easyMultiple Choice
FC0-U71 That their computer is running slowly Practice Question
A user reports that their computer is running slowly. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that peripheral issues (like monitor size or battery status) are the primary cause of system slowness, when in fact resource contention from concurrent processes is the most common culprit.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Running too many applications simultaneously
When too many applications are running simultaneously, the computer's RAM and CPU resources become oversubscribed, forcing the operating system to rely heavily on virtual memory (paging to disk). This causes excessive disk I/O and context switching, which directly degrades system responsiveness and leads to the perception of slowness.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Running too many applications simultaneously
Why this is correct
Running many applications simultaneously exhausts finite CPU cycles and RAM, forcing the OS to page memory to disk and context-switch constantly. This resource contention directly produces the gradual slowdown described, making it the most probable cause ahead of malware or failing hardware.
- ✗
The monitor is too small
Why it's wrong here
A small monitor affects only visible screen area, not CPU, memory or disk throughput, so it cannot cause slowness. It is tempting because display limitations are a genuine concern in workspace setup, and a larger monitor would be the right answer if the user complained about cramped or insufficient screen space.
- ✗
The keyboard is unresponsive
Why it's wrong here
An unresponsive keyboard cannot slow a computer's processing; it only prevents input, so the reported symptom would be missing keystrokes, not sluggish performance. It is tempting because failing peripherals are common faults, and a keyboard would be the correct suspect if characters failed to appear or the device stopped responding to typing.
- ✗
The mouse needs batteries
Why it's wrong here
Mouse batteries affect only the pointing device's wireless link, producing cursor dropouts rather than reduced system performance. It is tempting because battery depletion is a frequent peripheral fault, and replacing them would be correct if the cursor froze, jumped or stopped moving while the computer itself remained responsive.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This FC0-U71 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the FC0-U71 exam.