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

The most important specification that the technician should verify before installing the new power supply is A. The wattage.

The wattage of a power supply is the measure of how much power it can deliver to the components of a computer. The wattage of a power supply should match or exceed the total power consumption of the computer, otherwise the computer may not function properly or may experience instability, overheating, or damage12.

To calculate the total power consumption of a computer, the technician can use a tool such as a power supply calculator, which can estimate the required wattage based on the components and features of the computer. For example, using one of the web search results3, I entered the following information:

•CPU: 3 GHz processor

•GPU: High-end graphics card

•RAM: 16 GB DDR4

•SSD: 1 x 500 GB

•HDD: 1 x 1 TB

•Optical Drive: 1 x DVD-RW

•Fans: 2 x 120 mm

•Other Devices: Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor

The tool estimated that the recommended PSU wattage for this computer is 550 W. Therefore, the technician should verify that the new power supply has at least this wattage before installing it.

The chassis ventilation, the motherboard’s firmware, and the cables’ color coding are not as important as the wattage for installing a new power supply. The chassis ventilation is related to the airflow and cooling of the computer, which can affect the performance and lifespan of the components. The motherboard’s firmware is the software that controls the basic functions of the motherboard, such as booting, input/output, and memory management. The cables’ color coding is a standard way of identifying the function and polarity of the wires in a power supply. However, none of these specifications are directly related to the power delivery or compatibility of the new power supply.

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification, and it is a technology that uses electromagnetic fields to identify and track objects that have RFID tags attached to them. RFID tags are small devices that store information and can be read by RFID readers. RFID is most likely used to control door access because it allows for contactless and convenient authentication of authorized personnel. For example, an employee can use an RFID card or key fob to unlock a door by holding it near an RFID reader installed on the door. The reader will scan the tag and verify its ID number with the access control system, which will grant or deny access based on the predefined rules and permissions. RFID is a common and widely used type of door access control system, as it offers security, efficiency, and flexibility.

The correct answer is D. VPN.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that allows a remote user to access network resources securely over the internet. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between the user’s device and the VPN server, which acts as a gateway to the network. The user can then access the network resources as if they were directly connected to the network, without exposing their traffic to eavesdropping, interception, or censorship.

A VPN can provide remote users with access to various services on a company network, such as file and print services, client/server applications, and remote network administration1. A VPN can also protect the user’s privacy and identity online by masking their IP address and location.

The answer is D. Replace the toner cartridge.

Vertical lines on a laser printer output are usually caused by a faulty or empty toner cartridge, a dirty or damaged drum unit, or a clogged or obstructed laser glass. According to the web search results, some possible steps to troubleshoot and resolve this issue are:

Check the toner level and replace the toner cartridge if it is low or empty1.

Remove the toner cartridge and inspect the drum unit for any signs of damage, such as scratches, cracks, or toner buildup. Clean the drum unit with a soft cloth or replace it if it is damaged23.

Locate the laser glass, which is a narrow strip of glass under the scanner lid or inside the printer. Clean the laser glass with a lint-free cloth moistened with water and remove any dust, dirt, or debris that might block the laser beam24.

The most important step the technician should take before proceeding is A. Verify the device is fully charged and connected to a power supply.

Firmware is a type of software that controls the basic functions and operations of a device, such as a router, printer, or scanner. Firmware can be updated to fix bugs, improve performance, or add new features to the device. However, updating firmware can also be risky, as it may cause the device to malfunction or become unusable if the update process is interrupted or corrupted.

One of the main causes of firmware update failure is power loss, which can occur if the device runs out of battery or is disconnected from the power source during the update. Power loss can damage the firmware and prevent the device from booting up or functioning properly. Therefore, it is essential to verify that the device is fully charged and connected to a power supply before updating the firmware. This can ensure that the device has enough power to complete the update process and avoid any interruptions or errors.

The other options are not as important as verifying the power status of the device. Ensuring the device has adequate storage space for the update is a good practice, but it is not likely to cause a major problem if the device does not have enough space. The update process will either fail to start or prompt the user to free up some space before proceeding. Verifying administrative access on the device is also a good practice, but it is not necessary for updating firmware. Administrative access is required for installing or uninstalling software applications, but not for updating firmware. Firmware updates are usually provided by the device manufacturer or vendor and do not require user authentication. Exporting the user settings so they can be imported after the upgrade is a precautionary measure, but it is not mandatory for updating firmware. Firmware updates do not usually affect the user settings or data on the device, unless they are incompatible or corrupted. Exporting the user settings can help restore them in case of any problems, but it does not prevent them from occurring.

