CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 (220-1201) — Questions 226–300

USB 3.0 ports require a dedicated controller and proper driver support. If the USB 3.0 driver is missing or the controller is disabled in BIOS, the ports will fall back to USB 2.0 speeds. This is a common issue after a fresh OS install or BIOS reset.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted tunnel between a remote device and the corporate network, ensuring secure data transmission over the internet. DHCP and DNS do not provide encryption, and port forwarding alone does not secure remote access.

HTTP uses port 80 and HTTPS uses port 443. These are the standard ports for web traffic. Port 8080 is an alternate HTTP port, and 8443 is an alternate HTTPS port, but the question specifies standard ports.

A green power LED during blackouts indicates the monitor is receiving power and signal, but the backlight is failing. Intermittent backlight failure is a common issue in aging CCFL or LED-backlit LCDs, often due to failing capacitors or inverter. The correct answer identifies the backlight or inverter as the culprit, as the display logic is still working.

In a bottom-mounted PSU configuration, the fan should face downward to draw cool air from outside the case through the dust filter. This improves cooling efficiency and reduces dust buildup inside the case.

Immediate shutdown after power-on is often a protection mechanism triggered by a missing CPU fan signal. The CPU fan not spinning at all suggests the fan connector is loose or unplugged, which is common after moving a PC.

Carrier throttling can reduce data speeds after a certain amount of data is used, making the connection too slow for practical use. This is common on unlimited plans that throttle after a threshold, and the hotspot may still appear active but with severely limited throughput.

HTTPS uses TCP port 443 by default. For external users to access the web server, the firewall must forward incoming traffic on port 443 to the server's internal IP address. Internal access works because it doesn't go through the firewall's external interface, so the issue is likely a missing or incorrect port forward for port 443.

Wi-Fi Direct allows devices to connect directly without a network. The printer creates its own Wi-Fi network that phones can join to print. This avoids network congestion and security issues.

Modern ATX power supplies often have a 24-pin connector that is backward compatible with 20-pin motherboards; the extra 4 pins can be slid or snapped off. This allows the PSU to work without modification. Forcing the 24-pin into a 20-pin socket could damage the board.

When thermal and power supply are ruled out, voltage regulation becomes a suspect. The CPU's Vcore voltage may be set too low in BIOS, causing instability under load.

Most modern UEFI systems allow you to press a key (like F12, F2, Esc) during startup to access a one-time boot menu. This lets you select the boot device for that session without permanently changing the boot order.

Since the AC adapter is outputting correct voltage, the issue is likely in the power delivery path. The DC jack is a common failure point due to mechanical stress or broken solder joints. Testing continuity at the jack is a logical next step.

A multimeter is the correct tool for measuring DC voltages from a power supply. The ATX specification defines acceptable voltage ranges (e.g., +12V ±5%), and a multimeter can verify these under load. Other tools like a PSU tester or loopback plug may indicate basic function but don't measure actual voltage levels accurately.

Even with the same MAC address, the hypervisor presents a different hardware abstraction layer (e.g., motherboard chipset, BIOS) than the physical server. Many license activation mechanisms check multiple hardware identifiers, not just the MAC address.

The ability to use IP addresses but not hostnames points to a DNS resolution problem on the user's device. This could be due to a misconfigured DNS server address in the network settings or a local hosts file issue. Other users working normally suggests the problem is client-specific.

SSH (Secure Shell) uses port 22 by default for secure remote administration. Opening this port allows encrypted command-line access to the router.

This question tests the understanding of Ethernet distance limitations and when to use fiber optic cabling. Copper Ethernet (Cat6) is limited to 100 meters, so a 150-meter run requires fiber optic cable, which can support Gigabit speeds over longer distances. The correct answer identifies fiber as the solution.

This is an infrastructure mode wireless LAN (WLAN) where devices connect through a central AP. The disconnection is likely due to the AP's range limitation or signal interference. Infrastructure mode is standard for most office Wi-Fi, and range issues are common when moving away from the AP.

SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) uses port 22, the same as SSH, for secure file transfers. It provides encryption and authentication.

When using monitors with different resolutions, the OS must align the virtual displays correctly. The technician needs to arrange the monitors in the display settings to match their physical layout, ensuring the mouse moves smoothly across the bezels.

Cat5e cables are rated for Gigabit Ethernet up to 100 meters, so a 75-meter run should be fine. The issue is likely that the cable is not Cat5e or higher; Cat5 cables only support 100 Mbps. Always verify the cable category when troubleshooting speed issues.

This question tests knowledge of Ethernet cabling standards and performance limitations. The correct answer is that the cable is likely Cat5e or lower, as Cat5e is only certified for Gigabit up to 100 meters, but older Cat5 may only support 100 Mbps. The scenario highlights the importance of using proper cabling for desired speeds.

This question tests knowledge of NIC testing tools. A loopback plug allows the NIC to send and receive its own signal, verifying its functionality without needing a live network connection.

This question tests the fundamental role of DHCP in automatic IP address assignment. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is the standard protocol for dynamically assigning IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and other network parameters to clients.

