CompTIA A+ Core 1 FR - Exam Cram practice test questions
You just configured the IP address 192.168.0.105 in Windows. When you press the Tab key, Windows automatically configures the default subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. Which of the following IP addresses is a suitable gateway address?
192.168.0.1 is the only suitable gateway address. Remember that the gateway address must be on the same network as the computer. In this case, the network is 192.168.0, as defined by the 255.255.255.0 subnet mask.
Which of the following is the default subnet mask for IP address 192.168.1.1?
192.168.1.1, by default, has the subnet mask 255.255.255.0, which is the standard subnet mask for class C IP addresses. However, remember that some networks are classless, which means that a network can use a different subnet mask.
Which of the following wireless networking standards operates at 5 GHz only? (Select the two best answers.)
802.11a operates at 5 GHz only; so does 802.11ac.
Which of the following devices limits network broadcasts, segments IP address ranges, and interconnects different physical media?
: A router can limit network broadcasts through segmenting and programmed routing of data. This is part of a router's job when connecting two or more networks. It is also used with different media. For example, you might have a LAN that uses twisted-pair cable, but the router connects to the Internet via a fiber-optic connection. That one router will have ports for both types of connections.
For which type of PC component are 80 mm and 120 mm common sizes?
: Case fans are measured in mm (millimeters); 80 mm and especially 120 mm are very common. They are used to exhaust heat out of the case. These fans aid in keeping the CPU and other devices cool. The 120 mm is quite common in desktop and tower PCs, and the 80 mm is more common in smaller systems and 1U and 2U rackmount servers.
Which of the following cable types is not affected by EMI but requires specialized tools to install?
: Fiber-optic cable is the only answer listed that is not affected by electromagnetic interference (EMI). The reason is that it does not use copper wire or electricity, but instead uses glass or plastic fibers and light.
You are considering a cloud-based service for file storage and synchronization. Which of the following resources is the most critical to your design?
: I/O bandwidth is the most critical of the listed resources in the question. When you are considering file storage and file synchronization, you need to know the maximum input/output operations per second (IOPS) that the cloud provider can deliver. (Get actual reports of previous customers as proof!) IOPS gives you a concrete measurement of data that you can use for analysis.
Which of the following is a possible symptom of a failing CPU?
: If the CPU is running beyond the recommended voltage range for extended periods of time, it can be a sign of a failing CPU. The problem could also be caused by overclocking. Check in the UEFI/BIOS to see whether or not the CPU is overclocked.
Which of the following occurs last in the laser printing process?
: In the laser printing process, also known as the imaging process, the cleaning stage happens last.
Which of the following should not be connected to a UPS?
: Laser printers use large amounts of electricity, which in turn could quickly drain the battery of the UPS. They should be plugged in to their own individual power strips.
Which process of the computer checks all your components during boot?
: The POST (power-on self-test) is part of the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) or Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI). It runs a self-check of the computer system during boot and stores many of the parameters of the components within the CMOS.
Which of the following statements describes why the display on a laptop gets dimmer when the power supply from the AC outlet is disconnected?
: The power management settings on the laptop can cause the display to automatically dim when the AC adapter is unplugged. In fact, this is the default on many laptops to conserve battery power. These settings can be configured within Power Options in Windows.
Which of the following servers is responsible for resolving a name such as dprocomputer.com to its corresponding IP address?
A Domain Name System (DNS) server is responsible for resolving (or converting) hostnames and domain names to their corresponding IP addresses. To see this in action, open the command line and try connecting to a domain (such as dprocomputer.com) and run a ping, tracert (or traceroute in Linux and macOS), nslookup, or dig (or all of those) against the domain name. These commands can supply you with the IP address of the host. Remember, always practice in a hands-on manner on real computers to reinforce your knowledge!
Which of the following is necessary for a CAD/CAM workstation? (Select the two best answers.)
A computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing workstation requires an SSD, high-end video, and as much RAM as possible. The CPU can also be important to run the latest design applications such as AutoCAD. Always check the minimum and recommended requirements for applications.
Which of the following printer failures can be described as a condition in which the internal feed mechanism stopped working temporarily?
