CompTIA 220-1101 - CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1

MDM (Mobile Device Management) is a policy that allows the technician to remotely manage, secure, and monitor the personal devices that employees use for work purposes. MDM can enforce security settings, such as passwords, encryption, and antivirus software, on the personal devices. MDM can also remotely wipe or lock the devices in case of loss, theft, or termination of employment. MDM can protect company information by preventing unauthorized access, data leakage, or malware infection on the personal devices.

References

What is Mobile Device Management (MDM)?

Chapter 2: Networking

Optical media, such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs, are a suitable choice for backing up a large collection of DVDs and photos in the most economical way. Optical media are inexpensive, widely available, and have a long shelf life. They can store large amounts of data, up to 50GB on a dual-layer Blu-ray disc, and can be easily labeled and organized. Optical media are also less prone to mechanical failure, data corruption, or accidental deletion than hard disk drives (HDDs) or solid state drives (SSDs).

The other options are not as economical or suitable for this purpose. A 5,400rpm HDD is a slow and noisy type of HDD that has moving parts that can wear out or break. A HDD also consumes more power and generates more heat than an SSD. A M.2 NVMe SSD is a fast and compact type of SSD that uses a PCIe interface to transfer data. However, an SSD is more expensive than an HDD or optical media, and has a limited number of write cycles before it degrades. A SAS RAID array is a complex and costly system that uses multiple HDDs or SSDs connected by a Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) interface to provide redundancy, performance, or both. A RAID array requires a RAID controller, a compatible motherboard, and a dedicated power supply.

HDD fragmentation is a condition where the data on a hard disk drive (HDD) is not stored in contiguous clusters, but scattered across different physical locations on the disk. This happens when files are created, modified, or deleted over time, leaving gaps and fragments of data on the disk. HDD fragmentation can affect the performance of the PC, especially when accessing large files that require more disk operations to read or write12.

According to some web search results123, some signs and symptoms of a heavily fragmented HDD are:

•Longer load times for files and programs

•Graphics-heavy apps and games take too long to load new windows or process new environments

•Reduced disk space and efficiency

•Increased disk noise and temperature

•Accelerated disk wear and failure

To fix this issue, the user can use a tool called Disk Defragmenter, which is built-in in Windows. Disk Defragmenter rearranges the fragmented data on the HDD so that it is stored in contiguous clusters, improving the disk performance and reliability1. Disk Defragmenter can run on a schedule or manually by following these steps1:

•Open Disk Defragmenter by clicking the Start button. In the search box, type Disk Defragmenter, and then, in the list of results, click Disk Defragmenter.

•Under Current status, select the disk you want to defragment.

•To determine if the disk needs to be defragmented or not, click Analyze disk. If you’re prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

•Once Windows is finished analyzing the disk, you can check the percentage of fragmentation on the disk in the Last Run column. If the number is above 10%, you should defragment the disk.

•Click Defragment disk. If you’re prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

•Disk Defragmenter might take from several minutes to a few hours to finish, depending on the size and degree of fragmentation of your hard disk. You can still use your computer during the defragmentation process.

The user should check the display settings on the computer and set them to extend/duplicate. This will allow the computer to send the video signal to both the laptop screen and the projector. If the display settings are set to only show on one screen, then the projector may not detect any source. According to the CompTIA Core1 objectives, one of the common display issues is no image on screen. A troubleshooting guide for projectors also suggests checking the display settings as a possible solution for no source found error.

The first step to troubleshoot a dim laptop display is to check the settings of the laptop display, such as the brightness level, the power plan, and the adaptive brightness feature. These settings can affect the brightness of the screen and can be adjusted by the user or by Windows automatically. If the settings are not optimal for the user’s preference or environment, the screen may appear too dim even at full brightness. Therefore, the technician should check and modify these settings before trying other solutions.

When a laptop screen fails to mirror to a television despite being correctly connected via an HDMI cable, a common issue is that the television is set to the wrong input source. Modern televisions have multiple input options (e.g., HDMI 1, HDMI 2, AV, etc.), and selecting the correct input that corresponds to the port the HDMI cable is connected to is essential for displaying the laptop's screen. The blinking logo on the TV screen typically indicates that the TV is functioning but not receiving a signal from the selected input source. Changing the TV's input to the correct HDMI port should resolve the issue and allow the laptop screen to mirror onto the TV.