RAID 10 combines mirroring (RAID 1) and striping (RAID 0). With four drives, two mirrored pairs are created, so half the capacity is used for redundancy. The total usable capacity is (number of drives / 2) * drive size, which is 1 TB in this case.

Port forwarding should map external port 80 to the server's internal port 80, not 8080 unless the server listens on 8080. If the server listens on port 80, the mismatch causes connection delays or errors as the router forwards to a closed port. Correcting the internal port resolves the issue.

This question tests knowledge of iOS settings and app-specific behavior. The most common cause after an update is that the setting for rotation lock is enabled at the system level (Control Center), not just in the app. The other options are less likely given the timing.

When a user can access a site by IP but not by domain name, it indicates a DNS resolution problem. The DNS server may be unreachable or not configured correctly.

A blinking battery light often indicates a battery or charging circuit error. Since the AC adapter is known to be good, the issue is likely with the laptop's internal battery, the DC jack, or the charging circuit on the motherboard. The battery is the most common failure point.

This scenario tests understanding of cloud computing characteristics, specifically latency. Slow application opening and disconnections are classic symptoms of high latency, which is often caused by the physical distance data must travel over a satellite connection. The other options (elasticity, scalability, high availability) are cloud features that do not directly address network delay.

Bluetooth and many cordless phones operate on 2.4 GHz, so moving to 5 GHz (802.11ac or 802.11ax) avoids that crowded spectrum. 802.11ac is the most common high-performance standard for 5 GHz. 802.11n supports both bands but is slower. 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) also works on 5 GHz but is newer and more expensive.

An extra blank page after a print job is often caused by a setting in the printer driver or application that adds a separator page. This is common when 'Print separator page' is enabled. Checking the driver settings and disabling any separator page option usually resolves it.

A power supply that outputs 0V on all pins is likely dead. The correct next step is to replace it with a known-good unit to confirm the diagnosis, as the PSU is the most probable failed component.

This scenario isolates a specific cellular issue. iMessages and internet work over Wi-Fi or cellular data, but calls require the cellular voice network. A software update can sometimes corrupt carrier settings, which are separate from iOS settings. The other options would affect data as well.

Successful ping to the gateway indicates local network connectivity is fine. Failure to ping an external IP like 8.8.8.8 suggests the router is not forwarding traffic to the internet, possibly due to a WAN configuration issue or ISP problem.

Type 2 hypervisors run on top of an existing OS and share resources with the host. The host OS needs sufficient RAM for itself; allocating too much to the VM can starve the host. The correct answer highlights the common mistake of over-allocating resources to a VM on a Type 2 hypervisor.

Non-Wi-Fi interference (e.g., from microwaves, Bluetooth) is common on 2.4 GHz. Moving critical traffic to 5 GHz, which has more channels and less interference, is the best solution.

In PaaS, the provider manages the runtime environment, including dependencies and configuration. An update may have changed the underlying platform (e.g., runtime version, library) that the application relies on, causing incompatibility. The developer's code is fine, so the issue is environmental.

USB-C cables vary widely in capability; many only support USB 2.0 data speeds and lack the high-speed lanes needed for 4K video. For 4K over USB-C, the cable must be rated for DisplayPort Alt Mode and high bandwidth (e.g., USB 3.1 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt 3). A cable that only supports USB 2.0 will limit resolution and cause intermittent connectivity.

When a drive is recognized in UEFI but not in the OS, it often means the drive is not initialized or formatted. Disk Management can initialize the drive and assign a file system, making it usable by the OS.

Coil whine is a common phenomenon in power supplies and graphics cards when current flow causes inductor coils to vibrate at a frequency within human hearing. It is not a sign of failure unless accompanied by other symptoms.

Android devices have a power-saving feature that disconnects Wi-Fi when the screen is off to save battery. To ensure the tablet stays connected, the technician must change the 'Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep' setting to 'Always'.

The 5 GHz band offers higher speeds but shorter range and poorer penetration through walls compared to 2.4 GHz. This tests understanding of the trade-offs between Wi-Fi frequency bands in real-world environments.

This question tests understanding of crossover cables and modern networking. The correct answer is that most modern switches have Auto-MDIX, so a crossover cable may still work, but if the switch is older, it could cause connectivity issues. However, the symptom of local access but no internet suggests a different problem, so the crossover cable is likely not the issue.

Print jobs stuck in the queue often indicate a communication issue between the printer and the network. A bad network cable or incorrect IP configuration can cause the printer to appear online but not receive data. Checking the network connection and printer IP settings is the first step.

DSL uses existing phone lines and is widely available in urban areas, making it a practical choice. Cable requires a coaxial outlet, satellite is prohibited, and fiber may not be available in all apartment buildings. DSL offers a balance of availability and cost.

The ability to ping an external IP but not access websites indicates that DNS resolution is failing. DNS translates domain names to IP addresses, and without it, web browsing fails even if the internet connection is working. The DHCP server or static DNS settings should be checked.

VoIP is sensitive to latency and packet loss. When a switch port carries both voice and data without proper QoS, data traffic can congest the link, causing dropped packets and poor audio. QoS prioritizes voice traffic to prevent this.

