CompTIA A+ Core 1 Practice Exam

Resource requirements

The hardware needs (CPU, RAM, storage, snapshots) considered when planning a virtual machine environment.

Cooling component: Fan

Draws cool air from low front vents over the motherboard to improve airflow and dissipate heat.

RAID array replacement performance degradation

Occurs temporarily after replacing a failed drive because the array is rebuilding and writing gigabytes of data.

Digitizer

The touch screen layer sandwiched between protective glass and the display panel that converts analog touch input to digital instructions.

Constant indicator LED activity

Implies disk thrashing caused by insufficient RAM, a faulty software process, or malware infection.

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

Supports uplink/downlink MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and operates in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

IPv6 address main parts

Composed of a 64-bit network ID and a 64-bit interface ID.

Scan to network share protocol

Server Message Block (SMB) configures the MFD with a path to a suitable file server and shared folder.

No power troubleshooting order

Eliminate simpler answers first, such as checking if the power strip is off or the outlet is not working.

Security requirements in virtualization

Consulted during internal audits to verify that all virtual machines are up to date on patches.

Community cloud

A cloud deployment model where several organizations with similar security needs share infrastructure costs.

M.2 adapter card

A small, horizontally oriented adapter card that draws power over the bus without a separate power cable.

Firewall ACL basic properties

Requires block/allow property, protocol, and source/destination network or device.

Bluetooth initial connection step

Must be enabled on the mobile device before pairing or discovery mode can begin.

iPhone proprietary connector

Lightning port, which is reversible and found only on Apple mobile devices.

VGA audio limitation

VGA cables do not carry audio; changing to an HDMI cable is a solution for sending both audio and video.

DNS A record

Resolves a host name to a specific IPv4 address.

Battery utilization check

The next troubleshooting step when a new phone's charge lasts only two hours and has no physical damage.

DDR5 RAM

The most up-to-date DDR RAM version that supports both non-ECC and ECC memory types.

Power cord troubleshooting step

Replace the power cord with a known good cord after verifying the wall socket is working.

Application virtualization

Software delivery model where clients access applications hosted on a server or stream them (e.g., Citrix XenApp).

Expanding laptop battery symptom

A Lithium-ion battery that overheats and causes a bulge at the bottom of the laptop.

DHCP server IP misconfiguration

Suspected when a local server is online and connected, but workstations cannot reach it by its documented static IP.

No LED status indicator on a drive

Indicates that the whole system may not be receiving power or the individual disk is faulty.

Second hard drive missing in OS

Indicates a potential hardware or cable/connector fault if Disk Management does not detect the disk.

APIPA address range

An IP address starting with 169.254.x.y indicating the laptop cannot contact a DHCP server.

Internet of Things (IoT)

Smart devices (thermostats, doorbells, appliances) that assist physically disabled residents to operate items remotely.

Microsoft Exchange mobile configuration

Requires parameters such as a host address, TLS choice, and an optional domain.

Cable tester

A pair of devices attached to each end of a cable to test patch cords or permanent links for faults.

Biometric sensor and NFC

Security implementations that allow login via fingerprint scanners or contactless smart cards.

In-plane switching (IPS)

TFT display technology using crystals that rotate rather than twist, delivering better color reproduction at wider viewing angles.

Budget laptop cost reduction

Omitting a built-in webcam is a hardware choice that helps drive down the cost of a budget laptop.

File synchronization

A cloud storage advantage that replicates files across devices and enables simultaneous collaborative access while tracking edits.

"Boot device not found" causes

Can be caused by a faulty drive, bad connection, or corruption of the boot section.

Cracked smartphone screen first step

Check if the phone is under warranty before attempting screen replacement or repairs.

Power injector

Hardware used to augment power requirements for PoE access points when the current network switch does not support PoE.

Frozen phone screen troubleshooting

Focus on the digitizer, as touch screen damage can mimic a frozen or unresponsive device.

DHCP address exhaustion

Occurs when wireless devices can see an SSID and authenticate, but fail to obtain an IP address.

iPhone charging cable type

Proprietary Lightning connector used across most iPhone and standard iPad models.

Desktop as a Service (DaaS)

Also known as VDI in the cloud, enabling users to load virtual desktops hosted remotely by a cloud provider.

Laser printer fuser unit overheating

Caused by using thick paper that puts excessive heat and pressure through the assembly.

Modular power supply

A power supply unit featuring detachable power cables to minimize chassis clutter and improve airflow.

Optical drive installation bay

Installed in a 5.25-inch drive bay and connects to the motherboard via SATA data and power connectors.

Managed switches

The foundation of network segmentation, containing internal software to configure security settings and VLANs.

USB 3.0 data transfer

A full-duplex USB standard that allows devices to send and receive data simultaneously.

Hybrid cloud deployment

Utilizes private cloud infrastructure normally, but incorporates a public cloud to handle peak processing loads.

Motherboard power connector compatibility

A 20-pin main power connector can accept a 20-pin adapter or a 24-pin adapter (where 4 pins are detachable).

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

Makes files available for download across a network using TCP port 21 for control and TCP port 20 for data transfer.

Wide viewing angle display technology

In-plane switching (IPS) supports 178-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angles for wide conference rooms.

Punchdown block

A mechanism used to terminate permanent structured cabling connected to wall ports and patch panels.

