computer receives a parity check error message. Which component should you check first?Question 40Answera.Motherboardb.Video cardc.Memoryd.Hard drive

When a computer receives a parity check error message, it typically indicates an issue with the system's memory. Parity checking is a method used to detect errors in memory, and a parity error suggests that data in memory may have been altered or corrupted.

Detailed Explanation

1. Understanding Parity Check Errors: Parity is a form of error checking that adds an extra bit to a string of data. The computer checks the parity bit to determine whether the data has been altered during transmission or storage. A parity check error points to potential problems primarily in the system's RAM.

2. Examining Components:

   • Motherboard: While issues with the motherboard can cause a variety of errors, it is less common for it to be the primary source of parity check errors.
   • Video Card: The video card mainly handles graphical output and is not related to memory parity checks.
   • Memory (RAM): This is the most likely component causing the parity check error, as it directly relates to data storage and retrieval.
   • Hard Drive: Issues with the hard drive can lead to data corruption, but this typically would not generate a parity check error on RAM.

Conclusion

Given this analysis, the first component you should check when encountering a parity check error message is: c. Memory.