An ONT, or Optical Network Terminal, is a device that converts fiber network signals from light into electric signals that can be used by a Wi-Fi router. An ONT is an interface between the fiber optic network that carries optical signals and the devices that use electrical signals, such as routers, telephones, or computers. An ONT is similar to a modem for fiber internet, as it allows the devices to communicate with the internet service provider (ISP) and access the internet.

A clicking hard drive is usually a sign of a mechanical failure, where the read/write heads are not functioning properly or the platters are scratched or broken. This can be caused by physical shock, such as dropping the laptop while it was turned on. A damaged hard drive may not be able to boot up the operating system or access the data stored on it. This is a serious problem that requires data recovery and hard drive replacement.

References

Identifying Hard Drive Sounds and Determining What They Mean

Hard Drive Clicking? See How to Fix Click Hard Drive On Your Own

Chapter 3: Hardware

After resolving an issue, it's crucial for a technician to document the findings, actions taken, and the outcome. This documentation serves several purposes: it provides a record of the problem and the solution for future reference, which can be helpful if the issue recurs or if similar problems arise with other users. It also ensures that any follow-up actions, if necessary, are well-informed by the history of the issue. Documenting the resolution process contributes to knowledge sharing among the support team and can improve the efficiency of future troubleshooting efforts.

When a phone's battery overheats and expands, it poses a significant safety risk, including the potential for fire or the battery bursting. The first and most critical action is to turn off the device to prevent further chemical reactions within the battery that could exacerbate the situation. Turning off the phone halts its operations, minimizing the heat generation and reducing the risk of further damage or danger. This is a precautionary measure to ensure the user's safety and to prevent any additional harm to the phone itself. It's important for the user to not attempt to charge or use the phone in this condition and to seek professional help or replacement of the battery or device as needed.

A scope is a term used to define a range of IP addresses available to assign using DHCP. DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, and it is a protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices on a network. A scope defines the start and end IP addresses, as well as other options, such as subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers.

The message to clean the air filters, despite them being clean, is likely due to the projector's preconfigured settings related to the hours of use. Many projectors have maintenance reminders that trigger based on usage hours to prompt regular cleaning and maintenance. This reminder may need to be reset after checking or cleaning the filters. Adjusting the maintenance reminder or resetting the hours of use counter in the projector's settings can resolve the issue. This approach is consistent with the troubleshooting principles outlined in the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Exam Objectives under section 5.4 "Given a scenario troubleshoot video, projector, and display issues", where it's advised to consider all potential causes, including preconfigured settings, when diagnosing display-related problems .

Check the exhibit diagram for both parts.

Part 2

An inverter is a component that converts DC power to AC power for the backlight of an LCD (liquid crystal display) screen. If the inverter is faulty, the screen may appear dim or dark, even if the brightness settings are adjusted. Replacing the inverter may fix the issue. The LCD itself, the video card, and the digitizer are not related to the screen brightness problem.

A network jack faceplate is a device that covers and protects the network jack or outlet on a wall or a floor. A network jack or outlet is a physical interface that allows a network cable, such as an Ethernet cable, to be plugged into a network device, such as a computer or a printer. A network jack faceplate usually has one or more ports that correspond to different types of network cables, such as RJ-45, RJ-11, or coaxial.

A label on a network jack faceplate should refer to the patch panel port that the network jack or outlet is connected to. A patch panel is a device that connects multiple network cables in an organized and convenient way. A patch panel has a number of ports that correspond to different cables, such as Ethernet, coaxial, or fiber-optic cables. A patch panel can help simplify the wiring and management of a network, as well as provide flexibility and scalability for adding or changing network devices.

By labeling the network jack faceplate with the patch panel port, the network technician can easily identify and trace the cable that is connected to the network jack or outlet. This can help to troubleshoot and resolve network issues, such as connectivity, performance, or configuration problems. It can also help to avoid confusion or errors when installing or modifying network cables.

The correct answer is B. Gather additional details.

According to the CompTIA troubleshooting process for the A+ certification exams1, the technician should gather additional details after testing a theory that is incorrect. This step helps to identify the problem more accurately and establish a new theory of probable cause. The other options are not appropriate for this stage of the troubleshooting process. Documenting the findings, escalating the problem, and identifying user changes are steps that should be done later in the process, after determining the cause and implementing a solution1.