Speed is the most important consideration. Striping without parity, also known as RAID 0, is a RAID configuration that splits data across multiple disks without any redundancy. This improves the performance of read and write operations, as multiple disks can work in parallel. However, this also increases the risk of data loss, as any disk failure will result in losing all data on the array. Therefore, striping without parity is suitable for situations where speed is prioritized over reliability. According to the CompTIA Core1 objectives, one of the advantages of RAID 0 is increased speed. A research paper on RAID performance also confirms that RAID 0 has the highest throughput among all RAID levels.

The correct answer is A. OLED.

OLED stands for Organic Light-emitting Diode, and it is one of the three display types available for laptops, along with TN (Twisted Nematic) and IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels1. OLED displays use organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied, unlike LCD displays that use a backlight to illuminate the pixels. OLED displays have several advantages over LCD displays, such as higher contrast, wider viewing angles, faster response times, and lower power consumption2. However, OLED displays are also more expensive, less common, and more prone to burn-in than LCD displays2.

CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), DLP (Digital Light Processing), and Plasma are not display types for laptops. CRT is an old technology that uses a vacuum tube to project an image on a phosphor screen. CRT monitors are bulky, heavy, and consume a lot of power3. DLP is a technology that uses a digital micromirror device and a light source to project an image on a screen or a wall. DLP is mainly used for projectors, not laptops4. Plasma is a technology that uses gas-filled cells that emit light when an electric current is applied. Plasma displays are mainly used for large-screen TVs, not laptops.

A burning smell on a desktop computer is a serious issue that indicates a hardware malfunction or failure. It can be caused by overheating, a faulty power supply, a malfunctioning motherboard, or a short circuit12. If left unchecked, it can damage the components, cause a fire, or harm the user.

The first thing the technician should do when troubleshooting a burning smell on a desktop computer is to unplug the computer from the power source. This will stop the flow of electricity and prevent further damage or fire. The technician should also wear protective gloves and eye wear to avoid contact with any hot or hazardous parts.

The other options are less likely to be the first step in troubleshooting, because:

•Locating a fire extinguisher is a good precaution, but it should not be done before unplugging the computer. The fire extinguisher should only be used if there is visible smoke or flames coming from the computer, and only after unplugging it and ensuring that it is safe to do so.

•Calling the fire department is an extreme measure that should only be done if there is an actual fire that cannot be controlled by the fire extinguisher. It should not be done before unplugging the computer and trying to identify and fix the problem.

•Removing the desktop cover is a necessary step to inspect the internal components and find the source of the burning smell. However, it should not be done before unplugging the computer, as it can expose the technician to live wires and electric shocks.

For more information and tips on how to troubleshoot a burning smell on a desktop computer, you can visit these links:

•How to find the source of a burning smell in my computer?

•Burning Smell From PC? 10 Reasons Why It Could Happen

The best option to allow all users to print to the new network printer is to install all applicable print drivers on the print server. This way, the print server can automatically provide the correct driver to the client computers when they connect to the printer. This option also reduces the administrative overhead and security risks of the other options, which involve either granting users more privileges, mapping them to a shared folder, or remotely accessing their computers.

References

1 CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Certification Study Guide, Chapter 16: Installing and Configuring Printers, page 419.

2 The Official CompTIA A+ Core 1 Instructor Guide (Exam 220-1101), Lesson 16: Installing and Configuring Printers, page 16-7.

3 CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Complete Video Course, Lesson 16: Installing and Configuring Printers, Video 16.2: Installing and Configuring Network Printers.

The manufacturer’s specifications for the components are the best source of information to determine the appropriate power supply for the workstation. The manufacturer’s specifications will list the power requirements and recommendations for each component, such as the graphics card, the CPU, the hard drives, and the motherboard. By adding up the power consumption of each component, the technician can estimate the total wattage needed for the workstation. The technician should also consider some extra headroom for future upgrades or peak loads. The technician can then choose a power supply that meets or exceeds the total wattage and has the right connectors and form factor for the workstation.

The most likely reason the data transfer failed is D. The older phone utilized different wireless protocols.

Wireless protocols are the standards that devices use to communicate with each other over a wireless network. Different wireless protocols have different features, such as speed, range, security, and compatibility. If the older phone and the new phone use different wireless protocols, they may not be able to transfer data smoothly or at all. For example, if the older phone uses Wi-Fi Direct and the new phone uses Bluetooth, they may not be able to connect or recognize each other.

To avoid this problem, you should make sure that both devices support the same wireless protocol and that they are in range of each other. You can also use a third-party app or service that can transfer data between different devices, such as Smart Switch1 or Move to iOS2. These apps can help you transfer data such as contacts, photos, messages, and more from your old phone to your new phone.

An SSD (solid state drive) is a removable storage device that uses flash memory to store data. It is secure, portable, and does not contain moving parts, which makes it more reliable and durable than other types of storage devices. An HDD (hard disk drive) is not suitable, as it contains spinning platters and read/write heads that are prone to damage and data loss. A NAS (network attached storage) and a SAN (storage area network) are not removable devices, as they are connected to a network and provide shared storage for multiple users.

