CompTIA A+ Assessment Sheet

When disassembling a PC that's been powered off, what is the first step in the process?

Unplug the PC.

A Samsung Note device falls into which category of mobile devices?

Phablet

Which technology separates the elements of a computing environment (applications, operating system, programs, etc.) from each other by adding a software layer to mediate access?

Virtualization

Webcams built into laptops are convenient and easy to use. Which of the following statements are TRUE of built-in webcams? (Select all that apply.)

Webcams can pose a security threat if app permissions are not applied effectively to prevent privacy abuses. Webcams built into the laptop are often positioned at the top of the display.

Which of the following could be used to indicate whether a device is a laptop or another type of mobile device? (Select all that apply.)

Whether components are upgradable Whether the device can run a variety of operating systems

A user calls with a complaint that a PC is experiencing unexpected BSoD (Blue Screen of Death) shutdowns. Which of the following display-related actions could cause a shutdown? (Select all that apply.)

A faulty display adapter driver. A faulty 3D graphics card.

Which of the following statements are TRUE regarding managed and unmanaged switches? (Select all that apply.)

A managed switch can work as an unmanaged switch out of the box. A managed switch can divide ports into VLANs (Virtual LANs).

Which of the following statements is true regarding routers and modems? (Select all that apply.)

A modem can be analog or digital. A router makes decisions about forwarding data between networks.

A user has submitted a ticket which you suspect indicates a cable problem. Once you have verified that the network cable is properly connected, which of the following is a good next step in troubleshooting the problem?

Ping a known working system.

Which of the following IEEE's (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standards has the highest maximum transfer rate?

802.11ac

In which of the following situations will RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) stop working?

A RAID 0 disk fails.

Which of the following is NOT a similarity between a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) network and the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network?

A Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card is required.

Which of the following statements is true regarding Bluetooth pairing? (Select all that apply.)

A code is sometimes required to pair two devices. The process can be initiated through system settings.

Troubleshooting is the process of problem solving and recognizing causes, symptoms, and consequences. Which of the following is a symptom of a problem? (Select all that apply.)

A computer is displaying a blue screen. Files on a hard drive appear to be missing. A user cannot work.

A user's PC appears to be close to overheating. Upon investigation, you determine that the CPU is not being cooled sufficiently. You decide to check the system fan. Which statement is NOT true regarding a fan?

A fan draws in cool air from the vents in the back of the case and expels it out the vents in the front.

In a Wi-Fi network, each client device (station) is configured to connect to the network via an Access Point (AP). Which of the following statements are TRUE regarding Access Points? (Select all that apply.)

A range extender can regenerate a signal from an access point to a more distant location. In a WMN (Wireless Mesh Network) stations can discover one another.

Which of the following statements is true regarding Remote Desktop?

A remote desktop server doesn't have to be a server-class computer.

Which of the following are true statements regarding security concerns in virtualization? (Select all that apply.)

A rogue VM (virtual machine) is one that was installed without authorization. The host is a single point of failure.

A user calls to report that a laptop battery is not staying fully charged as long as it should. What information do you obtain from the user to help you troubleshoot and solve the problem? (Select all that apply.)

Determine the type of battery. Ask the age of the battery. Ask how long the charge lasts.

A user reports that the company tablet is receiving a weak signal from the wireless access point (WAP) with intermittent connection problems. What might cause those types of problems? (Select all that apply.)

Interference from another broadcast source Construction materials Interference from a nearby microwave oven

Which of the following statements is NOT true of a motherboard?

Is an optional component in a PC

Which of the following statements is true regarding the Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI) standard? (Select all that apply.)

It is typically used on server devices rather than desktop PCs. It is a parallel bus.

Which type of laptop input devices can be replaced by a trained technician? (Select all that apply.)

Keyboards Touchpads Webcams Smart Card Readers

In general terms, a virtual platform requires at least three components. Select the one option that does NOT describe one of those three components.

Application Programs

System firmware setup programs offer several categories of security settings for configuration. Which of the following settings would be available? (Select all that apply.)

Authentication Drive encryption Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

What type of network would typically cover a single building?

LAN

A user is having trouble finding a network name that should be in the list of available networks. What might the problem be? (Select all that apply.)

Broadcast of the SSID (Service Set Identifier) name is suppressed. The user is out of range.

Cloud services are often differentiated based on the level of sophistication provided. Which cloud service model would provide servers and storage network infrastructure along with multi-tiered web application and database capabilities?

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Which of the following are required to create a virtual platform on a desktop computer? (Select all that apply.)

