CompTIA A+ Essentials Trivia Quiz: Hardware And Software

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  • 1/85 Questions

    What is a gateway?

    • A device on a network that acts as an entrance to another network
    • That portal thing from Stargate
    • The name of the Windows validation tool
    • A device that hides unused ports
    • Another name for a NIC
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CompTIA A+ Essentials Trivia Quiz: Hardware And Software - Quiz
About This Quiz

This is the toughest practice test ever for CompTIA A+ Essentials. Are you really a computer geek? Do you really possess full-fledged technical knowledge when it comes to Software and Hardware? If yes, then prove yourself by attempting this quiz and assess yourself where you stand. Good luck with the test, most of the questions are harder than you will find in the actual test.

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  • 2. 

    What type of connector is shown in the image?

    • RJ-11

    • RJ-45

    Correct Answer
    A. RJ-45
    Explanation
    The image shows an RJ-45 connector. RJ-45 connectors are commonly used for Ethernet connections. They have eight pins and are larger in size compared to RJ-11 connectors, which are typically used for telephone connections and have only four pins.

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  • 3. 

    I have a network where each computer is connected to a central device. What type of network is this?

    • Ring

    • Star

    • Bus

    • Mesh

    • Wireless

    Correct Answer
    A. Star
    Explanation
    This network is a star network because each computer is connected to a central device, similar to how the points of a star radiate out from a central point. In a star network, all communication between computers goes through the central device, which helps to manage and control the flow of data. This type of network is commonly used in homes and small businesses, as it allows for easy management and troubleshooting.

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  • 4. 

    I have a network where all computers in the network are connected in a closed loop. What type of network is this?

    • Ring

    • Star

    • Bus

    • Mesh

    • Wireless

    Correct Answer
    A. Ring
    Explanation
    This network is a ring network because all computers in the network are connected in a closed loop. In a ring network, each computer is connected to exactly two other computers, forming a circular pathway for data to travel. This type of network is commonly used in situations where data needs to be transmitted in a specific order or where redundancy is important.

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  • 5. 

    The internet is a WAN

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The internet is a WAN (Wide Area Network) because it connects multiple networks across a wide geographical area. It allows users to access information and communicate with others globally. A WAN typically uses various communication technologies, such as telephone lines, fiber optics, or satellite connections, to transmit data over long distances. The internet, being a global network of interconnected networks, fits the definition of a WAN.

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  • 6. 

    What color is associated with a PS/2 keyboard?

    • Blue

    • Purple

    • Green

    Correct Answer
    A. Purple
    Explanation
    A purple PS/2 is a keyboard, green is for a mouse.

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  • 7. 

    You are putting together a computer and you accidentally put the keyboard and mouse in the wrong PS/2 ports, what will happen?

    • Nothing, they are both using PS/2 ports and the computer will detect the difference

    • The keyboard and mouse won’t work

    • The mouse won’t work but the keyboard will

    • The keyboard will work but the mouse wont

    • Both devices will work but they may cause problems

    Correct Answer
    A. The keyboard and mouse won’t work
    Explanation
    If the keyboard and mouse are accidentally plugged into the wrong PS/2 ports, they won't work. This is because each PS/2 port is designed for a specific device, with the purple port typically being for the keyboard and the green port for the mouse. Plugging them into the wrong ports will prevent the computer from detecting and recognizing the devices, resulting in their failure to work.

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  • 8. 

    You are asked to assemble a newly purchased Laser Printer. In the box you find a component that is housed in a thick black bag. What is in it?

    • Laser

    • Fuser

    • Corona Wire

    • Plutonium

    • Drum

    Correct Answer
    A. Drum
    Explanation
    Because of its sensibility to light, a drum is in the bag.

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  • 9. 

    SATA hard drives use the same jumpers as IDE hard drives

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    Sata cables only have one connector so they dont need jumpers

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  • 10. 

    What could happen if you don’t screw a card onto the case after attaching it to the motherboard?

    • Nothing, as long it’s inserted properly, the card will be fine

    • The card won’t work as it’s not grounded

    • The card could come loose

    • More dust could get into the case

    • The card could cause an ESD

    Correct Answer
    A. The card could come loose
    Explanation
    Had a computer come through today with boot problems. During the first boot windows wouldn’t load and the second boot it wouldn’t even go through POST. Turns out the network card hadn’t been screwed to the case and the card had come loose.

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  • 11. 

    What does turning on MAC address filtering do?

    • Encrypts files traveling to and from a node.

    • Checks the MAC address of the computer connecting to a network.

    • Hides the MAC address

    • Checks traffic for viruses.

    • Prevents Apple computers from connecting to a network.

