Quick Answer
The answer is RDP, or Remote Desktop Protocol, which is the correct choice because it is the native protocol built into Windows for remote desktop connections. When configuring remote desktop from Linux to Windows, the technician must ensure RDP is enabled on the Windows 10 Pro machine, as it listens on TCP port 3389 and allows clients like the Microsoft Remote Desktop client on Linux to connect for a full graphical interface. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of cross-platform remote access tools and common configuration pitfalls, such as confusing RDP with VNC or SSH. A frequent trap is assuming Linux-to-Windows connections require third-party software, but Windows 10 Pro includes an RDP server that works seamlessly with Linux clients. Remember the memory tip: “RDP is the 3389 highway—Linux cars can drive on it, just make sure the firewall gate is open.”
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of remote access technologies. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is configuring a remote desktop solution for a user who needs to access a Windows 10 Pro workstation from a Linux laptop. Which protocol should the technician ensure is enabled on the Windows machine?
VNC
Why wrong: VNC is cross-platform but is not the native Windows remote desktop protocol and requires additional software.
RDP
RDP is built into Windows and can be accessed from Linux using compatible clients.
SSH
Why wrong: SSH provides command-line access, not a full desktop GUI.
Telnet
Why wrong: Telnet is unencrypted and provides only text-based terminal access, not remote desktop.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
RDP
RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) is the native protocol used by Windows for remote desktop connections. Windows 10 Pro includes an RDP server that listens on TCP port 3389, allowing clients such as the Microsoft Remote Desktop client on Linux to connect and provide a full graphical desktop experience. The technician must ensure the 'Allow remote connections to this computer' setting is enabled and that the Windows Firewall permits inbound RDP traffic.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
VNC
Why it's wrong here
VNC is cross-platform but is not the native Windows remote desktop protocol and requires additional software.
RDP
Why this is correct
RDP is built into Windows and can be accessed from Linux using compatible clients.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
SSH
Why it's wrong here
SSH provides command-line access, not a full desktop GUI.
Telnet
Why it's wrong here
Telnet is unencrypted and provides only text-based terminal access, not remote desktop.
Common exam traps
CompTIA often tests the distinction between native Windows remote desktop (RDP) and cross-platform or command-line protocols, leading candidates to confuse VNC (which is also graphical but not native to Windows) or SSH (which is secure but not graphical) with the correct answer.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
SSH provides command-line access, not a full desktop GUI.
Detailed technical explanation
RDP operates over TCP port 3389 and uses its own virtual channel architecture to transmit graphics, keyboard, mouse, and audio data. Under the hood, RDP leverages the Remote Desktop Services (RDS) role to manage multiple sessions, and it supports features like Network Level Authentication (NLA) for enhanced security. In a mixed-OS environment, the Linux client (e.g., Remmina or FreeRDP) implements the RDP protocol to connect, but the Windows machine must have the RDP server service (TermService) running and the appropriate firewall rules in place.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
Remote Access Technologies — This question tests Remote Access Technologies — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: RDP — RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) is the native protocol used by Windows for remote desktop connections. Windows 10 Pro includes an RDP server that listens on TCP port 3389, allowing clients such as the Microsoft Remote Desktop client on Linux to connect and provide a full graphical desktop experience. The technician must ensure the 'Allow remote connections to this computer' setting is enabled and that the Windows Firewall permits inbound RDP traffic.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This 220-1202 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 220-1202 exam.
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