COMPUTER PROBLEM SOLVING
Computer Problem Solving challenges members to demonstrate their understanding of computer systems, including operating systems, networking, and hardware, through an objective test. This event encourages members to apply troubleshooting and analytical skills to solve technical problems commonly encountered in the IT field.
Event Overview
Division: High School
Event Type: Individual
Event Category: Objective Test, 100-multiple choice questions (breakdown of question by competencies below)
Objective Test Time: 50 minutes
Career Cluster Framework Connection: Digital Technology
NACE Competency Alignment: Career & Self-Development, Critical Thinking, Technology
Items Competitor Must Provide: Sharpened pencil, Photo Identification, Conference-provided nametag, Attire that meets the Florida FBLA Dress Code
Objective Test Competencies:
· Operating Systems
· Networks
· Computer Hardware and Connectivity
· Security
· Laptops, Tablets, and Mobile Devices
· Printers and Peripherals
Test questions are based on the knowledge areas and objectives outlined for this event. Detailed objectives can be found in the study guide included in these guidelines.
District
Check with your District leadership for District-specific competition information.
State
Eligibility
· FBLA membership dues are paid by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on December 1 (or earlier date specified by District Director) of the current program year.
· Members may compete in an event at the State Leadership Conference (SLC) more than once if they have not previously placed in the top 10 of that event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC). If a member places in the top 10 of an event at the NLC, they are no longer eligible to compete in that event.
· Members must be registered for the SLC and pay the state conference registration fee in order to participate in competitive events.
· Members must stay within the official FBLA housing block of the official FBLA hotel to be eligible to compete.
· Each district may be represented by participant(s) based on the Florida FBLA scaled quota system found on the Florida FBLA website.
· Each member can only compete in one individual/team event and one chapter event (Community Service Project, Local Chapter Annual Business Report).
· If competitors are late for an objective test, they may be either disqualified or permitted to begin late with no extension of the time as scheduled.
· Participants must adhere to the Florida FBLA dress code established by the Florida Board of Directors or they will not be permitted to participate in the competitive event.
Recognition
· The number of competitors will determine the number of winners. The maximum number of winners for each competitive event is 5.
Event Administration
· This event is an objective test administered at the SLC.
· No reference or study materials may be brought to the testing site.
· No calculators may be brought into the testing site.
Scoring
· Ties are broken by comparing the correct number of answers to the last 10 questions on the test. If a tie remains, answers to the last 20 questions on the test will be reviewed to determine the winner. If a tie remains, the competitor who completed the test in a shorter amount of time will place higher.
· Results announced at the National Leadership Conference are considered official and will not be changed after the conclusion of the National Leadership Conference.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
· FBLA complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by providing reasonable accommodations for competitors. Accommodation requests must be submitted through the conference registration system by the official registration deadline. All requests will be reviewed, and additional documentation may be required to determine eligibility and appropriate support.
Penalty Points
· Competitors may be disqualified if they violate the Competitive Event Guidelines or the Honor Code.
Electronic Devices
· Unless approved as part of a documented accommodation, all cell phones, watches, electronic devices, and headphones must be turned off and stored away before the competition begins. Visible devices during the event will be considered a violation of the FBLA Honor Code.
National
If you are competing on the National level, be sure to see the National guidelines at https://www.fbla.org/divisions/fbla/fbla-competitive-events/
Study Guide: Knowledge Areas and Objectives:
Operating Systems (20 test items)
1. Explain the purpose and functions of operating systems
2. Describe primary operating system components (e.g., registry, virtual memory, file system)
3. Discuss file system characteristics and features (e.g., NTFS, FAT32, ExFAT)
4. Configure files and programs (e.g., compatibility mode, file compression, installation)
5. Discuss the characteristics of boot methods (e.g., POST, USB, Recovery)
6. Troubleshoot common operating system issues (e.g., blue screen of death, crashing, boot issues)
7. Discuss common operating system utilities (e.g., disk management, disk cleanup, system monitoring)
8. Explain considerations when upgrading an operating system
9. Use common command line tools for Windows and Linux systems (e.g., cd, mkdir, ipconfig, cat)
Networks (20 test items)
1. Explain how data is sent and received through a network (e.g., devices, protocols, IP and MAC addresses)
2. Describe different types of networks (e.g., LAN, WAN)
3. Describe the functions of common networking protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP, SMTP, SSH)
4. Discuss IP addressing schemes and configurations (e.g., static, dynamic, public, private, IPv4, IPv6)
5. Describe wireless networking standards (e.g., 802.11xx) and equipment
6. Describe the characteristics of Ethernet (e.g., types, standards, capabilities)
7. Describe how DHCP and DNS assign, manage, and use IP addresses
8. Discuss the purposes and functions of common networking devices (e.g., modems, routers, switches)
9. Describe how IP and MAC addresses facilitate communication over networks
Computer Hardware and Connectivity (20 test items)
1. Describe computer components (e.g., CPU, motherboard, GPU)
2. Describe expansion cards (e.g., graphics cards, sound cards, NIC)
3. Discuss considerations when purchasing or upgrading a computer
4. Describe computer storage devices (e.g., SSD, HDD, external drives)
5. Explain peripheral cables and connectors (e.g., RJ45/11, USB, thunderbolt)
6. Describe the characteristics of network cables (e.g., cat 5e, coaxial, fiber)
7. Apply troubleshooting methodologies to identify and solve common hardware problems
8. Discuss symptoms and causes of computer power issues (e.g., lights, fans, circuit fault)
Security (15 test items)
1. Discuss the purposes and characteristics of protective measures (e.g., access control, permissions, auditing, event logging)
2. Discuss digital security threats (e.g., viruses, malware, spyware)
3. Discuss antivirus and firewall configurations
4. Discuss the danger of social engineering and ways to prevent it
5. Discuss common cyber attacks and vulnerabilities (DoS, DDoS, phishing, SQL injection, malware, etc.)
6. Discuss types of security threats (e.g., internal or external, footprinting, spoofing)
7. Differentiate between confidentiality, integrity, and availability
8. Describe types of vulnerabilities and how to address them (e.g., non-compliance, zero-day)
9. Discuss Wi-Fi Protect Access features, versions, and characteristics
Laptops, Tablets, and Mobile Devices (15 test items)
1. Describe preventive care of laptops and mobile devices (e.g., battery, charging, heat, cleaning)
2. Discuss hardware differences between laptops, mobile devices, and desktops (e.g., RAM, CPU, efficiency, power supply)
3. Discuss cross-device data synchronization (e.g., cloud, USB, Wi-Fi)
4. Describe the capabilities, limitations, and requirements for Bluetooth
5. Troubleshoot connectivity issues on laptops and mobile devices
6. Discuss wireless connectivity methods for laptops and mobile devices (e.g., 5G, Hotspot, LTE)
7. Discuss replacement and upgrade of laptop components (e.g., RAM, adapter, battery, adapter cards)
8. Explain common hardware and power issues in laptops and mobile devices
Printers and Peripherals (10 test items)
1. Discuss printer hardware and consumables
2. Identify ports, interfaces, and cables used by printers
3. Troubleshoot printer connection issues (e.g., not responding, printer not found)
4. Determine causes of print quality issues (e.g., faded, blank, speckled, striped pages)
5. Explain basic maintenance of laser, inkjet, and thermal printers
6. Discuss printer sharing methods (e.g., PC host, network, Ethernet)
7. Customize print jobs with preferences and settings (e.g., trays, duplex, modes)