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

A. Run the maintenance application:

Most modern printers include a built-in maintenance application that can calibrate the print heads and correct alignment issues. Running this tool is the first step to address misalignment.

Incorrect Options:

B. Clean the rollers: Cleaning rollers is typically done to resolve paper feed or jamming issues, not alignment problems.

C. Upgrade the firmware: While updating firmware is beneficial for performance improvements, it is not the first step for fixing alignment.

D. Reinstall the drivers: Misaligned printing is usually hardware-related, not a driver issue.

Key Takeaway: The maintenance application should be run first to resolve alignment issues in a newly installed printer.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

A sandbox is an isolated virtual environment used to test or run applications securely without risk to the host or network. It prevents the VM from communicating with external systems, making it ideal for testing malware or suspicious software.

Option A (VDI): Virtual Desktop Infrastructure allows network communication; it does not restrict it.

Option B (Private cloud): Refers to a cloud deployment model, not a communication barrier.

Option D (Type 1 hypervisor): Runs VMs directly on hardware and does not inherently block communication.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:

Objective 4.1: Compare and contrast cloud computing concepts.

===========

Reasoning: A docking station is designed to provide a central connection point for multiple peripherals, such as monitors, keyboards, mice, and network cables. It allows users to quickly connect or disconnect all devices by simply docking or undocking their laptop, improving mobility and reducing wear and tear on individual ports.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Serial interfaces:

Serial interfaces are outdated and rarely used in modern laptops or peripherals. They are not practical for facilitating the connection of multiple devices.

C. Network switch:

A network switch is used to connect multiple devices to a network, but it does not simplify the connection of peripherals to a laptop.

D. USB hub:

A USB hub can extend the number of available USB ports but lacks the full functionality of a docking station, such as video output or Ethernet connectivity.

Practical Example:

A user with a laptop, external monitors, keyboard, and mouse can use a docking station to connect all devices with a single action, instead of plugging in each device manually.

CompTIA A+ Exam Objective Alignment:

Objective 5.2: Explain device interfaces, connection types, and usage of docking stations.

Since the user can ping 8.8.4.4 (an external IP address) but is unable to browse web pages, it indicates that the DNS (Domain Name System) settings may be incorrect or not configured. The DNS system is crucial for translating human-friendly domain names into IP addresses. If DNS settings are incorrect, the browser cannot resolve domain names, thus web pages will not load despite the network itself being reachable via IP. The other options are less likely as they would affect connectivity to external IP addresses or the availability of specific websites.

In Platform as a Service (PaaS), the cloud provider manages the hardware, operating system, and middleware, while the customer is responsible for managing data and applications.

Why Not B (SaaS): In SaaS, the provider manages all layers, including applications and data, leaving no responsibility for the customer.

Why Not C (IaaS): In IaaS, the customer manages the OS, data, and applications, while the provider only handles the hardware.

Why Not D (CaaS): CaaS (Container as a Service) is not a primary cloud model described in the CompTIA objectives and is less commonly referenced.

CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 1 (220-1101), Section 4.1, cloud computing models​.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

NFC (Near-Field Communication) operates at very short ranges — usually less than 4cm, and is ideal for quick, secure transactions like contactless payments. Bluetooth supports longer ranges (up to 10 meters or 32 feet) and is suited for ongoing connections like wireless headsets or file transfers.

Option A: Bluetooth is faster for large file transfers.

Option B: NFC uses less power, not more.

Option C: NFC does not require pairing — Bluetooth does.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:

Objective 1.5: Given a scenario, connect and configure accessories and ports of mobile devices.

===========

When replacing a power supply in a computer, wearing an antistatic wrist strap is crucial to prevent static electricity from damaging the computer components. Static electricity can easily damage sensitive electronic components within the computer; therefore, using an antistatic wrist strap helps to ground the technician, mitigating the risk of electrostatic discharge. The other options provide general safety but do not address the primary concern of electrostatic discharge in this context.

D. Crimper:

A crimper is used to terminate an RJ45 cable properly by attaching the connector to the twisted-pair wires.

If the termination is not done correctly, the connection will be intermittent or fail entirely.