A failure that occurs due to the internal feed mechanism stopping is known as a paper jam. For example, an HP LaserJet might show error code 13.1 on the display, which means a paper jam at the paper feed area. You should verify that the paper trays are loaded and adjusted properly.
Which device connects multiple computers in a LAN?
A switch connects computers together in a local-area network (LAN). In SOHO networks, it is usually a part of a multifunction network device. In larger networks, the switch is an individual device that has 24, 48, or 96 ports.
Which of the following might you find as part of a tablet computer? (Select the two best answers.)
A tablet computer will almost always contain flash memory as main storage and a multi-touch touchscreen.
Which of the following terms best describes two or more LANs connected over a large geographic distance?
A wide-area network (WAN) is a network in which two or more LANs are connected over a large geographic distance—for example, between two cities. The WAN requires connections to be provided by a telecommunications or data communications company.
What type of power connector is used for a x16 video card?
A x16 card is a PCI Express card. It can have one or two PCIe 6-pin power connectors (or 8-pin).
Which of the following statements describe advantages of using the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)? (Select the two best answers.)
Advantages of using DHCP include the following: IP addresses can be managed from a central location, and computers can automatically get new addressing when moved to a different network segment (perhaps one that uses a different DHCP server).
A color laser printer produces images that are tinted blue. Which of the following steps should be performed to address this problem?
After you install a printer, it is important to calibrate it for color and orientation, especially if you are installing a color laser printer or an inkjet printer. These calibration tools are usually built in to the printer's software and can be accessed from Windows, or you can access them from the printer's display.
Which of the following steps enables you to take control of a network printer from a remote computer?
After you install the driver for the printer locally, you can then take control of it by going to the properties of the printer and accessing the Ports tab. Then click the Add Port button and select the Standard TCP/IP Port option. You have to know the IP address of the printer or the computer that the printer is connected to.
Beep codes are generated by which of the following?
As the power-on self-test (POST) checks all the components of the computer, it may present its findings on the screen or in the form of beep codes.
What is the minimum number of hard drives necessary to implement RAID 5?
Because RAID 5 uses striping with parity, a third disk is needed. You can have more than three disks as well.
A customer wants to access the Internet from many different locations in the United States. Which of the following is the best technology to enable the customer to do so?
Cellular WAN uses a phone or other mobile device to send data over standard cellular connections.
What is the maximum distance at which a Class 2 Bluetooth device can receive signals from a Bluetooth access point?
Class 2 Bluetooth devices have a maximum range of approximately 10 meters. Class 2 devices (such as Bluetooth headsets) are the most common.
Which of the following are components you might find inside a PC? (Select the three best answers.)
Common components inside a PC include the CPU, motherboard, and RAM, along with the power supply, adapter cards, and hard drives.
What is an LCD display's contrast ratio defined as?
Contrast ratio is the brightness of the brightest color (measured as white) compared to the darkest color (measured as black). Static contrast ratio measurements are static; they are performed as tests using a checkerboard pattern. But there is also the dynamic contrast ratio, a technology in LCD displays that adjusts dynamically during darker scenes in an attempt to give better black levels. It usually has a higher ratio, but it should be noted that there is no real uniform standard for measuring contrast ratio.
Which of the following types of RAM has a peak transfer rate of 21,333 MB/s?
DDR4-2666 has a peak transfer rate of 21,333 MB/s. It runs at an I/O bus clock speed of 1333 MHz and can send 2666 megatransfers per second (MT/s). It is also known as PC4-21333.
Which of the following storage technologies is used by hard disk drives?
Hard disk drives (HDDs) are magnetic disks. These are the type with moving parts, as opposed to solid-state drives (SSDs) that have no moving parts.
Which environmental issue affects a thermal printer the most?
Heat is the number-one enemy to a thermal printer. Keeping a thermal printer or the thermal paper in a location where the temperature is too high could cause failure of the printer and damage to the paper.
Which of the following connectors can have audio and video pass through it?
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), as the word multimedia implies, can transmit video and audio signals.
How many pins would you see in a high-quality printhead on a dot-matrix printer?
High-quality dot-matrix printheads can come in 9, 18, or 24 pins, with 24 being the highest quality.
