The answer is thin provisioning, because it allocates storage on demand rather than pre-allocating the full virtual disk size. When configuring a virtual machine, thin provisioning writes only the data blocks actually used by the guest OS and applications, so the virtual disk file grows gradually as needed—perfect for a developer running multiple isolated test environments on a host with limited storage. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this concept tests your understanding of virtual disk types and their impact on storage efficiency. A common trap is confusing thin provisioning with thick provisioning, which pre-allocates the entire disk space upfront and wastes capacity on unused blocks. Remember, thin provisioning is like a “just-in-time” storage model—it only takes what it uses. A quick memory tip: “Thin is in—it saves the bin” (meaning it saves storage space in the bin or drive).
220-1102 Virtualization and Cloud Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of virtualization and cloud technologies. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 new virtual machine for a developer. The developer needs to run multiple isolated environments for testing, but the host machine has limited storage space. Which type of virtual disk configuration should the technician use to minimize storage usage while still allowing the VM to grow as needed?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Thin provisioning
This question tests knowledge of virtual disk types. Thin provisioning allocates storage on demand, using only the space actually used by the VM, which is ideal for saving storage. Thick provisioning pre-allocates the full disk size, wasting space. Dynamic disks are a Windows concept, not a VM disk type.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Thick provisioning
Why it's wrong here
Thick provisioning allocates the full disk size immediately, which would use more storage than necessary, not minimizing usage.
✓
Thin provisioning
Why this is correct
Thin provisioning allocates storage as needed, allowing the VM to grow while using only the space actually required, minimizing storage usage.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Fixed-size disk
Why it's wrong here
A fixed-size disk is the same as thick provisioning, pre-allocating the full size and not saving space.
✗
Dynamic disk
Why it's wrong here
Dynamic disk is a Windows disk management feature for physical disks, not a virtual disk type for VMs.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Virtualization and Cloud Technologies — This question tests Virtualization and Cloud Technologies — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Thin provisioning — This question tests knowledge of virtual disk types. Thin provisioning allocates storage on demand, using only the space actually used by the VM, which is ideal for saving storage. Thick provisioning pre-allocates the full disk size, wasting space. Dynamic disks are a Windows concept, not a VM disk type.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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