    Correct Answer
    A. Checks the MAC address of the computer connecting to a network.
    Explanation
    Turning on MAC address filtering checks the MAC address of the computer connecting to a network. MAC address filtering is a security feature that allows or denies network access based on the MAC address of the device. By enabling this feature, only devices with approved MAC addresses are allowed to connect to the network, providing an additional layer of protection against unauthorized access.

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  • 12. 

    How fast is 802.11b?

    • 2Mbs

    • 11Mbs

    • 14Mbs

    • 24Mbs

    • 54Mbs

    Correct Answer
    A. 11Mbs
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 11Mbs because 802.11b is a wireless networking standard that operates at a maximum data rate of 11 megabits per second (Mbs). This standard was one of the earliest versions of Wi-Fi and while it offered slower speeds compared to later standards, it was still capable of providing sufficient connectivity for basic internet browsing and email usage.

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  • 13. 

    In a MAC address, that does MAC stand for?

    • Media Access Control

    • Multiple Access Controllers

    • Modem Access Control

    • Motherboard Access Control

    • Media Access Center

    Correct Answer
    A. Media Access Control
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Media Access Control." In computer networking, a MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to a network interface card (NIC) by the manufacturer. It is used to identify devices on a network at the data link layer of the OSI model. The term "Media Access Control" refers to the process of controlling access to a shared communication medium, such as a network cable, to avoid data collisions between devices.

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  • 14. 

    You are checking the back of DVD drive and you notice a 1 at left of the IDE connection, what does this mean?

    • It is a DVD burner and should be set as a primary

    • The Drive should be on the primary IDE cable

    • The drive should be combined with a HDD

    • The drive should be combined with a drive of the same manufactorer for optimal performance

    • The correct way the IDE cable should be inserted

    Correct Answer
    A. The correct way the IDE cable should be inserted
    Explanation
    Sometimes it’s not a 1 but a mark, either way it shows what way the IDE cable should be plugged in. The red wire on the cable should match where the mark or number is.

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  • 15. 

    I have a network where all computers are connected through a single coaxial cable. What type of network is this?

    • Ring

    • Star

    • Bus

    • Mesh

    • Wireless

    Correct Answer
    A. Bus
    Explanation
    This type of question is very likely to appear on the essentials test, be sure to know what the topologies look like visually.

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  • 16. 

    I have a network where each computer is connected to each other. What type of network is this?

    • Ring

    • Star

    • Bus

    • Mesh

    • Wireless

    Correct Answer
    A. Mesh
    Explanation
    This network is a mesh network because each computer is connected to every other computer in the network. In a mesh network, there are multiple paths for data to travel, allowing for redundancy and increased reliability.

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  • 17. 

    Holding down Del at startup will enter the BIOS on all new computers

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The key pushed depends on the motherboard manufactorer which can get annyoing, especially on laptops.

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  • 18. 

    You are testing a new laser printer and you notice that that there is a lot of loose powder on page. What is happening?

    • You are using paper that isn’t marked as Laser Printer Certified

    • This is normal as it usually takes a few test prints to get rid of the “dumb” powder.

    • The fuser is malfunctioning

    • You have to print to test page to calibrate the machine before printing anything else

    • There is a bad Print Corona

    Correct Answer
    A. The fuser is malfunctioning
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that the fuser is malfunctioning. The fuser is responsible for melting the toner powder onto the paper, and if it is not functioning properly, the toner powder will not adhere correctly and will appear as loose powder on the page.

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  • 19. 

    What does VGA stand for?

    • Video Graphics Array

    • Video Graphics Accelerator

    • Video Graphics Account

    • Video Graphics Application

    • Video Graphics Acumination

    Correct Answer
    A. Video Graphics Array
    Explanation
    VGA stands for Video Graphics Array. It is a display standard that was introduced by IBM in 1987. VGA provides a resolution of 640x480 pixels and supports a wide range of colors. It became a popular standard for computer monitors and video cards, and was widely used until the late 1990s. The other options, Video Graphics Accelerator, Video Graphics Account, Video Graphics Application, and Video Graphics Acumination, are not correct definitions for VGA.

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  • 20. 

    Most new computers come with BTX

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    BTX was meant to replace ATX but it never took off.

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  • 21. 

    RAID 0 creates a single logical drive over one or more physical drive

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    RAID 0, also known as striping, combines multiple physical drives into a single logical drive. This increases the overall storage capacity and improves performance by distributing data across multiple drives simultaneously. However, RAID 0 does not provide any data redundancy or fault tolerance. If any drive fails, the entire array may become inaccessible or lose data. Therefore, it is important to regularly back up data when using RAID 0.

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  • 22. 

    Which wireless protocol is the slowest?

    • 802.11a

    • 802.11b

    • 802.11g

    Correct Answer
    A. 802.11b
    Explanation
    802.11b has a speed of 11Mbs while the others go at 54Mbps

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  • 23. 

