CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 (220-1201) — Questions 901–975

This question tests knowledge of OCR (Optical Character Recognition) functionality in multifunction devices. OCR converts scanned images into searchable text within a PDF. Without OCR, the PDF would be a non-searchable image.

High latency significantly impacts VDI performance, especially during login when many resources are loaded. Deploying a local VDI broker or caching server at the remote office reduces round-trip time. Alternatively, using a CDN or WAN optimization can help, but a local broker is most effective for VDI.

This question tests basic troubleshooting for physical cable damage. The correct answer is that the cable is likely damaged from being stepped on, causing intermittent connectivity.

Fixed wireless internet requires a clear line-of-sight between the customer's antenna and the provider's tower. Obstructions like trees or buildings can severely degrade or block the signal, making this the most important requirement.

Blurry text at native resolution on a 4K monitor often indicates incorrect scaling settings in the operating system. Windows scaling should be set to 150% or 200% to make text readable, otherwise it appears too small and blurry due to pixel density.

If the battery is charged and the power button is functional, the most likely cause is a faulty power button flex cable or a loose connection. The technician should open the tablet, locate the power button flex cable, and reseat or replace it. This cable can wear out or become disconnected over time.

Dual-channel memory architecture requires matched pairs of DIMMs installed in specific slots (usually slots 1 and 3 or 2 and 4) to operate in dual-channel mode. Installing them in the same channel (e.g., slots 1 and 2) forces single-channel mode, halving memory bandwidth.

Email submission typically uses port 587 for SMTP with STARTTLS, or port 25 for unencrypted SMTP. Port 80 is HTTP, port 443 is HTTPS, and port 110 is POP3 for receiving email. Blocking port 587 would prevent outgoing email while allowing web browsing.

After a rebuild, the array may be performing a background consistency check or initialization that consumes I/O resources. RAID 6 rebuilds are intensive, and the controller may be verifying parity. This tests advanced RAID troubleshooting.

This question tests the order of operations for mobile device connectivity. Cellular data must be enabled and configured before Bluetooth can be used for internet sharing or tethering, and Bluetooth pairing is independent but typically done after basic connectivity.

If the nozzle check is fine but pages are blank, the issue is likely with the ink delivery system, such as a clogged or defective printhead. The printhead may need cleaning or replacement. Other causes like driver issues or incorrect settings would not produce a successful nozzle check.

This question tests understanding of email configuration on mobile devices. The inability to send emails while receiving them often points to SMTP server settings or authentication issues, which are separate from incoming (IMAP/POP) settings.

In RAID 1, a failing drive causes the controller to spend time retrying reads, slowing performance. The correct fix is to replace the failing drive and let the array rebuild, restoring both performance and redundancy.

WPA2-Enterprise uses 802.1X/RADIUS for per-user or per-device authentication, ideal for controlled access with company devices. It provides strong encryption and prevents unauthorized connections.

This scenario tests understanding of how CPU clock speed affects multitasking performance. A low clock speed means the processor cannot execute instructions quickly enough, leading to high usage and sluggishness. Upgrading to a CPU with a higher clock speed would directly address the bottleneck.

A DHCP reservation ties a specific MAC address to a specific IP address in the DHCP server's configuration. This ensures the server always gets the same IP without manual static configuration.

After a power outage, cable modems often need to re-establish communication with the headend, which can take several minutes. The blinking online light indicates the modem is trying to sync with the provider's network, which is normal after a power loss.

This question tests understanding of printer maintenance procedures and error reset mechanisms. Many printers require a manual reset or calibration after replacing a consumable like the fuser. Simply installing the part without resetting the error code will not clear the message.

This scenario tests knowledge of SMTP, the protocol used for sending email. Receiving email typically uses POP3 or IMAP, so a sending issue points to SMTP configuration.

When mixing RAM modules, even if they are the same size, they may not be compatible if they have different timings, speeds, or ranks. The motherboard may default to the lowest common denominator or fail to recognize mismatched modules. This is a common issue when not using matched kits.

IPsec requires both endpoints to agree on security associations (SAs) using Internet Key Exchange (IKE). If IKE negotiation fails—due to mismatched authentication methods, encryption algorithms, or certificates—IPsec will not establish, and traffic will be dropped. Pings work because ICMP may be allowed by default, but IPsec-secured traffic is blocked without proper SAs.

A failing power supply can be sensitive to humidity, causing internal shorts or capacitor leakage. Inrush current from multiple PCs on the same circuit could also be a factor, but the humidity correlation points to PSU degradation. Proper grounding eliminates outlet issues.

Fiber optic internet provides the highest speeds and lowest latency among common connection types, making it ideal for cloud applications. While installation may require new cabling, it offers symmetrical speeds and minimal signal degradation over long distances.

The +12V rail's current rating determines how much power it can deliver to GPUs and CPU. A single rail at 40A provides 480W, which may be insufficient for two high-end GPUs. The technician must verify total system power draw against the PSU's capacity.