Cross-platform virtualization

Testing software applications under different operating systems and resource constraints to ensure environment compatibility.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Cloud service model where organizations pay for licenses to use fully developed existing applications.

POST continuous beeps

Indicates a system memory (RAM) or memory controller problem that stops the computer from booting or displaying.

802.11n (Wi-Fi 4)

Dual-band wireless standard ($2.4\,\text{GHz}$ and $5\,\text{GHz}$) introducing MIMO antenna technology and bonded $40\,\text{MHz}$ channels with $150\,\text{Mbps}$ per stream.

Grinding and clicking noises in a PC

Indicates a faulty hard disk drive (HDD) with failing mechanical platters and arms.

Tool-free laptop component replacement

Lithium-ion battery packs are often removable without tools using a spring lock mechanism.

Printer page orientation tab

Located in printer preferences to change page view between portrait and landscape.

Rapid elasticity

A cloud computing benefit referring to a system's ability to handle changes to demand in real-time.

Dual-channel memory architecture

Utilizes two 64-bit pathways between the CPU, memory controller, and motherboard to transfer 128 bits per cycle.

Custom Ethernet patch cable tools

Requires a crimper, cable stripper, and snips to cut and attach male RJ45 connectors.

Cloud service provider shared resources

Pooling resources and virtualization to automatically provision and de-provision cloud services efficiently.

Blank screen laptop troubleshooting

Connect an external monitor first to check if the screen or the video output is at fault when the fan spins.

Port replicator / Docking station

Attaches to a laptop to provide a full complement of desktop ports, network connections, and expansion options.

Android mobile charging cable

Modern Android devices use the USB-C connector for wired peripherals and charging.

NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express)

An interface for storage access and transport that delivers high throughput and fast response times via PCIe or M.2.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Cloud model providing IT hardware and database platforms where the provider maintains availability, but the customer develops the app.

Shielded twisted pair (STP) cable

Contains extra protection against electromagnetic interference, making it reliable for 10G Ethernet in data centers.

Color calibration

The process of adjusting screen and scanner settings with a color profile to balance digital art color input and output.

Touch pen / Stylus

Input device used with drawing pads and touch screens to achieve greater precision in digital art.

Volatility of storage devices (Least to most)

mSATA SSD, 2.5" HDD, USB Removable Storage, RAM, CPU Cache.

Laptop wireless card troubleshooting

Accessed by removing a screw-down panel or back cover to examine internal Wi-Fi components and antennas.

Capacitor swelling diagnosis

Visual physical inspection is the only sure way to diagnose bulging or leaking barrel-like power-regulating capacitors.

BIOS/UEFI slot configuration

Check motherboard settings to ensure a PCI slot is enabled when a verified NIC is not recognized.

Application virtualization code updates

A software delivery method ensuring that client-accessed applications are always updated with the latest code.

VGA video connector

A 15-pin, usually blue, analog video interface cable connecting personal computers to monitors.

Printer setup considerations

Must consider setup location (power, network, user access) and proper unboxing safety procedures.

AAA network security components

Includes the supplicant (client), network access server/point (authenticator), and the AAA authentication server.

Security requirements (Mobile/Remote)

Category including remote wipe, locator apps, device encryption, remote backup, and antivirus software.

Sandbox isolated environment

Provides an isolated environment for testing and developing code or analyzing viruses, worms, and Trojans safely.

Redundant power supply

Server configuration allowing a faulty power supply unit to be removed and replaced (hot-swapped) without losing power.

Mailbox access protocols for email software

IMAP and POP3 are mailbox access protocols used to retrieve messages from a mailbox server.

Adaptive brightness / auto-dimming fix

Turn off the auto-dim or adaptive brightness feature in modern operating systems.

Remote office internet connectivity

Use a 5G cellular connection with a dedicated cellular router to provide high-speed internet access for an office.

IPv6 address parts

An IPv6 address is composed of a network ID and an interface ID.

Legacy software/OS application failure

Legacy software applications and operating systems may not perform well if a user's system has been upgraded.

Syslog appliance

A protocol and supporting software solution that facilitates log collection and distributed event logging.

Screensaver purpose

An animated screensaver helps prevent display burn-in caused by static images.

Bluetooth initial step on smartphone

Enable Bluetooth on the phone before pairing can begin.

Printer infrastructure mode connection

A printer connecting via infrastructure mode is most likely using a wireless connection.

Physical indicator of overheating

A burning smell indicates that something (such as the power supply) is overheating.

Unmanaged switch troubleshooting

If a device connected to an unmanaged switch is not communicating, check for physical issues like an improper connection or faulty cable.

Digitizer

An internal mobile device component that converts analog touch input to digital software instructions.

CDMA phone characteristic

CDMA phones do not utilize a SIM card as the handset is directly managed by the provider.

RAID array boot failure without configuration utility access

Indicates that the controller likely failed.

Bluetooth keyboard troubleshooting steps

Replace the keyboard battery and pair the devices.

Cross-platform virtualization

Used to test software applications under different OSs and resource constraints to ensure compatibility.

Shielded twisted pair (STP) for 10G Ethernet

Provides extra protection against interference and is more reliable than UTP for 10G Ethernet and higher in a data center.

AAA network connection components

Includes the supplicant, network access server/point, and the AAA server.

Faded print troubleshooting

Check if the toner cartridge needs replacing.

Intermittent shutdown diagnosis information

Knowing the circumstance or what the user is doing when the shutdown occurs helps narrow down the cause.