    What does the domain controller do?

    • Responds to authentication requests

    • Maintains the firewall

    • Controls Internet bandwidth

    • Controls remote access

    • Beeps alot for no apparent reason

    Correct Answer
    A. Responds to authentication requests
    Explanation
    The domain controller is responsible for responding to authentication requests. It verifies the identity of users and allows them access to the network resources based on their credentials. By authenticating users, the domain controller ensures that only authorized individuals can access sensitive information and resources within the network.

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  • 24. 

    A directory and folder is the same thing

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    A directory and a folder are indeed the same thing. Both terms are used interchangeably to refer to a container that can hold files or other directories/folders within it. In computer systems, directories are used to organize and manage files, providing a hierarchical structure for easy navigation and storage. Whether you call it a directory or a folder, it serves the same purpose of organizing and storing files.

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  • 25. 

    What does IEEE stand for?

    • Independent Electrical and Electronics Engineers

    • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

    • Insufferable Electrical and Electronics Engineers

    • Industry of Electronics and Electrical Engineers

    • Indifferent Electrical and Electronics Engineers

    Correct Answer
    A. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
    Explanation
    IEEE stands for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. This organization is a professional association that focuses on advancing technology in the fields of electrical engineering, electronics, telecommunications, computer science, and related disciplines. The IEEE provides a platform for professionals to collaborate, share knowledge, and develop standards to drive innovation and technological advancements in these areas.

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  • 26. 

    Which Layer of the OSI is IP on?

    • Physical

    • Data link

    • Network

    • Transport

    • Session

    Correct Answer
    A. Network
    Explanation
    IP (Internet Protocol) is on the Network layer of the OSI model. The Network layer is responsible for routing and forwarding data packets between different networks. IP provides the addressing and routing functions necessary for data to be sent from one network to another. It determines the best path for data transmission, handles packet fragmentation and reassembly, and ensures reliable delivery of data across the network. Therefore, IP is placed on the Network layer of the OSI model.

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  • 27. 

    If I show you a 1284 and 1394 cable, what are you seeing in that order?

    • A serial and parallel cable

    • Firewire and Parallel cable

    • Serial and Firewire cable

    • Parallel and Firewire cable

    • Firewire and USB cable

    Correct Answer
    A. Parallel and Firewire cable
    Explanation
    1284 is a parallel and 1294 is firewire. This is important to remember as some have said that the essentials exam refer to these by their numbers rather than their names.

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  • 28. 

    Which of the following is found on Layer 7 of the OSI model?

    • DHCP

    • FTP

    • HTTP

    • SMTP

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    Layer 7 of the OSI model is the application layer, which is responsible for providing network services to user applications. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a network protocol used for automatically assigning IP addresses to devices on a network. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a standard network protocol used for transferring files between a client and a server. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the protocol used for transmitting web pages over the internet. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is a protocol for sending email messages. Therefore, all of the options mentioned (DHCP, FTP, HTTP, and SMTP) are found on Layer 7 of the OSI model.

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  • 29. 

    The only difference between RAID 3 and 4 is the level it stripes data across the drives

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    RAID 3 stripes at a byte level and RAID 4 at a block.

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  • 30. 

    WQXGA is 2560 x 1600

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    WQXGA stands for Wide Quad Extended Graphics Array, which is a display resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. Therefore, the statement "WQXGA is 2560 x 1600" is true.

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  • 31. 

    What slot would this card go into?

    • AGP

    • PCI

    • PCIe

    • ISA

    • IDE Connecter

    Correct Answer
    A. AGP
    Explanation
    This card would go into the AGP slot. AGP stands for Accelerated Graphics Port, which is a high-speed point-to-point channel for attaching a graphics card to a computer's motherboard. AGP slots were commonly used in older computers for graphics cards before being replaced by PCIe slots.

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  • 32. 

    You are trying to print and get an error message saying “Not Enough Disk Space”. How can you fix this?

    • Increase virtual memory

    • Convert to a different file system

    • Buy more Ram

    • Free up hard drive space

    • Update driver

    Correct Answer
    A. Free up hard drive space
    Explanation
    Computers need diskspace to complete a job, the amount depends on the size of the file being printed.

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  • 33. 

    Windows XP Service Pack 2 requires 1.8Gb of hard drive space

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Windows XP Service Pack 2 requires 1.8GB of hard drive space because service packs are updates and enhancements to the operating system. These updates often include new features, bug fixes, and security improvements. To install these updates, sufficient space is required on the hard drive to accommodate the new files and changes being made to the system. In the case of Windows XP Service Pack 2, it specifically requires 1.8GB of hard drive space to ensure a successful installation and operation of the service pack.

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  • 34. 

    What is this a picture of?