This question addresses common symptoms of poorly optimized or malicious apps. A newly installed app that runs background processes or has bugs can consume CPU cycles and battery, causing performance degradation. The first troubleshooting step is to uninstall the app and observe if the issue resolves.

This question tests the systematic approach to display troubleshooting. The monitor is powered on (LED lit) but not receiving a signal, so the most common cause is a loose or faulty cable connection. Always check physical connections before moving to more complex settings or hardware replacements, as this is the quickest and simplest fix.

Bluetooth provides a stable, moderate-range connection suitable for printing. NFC is for very short taps and not designed for continuous data streams. Bluetooth is the standard for such peripherals.

Faint output on a direct thermal printer is typically due to insufficient heat from the printhead. The printhead's temperature setting or the media's thermal sensitivity may be mismatched. Adjusting the darkness or heat setting in the driver or printer configuration is the correct fix.

Garbled output from a printer that works on a test page but not from workstations usually indicates a driver mismatch. The test page uses the printer's internal firmware, while user print jobs rely on the installed driver. Installing the correct driver for the printer model and operating system resolves the issue.

A cable tester sends signals through each wire in the cable and checks for continuity, shorts, or opens. A multimeter can test continuity but requires disconnecting the cable and testing each wire individually, which is less efficient. A toner/probe identifies cables, and a crimper repairs them.

To prevent unauthorized booting from external media, the technician must set a boot order that prioritizes the internal SSD and disable other boot devices. Additionally, setting a UEFI administrator password prevents unauthorized users from changing these settings.

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) uses port 3389 by default. Opening this port allows remote desktop connections to Windows machines.

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) offers the highest throughput, better efficiency in dense environments, and supports the latest features like OFDMA and MU-MIMO. It is the best choice for high-bandwidth activities like 4K streaming and gaming.

A common cause of rapid battery drain on smartphones is apps running in the background, especially after an OS update that may change permissions or app behavior. Checking battery usage statistics can help identify the culprit.

Secure printing requires user authentication at the device. The printer must have user accounts or a PIN code system configured, and users must select 'Secure Print' or 'Hold Print' from the driver. The printer then releases the job only after the correct PIN is entered.

The printer's static IP falls within the router's DHCP scope, which typically includes 192.168.1.2 to 192.168.1.254 unless modified. This can cause an IP conflict if the router assigns that address to another device.

Battery optimization on Android can kill background processes for apps, preventing the companion app from maintaining a constant Bluetooth connection for syncing. Disabling battery optimization for the app allows it to run continuously, resolving intermittent sync issues.

This question tests advanced knowledge of wireless deployment and roaming. Thin access points with a wireless controller allow centralized management and fast roaming, as the controller coordinates handoffs between APs. Thick APs or standalone units do not support seamless roaming as effectively.

This question tests troubleshooting cloud synchronization issues. A common cause is the client application being stopped or crashed, which prevents syncing despite a working internet connection. Account suspension would block access entirely, firewall rules would affect other services too, and server downtime would impact all users, not just one.

VoIP traffic is sensitive to latency, jitter, and packet loss. Without QoS, data traffic can congest the network, causing choppy audio and dropped calls. Implementing QoS prioritizes voice traffic.

A CPU error LED can indicate several issues, including power delivery problems. The 8-pin CPU power connector is often overlooked; if it is loose or not connected, the CPU will not receive power, triggering the error. This is a common mistake during builds or after cleaning.

Intermittent communication errors with drives that pass SMART tests often point to a faulty RAID controller, cable, or backplane. Since the drives themselves are healthy, the issue is likely with the controller or its connection to the drives.

For systems with more than 4 GB of RAM, the OS must be 64-bit, and the firmware must have memory remapping enabled. This feature allows the UEFI to reassign memory addresses previously reserved for PCI devices, making the full RAM capacity available to the OS.

This scenario focuses on app-specific sync issues after an OS update. The most common cause is that the app's permissions or account settings were reset during the update, requiring re-authorization or re-configuration of the Exchange account within the calendar app.

This question tests detailed knowledge of cable testers. A cable tester can check for continuity, shorts, and pinout configuration, often displaying results like 'pass' or 'fail' and identifying which pair is faulty.

DDR3-1333 and DDR3-1600 are both DDR3, so they are physically compatible. However, mixing speeds forces all modules to run at the slower 1333 MHz, which may slightly reduce performance. The upgrade is possible but not optimal.

The ATX power connector (main power connector) supplies power from the PSU to the motherboard. If it is loose or disconnected, the motherboard will not receive power, causing a no-power condition. Always check this first before assuming PSU failure.

This question tests advanced RAID understanding. RAID 5 uses one drive's worth of capacity for parity, so three 1TB drives yield 2TB usable. The loss of 0.2TB suggests the replacement drive has slightly less capacity due to manufacturer differences or sector mapping.

Memory controllers are integrated into the CPU, but the motherboard's memory slots and BIOS determine which type is supported. If the board only supports DDR5, using a CPU that supports both will still require DDR5 modules.