CPU with virtualization capability Sufficient memory for each guest OS

A user is having trouble with a built-in display (not a touchscreen). As you begin to troubleshoot the problem, which of the following actions does NOT apply?

Check for a faulty digitizer

What are the main disadvantages of dial-up modems? (Select all that apply.)

Data transfer rates are low. Connection takes time. The telephone line can't be used for calls while data is being transferred.

A user calls and reports that although they've been printing all day, suddenly printing has been unsuccessful because of an "Out of Memory" error message. What is the first thing you do in the troubleshooting process?

Clear the print queue and send the job again.

A customer approaches you with a request for you to build a custom computer. It will be used for A/V (Audio/Video) editing and gaming. Which of the following guidelines will apply as you select components? (Select all that apply.)

Consider purchasing any necessary specialized devices. Verify that the computer meets or exceeds the OS (operating system) and application requirements.

The three typical potential solutions to an IT problem are repair, replace, and workaround. As you consider an efficient solution to apply, which of the following factors are the most important to consider? (Select two answers.)

Cost and time required. Possible effects on the rest of the system.

Which type of Double Data Rate System Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDR SDRAM) has a memory clock speed of 167MHz?

DDR-333/PC2700

Which type of cable/connection was designed for flat panel display equipment, remained popular for a short time but is now being phased out as new technology replaces it?

DVI (Digital Visual Interface)

A user calls to report that the laser printer in their work area is printing ghost images. What might be the problem?

Dirty photosensitive drum

While preparing to install a new video adapter card you noticed that the computer has an onboard adapter. If the display does not work after the physical installation, what should your next step be?

Disable the onboard adapter.

A user reports that a laptop screen is not working. Symptoms indicate that you will need to take the laptop apart. What is the first step you take as you disassemble the laptop?

Disconnect the power adapter.

Which of the following is NOT a strong candidate for cloud-based applications?

Docker

How can network connections be disabled on Android and IOS devices?

Enable Airplane mode.

Which of the following options can NOT be controlled using the function keys on a common laptop?

Enable/Disable USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports

In the CompTIA A+ Troubleshooting Model, one of the steps in the troubleshooting process is to establish a theory of probable cause. Which steps are executed after a theory of probable cause? (Select all that apply.)

Establishing a plan of action Documenting findings Implementing preventative measures

Considering both wired and wireless network adapters, which of the following network connection configuration settings can be found on the Advanced tab of the Device Manager Properties window? (Select all that apply.)

Half or full duplex Wireless mode Wake on LAN (WoL)

Currently, what is the primary method of persistent storage for PC data?

Hard Disk Drives

A user has reported a PC crashing with the Blue Screen of Death (BSoD). When you run the chkdsk /r utility you find more bad sectors each time it runs. What do these symptoms indicate?

Hard Disk Failure

Which of the following hardware problems is likely to be indicated by an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light that is no longer flashing, but is solid for long periods of time?

Hard drive failing

For what purpose would a customer request the Z-Wave protocol?

Home automation

Peripheral devices that enable a user to select commands and enter data into a computer fall into which broad category?

Human Interface Devices (HIDs)

Apple's iPhone and iPad mobile devices use a proprietary 8-pin port and connector. What is it called?

Lightning

What is NOT a function of a hypervisor?

Loading and configuring the application software that runs on the virtual machines

A user's laptop has a broken display. As you begin to replace or repair the display, which of the following statements are worth consideration? (Select all that apply.)

Locating like-for-like replacements Recording your steps

An engineer installs a router on a business network, so that users can connect to the Internet. Of the given options, which address configurations does the engineer work with, so that Internet access functions correctly? (Select all that apply.)

Logical network Logical host ID Default gateway

Which of the following common mobile devices accessories can NOT be connected via Bluetooth?

Micro-SD storage

On which network devices is Network Address Translation (NAT) an important security feature for a Small Office Home Office (SOHO) network? (Select all that apply.)

Modem Router

While powering on your original IBM PC, you notice that the POST (Power-on Self-Test) emits 1 long beep and 1 short beep. Which problem is indicated by that sequence of beeps?

Motherboard

Inside the typical computer tower case, you might find which of the following components? (Select all that apply.)

Motherboard Hard Drive Power Supply

What is the definition of "virtualization" as it relates to the use of computers?

Multiple operating systems can be installed and run simultaneously on a single computer.

A user is reporting slow transfer speeds over a cabled link. Which of the following could be the cause? (Select all that apply.)

Network adapter Malware Router congestion

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) identifies five characteristics that are essential in defining something as being cloud computing. Which of the following options are those characteristics? (Select all that apply.)