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, which is a protocol that provides quick, automatic, and central management for the distribution of IP addresses within a network1. A DHCP server can assign IP addresses and other network information to devices that request them, such as computers, smartphones, and routers2.

The IP address 169.254.2.2 is an example of an APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing) address, which is a special type of IP address that devices use when they cannot obtain a valid IP address from a DHCP server3. APIPA addresses are in the range of 169.254.0.1 to 169.254.255.254, with a subnet mask of 255.255.0.03. Devices that use APIPA addresses can only communicate with other devices on the same local network that also use APIPA addresses3.

The router in the question is assigned the address scope of 192.168.1.254/24, which means it has an IP address of 192.168.1.254 and a subnet mask of 255.255.255.04. This address scope belongs to the private IP address range of 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255, which is commonly used for local networks4. Devices that use private IP addresses can communicate with other devices on the same local network or across different networks through NAT (Network Address Translation)4.

The most likely cause of the technician receiving the IP address 169.254.2.2 is that the DHCP server on the router is not working properly or is not configured correctly3. This could be due to various reasons, such as a misconfigured router, a faulty cable, a firewall blocking DHCP traffic, or an exhausted pool of IP addresses3. As a result, the technician’s device cannot obtain a valid IP address from the DHCP server and resorts to using an APIPA address instead3.

To fix this issue, the technician should check the router settings and make sure that the DHCP server is enabled and has enough available IP addresses to assign to devices2. The technician should also check the physical cabling and make sure it is properly connected and secured2. If the issue persists, the technician should try rebooting the router or resetting it to factory defaults2. Alternatively, the technician could manually assign a static IP address to the device that matches the router’s address scope, such as 192.168.1.x/242.

One of the possible causes of the error message “No Source Found” is that the projector is not receiving any signal from the connected device, such as a laptop1. This could be due to an incorrect input source selected on the projector or an improper display setting on the laptop. Therefore, the first actions that the technician should take are to verify the projector settings and make sure the correct input is selected, and to check the laptop display settings and set them to extend/duplicate23.

The correct answer is D. PAN.

A PAN, or Personal Area Network, is a type of network that connects devices within a short range, usually less than 10 meters, and is used by an individual. A PAN can be wireless or wired, and it can enable data transmission between devices without requiring an internet connection. A PAN can also be connected to a LAN or a higher level network, where one device acts as a gateway.

A Bluetooth hotspot is an example of a wireless PAN, where a device such as a smartphone or a laptop can create a network with other Bluetooth-enabled devices nearby. A Bluetooth hotspot can allow devices to share files, access the internet, or use peripherals such as printers or speakers.

A SAN, or Storage Area Network, is a type of network that connects storage devices such as hard disks, tape drives, or optical drives to servers. A SAN provides high-speed data transfer and access to large amounts of data. A SAN is usually used in data centers or enterprises that need to store and manage huge volumes of data.

A WAN, or Wide Area Network, is a type of network that connects devices over a large geographical area, such as across cities, countries, or continents. A WAN can use different technologies and media to transmit data, such as fiber-optic cables, satellite links, or radio waves. A WAN can also consist of multiple LANs or other types of networks. The internet is the largest example of a WAN.

A LAN, or Local Area Network, is a type of network that connects devices within a limited area, such as within a building or a campus. A LAN can use wired or wireless technologies to transmit data, such as Ethernet cables, Wi-Fi routers, or switches. A LAN can enable devices to share resources, such as printers, scanners, or files.

For more information about the types of networks and their differences, you can refer to the following web search results: 11 Types of Networks: Understanding the Differences, Types of Computer Networks, Types of network - Introduction to networks.

The correct answer is D. Cat 6a.

Cat 6a (augmented) is a type of twisted pair cable that supports 10GBASE-T data transmission speed. 10GBASE-T is an Ethernet standard that can deliver 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) over copper cables. Cat 6a can support this speed up to a distance of 100 meters, which is the same as Cat 5e and Cat 6 for lower speeds. Cat 6a has better shielding and crosstalk prevention than Cat 6, which makes it more suitable for high-frequency signals.

Cat 3, Cat 5, and Cat 5e are not capable of supporting 10GBASE-T data transmission speed. Cat 3 can only support up to 10 Mbps, Cat 5 can only support up to 100 Mbps, and Cat 5e can only support up to 1 Gbps. These cables have lower bandwidth, higher attenuation, and more interference than Cat 6a.