CompTIA A+ Essentials Practice Test (100 Questions)

You have the power to change the order of all bootable devises in the BIOS.

USB devices are completely capable of being hot swapped, which means that you can add them and remove them without shutting down or restarting your computer.

The Administrator user has the most authority because it is the account which is responsible for adding and removing services and users, creating group policies, changing security settings and so on.

Manufacturers of processors will guarantee a specific rated clock speed for their processors. At your own risk, it is possible to run your processor at a faster rate, a process that is known as overclocking.

Both Intel and AMD have released "dual core" processors, which are essentially comprised of two combined processors. Core processors are available both as "solo" or as "duo" or dual core versions.

When acting as a service technician and talking to a customer, it is important to avoid interruptions of all kinds. This is because interruptions can disrupt the flow of the conversation and prevent the technician from fully understanding the customer's concerns or issues. By avoiding interruptions, the technician can give the customer their full attention and provide a more effective and satisfactory service experience.

A hotfix is not a type of malware or malicious software. It is a software patch or update released by a software vendor to address a specific issue or bug in their software. Unlike malware, which is designed to harm or exploit a computer system, a hotfix is intended to improve the functionality or security of the software it is applied to.

The correct answer is 1 because it is the only arrow that is pointing directly at a PCI slot. The other arrows are not pointing at any specific slot.

An AGP slot, or Advanced Graphic Port Slot helps to attain high performance levels and is derived from PCI specification. The AGP slot is only used for video card adapters.

Fiber optic cables offer high speed and long distance connections.

When a user reports an issue that cannot be replicated with a technician onsite, the best action for the technician to take is to ask a series of questions to the user. By asking specific questions, the technician can gather more information about the issue, such as when it occurs, what actions were taken before it happened, and any error messages that may have appeared. This will help the technician narrow down the scope of the problem and identify potential solutions or troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.

Your BIOS software resides on a ROM IC which is located on the motherboard and known as a CMOS, or Complementary Metal Oxide Semi-conductor. The CMOS ROM uses a battery in order to store information while the computer is off, and is non-volatile.

When dealing with a customer as a service technician, it is important to avoid using jargon. Jargon refers to technical or specialized language that may be difficult for the customer to understand. Using simple words that can be easily understood by the customer is essential in providing effective communication and ensuring that the customer fully comprehends the information being conveyed. Therefore, using jargon should be avoided in order to provide clear and concise communication with the customer.

In order to get the maximum speed, the hard disk, the system chipset and the BIOS must all support the mode in question.

By right-clicking on 'Properties' under My Computer, a user can determine which Windows OS or Operating System is currently installed on the computer. This action opens the System Properties window, which provides information about the operating system, including its version and other details.

The correct answer is RJ-45. RJ-45 is the standard connector used for UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) Ethernet connections. It has 8 pins and is commonly used for connecting devices such as computers, routers, and switches to a local area network (LAN). RJ-45 connectors are designed to provide reliable and high-speed data transmission over Ethernet cables.

The red edge of a 40-pin ribbon cable is connected to pin one on the IDE hard drive. If you fail to do so correctly, it may result in the hard drive being completely unable to communicate with your system.

Disk Management is the correct answer because it is the utility used in Windows XP for partitioning a disk. Disk Management allows users to create, delete, format, and resize partitions on a hard drive. It also provides options for assigning drive letters and setting up new volumes.

PCMCIA stands for the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association, and is a type of expansion slot for lap tops.

When your computer is first booting up, the first set of instructions that it receives upon boot up come directly from the BIOS.

All of these components should be recycled rather than simply thrown away due to their highly toxic components. Laptop batteries, toner cartridges, ink jet cartridges, and computer monitors all contain hazardous materials that can pollute the environment if not disposed of properly. Recycling these components ensures that the toxic components are safely extracted and that the materials can be reused, reducing the environmental impact.

ESD, or Electrostatic Discharge, refers to the sudden flow of electricity between two objects with different electrical potentials. When ESD occurs, it can cause damage to electronic components. This is because the discharge can generate a high voltage that exceeds the component's tolerance, leading to the failure of the component. Therefore, the correct answer is that ESD can cause electronic components to fail.