How should you hold RAM when installing it?
Hold RAM by the edges to avoid contact with the pins, chips, and circuitry.
Which of the following IP addresses would a technician see if a computer running Windows is connected to a multifunction network device and is attempting to obtain an IP address automatically but is not receiving an IP address from the DHCP server?
If the computer fails to obtain an IP address from a DHCP server, Windows will take over and apply an Automatic Private IP Address (APIPA). This address will be on the 169.254.0.0 network.
After you replace a motherboard in a PC, the system overheats and fails to boot. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
If the motherboard was just replaced and the system overheats when booted, there's a good chance that thermal paste was not applied to the CPU. When you install a new motherboard, the CPU must be removed from the old board and installed to the new one, or a new CPU needs to be installed. Either way, the heat sink must come off. Whenever a heat sink is connected (or reconnected) to a CPU, thermal compound (also known as thermal paste) should be applied; otherwise, overheating can easily occur.
A user's time and date keep resetting to January 1, 2012. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
If the time and date keep resetting—for example, to a date such as January 1, 2012—chances are that the lithium battery needs to be replaced. These are usually nickel-sized batteries; most PCs use a CR2032 lithium battery.
An exclamation point next to a device in the Device Manager indicates which of the following?
If you see an exclamation point in the Device Manager, this indicates that the device does not have a proper driver.
. Which type of printer uses impact to transfer ink from a ribbon to the paper?
Impact is a type of impact printer. It uses a printhead to physically impact the ribbon and transfer ink to the paper.
Which kind of socket incorporates "lands" to ensure connectivity to a CPU?
LGA (land grid array) is the type of socket that uses "lands" to connect the socket to the CPU.
You use your laptop often. Which of the following is a simple, free way to keep your laptop running cool?
Laptops have airflow underneath them; if the unit is not on a flat surface, that airflow will be reduced or stopped altogether, leading to component damage.
Which type of printer uses a toner cartridge?
Laser printers use toner cartridges.
Which of the following are important factors when purchasing a replacement laptop AC adapter? (Select the two best answers.)
Make sure to purchase an AC adapter that is a true replacement. You can find one on the laptop manufacturer's website. When you enter your model number, the website will tell you everything you need to know about current, voltage, and connector type (these details are also listed on the brick portion of the power adapter).
What is the delay in the RAM's response to a request from the memory controller called?
Memory latency or CAS (column address strobe) latency happens when a memory controller tries to access data from a memory module. It is a slight delay (usually measured in nanoseconds) while the memory module responds to the memory controller. It is also known as CL. The memory controller (also known as the northbridge) has a specific speed at which it operates. If the CPU asks the chip for too much information at once, this might increase latency time while the memory controller works.
Which of the following are ports you might find on smartphones and tablets? (Select the two best answers.)
Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets commonly incorporate ports such as USB-C (and micro USB) and Apple's Lightning connector.
Which of the following tools can protect you in the case of a surge?
Most antistatic straps come with a 1-megaohm resistor, which can protect against surges. However, the best way to avoid a surge is to (1) make sure the computer is unplugged before working on it, (2) not touch any components that hold a charge, and (3) stay away from live electricity sources. In other words, this means: don't open power supplies or CRT monitors; don't touch capacitors on any circuit boards such as motherboards; and, of course, stay away from any other electrical devices, wires, and circuits when working on computers.
A laptop cannot access the wireless network. Which of the following statements best describes the most likely causes for this? (Select the two best answers.)
Most laptops have a special function key (for example, F12) that allows you to enable or disable the Wi-Fi connection just by pressing it. Also, a wireless network can be "forgotten" in the operating system. If this happens, the laptop has to be reconnected to the wireless network.
Which of the following technologies allows two mobile devices to transfer data simply by touching them together?
Near field communication (NFC) allows two mobile devices such as smartphones to transfer data simply by touching them together (or bringing them in very close proximity of each other).
Which of the following technologies can be used to make wireless payments?
Near-field communication (NFC) is a wireless technology that allows mobile devices to transfer data simply by touching or being in close proximity to each other, as well as make payments wirelessly to some point-of-sale (POS) systems.
Which device connects to the network and has the sole purpose of providing data to clients?
