whole set.
- 1. Hardware
Which component is considered the 'brain' of a computer, executing instructions and performing calculations?
- a.The power supply unit (PSU)
- b.The central processing unit (CPU)
- c.The hard disk drive (HDD)
- d.The network interface card (NIC)
Answer: b
Explanation: The CPU carries out the instructions of a program by performing arithmetic, logic, and control operations. It is often called the brain of the computer. Other components like storage and power supplies support the CPU but do not execute program logic.
- 2. Hardware
Which of the following is an example of a peripheral (input) device?
- a.The motherboard
- b.The power supply
- c.A keyboard
- d.The system RAM
Answer: c
Explanation: A keyboard is an input peripheral that lets a user send data and commands to the computer. Peripherals are external devices that extend the computer's functionality. Output peripherals include monitors and printers, while the motherboard and RAM are internal core components.
- 3. Operating Systems
Which Linux command lists the files in the current directory?
- a.cd
- b.ls
- c.rm
- d.mkdir
Answer: b
Explanation: The ls command lists the contents of a directory. Options like -l show detailed information and -a reveal hidden files. In contrast, cd changes directories, rm removes files, and mkdir creates directories.
- 4. Operating Systems
What is the main benefit of creating user accounts with limited (standard) privileges instead of administrator rights?
- a.It makes the computer boot faster
- b.It increases available disk space
- c.It improves the screen resolution
- d.It limits the damage that malware or mistakes can cause
Answer: d
Explanation: Standard user accounts cannot make system-wide changes without elevated permission, which reduces the impact of malware or accidental misconfiguration. Following the principle of least privilege improves security. Administrator rights should be reserved for tasks that truly require them.
- 5. Networking
What does the acronym 'IP' stand for in networking?
- a.Internal Protocol
- b.Interface Port
- c.Internet Protocol
- d.Integrated Packet
Answer: c
Explanation: IP stands for Internet Protocol, which is responsible for addressing and routing packets of data so they can travel across networks. Every device on an IP network has an IP address. IP works together with TCP in the widely used TCP/IP suite.
- 6. Networking
Which port number is the default for HTTP web traffic?
- a.443
- b.80
- c.22
- d.53
Answer: b
Explanation: HTTP typically uses port 80 for unencrypted web traffic. Port 443 is used for HTTPS, the encrypted version. Knowing common port numbers helps in configuring firewalls and troubleshooting connectivity.
- 7. IT Security
What are the three core principles of the classic information security 'CIA triad'?
- a.Control, Isolation, Access
- b.Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability
- c.Cryptography, Identity, Authorization
- d.Compliance, Inspection, Auditing
Answer: b
Explanation: The CIA triad stands for Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. Confidentiality keeps data private, integrity ensures data is accurate and unaltered, and availability ensures systems and data are accessible when needed. These principles guide most security decisions.
- 8. IT Security
What is a VPN (Virtual Private Network) primarily used for?
- a.To increase RAM
- b.To defragment drives
- c.To create a secure, encrypted connection over a public network
- d.To generate stronger Wi-Fi signals
Answer: c
Explanation: A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between a device and a remote network over the public internet. This protects data from eavesdropping and can mask the user's location. It is widely used for secure remote access to corporate resources.
- 9. Troubleshooting
What is a good first step in a structured troubleshooting methodology?
- a.Replace all hardware immediately
- b.Identify and clearly define the problem
- c.Reinstall the operating system
- d.Tell the user it is their fault
Answer: b
Explanation: Effective troubleshooting starts by identifying and clearly defining the problem, often by gathering information and asking the user questions. Understanding the symptoms precisely prevents wasted effort. Only after defining the issue should you form and test hypotheses.
- 10. Troubleshooting
A user's application keeps freezing. Which step reflects forming and testing a hypothesis?
- a.Ignoring the issue and hoping it resolves
- b.Immediately replacing the hard drive
- c.Suspecting insufficient memory and checking resource usage in Task Manager
- d.Telling the user to buy a new computer
Answer: c
Explanation: After identifying the problem, you form a probable theory of the cause and test it. Suspecting a memory shortage and checking resource usage is a logical hypothesis test. If the theory is confirmed, you can address it; if not, you form a new theory.