MSDS stands for Material Safety Data Sheets. These sheets provide detailed information about the potential hazards and safety precautions associated with a particular material or chemical. They include information on the composition, physical and chemical properties, handling and storage procedures, emergency response measures, and disposal guidelines. MSDSs are important tools for ensuring the safe handling and use of materials in various industries, such as manufacturing, construction, and healthcare.

To troubleshoot the issue of a computer freezing, the technician should first obtain information about what the user was doing when the problem occurred. This information can help identify any specific actions, programs, or settings that may be causing the freeze. By understanding the context in which the freeze occurs, the technician can narrow down the potential causes and provide more targeted solutions. Obtaining the model number, Windows Error Reporting Log, or type of machine being used may be helpful in certain cases, but understanding the user's actions is the most crucial piece of information for initial troubleshooting.

If your power supply's fan is no longer working, replacing the entire power supply is the best course of action. The power supply should never be opened up for any reason.

Card readers plug directly into your computer via a USB port, and will allow you to insert your flash card to access all of your data directly on your PC.

CVT stands for Continuously Variable Transmission, which is a type of automotive transmission, not a computer connector. USB (Universal Serial Bus), HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), and RJ45 (Registered Jack 45) are widely used for connecting various peripherals and devices to computers.

The most likely connector to be used on the computer's parallel port for an older printer is the DB-25 pin connector. This is because the DB-25 pin connector is commonly used for parallel ports and is compatible with older printer models. The other connector options listed (DB-9 pin, DB-37, DB-50) are not typically used for parallel ports and are less likely to be used in this scenario.

The correct answer is to explain the problem to the customer in the most basic terms and recommend a solution. This is the appropriate action because the technician should communicate the issue to the customer in a clear and understandable way. By explaining the problem in basic terms, the technician can ensure that the customer understands the issue and can make an informed decision on how to proceed. Additionally, by recommending a solution, the technician can provide guidance on how to resolve the sluggish and unresponsive behavior of the computer.

IDE controllers are capable of supporting up to 2 hard drives. For two IDE controllers, four hard drives can be supported.

The two types of partitions on basic disks are primary and extended.

A hard disk drive's multiple disks are known as platters. Platters are circular, flat discs coated with a magnetic material that store data in the form of magnetized regions. These platters are stacked on a spindle and rotate at high speeds when the hard drive is in use. The data is read and written to the platters using read/write heads that move across the surface of the platters. Therefore, platters are the correct term for the multiple disks in a hard disk drive.

A single short beep is actually the computer's way of telling you that everything is fine!

RAM does occasionally misfire, and is capable of making mistakes. This is not typically a big deal for a home user, but it can be for applications that are mission critical in nature. Parity checking is responsible for adding more to the data used for error detection by the MCC. Parity RAM cannot correct errors, and may not always catch them.

The first and most important step in the process of avoiding accidents by identifying potential hazards is to read all available MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) information. MSDS provides important information about the potential hazards of a substance or product, including safety precautions, handling instructions, and emergency procedures. By reading and understanding the MSDS information, individuals can be aware of the potential hazards associated with a substance or product and take necessary precautions to avoid accidents.

The standby mode requires the least amount of time to boot up in order to retrieve a previous computing session. In standby mode, the computer is still powered on but most of its components are turned off or put into a low-power state. This allows the computer to quickly resume from where it left off, as it does not need to go through the entire boot-up process like in the other modes.

Plugging a third-party adapter outputting alternating current directly into a laptop computer can cause damage to the components of the laptop. This is because the laptop is designed to receive direct current (DC) from its original adapter, and an AC current can overload and damage the internal components.

The first physical sector for any bootable hard disk contains the MBR, or Master Boot Record.

NAN is not a type of network. LAN is a Local Area Network, WAN is a Wide Area Network and MAN is a Metropolitan Area Network.