Network-attached storage (NAS) devices store data for network use. They connect directly to the network.
Which of the following channels should you select for an 802.11 wireless network?
Of the listed answers, use channel 6 for 802.11 wireless networks. That would imply a 2.4 GHz connection using either 802.11n, g, or b. The 2.4 GHz frequency range in the United States allows for channels 1 through 11.
Moving your CPU's speed beyond its normal operating range is called
Overclocking is the act of increasing your CPU's operating speed beyond its normal rated speed.
To which type of technology would you install a x16 card?
PCI Express (PCIe) expansion slots accept x1, x4, and x16 cards (pronounced "by one", "by four", and "by sixteen" respectively).
A client brings in a printer that is giving a paper-feed error. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
Paper-feed errors are often caused by the pickup rollers, which are in charge of feeding the paper into the printer.
When running cable through drop ceilings, which type of cable do you need?
Plenum-rated cable needs to be installed wherever a sprinkler system is not able to spray water. This includes ceilings, walls, and plenums (airways). Plenum-rated cable has a protective covering that burns slower and gives off fewer toxic fumes than regular PVC-based cable.
You have been tasked with blocking remote logins to a server. Which of the following ports should you block?
Port 23 should be blocked. It is associated with the Telnet service, which is used to remotely log in to a server at the command line. You can block this service at the company firewall and individually at the server and other hosts. It uses port 23 by default, but it can be used with other ports as well. Telnet is considered to be insecure, so it should be blocked and disabled.
Which protocol uses port 389?
Port 389 is used by the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP). Although 389 is the default port, 636 is also used for secure LDAP.
Terri finishes installing a printer for a customer. What should she do next?
Print a test page after installation. If the test page prints properly, printing a page in Word should be unnecessary.
On which type of computer is RAM the most important?
RAM is more essential to the virtualization workstation than any of the other types of custom PCs listed. Virtual operating systems (virtual machines or VMs) require a lot of RAM to run, much more than any other application. Plus, a virtualization workstation often has more than one virtual machine running, increasing its need for RAM even further.
Which of the following has the fastest data throughput?
RAM is much faster than the rest of the options listed. For instance, if you have PC4-25600 DDR4 RAM (aka DDR4-3200), your peak transfer rate is 25,600 MB/s.
Which of the following components could cause the POST to beep several times and fail during boot?
RAM is one of the big four (RAM, CPU, motherboard, and video) that can cause the POST to fail. Different RAM errors can cause the POST to make a different series of beeps. Consult your motherboard documentation for more information about the different beep codes.
Special paper is needed to print on which type of printer?
Regular paper can be used on all the listed printers except for thermal printers, which use specially coated paper that is heated to create the image.
Which of the following is not a video port?
S/PDIF is not a video port. It stands for Sony/Philips digital interface format—a digital audio interconnect that can be used with fiber-optic TOSLINK connectors or coaxial RCA connectors.
Which of the following Internet services are wireless? (Select the two best answers.)
Satellite and cellular are examples of wireless Internet services.
Setting an administrator password in the BIOS accomplishes which of the following?
Setting an admin password in the UEFI/BIOS prevents a user from rearranging the boot order. The idea behind this is to stop a person from attempting to boot off an optical disc or USB flash drive. As an administrator, you should change the BIOS boot order to hard drive first. Then apply an administrative password. That'll stop 'em right in their tracks!
Which of the following cable types can protect from electromagnetic interference (EMI)? (Select the two best answers.)
Shielded twisted pair (STP) and fiber optic can protect from EMI.
A customer can barely hear sound from the speakers on her laptop. What should you do first?
Sometimes, the volume key(s) on laptops can be a little difficult to locate and may be muted or set to the lowest position (which might still make a slight audible noise). The volume is usually controlled by pressing the Fn key and the Volume Up or Volume Down key (or mute) simultaneously.
Which of the following are output devices? (Select the three best answers.)
Speakers, printers, and displays are output devices. A speaker outputs sound. A printer outputs paper with text and graphics. A display (or monitor) displays video.
Which of the following is a common type of CPU for a smartphone?
