Comptia A+ core 1 COMPLETE SET with complete accurate questions and answers ( 2025-2026 latest release )

how do laptops receive power

batteries, AC adapters

troubleshoot laptop power issues

check entire chain, connections, and using correct adapter for specific model being used

what impacts laptop battery life? how to troubleshoot?

extreme temperatures, discharge cycles. replace the battery

what is residual voltage and how to troubleshoot it?

left over voltage after the power off (may prevent power on). discharge the motherboard by removing power cord, battery, and holding power button for 30 seconds.

laptop or desktop keyboards smaller? any additional functions?

laptop, have function (Fn) keys like volume or brightness control

what causes stuck keys, and how to troublshoot them?

dirt, spills, or overuse. clean or replace keyboard following proper ESD prevention measures to not damage other components

primary pointing device on laptops

touchpad

what is cursor drift, how to troubleshoot

cursor moving in uncontrollable way. update drivers, disabling the touchpad, or check settings in operating system

RAM stand for?

random access memory

what does RAM do?

allows laptop to run programs smoothly

how to upgrade RAM in laptop

use compatible SODIMM DDR3 or DDR4 modules

what do continuous beeps during booting indicate for laptops?

you have to clean memory contacts

3 types of storage devices for laptops

HDD's, faster SSD's, and hybrid drives

how do laptops get wired/wireless connectivity?

connect to networks through wired Ethernet ports, and wirless Wi-Fi adapters

how do laptops manage wireless functionality

dedicated buttons or Fn key combinations

what do Cellular (WWAN) modules provide to laptops?

mobile data connectivity. can be internal or added through M.2 card

what are cable locks?

a physical barrier against theft on laptops/mobile devices

what is NFC

near filed communication, very short range wireless connection. contactless payments and data transfer. poses security risk, disable when not in use

how to LCD displays work?

liquid crystal display. backlight shines through liquid crystals to create image.

3 typer of LCD's

Twisted Nematic (TN) - affordable but limited viewing angles and color accuracy

In-Plane Switching (IPS) - superior viewing angles and color representation

Vertical Alignment (VA) - "middle ground display". deep blacks and high contrast but may have slower response times

what is OLED?

organic emitting diode

each pixel generates its own light

superior black levels, perfect for dark environments and HDR content

thinner and lighter displays, perfect for sleek mobile devices

faster response times, great for gaming and fast-paced environments

backlights

provides the light source for LCD displays. powered by inverter which converts DC to AC power

worn out backlights

dimness, color shifts

touchscreen

touch sensitive layer that responds to your finger or stylus

digitizer

"brains behind the touch". converts analog touch data to digital data for operating system

captures images and videos, often built in above display

webcam

records audio for calls and voice commands

mcirophone

M.2, or mini PCIe cards

internal antennas. provide sleek built in solution for Wi-Fi connectivity

External USB, or RJ45 adapters

external antennas. offer flexibility and potential for stronger reception.

WiFi standard

IEEE 802.11. "language for Wi-Fi communication"

MAC address

unique wi-fi signature. how device is identified on a network.

USB

universial serial bus. most common connection for data transfer and power.

USB-C

latest and greatest. faster charging and data transfer than older USB standards.

RS-232

recommended standard. allows duplex, legacy tech, uses DB-9 or DB-25 for serial communication between computers and peripherial devices like a printer

USB tethering

turns smartphone or tablet into wi-fi hotspot by connecting to a PC via USB cable and sharing mobile data connection

bluetooth

10 meters/33 feet range. wireless connections to things like speakers, wearables, etc.

mobile hotspot

share mobile data connection wirelessly with laptops, tablets, and other devices using smartphone or dedicated mobile hotspot device

mobile device storage expansion

microSD card

docking stations

provide additional ports, charging capabilities, and some have extra storage drives

port replicators

soley focus on expanding connectivity option by providing additional ports

drawing pads

pressure sensitive drawing pad designed for precise stylus input

tracking pads

external touch pad. larger version of laptop touchpad. connected via USB or bluetooth. offering additional control options.

GSM

global system for mobile communications, used sim cards and easily switch providers, used multiplexing

cdma

code division multiple access, tied to single carrier, used unique codes to separate signals

preferred roaming list

list for your device to connect to strongest cellular tower in area

location services

GPS and cellular location, tech allows apps to track location

geofencing

allows apps to trigger actions based on location

MDM

mobile device management. allows IT admins to manage and secure company owned devices

MAM

mobile application management. focuses on managing used for work purposes. IT can ensure these apps are secure, up-to-date, and compliant with company policies