    • SCSI Port

    • SCSI connector

    • SCSI Terminator

    • Loopback Device

    • SCSI Host Adapter

    Correct Answer
    A. SCSI Terminator
    Explanation
    A SCSI terminator is a device used in a SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) system to prevent signal reflection at the end of the SCSI bus. It ensures that the electrical signals are properly terminated, preventing data errors and signal degradation. The picture is likely showing a SCSI terminator, which is a small connector or device that is attached to the end of the SCSI bus to terminate the electrical signals.

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  • 35. 

    You are upgrading the hard drive for a law firm and they do not want the old one back. What should you do with it?

    • Format and sell it second hand, take the price of it off the client’s bill.

    • Format and keep it as a spare hard drive.

    • Keep it around incase something goes wrong with the new one and you have something to fall back on.

    • Format then take it out back and introduce it to a hammer

    • Just throw it away.

    Correct Answer
    A. Format then take it out back and introduce it to a hammer
    Explanation
    Even after it’s been formatted a hard drive may contain sensitive material so it is best to destroy the it, preferably on a stressful day. Normal clients hard drives can be resused

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  • 36. 

    A Mac Computer can read a FAT32 HDD

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    A Mac computer can read a FAT32 HDD because the FAT32 file system is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. This means that a Mac computer can easily access and read files stored on a FAT32 HDD without any compatibility issues.

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  • 37. 

    A Mac Computer can read & write to a NTFS HDD

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    Mac's can only read a NTFS formatted disk. This has appeared in the actual exam.

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  • 38. 

    How many volts is carried by an orange wire

    • +3.3

    • -5

    • +5

    • -12

    • +12

    Correct Answer
    A. +3.3
    Explanation
    The orange wire carries a voltage of +3.3 volts.

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  • 39. 

    An extended partition is commonly assigned E Drive

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    Extended partitions aren’t given a drive letter

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  • 40. 

    Why don’t computers have a B drive?

    • Apple has a patent on using B as a drive letter

    • It cascades with M drive

    • It’s a security venerability

    • It’s not necessary to have a B drive

    • It’s used by the BIOS

    Correct Answer
    A. It’s not necessary to have a B drive
    Explanation
    In the early DOS days, Drive B was used as was a second floppy drive used to run programs. This died off as hard drives that used the letter C became more common and Microsoft decided that the B drive was not needed.

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  • 41. 

    What layer of OSI is TCP on?

    • Application

    • Presentation

    • Session

    • Transport

    • Network

    Correct Answer
    A. Transport
    Explanation
    TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a transport layer protocol in the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model. The transport layer is responsible for the reliable delivery of data between two hosts on a network. TCP provides reliable, connection-oriented communication by establishing a connection, segmenting data into packets, ensuring their delivery, and managing flow control. Therefore, TCP operates on the transport layer of the OSI model.

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  • 42. 

    IDE stands for Independent Drive Electronics

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    IDE stands for Integrated Drive Electronics

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  • 43. 

    UXGA is 1920 x 1200

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The correct resolution for UXGA is 1600 x 1200, not 1920 x 1200.

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  • 44. 

    You are looking at the speed of an 8x PCIe card which states the speed as 2000mbs (4000mbs) What does the bracketed number show?

    • The speed the card can be over clocked to

    • The combined bandwidth in both directions

    • The speed it can reach on an a PCIe 2.0 motherboard

    • The speed it can reach if combined with a quad core processor

    • The speed it can reach if put in a 16x slot

    Correct Answer
    A. The combined bandwidth in both directions
    Explanation
    PCI Express is a serial based technology so data can be sent over the bus in two directions at once unlike normal PCI which is parallel.

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  • 45. 

    With SCSI, which is longer, HVD or LVD?

    • LVD

    • HVD

    Correct Answer
    A. HVD
    Explanation
    HVD can be up to 25m, LVD can be up to 12m

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  • 46. 

    A hub is a repeater

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    A hub takes the incoming data packet that comes into a port and copies it out to all the other ports in the hub.

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  • 47. 

    USB 2.0 can reach longer lengths than USB 1.1

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    They are both have a max length of 5m. USB 1.0 has a max of 2m.

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  • 48. 

    8x AGP is faster than 1x PCIe

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The statement is true because 8x AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) has a higher data transfer rate compared to 1x PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express). AGP was a standard for connecting graphics cards to the motherboard, and 8x AGP had a maximum bandwidth of 2.1 GB/s. On the other hand, PCIe is a newer and faster standard, but 1x PCIe only has a maximum bandwidth of 0.25 GB/s. Therefore, 8x AGP is faster than 1x PCIe.

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  • 49. 

    Turning off SSID makes a wireless network more secure.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    Turning off SSID may degrade performance and open the network up to passive scanning. Turning off SSID appeared in one users exam.

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  • Mar 21, 2022
    Quiz Edited by
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