Proxy servers act as an intermediary between Local Area Network Clients and The Internet. A proxy server receives requests from clients on the LAN and forwards them to the internet, acting as a middleman. It can also cache data from the internet and provide it to clients, improving performance and reducing bandwidth usage. Additionally, proxy servers can enhance security by filtering and blocking certain requests, protecting the LAN clients from potential threats on the internet.

The range for Bluetooth headsets is typically around 10 meters. Bluetooth technology uses radio waves to transmit data, and the range is limited by the power of the radio signal. In most cases, Bluetooth devices need to be within close proximity to maintain a strong and stable connection. Therefore, the range for Bluetooth headsets is usually around 10 meters, allowing for convenient wireless communication between the headset and the device it is paired with.

An amplifier is used to boost an analog signal. It increases the amplitude of the signal, thereby increasing its strength and making it easier to transmit or process. Amplifiers are commonly used in audio systems, telecommunications, and other applications where a weak signal needs to be strengthened for better performance.

All of the above questions should be asked of the client to diagnose the problem. By asking if the client has a sample of the characters, it can help identify if the issue is with the document itself or with the printing process. Inquiring about the applications in use can help determine if the problem is specific to a certain program or if it occurs with all applications. Asking where the printer is located can help identify if there are any environmental factors that could be affecting the printing. Lastly, asking about the frequency and timing of the problem can provide insights into any patterns or potential causes.

TFTs or thin film transistors are a special kind of field effect transistor which are made by depositing thin films for the metallic contacts, the semiconductor active layer and the dielectric layer.

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is a security protocol used to encrypt data on wireless networks. It operates at the data link layer of the OSI model, providing security for the network layer. This means that it protects the data being transmitted over the network by encrypting it at the network layer. Therefore, WEP is used at both the data link layer and the network layer of the OSI model.

Public key cryptography can provide a reliable method for digital signing by using public and private key pairs.

When loading safe mode, the system only loads essential drivers and services to troubleshoot and diagnose any issues. The safe mode is designed to start the computer with a minimal set of drivers and services, which helps to identify and fix problems that may occur during the normal startup process. In this case, the keyboard, the mouse, and the VGA driver are loaded because they are necessary for basic functionality and display. The other options either include unnecessary drivers or exclude essential ones.

Type II PCMCIA cards are mostly used when it comes to network and modem interface cards. These are the most common PC card types and are 5mm thick.

PCMCIA is a universal input/output interface for external components.

FTP or File Transfer Protocol is the protocol which is used for file downloading and uploading on the internet.

Although liquid-cooling systems may be overkill for most environments, they work by running cold water over a metal plate, which sits on the top of the CPU.

The error code 201 is most likely indicating that the memory test during the booting process has failed. This suggests that there may be an issue with the computer's RAM or memory modules.

The drum in a laser printer is responsible for transferring the toner onto the paper. It is coated with a light-sensitive material that gets charged by a laser beam to create an electrostatic image. If the drum is exposed to light for any period of time, it can become damaged or overexposed, leading to poor print quality or malfunctioning of the printer. Therefore, the drum absolutely cannot stand to be exposed to light for any period of time.

Handshaking is the term used when two modems are establishing communication between one another. Handshaking refers to the process in which the modems exchange signals to negotiate and establish a connection. This includes exchanging information about the speed, error correction, and other parameters to ensure proper communication between the modems. Handshaking is an essential step in establishing a reliable and efficient communication link between modems.

DNS, POP3 and TCP are all protocols which are used on the internet.

External modems are connected to the built-in system unit of a computer. They are not directly connected to a hard drive but rather to the main system unit, allowing them to communicate with the computer for data transmission.

To connect to a shared printer, you should choose 'Add Printer' and 'Network Printer' from the Printer Folder. This option allows you to add a printer that is connected to a network and share it with other devices. By selecting this option, you can search for available network printers and connect to the desired shared printer.

NIC cards with ST computers are for use with fiber optic networks.

Honey pots are fake systems which are utilized in order to distract an attacker from a real network. Honey pots can also log attacks to analyze how a particular hacker operates.

The Windows 95/98 system is comprised of the following files: IO.SYS, MSDOS.SYS, WIN.INI, COMMAND.COM, SYSTEM.INI, SYSTEM.DAT and USER.DAT.