High CPU temperature under load indicates a cooling problem. The most common cause is dried or improperly applied thermal paste between the CPU and heatsink. This prevents efficient heat transfer, leading to thermal throttling or shutdown.

This scenario tests understanding of geolocation restrictions in cloud services. Many cloud applications use geolocation to enforce licensing, compliance, or content restrictions based on the user's physical location. High availability, multi-tenancy, and resource pooling are unrelated to region-based access controls.

This question tests knowledge of flex cable connections. The volume button flex cable is a separate component that connects to the mainboard via a ZIF or latch connector. If dislodged, the buttons lose electrical connection and become non-functional, but other features remain unaffected.

Since the user can ping the web server, network connectivity and IP addressing are correct. The issue is likely at the application layer, such as a firewall blocking HTTP/HTTPS or a misconfigured web server. This tests the OSI model and troubleshooting methodology.

A /27 subnet (255.255.255.224) provides 30 usable addresses (32 total minus 2 reserved). This is the smallest subnet that accommodates 30 devices without wasting many addresses.

A Wide Area Network (WAN) is the correct network type for connecting geographically dispersed locations, such as cities across the United States, using leased lines for dedicated, high-bandwidth connections. This scenario specifically requires a WAN to link multiple sites over long distances. A LAN is too local, a MAN covers a city, and a PAN is too short-range.

'Signal Out of Range' means the monitor cannot display the resolution or refresh rate being sent by the GPU. Many integrated Intel GPUs have a maximum resolution of 4096x2160 at 30Hz over HDMI, but if the PC is set to 60Hz, the monitor may reject it. Booting into Safe Mode or using a lower resolution to adjust settings is the standard fix.

Once a memory diagnostic confirms errors on a specific module, the correct next step is to replace the faulty stick. Running the system with faulty RAM can lead to data corruption and crashes. The technician should identify the bad module (often by testing one at a time) and replace it with a compatible module.

Bluetooth profiles define functionality; the Handsfree Profile (HFP) is used for calls, while A2DP is for media audio. If A2DP is not connected, media audio may route to the phone. This tests knowledge of Bluetooth profiles and their roles in audio routing.

The default gateway must be on the same subnet as the device's IP. Here, the IP is on 192.168.1.0/24, but the gateway is on 192.168.2.0/24, so traffic cannot be routed out. This tests the concept that the gateway must be reachable locally.

This scenario requires systematic troubleshooting. Checking for OS and app updates is a safe, non-destructive first step, as updates often fix performance bugs. Clearing cache is also valid but less likely to address underlying issues.

This is a classic symptom of a burned-in image on an LCD projector panel. Over time, static images can permanently etch into the panel, causing a ghost image. This is different from a faulty bulb, which would cause dimness or no light.

The technician should check the inverter or backlight circuit if the laptop uses a CCFL backlight, or the LED backlight voltage on newer models. A black screen with power on often indicates a backlight failure, not a complete display failure. The technician can shine a bright light at the screen to see if there is a faint image, confirming the backlight is the issue.

Cat6 supports 1 Gbps up to 100 meters, so 80 meters is fine. The question tests knowledge of distance limits for different categories. Cat6 also supports 10 Gbps up to 55 meters, but for 1 Gbps, the limit is 100 meters.

SMB 3.0 introduced encryption and other features not supported by older SMB versions. Windows 7 typically uses SMB 2.1 by default, which cannot negotiate SMB 3.0 encryption. The server's requirement for SMB 3.0 encryption prevents Windows 7 clients from connecting, as they lack support for that version.

When a new drive is not detected, the most common cause is a loose or improper connection. The technician should reseat both the SATA data cable at the drive and motherboard, and the power cable from the PSU. If that fails, testing the drive in another port or with another cable is the next step.

Intermittent freezing under load without errors often points to a failing storage drive. Hard drives with bad sectors or a failing controller can cause the system to pause while retrying reads or writes. SSDs can also cause stuttering if their controller is failing or if TRIM is not functioning.

A WAN (Wide Area Network) is the only network type that can connect offices across continents. A LAN is local, a MAN covers a city, and a PAN is personal. The correct answer is WAN because it spans global distances, often using leased lines or MPLS.

A Bluetooth adapter is not needed if the tablet already has Bluetooth, but a Bluetooth extender or a USB hub with Bluetooth can improve range. However, the most straightforward answer is that a Bluetooth adapter (if the tablet lacks built-in Bluetooth) is essential, but since most tablets have it, a simple Bluetooth keyboard and mouse set will work. The correct answer here is that a Bluetooth adapter is not required; the tablet's built-in Bluetooth is sufficient, but for range, a Bluetooth extender can help.

This scenario distinguishes between device-wide GPS issues and app-specific problems. Since other apps use location correctly, the issue is likely with the Maps app's configuration, such as incorrect location permissions or a software glitch within the app.

This question tests understanding of cable termination quality and crosstalk. The correct answer is that the untwisting of pairs at the termination point is too long, which can cause NEXT failures.

Power surges can damage electronic components. The SSD not being detected in BIOS after a surge points to hardware failure, most likely the SSD itself. Other SATA ports and cables are less likely to be the sole issue.