Incorrect Options:

A. Toner probe: Used to locate cables or trace their path, not for terminating RJ45 connectors.

B. Cable tester: Useful for testing connectivity but does not fix termination issues.

C. Punchdown: Used to connect wires to a patch panel or keystone jack, not for RJ45 connectors.

Key Takeaway: A crimper is the proper tool for fixing an improperly terminated RJ45 connection.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

A toner probe (also known as a tone generator and probe) is the best tool for tracing and identifying cables in a patch panel or wall jack. The tone generator sends a signal through the wire, and the probe helps locate the cable by detecting the tone.

Option A (Crimper): Used to attach connectors (e.g., RJ-45), not for tracing cables.

Option B (Punchdown tool): Used to terminate cables into patch panels or keystone jacks.

Option C (Cable stripper): Used to remove insulation, not to trace cables.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:

Objective 5.1: Identify basic cable types, their connectors, and their features.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network service used to automatically assign IP addresses and other network configuration details (such as subnet masks and default gateways) to devices on an enterprise-wide network.

Why Not A (DNS): DNS resolves domain names to IP addresses but does not allocate IP addresses.

Why Not B (Syslog): Syslog is used for logging system events, not IP address management.

Why Not C (Telnet): Telnet is a protocol for remote access, not for IP allocation.

CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 1 (220-1101), Section 2.6, DHCP concepts​.

When multiple RAM modules with different speeds are installed in a system, the system will default to the speed of the slowest module to maintain reliability and stability. In this case:

The system contains two DDR3-1066 (PC3-8500) modules and one DDR3-1333 (PC3-10600) module.

The slowest RAM speed is DDR3-1066 (PC3-8500), and the system will run all memory modules at this speed to prevent timing mismatches and data corruption.

Key Concepts:

Backward Compatibility: RAM modules with higher speeds can operate at lower speeds when mixed with slower modules.

Reliability vs. Performance: Operating all modules at the slowest speed ensures stability, especially when modules have different specifications.

CompTIA A+ Exam Objectives References:

220-1101, Section 3.2: Covers selecting and installing appropriate RAM, understanding different speeds (DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333), and how system compatibility is ensured​.

After replacing a hot-swappable hard drive in a RAID 5 array, the array must rebuild the data onto the new drive. This process involves reading data from the remaining drives and writing it to the new drive to restore full redundancy. The performance decrease is due to the intensive read and write operations necessary to rebuild the RAID array, which can take several hours depending on the size of the drives and the amount of data.

Intermittent paper feeding issues in a laser printer are commonly caused by dirty or worn-out pickup rollers. Cleaning the rollers can restore proper functionality. This aligns with the CompTIA A+ Core 1 objective related to troubleshooting and maintaining printers, specifically resolving paper feeding issues​.

The technician has identified the symptoms (slow performance and random pop-ups) and must now establish a theory of probable cause, such as malware or spyware infection. This step aligns with the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology.

Why Not A (Establish a knowledge base): This is irrelevant at this stage; knowledge bases are used for reference and documentation.

Why Not C (Establish a new theory and consider escalating): The technician has not yet created or tested a theory, making escalation premature.

Why Not D (Establish a plan of action): Planning an action occurs after determining the cause of the problem.

CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 2 (220-1102), Section 3.1, troubleshooting methodology​​.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

A VLAN (Virtual LAN) is used to logically segment a network without requiring physical separation. It enables grouping devices based on function or department regardless of their physical location.

Option A (DHCP): Assigns IP addresses dynamically but doesn’t create network segments.

Option C (DNS): Resolves domain names to IP addresses, not used for network segmentation.

Option D (VPN): Provides secure remote access but does not relate to logical segmentation within a local network.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:

Objective 2.3: Explain common logical networking concepts.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

An IP address starting with 169.254.x.x is a self-assigned address (also called APIPA – Automatic Private IP Addressing). It’s used when a client device cannot contact a DHCP server. This address allows limited communication on the local network segment but no internet access.

Option A: DHCP reservations assign specific IPs from the DHCP server — they don’t result in APIPA.

Option B: Dynamic assignment from DHCP assigns valid IPs in the proper subnet, not 169.254.x.x.

Option D: Static IPs are manually set and would not fall in the 169.254.x.x range unless set incorrectly.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:

Objective 2.6: Given a scenario, configure and troubleshoot network connectivity.

The black smudges over the entire image on a printed receipt are most likely caused by a jammed ribbon that is rubbing on the paper. The solution is to clear the bad ribbon and feed it through the printer properly. Ribbon jams can be caused by various issues, such as incorrect installation or a damaged ribbon. References: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives - 220-1001: 4.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common printer problems.