System on a chip (SoC) is a type of CPU used in smartphones and tablet computers. The 64-bit versions are common in mobile devices; they incorporate a variety of functionality within the CPU.
Which of the following could cause the POST to fail? (Select the two best answers.)
The CPU and memory need to be installed properly for the POST to run (and to pass).
Which of the following translates a computer name into an IP address?
The Domain Name System (DNS) protocol translates a computer name into an IP address. Whenever you type a web server name such as dprocomputer.com, a DNS server translates that name to its corresponding IP address.
Which protocol uses port 53?
The Domain Name System (DNS) protocol uses port 53 by default.
Which key on a laptop aids in switching to an external monitor?
The Fn (Function) key is used for a variety of things, including toggling between the built-in LCD screen and an external monitor/TV. The Fn key could be a different color (for example, blue) and offers a sort of "second" usage for keys on the laptop.
Which port number is used by HTTPS by default?
The Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) uses port 443 (by default).
Which of the following connector types is used by fiber-optic cabling?
The LC connector is used by fiber-optic cabling. Other fiber connectors include SC and ST
Which of the following connectors is used for musical equipment?
The Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) connector is used for musical equipment such as keyboards, synthesizers, and sequencers. MIDI is used to create a clocking signal that all devices can synchronize to.
Which of the following indicates that a printer is network-ready?
The RJ45 jack enables a connection to a twisted-pair (most likely Ethernet) network. Printers with a built-in RJ45 connector are network-ready; so are printers that are Wi-Fi enabled.
Which port is used by RDP?
The Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) uses port 3389 by default. This protocol allows one computer to take control of another remote system.
How many pins are inside an SATA 3.0 data connector?
The SATA version 3.0 data connector has seven pins. Note: SATA Express uses a triple connector with 18 pins (7 + 7 + 4).
Eric uses an external monitor with his laptop. He tells you that his laptop will boot, but the system won't display anything on the external screen. Which of the following solutions enables the display?
The Screen key (also known as the display toggle) is one of the keys available when you use the Function (Fn) key. It enables you to switch between the laptop display and an external display (or if you want to use both).
Which of the following is the most important piece of information needed to connect to a specific wireless network?
The Service Set Identifier (SSID) is the most important piece of information required to connect to a wireless network; it is the name of the wireless network.
A wireless network is referred to as which of the following?
The Service Set Identifier (SSID) is the name of the wireless network. This is the name you look for when locating a wireless network.
Which of the following tools is not used as often as a Phillips screwdriver but is sometimes used to remove screws from the outside of a computer case or from within a laptop?
The Torx screwdriver (also known as a Torx wrench) is a special tool used to remove screws from the outside of a case; often, proprietary computer manufacturers use these screws. This tool can also be used to remove screws (albeit smaller ones) from a laptop. The standard is the size T10 Torx screwdriver, but you might also use a T8 or even a T6 on laptops
What does the b in 1000 Mbps stand for?
The b in 1000 Mbps stands for bits: 1000 Mbps is 1000 megabits per second or 1 gigabit per second. Remember that the lowercase b is used to indicate bits when measuring network data transfer rates, USB data transfer rates, and other similar serial data transfers.
Which of the following functions is performed by the external power supply of a laptop?
The external power supply of the laptop converts AC to DC for the system to use and for charging the battery. It is known as the power adapter, and it needs to run at a very specific voltage. In fact, different make and model power adapters usually do not work with different laptops, even if the voltages are only slightly different.
You are tasked with fixing a problem with a video editing workstation. There is an unexpected clicking noise every time the video editing program is started. The case fans have been replaced, but the noise remains. Diagnostics have also been run on the video card, and it appears to be operating normally. What action should you take first?
The first action you should take is to perform a full data backup. Clicking noises can indicate that the computer's magnetic-based hard drive is damaged and might fail. Immediately back up the drive's contents before taking any other action.
Several users on your network are reporting that a network printer, which is controlled by a print server, is not printing. What is the first action you should take to fix the problem?