The most likely answer is A. Change the resolution settings.

The error “Out of Range” normally means that the resolution being output by the computer is not compatible with the projector. The resolution is the number of pixels that are displayed on the screen. If the resolution is too high for the projector, it may not be able to display the image correctly or at all12.

To resolve this issue, you should try lowering the resolution settings on your laptop to match the native resolution of the projector or a lower one. You can do this by following these steps1:

•Right-click on an empty area of your desktop and select Display settings.

•Under Scale and layout, click on Display resolution and choose a lower option from the drop-down menu.

•Click Apply and then Keep changes.

•Reconnect your laptop to the projector and check if the image is displayed properly.

If changing the resolution settings does not help, you may need to check other factors, such as the video cable, the display settings, or the video card driver. However, these are less likely to cause the “Out of Range” error than the resolution settings.

Virtualizing the application is the best action that a technician can take to complete the OS migration when there is no compatible current software for a specialized hardware device. Virtualizing the application means running the application in a virtual machine (VM) that emulates the previous OS environment that supports the application and the hardware device. This way, the technician can avoid the need to replace the PC or the hardware device, or to restrict user access to the application. Virtualizing the application also allows the technician to benefit from the new OS features and security updates, while maintaining the functionality and compatibility of the application and the hardware device.

The other options are not as effective or feasible for this scenario. Restricting user access may prevent unauthorized or accidental changes to the application or the hardware device, but it does not solve the compatibility issue or allow the OS migration to proceed. Replacing the PC or the hardware device may be costly, time-consuming, or impractical, especially if the hardware device is rare, expensive, or customized. Upgrading the BIOS to UEFI may improve the boot speed, security, and compatibility of the PC, but it does not guarantee that the application or the hardware device will work with the new OS.

The best way to start troubleshooting a non-specific error after a scheduled computer restart is to review the system event log. The system event log is a record of significant events that occur on the computer, such as errors, warnings, or information messages. The system event log can help identify the cause of the error and provide possible solutions. The answer is C.

To learn more about troubleshooting methods and tools, you can refer to the CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Core 1 Objectives1 or the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Certification Study Guide2. These resources cover the topics that are tested on the CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam, which is one of the two exams required to earn the CompTIA A+ certification. The CompTIA A+ certification validates your skills and knowledge as an entry-level IT professional.

The answer is A. High availability and B. Elasticity.

High availability is the ability of a system to remain operational and accessible with minimal or no downtime, even in the event of failures, disasters, or disruptions. High availability can be achieved by designing a system that has redundancy, fault tolerance, and disaster recovery capabilities. For example, a cloud engineer can design a system that replicates data and resources across multiple regions, zones, or availability domains, and uses load balancing and failover mechanisms to distribute the workload and handle failures gracefully12.

Elasticity is the ability of a system to scale up or down automatically in response to changes in demand or utilization. Elasticity can be achieved by designing a system that can dynamically allocate and deallocate resources based on predefined metrics, policies, or triggers. For example, a cloud engineer can design a system that uses auto-scaling groups, horizontal or vertical scaling strategies, and on-demand or spot instances to optimize the performance and cost of the system32.

By implementing high availability and elasticity, a cloud engineer can ensure that the solution is able to immediately fail over to another region in case of an outage and also scale up in the event of high utilization. These are two important aspects of building reliable and scalable cloud architectures. Therefore, options A and B are the correct answers.

RAID 10 combines the benefits of RAID 0 and RAID 1. It uses a striped configuration across multiple disks (similar to RAID 0) to provide high-speed read and write access. Additionally, it also mirrors the striped array onto a second set of drives (similar to RAID 1), providing redundancy in case of a drive failure.

The primary security concern with virtual machine escape is compromising the hypervisor, which can allow attackers to gain access to other virtual machines or the host system. Virtual machine escape refers to an attack that allows a guest virtual machine to break out of its isolated environment and access other parts of the system.

The correct answers are A. Identify the location of devices that utilize 2.4GHz and D. Map all of the wireless signals in the restaurant. In order to troubleshoot the issue, the technician should first identify the location of devices that utilize the 2.4GHz frequency, as this can cause interference with the wireless signal. Additionally, the technician should map all of the wireless signals in the restaurant in order to identify any potential sources of interference. Checking to see if the phones are IJTP or STP lines, testing to see if the copper electrical wires are causing interference, verifying T568B is being used in the wiring closet patch panel, and scheduling timed router reboots throughout the day are not necessary steps for troubleshooting this issue.

A 1000W 24-pin modular power supply provides enough power to support a dual graphics card configuration, which requires a significant amount of power. A modular power supply allows the technician to connect only the cables that are necessary for the current configuration, reducing cable clutter and improving airflow inside the case. This makes it easier to install and maintain the power supply.