If the laser printer's static eliminator strip is absent or broken, the paper may jam because the absence of the strip can cause the paper to curl around the photosensitive drum. The static eliminator strip helps to prevent static electricity build-up, which can cause the paper to stick or curl. Without it, the paper may not feed properly and get jammed in the printer.

DOS Natively supports only the FAT16 system, and because Windows 3.1 runs on top of DOS, it will also only support the FAT16 file system.

If the technician in charge of the work is currently away from their desk, the best course of action would be to ask the customer if they will hold while you check for the status of the repair ticket. This allows the customer to stay on the line while you gather the necessary information and provide them with an update on the status of their computer repair. It shows proactive customer service and ensures that the customer is kept informed.

The IP address 200.168.212.226 belongs to Class C because it falls within the range of 192.0.0.0 to 223.255.255.255. Class C IP addresses are commonly used for small to medium-sized networks as they provide a large number of host addresses.

The correct answer is "None of these." This means that all of the information mentioned in the options (toxicity information, health effects, disposal information, and spill/leak procedures) can generally be found on a MSDS sheet.

During the transfer phase for a laser printer, the image that has been formed on the drum is transferred onto the paper. This is done by applying a strong electrical charge to the paper, which attracts the toner particles from the drum onto the paper. The toner particles adhere to the paper, forming the final printed image.

Polymorphic viruses are capable of mutating by encrypting themselves to avoid detection.

Each and every cylinder is divided into different sectors, which are 512K in size.

The fusing unit in a laser printer uses heat and pressure to bond the image to paper. The heat melts the toner particles on the paper, and the pressure applies force to ensure that the melted toner is firmly adhered to the paper surface. This process creates a permanent image on the paper that is resistant to smudging or fading.

When a computer with an Award BIOS is booting and it outputs a single long beep, the most likely cause for this response is a memory issue. This beep code is a common indication of a memory failure or a problem with the memory modules. It could be caused by faulty or improperly installed RAM, or issues with the memory slots on the motherboard.

Sending modem modulates the data into a signal that is compatible with the phone line

SCSI 2 interfaces use 50-pin cables.

PCMCIA was created as a universal I/O port, meaning that it can be used for virtually any add on device.

The correct answer is Substance Identity and Contact Information. This information is listed first on a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) because it provides crucial details about the substance being described, such as its name, chemical formula, and physical properties. Additionally, it includes contact information for the manufacturer or supplier of the substance, allowing users to easily reach out for further information or assistance. This information is essential for identifying and understanding the substance before proceeding with any handling or storage requirements or considering its toxicological effects or transportation considerations.

During the printer's fusing process, the toner is melted into the paper. This process involves heating the toner particles to a high temperature, causing them to melt and adhere to the paper fibers. The melted toner then cools and solidifies, creating a permanent bond with the paper. This ensures that the printed image is durable and resistant to smudging or rubbing off.

It is strongly recommended by Microsoft that you do not enable File and Printer sharing when working with a dial up network.

If your CPU's fan should happen to fail, it may cause the CPU to overheat which can cause CPU damage or a system lock up.

When creating an additional partition using Disk Management Tools on a computer running Windows XP with three primary partitions and a single extended partition, the type of partition that may be added is a logical partition. Logical partitions are created within an extended partition and allow for further subdivision of storage space on the hard drive.

The modem command responsible for answering a call is ATA. When the ATA command is sent to the modem, it instructs the modem to answer an incoming call. This command is typically used in telecommunication systems to establish a connection between two devices, allowing them to communicate with each other.

The TKIP, or Temporary Key Integrity Protocol is responsible for guaranteeing that the WEP client receives a different WEP key after every 10,000 packets.

WUXGA stands for 'Widescreen Ultra Extended Graphics Array', and is the display standard referring to video adapters.

If the Command.com file is missing, it would not allow you to boot into DOS. Command.com is the primary executable file that is required for the operating system to load and function properly. It contains the command interpreter, which is responsible for executing commands and running programs in DOS. Without Command.com, the system would not be able to interpret and execute any commands, making it impossible to boot into DOS.