The first thing you should try (of the listed answers) is to clear the print queue. How this is done will vary depending on the type of print server being used. For example, if the printer is being controlled by a Windows Server, that server will have the Print Management role installed. From the Print Management console window, you can access the printer in question and locate the queue. In most client Windows operating systems (such as Windows 10), you can find the queue simply by double-clicking the printer. Regardless of the OS, it is where you would normally go to manage print jobs. Then, after you have found the queue, delete any pending or stalled jobs. One of those print jobs might have been causing a delay, possibly if the print job was too big or was corrupted. Of course, you will have to notify users that any jobs as of x time frame have been deleted and they will need to be printed again. On some printers you can clear the print queue from the onscreen display (OSD) directly on the printer. Or, if the print server is built into a SOHO router or similar device, you would have to access it from a browser.
You just turned off a printer to maintain it. Which of the following should you be careful of when removing the fuser?
The fuser heats paper to around 400° Fahrenheit (204° Celsius). That's like an oven. If you need to replace the fuser, let the printer sit for 10 or 15 minutes after shutting it down and before maintenance.
Which device stores data over the long term?
The hard drive stores data over the long term. The hard drive stores the OS and data in a nonvolatile fashion, meaning the data won't be erased when the computer is turned off.
Which of the following types of printers uses a print head, ribbon, and tractor feed?
The impact printer uses a print head, ribbon, and tractor feed. An example of an impact printer is the dot matrix.
Which of the following is the minimum category cable needed for a 1000BASE-T network?
The minimum cable needed for 1000BASE-T networks is Category 5e. Of course, Cat 6 would also work, but it is not the minimum of the listed answers. 1000BASE-T specifies the speed of the network (1000 Mbps), the type (baseband, single shared channel), and the cable to be used (T = twisted pair).
Which of the following CPU cooling methods is the most common?
The most common CPU cooling method is the heat sink and fan combination. The heat sink helps the heat to disperse away from the CPU, whereas the fan blows the heat down and through the fins; the power supply exhaust fan and possibly additional case fans help the heat escape the case. Heat sink and fan combinations are known as active cooling methods.
A desktop computer does not have a lit link light on the back of the computer. Which of the following is the most likely reason for this?
The most likely answer in this scenario is that the network cable is disconnected. If the desktop computer is using a wired connection, it is most likely a twisted-pair Ethernet connection. When this cable is connected to the computer on one end and to a switch or other central connecting device on the other end, it initiates a network connection over the physical link. This link then causes the network adapter's link light to light up. The link light is directly next to the RJ45 port of the network adapter. The corresponding port on the switch (or other similar device) is also lit. If the cable is disconnected, the link light becomes unlit, though there are other possibilities for this link light to be dark—for example, if the computer is off or if the switch port is disabled.
Which of the following IP addresses can be routed across the Internet?
The only listed answer that is a public address (needed to get onto the Internet) is 129.52.50.13.
You are configuring Bob's computer to access the Internet. Which of the following are required? (Select all that apply.)
To get on the Internet, the DNS server address is required so that the computer can get the resolved IP addresses from the domain names that are typed in. The gateway address is necessary to get outside the network.
Which of the following cable types have a copper medium? (Select the three best answers.)
Twisted-pair, coaxial, and Category 7 cable are all examples of network cables with a copper medium. They all send electricity over copper wire.
You are making your own networking patch cable. You need to attach an RJ45 plug to the end of a twisted-pair cable. Which tool should you use?
Use an RJ45 crimper tool to permanently attach RJ45 plugs to the end of a cable.
Which of the following best describes printing in duplex?
When you are printing "duplex," you are printing on both sides of the paper (if the printer has that capability). Some laser printers can do this, but printing this way creates a longer total paper path, which leads to more frequent paper jams.
Tim installs a new CPU in a computer. After a few hours, the processor starts to overheat. Which of the following might be the cause?
Without the thermal compound applied, the processor might overheat after a few hours.
You have been tasked with setting up a specialized computer for video editing. Which of the following should you include with the computer? (Select the two best answers.)
You should incorporate a solid-state drive (SSD) and dual monitors for the video editing workstation. Video files, such as .MP4 and .AVI, are considerable; they are big files that require a decent-size hard drive. An SSD, possibly an M.2 or similar drive, helps to work with these files efficiently, especially in the video rendering stage. And having dual monitors (or more than two) is important when editing. You will generally want to have an editing window and a separate playback window.