This question tests understanding of M.2 installation and BIOS/UEFI configuration. Many motherboards require a specific UEFI setting (CSM disabled, UEFI boot enabled) or a BIOS update to support NVMe as a boot device. The most common issue is that the motherboard's firmware does not recognize the NVMe drive without a BIOS update.

Since the external monitor works fine, the issue is likely with the laptop's display components. A loose or failing display cable is a common cause of intermittent flickering on built-in screens.

RAID 0 stripes data across multiple drives, offering the best read/write performance by utilizing all drives simultaneously. However, it provides no fault tolerance, meaning if one drive fails, all data is lost. This matches the requirement for maximum performance without redundancy.

An MHL or SlimPort adapter converts the smartphone's USB-C or micro-USB output to HDMI, enabling video and audio output to an external display. A USB hub, Bluetooth speaker, or wireless display adapter would not directly connect to a wired HDMI port.

This question tests understanding of storage performance hierarchy. The existing SATA SSD is already fast for boot and applications, but an M.2 NVMe SSD is significantly faster (3-5x). Replacing the HDD with another SSD would not improve boot times as much, and adding RAM does not directly affect storage speed.

A lithium-ion battery that drains quickly, especially when idle, often indicates the battery has degraded or developed an internal short. Batteries have a finite lifespan and can fail after a year of use. Replacing the battery is the standard fix.

Vertical black streaks on laser printer output are typically caused by a damaged or scratched drum. The drum rotates and transfers toner, so any defect creates a repeating mark. Cleaning or replacing the drum usually resolves the issue.

This question tests knowledge of VLANs and network segmentation. To isolate guest traffic from internal devices, the best practice is to create a separate VLAN for the guest network and configure access control lists (ACLs) to block inter-VLAN traffic. The correct answer is to set up a guest VLAN with an ACL that denies traffic to the internal subnet.

HDMI and DisplayPort are different standards, but many cables are available with HDMI on one end and DisplayPort on the other. A bidirectional cable can connect an HDMI source to a DisplayPort monitor.

Projector lamps dim over time and typically need replacement after 2000-4000 hours. A dim image with max brightness and moderate lamp hours indicates the lamp is nearing end of life. The correct answer identifies lamp aging as the primary cause, not filters or cables.

A hybrid cloud deployment combines on-premises infrastructure with public cloud services, allowing data migration while maintaining local access during the transition. This ensures existing emails can be retained and synchronized. A public-only or private-only model would not support the migration seamlessly.

The random shutdowns under load suggest the power supply cannot deliver enough wattage to sustain peak power draw from the GPU and CPU. A 500W PSU may be insufficient for a high-end gaming system, causing voltage drops or thermal overload protection to trigger. Upgrading to a higher-wattage PSU with adequate +12V rail capacity would resolve the issue.

SaaS applications are entirely dependent on internet connectivity. A local cached copy of the data can provide offline access. Other options like VPN or secondary internet are not practical for all employees, and a local server would require a different service model.

Artifacts and color distortion after a new GPU install typically point to insufficient power delivery or a faulty card. Since the system POSTs, it's not a complete failure but likely a power or driver issue. The correct answer highlights that the power supply may not meet the card's requirements, causing instability.

Color calibration is essential for graphic design work. IPS panels are known for wide color gamuts and consistent color reproduction, making them ideal for this task. TN and VA panels have limitations in color accuracy and viewing angles.

Overheating is a common cause of random shutdowns, especially under heavy load. The CPU thermal protection mechanism triggers to prevent damage. This scenario tests the understanding of thermal management and its impact on system stability.

A Local Area Network (LAN) is the standard choice for connecting devices within a single office, allowing file and printer sharing without internet. It is cost-effective and simple to set up. A WAN is for long-distance, a PAN is too limited, and a MAN is for larger areas.

A MAN is designed to connect multiple locations within a city or metropolitan area, making it ideal for a school district. A LAN is too limited to a single building, a WAN is for larger geographic areas (like across states), and a PAN is for personal devices. The correct answer is MAN because it covers the city-wide scope.

This question assesses understanding of cable identification tools. A toner probe emits a tone that can be traced along a cable, allowing you to locate the correct cable at the patch panel without disrupting service.

Mixing SATA speeds (3 Gb/s drives on a 6 Gb/s controller) is generally backward-compatible and should not cause freezes. The freezing during heavy I/O suggests a thermal issue, as RAID 5 rebuilds and heavy writes generate significant heat. Overheating can cause drives to throttle or the controller to lock up.

Ghosting in laser printers is often caused by a worn or damaged cleaning blade that fails to remove residual toner from the drum. The leftover toner transfers to the next page, creating a faint duplicate. Replacing the cleaning blade or drum unit usually fixes the problem.

The correct answer is A because a 6+2 pin PCIe power cable can be used to convert the 6-pin connector into an 8-pin by attaching the additional 2 pins. This tests understanding of modular power supply cables and PCIe power connector compatibility.