Which activity involves solving computer problems through a structured, step-by-step approach?

• A. Troubleshoot
• B. Debug
• C. Optimize
• D. Configure

Answer: (A)

Troubleshooting is solving computer problems through a structured, step-by-step approach. It follows an orderly process: observe the symptoms, gather information, form a hypothesis about possible causes, test that hypothesis with targeted checks, implement a fix, and verify that the problem is resolved before recording what was learned. This disciplined method helps ensure the issue is correctly identified and resolved, not just patched.

Debugging is related but more narrowly focused on finding and repairing defects in software code. Configuring is about setting up hardware or software to a desired state, not diagnosing problems. Optimizing is about improving performance or efficiency, which may or may not involve solving a problem.