CompTIA 220-1101 CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Core 1 Exam Practice Test

Answer : C

Reasoning: Projectors have air filters that prevent dust from entering the internal components. A clogged filter can cause the projector to overheat, resulting in shutdowns and even strange smells due to overheating components. Cleaning the filter is a standard troubleshooting step when projectors exhibit overheating symptoms.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A . Replace the bulb:

While a failing bulb may eventually cause issues, it would not typically result in a strange smell or repeated shutdowns after a fixed period. Bulb issues usually manifest as dim or flickering images.

B . Check the projector configuration:

Configuration settings, such as resolution or input options, would not cause overheating or shutdowns. This option does not address the described symptoms.

D . Adjust the gamma settings:

Gamma settings affect display brightness and contrast but have no impact on overheating or strange smells.

Practical Example:

Dust accumulation in projectors is a common issue, especially in environments with poor air circulation. A clogged filter causes restricted airflow, leading to overheating and automatic shutdowns to protect internal components. Cleaning the filter typically resolves this issue.

CompTIA A+ Exam Objective Alignment:

Objective 5.5: Troubleshoot common video, projector, and display issues.

Answer : B

Reasoning: A cable tester capable of testing Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality can verify whether the switchport is providing the required power to the phone. This tool measures both the presence of data and the voltage or wattage being provided through the Ethernet cable.

This is the most effective way to confirm that PoE is available on the port.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A . Network tap:

A network tap is primarily used to monitor network traffic, not to test for PoE availability. It cannot verify if power is being supplied through the Ethernet cable.

C . Loopback plug:

A loopback plug is used to test the functionality of a network port by creating a loop for transmitted and received signals. It does not measure or verify PoE availability.

D . Toner probe:

A toner probe is used for tracing and identifying network cables. It cannot test for PoE functionality.

Practical Example:

A PoE phone might not turn on due to a misconfigured or faulty switchport. Using a cable tester capable of measuring PoE would help the technician determine if the switchport is supplying sufficient power to the phone.

CompTIA A+ Exam Objective Alignment:

Objective 2.1: Identify common networking hardware and tools, including PoE-enabled devices and cable testers.

Answer : B

Reasoning: Many docking stations provide power and functionality only when the laptop is properly powered on. If the laptop was powered off (e.g., during the vacation), docking it will not automatically turn it on. The technician should first ensure the laptop is powered on by pressing the power button.

This is a common troubleshooting step when laptops in docking stations appear non-functional.

Relevance to CompTIA A+ Core 1: This falls under Objective 5.2, which covers diagnosing and resolving common laptop and mobile device issues.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A . Ensure the docking station is plugged in:

While ensuring power to the docking station is important, the scenario specifies that the issue occurred after a vacation. The likelihood of the docking station losing power coincidentally during the vacation is low. Verifying the laptop's power state should be the first step.

C . Plug the laptop in and let it charge overnight:

There is no indication the laptop's battery is drained. While charging could resolve a dead battery, the user is more likely experiencing an issue where the laptop is powered off but docked, so charging overnight is not the best first step.

D . Connect the laptop directly to the network:

A network connection will not resolve the primary issue of the keyboard and display not working. Addressing the laptop's power state is a higher priority.

Practical Example:

If a user returns from a vacation and places a powered-off laptop into a docking station, it may not automatically power on. Pressing the power button ensures the laptop is operational and communicating with the docking station.

CompTIA A+ Exam Objective Alignment:

Objective 5.2: Troubleshooting common laptop issues, including power, display, and peripheral connectivity.

Answer : A

The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a hardware-based security feature used to store cryptographic keys, such as those used for encryption, authentication, or device identification. It plays a critical role in ensuring secure operations for encrypted drives, BitLocker, and secure boot processes. Clearing TPM keys involves wiping all stored cryptographic data, which can lead to several consequences depending on what the TPM was being used for. Let's break it down:

Correct Answer: A. Encrypted hard drives would probably not be accessible.

Encrypted hard drives, such as those secured with BitLocker encryption, rely on the cryptographic keys stored in the TPM to unlock data.

Clearing the TPM will erase these keys, making it impossible for the encrypted drive to decrypt its contents unless a recovery key (separate from the TPM) is available. Without this recovery key, the data will likely become inaccessible.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference: This falls under Objective 3.5, which covers understanding BIOS/UEFI configurations, TPM functions, and securing devices.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

B . All security certificates would need to be reinstalled from trusted roots.

Clearing the TPM does not erase security certificates stored in the operating system or other areas. Certificates are generally managed by the OS or specific applications, not the TPM. Clearing the TPM only affects cryptographic keys and data stored in the TPM chip, so this is incorrect.

C . The device would need to be reenrolled in the MDM platform.

Mobile Device Management (MDM) enrollment typically does not rely on the TPM. While certain enterprise security configurations may involve the TPM, clearing it does not inherently trigger MDM reenrollment unless specifically tied to the MDM configuration.

D . The laptop would need to be registered to the domain as a new client.

While domain registrations may sometimes use TPM for authentication or secure operations, clearing the TPM alone does not require re-registering the device to the domain. The domain registration and authentication process rely more on system-level credentials than the TPM itself.

Practical Example:

A user enables BitLocker on their laptop, which relies on the TPM to store the encryption key. Later, if they clear the TPM via BIOS/UEFI without saving the BitLocker recovery key separately, they will not be able to unlock the hard drive, leading to data loss unless the recovery key is available. This is a common issue when technicians or users inadvertently clear the TPM without understanding its role in encryption.

CompTIA A+ Exam Objective Alignment:

Objective 3.5: Given a scenario, install and configure laptop hardware and components, including UEFI/BIOS security settings (TPM, secure boot, etc.).

This question tests understanding of TPM functionality, encryption technologies, and secure device configurations.

Answer : A

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.

Answer : B

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step

LC Connector (Lucent Connector):

LC is a type of fiber optic connector commonly used in optical networking cables. It is small, compact, and widely used for high-speed data transfer over fiber optic networks.

LC connectors are specifically designed for fiber optic cables, making them the correct answer.

Incorrect Options:

A . RJ45: RJ45 connectors are used for Ethernet cables (twisted-pair copper cabling) and are not compatible with optical networking cables.

C . USB-C: USB-C is a connector type used for general-purpose data transfer, charging, and video output, not for optical networking.

D . Lightning: Lightning connectors are proprietary to Apple devices and are not used in optical networking.

Key Takeaway:

The LC connector is specifically designed for fiber optic cables, making it the correct answer for optical networking.

Answer : C

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step

Modifying duplex settings to double-sided:

Printing on both sides of the paper (duplex printing) reduces paper usage, making it one of the most effective environmentally friendly printing initiatives.

It directly minimizes waste and supports sustainability goals in the workplace.

Incorrect Options:

A . Requiring user authentication for printing: While this can reduce unnecessary or unauthorized printing, it does not directly address environmental objectives like saving resources.

B . Locking down printing to only certain individuals: Limiting access may reduce printing overall, but it does not actively contribute to environmentally friendly practices like duplex printing.

D . Changing the print quality settings to best: Using the 'best' print quality increases toner or ink usage, which is counterproductive to environmentally friendly objectives.

Key Takeaway:

Modifying duplex settings to enable double-sided printing is the best initiative to achieve environmentally friendly goals by reducing paper consumption.