Troubleshooting Methodology
This is the first step in the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology
What is "Identify the problem"?
This display type uses self-emitting pixels and delivers deep blacks
What is OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode)?
This version introduced in 1996 had very slow transfer speeds.
What is USB 1.0?
This port transmits both audio and video and is commonly used in TVs.
What is HDMI?
Apple's proprietary cable used for iPhones and iPads.
What is a lightning cable?
In this step, you brainstorm what might be causing the issue.
What is "Establish a theory of probable cause"?
This LED technology offers higher brightness and better local dimming.
What is Mini-LED?
This 2000 version of USB introduced high-speed transfer at 480 Mbps.
What is USB 2.0?
A cable with many versions that supports video only. Different versions support analog, digital, or both.
What is a DVI cable?
A modern cable interface that can transmit audio, video, and power, with data transfer rates up to 40Gbps on its newest USB-C connector version.
What is Thunderbolt?
You confirm if your hypothesis was correct in this step.
What is "Test the theory to determine the cause"?
This LCD panel type offers wide viewing angles and good color accuracy
What is IPS (In-Plane Switching)?
This version introduced SuperSpeed and 5 Gbps transfer in 2008.
What is USB 3.0?
A USB specification running 2 x 10 Gbps (20) compatible with USB-C only.
What is USB 3.2 Gen 2x2?
The standard cable for transferring data from a hard drive to a motherboard with 7 pins. Requires a separate 15 pin power cable.
What is a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) cable?
You determine how to solve the issue and carry it out in this step.
What is "Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution"?
This LCD panel type is known for fast response times but poorer color.
What is TN (Twisted Nematic)?
Introduced in 2013, this version added SuperSpeed+ at 10 Gbps.
What is USB 3.1?
A 15 pin cable for transmitting analog video.
What is a Video Graphics Array (VGA) cable?
A 4 pin power cable with a white clip at the end.
What is a Molex cable?
This final step ensures the problem is resolved and helps prevent it from happening again.
What is "Document findings, lessons learned, actions, and outcomes"?
This panel type balances color, contrast, and response time, making it versatile.
What is VA (Vertical Alignment)?
This version unified with Thunderbolt 3 and reached speeds up to 40 Gbps.
What is USB4?
A USB specification running at 5Gbps, compatible with USB-A,-B,-C, or Micro.
What is USB 3.2 Gen 1 SuperSpeed USB?
A cable used to connect external peripheral drive (external hard drive) other than USB.
What is eSATA?