The inkjet printer's printhead is moved to the Maintenance Area in order to keep the ink from drying out. This area is designed to provide a controlled environment for the printhead, preventing the ink from drying up and clogging the nozzles. By moving the printhead to the Maintenance Area when not in use, the printer ensures that the ink remains in a suitable condition for printing.

When trying to write a new boot sector to the system partition using Windows XP Recovery Console, the command that would be used is FIXBOOT. This command is specifically designed to fix issues related to the boot sector of the system partition. It replaces the existing boot sector with a new one, ensuring that the system can properly boot up.

The correct answer is CD because the CD command in Windows is used to change the current directory or display the name of the current directory. By entering the CD command without any arguments, it will display the active working directory.

Pentium Pro was the first CPU package which included the L2 cache as part of the CPU package.

The minimum files required when putting together a boot disk are IOS.SYS, MSDOS.SYS, and COMMAND.COM. These files are necessary for the operating system to start up and run properly. The IOS.SYS file contains the core functions of the operating system, MSDOS.SYS contains the configuration settings for the operating system, and COMMAND.COM is the command interpreter that allows users to interact with the system.

The first thing to check is whether the printer is online. Even if the fan is operating and the printer appears to be functioning, it may not be able to print if it is not connected to the network or if it is offline. Checking the printer's online status ensures that it is properly connected and ready to receive print jobs.

NTFS or NT File System access permissions are assigned at the file level. This means that permissions can be set individually for each file, allowing administrators to control who can access, modify, or delete specific files. Folder level permissions, on the other hand, apply to the entire folder and all its contents. By assigning permissions at the file level, administrators have more granular control over access to sensitive or important files.

Hashing is a process which mixes data in order to create something like a fingerprint. This fingerprint is unique and absolutely cannot be modified.

The given answer suggests that all of the precautions mentioned should be taken to prevent electrostatic discharge-induced damage. Therefore, none of these precautions should be disregarded or neglected.

In preparation for an inspection by OSHA, it is important to review MSDS sheets and procedures for incident reporting. MSDS sheets provide information about the potential hazards of chemicals used in the workplace, which is crucial for ensuring safety and compliance with OSHA regulations. Procedures for incident reporting outline the steps to be taken in the event of an accident or injury, which is another key aspect of OSHA compliance. Reviewing these documents helps to ensure that the workplace is prepared for the inspection and that all necessary safety measures are in place.

The major components for an LCD are the screen and the inverter. The screen is the main display component that shows the images and videos. The inverter is responsible for providing power to the screen and controlling the brightness levels. The video card is not a major component for LCDs as it is primarily responsible for processing and outputting the video signals to the screen. Brightness, although important, is not considered a major component as it can be controlled through the inverter.

The question is asking about TOkenRing.
Cat.3 Data rates up to 4 Mbps in TokenRing networks, 10 Mbps in Ethernet networks .
Cat.4 Data rates up to 16 Mbps in TokenRing networks, 10 Mbps in Ethernet networks.

In order to bypass both CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT during the booting process for DOS, you need to press the F5 key. To selectively bypass one or the other, the F8 key would be used.

The fastest of the aforementioned types of DRAM is BEDO DRAM, or Burst Extended Data Out DRAM.

A booster is used to increase the strength or power of a digital signal. It amplifies the signal, allowing it to travel over longer distances or through obstacles without losing quality. A booster is commonly used in telecommunications and wireless communication systems to enhance the signal strength and improve overall performance.

Pressing F5 while booting your computer will allow your computer to boot directly into Safe Mode.

After every successful reboot, Windows 95 makes a backup of the Registry. The two back up files are named USER.DA0 and SYSTEM.DA0. The original Registry files, the ones that are replaced, are named USER.DAT and SYSTEM.DAT.

There are actually a few different things that can cause buffer underrun errors. It is generally helpful to make sure that the computer has as many available resources as possible. Sometimes this type of error can be prevented all together, by burning the CD-ROM at a slower speed. If the CD burner is no longer functioning in the way that it should, replacing it may be the only way to prevent such an error from occurring.