On-demand self service. Resource pooling. Rapid elasticity. Per-use metering.

Often users are trained to do some basic printer maintenance. What are some typical causes of problems that occur with the printers they maintain? (Select all that apply.)

Overloaded paper trays Unsuitable input media

Which of the following statements is NOT true regarding laptop power supplies?

Plugging a 110 V adapter into a 240 V supply won't cause any damage.

Server port numbers are assigned by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). Which of the following port assignments is NOT correct?

Port 445 for https (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure)

When troubleshooting a display with a dim image, which of the following would be a consideration? (Select all that apply.)

Power-saving mode could be turned on. Brightness and contrast controls may be turned down.

What types of functions are performed by an MFD (Multi-function device)? (Select all that apply.)

Printing Faxing Scanning Copying

What is the correct sequence of events in the Laser Printer Imaging process?

Processing, Charging, Exposing, Developing, Transferring, Fusing, Cleaning

Which tool would a network technician use to fix a conductor into an Insulation Displacement Connector (IDC)?

Punch-down tool

The last step in the process of installing a Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) is to verify that the new Random Access Memory (RAM) is available. How can you do that? (Select all that apply.)

Reboot the PC and watch the RAM count during startup. Check System Control Panel properties. Use the System Information app in Windows. Check by using the system firmware.

A user calls to say that the computer won't boot up and the hard drive contains sensitive data that is critical to a project in the works. What should you do?

Remove the hard drive and connect it to another computer to access the data.

What is the purpose of a Domain Name System (DNS)?

Resolve Fully Qualified Domain Names (FQDN) to IP addresses

In most cases, the cloud will be off-site relative to an organization's users. There are several categories of common cloud models. Which of the following best describes the Community Cloud Model?

Resources are shared by several organizations that are sharing the cost of a hosted or private cloud.

A user requests assistance with setting up Internet access from their small office network. You investigate all the options and recommend the most common method. How do most residential and small office networks connect to the Internet?

SOHO (Small Office Home Office) router

Which of the following statements is true regarding satellite Internet access compared to other technologies? (Select all that apply.)

Services experience more latency issues. A satellite dish is installed at the customer's premises.

One type of desktop computer case is cube-like, designed to save space, and often used for entertainment or media center systems in a living room. What is that type of case called?

Small Form Factor (SFF) case

What type of audio output provides the listener with a cinematic audio experience?

Surround Sound

A user requires a device to sketch simple floor plan designs while on the road. The sketches will be uploaded as images and reproduced with CAD (computer-aided design) software by a drafting team at the office. The device should be only for this purpose and does not require a large amount of RAM or processing power. Which device would you recommend?

Tablet

Select the one true statement in regards to client-side virtualization versus server-side virtualization.

The main benefit of server-side virtualization is better hardware utilization through server consolidation; whereas, client-side virtualization is particularly useful for testing and development.

Which of the following statements are true regarding flash memory? (Select all that apply.)

The popularity of flash memory is decreasing because of rising costs. Flash memory devices include thumb drives and memory cards. Most solid state devices are based on flash memory.

In terms of electrical circuits what is the definition of voltage?

The potential difference between two points.

How can you tell if your motherboard has distended capacitors? Select all that apply.

They are swollen and bulging. There is a residue.

For what reason might a technician review the boot messages?

To diagnose a problem at boot-up

In legacy networks what was the purpose of a bridge? (Select all that apply.)

To divide a network into two or more segments. To reduce contention on the network.

Why might you add an expansion card to a computer? (Select all that apply.)

To install an add-on NIC (Network Interface Card) To add a video card

Which of the following use(s) a TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) port? (Select all that apply.)

VNC Telnet SSH

What types of tools/supplies might you use to maintain a thermal printer? (Select all that apply.)

Vacuum and soft brush. Rubbing alcohol and swabs.

Where is a system called "the head unit" typically used for synchronization?

Vehicle navigation system

A user reports that a laptop is overheating. As you troubleshoot the problem, which of the following is a consideration?

Vents

Which of the following statements is true regarding different types of displays? (Select all that apply.)

Very early computer monitors could support only 8-bit color for a total of 256 colors. OLED (Organic LED) display devices can be curved. Laser projectors typically use LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or DLP (Digital Light Processing) imaging.

How would you configure a new MFD (Multi-function device) in a work area? (Select all that apply.)

Windows Settings MFD software Control Panel

Which of the following software can be used for synchronizing items (such as calendar entries, music, and other files) among mobile devices? (Select all that apply.)

iTunes Kies