Practice Free 220-1201 Exam Online Questions
Question #101
Which of the following types of RAM is most likely used in data centers and in high-performance machines?
- A . ECC
- B . Single-channel
- C . Unbuffered
- D . RDIMM
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Data centers and high-performance servers prioritize stability and fault tolerance. CompTIA A+ identifies ECC (Error-Correcting Code) RAM as the standard memory used in such environments. ECC RAM automatically detects and corrects single-bit memory errors, preventing system crashes, data corruption, and downtime―critical requirements for servers running mission-critical workloads.
ECC memory is commonly paired with registered/buffered modules (RDIMM) for additional stability, but ECC itself is the defining feature required in data center environments. Non-ECC, unbuffered memory is used in consumer desktops where minor memory errors pose minimal risk.
Single-channel memory (B) is simply a configuration and does not imply reliability. Unbuffered RAM
(C) is not used in enterprise-grade systems because it lacks error correction and electrical stabilization. RDIMM (D) includes buffering but may come with or without ECC; however, ECC is the key requirement highlighted by the question.
Therefore, the correct answer is ECC RAM.
A
Explanation:
Data centers and high-performance servers prioritize stability and fault tolerance. CompTIA A+ identifies ECC (Error-Correcting Code) RAM as the standard memory used in such environments. ECC RAM automatically detects and corrects single-bit memory errors, preventing system crashes, data corruption, and downtime―critical requirements for servers running mission-critical workloads.
ECC memory is commonly paired with registered/buffered modules (RDIMM) for additional stability, but ECC itself is the defining feature required in data center environments. Non-ECC, unbuffered memory is used in consumer desktops where minor memory errors pose minimal risk.
Single-channel memory (B) is simply a configuration and does not imply reliability. Unbuffered RAM
(C) is not used in enterprise-grade systems because it lacks error correction and electrical stabilization. RDIMM (D) includes buffering but may come with or without ECC; however, ECC is the key requirement highlighted by the question.
Therefore, the correct answer is ECC RAM.
Question #102
Which of the following cables should be installed if nearby electromagnetic interference is a
possibility?
- A . STP
- B . UTP
- C . Thunderbolt
- D . USB
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) cabling is specifically designed to protect data transmissions from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). According to CompTIA Core 1 (220-1201) networking cabling objectives, STP cables include an additional shielding layer― either around individual wire pairs or the entire cable―that reduces the impact of external electrical noise.
In environments where network cables are installed near heavy machinery, fluorescent lighting, power cables, or radio transmitters, EMI can cause data corruption, retransmissions, and reduced network performance. STP helps maintain signal integrity in these high-interference environments.
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) relies only on wire twisting to reduce interference and is more susceptible to EMI compared to STP. Thunderbolt and USB are peripheral interface standards, not structured network cabling solutions, and they are not intended for long-distance network installations.
CompTIA emphasizes selecting the appropriate cabling type based on environmental factors, particularly when interference is a concern. For locations with potential EMI, STP is the recommended choice.
Reference: CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Official Study Guide C Network Cabling, EMI, and Installation Best Practices
A
Explanation:
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) cabling is specifically designed to protect data transmissions from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). According to CompTIA Core 1 (220-1201) networking cabling objectives, STP cables include an additional shielding layer― either around individual wire pairs or the entire cable―that reduces the impact of external electrical noise.
In environments where network cables are installed near heavy machinery, fluorescent lighting, power cables, or radio transmitters, EMI can cause data corruption, retransmissions, and reduced network performance. STP helps maintain signal integrity in these high-interference environments.
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) relies only on wire twisting to reduce interference and is more susceptible to EMI compared to STP. Thunderbolt and USB are peripheral interface standards, not structured network cabling solutions, and they are not intended for long-distance network installations.
CompTIA emphasizes selecting the appropriate cabling type based on environmental factors, particularly when interference is a concern. For locations with potential EMI, STP is the recommended choice.
Reference: CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Official Study Guide C Network Cabling, EMI, and Installation Best Practices
Question #102
Which of the following cables should be installed if nearby electromagnetic interference is a
possibility?
- A . STP
- B . UTP
- C . Thunderbolt
- D . USB
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) cabling is specifically designed to protect data transmissions from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). According to CompTIA Core 1 (220-1201) networking cabling objectives, STP cables include an additional shielding layer― either around individual wire pairs or the entire cable―that reduces the impact of external electrical noise.
In environments where network cables are installed near heavy machinery, fluorescent lighting, power cables, or radio transmitters, EMI can cause data corruption, retransmissions, and reduced network performance. STP helps maintain signal integrity in these high-interference environments.
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) relies only on wire twisting to reduce interference and is more susceptible to EMI compared to STP. Thunderbolt and USB are peripheral interface standards, not structured network cabling solutions, and they are not intended for long-distance network installations.
CompTIA emphasizes selecting the appropriate cabling type based on environmental factors, particularly when interference is a concern. For locations with potential EMI, STP is the recommended choice.
Reference: CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Official Study Guide C Network Cabling, EMI, and Installation Best Practices
A
Explanation:
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) cabling is specifically designed to protect data transmissions from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). According to CompTIA Core 1 (220-1201) networking cabling objectives, STP cables include an additional shielding layer― either around individual wire pairs or the entire cable―that reduces the impact of external electrical noise.
In environments where network cables are installed near heavy machinery, fluorescent lighting, power cables, or radio transmitters, EMI can cause data corruption, retransmissions, and reduced network performance. STP helps maintain signal integrity in these high-interference environments.
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) relies only on wire twisting to reduce interference and is more susceptible to EMI compared to STP. Thunderbolt and USB are peripheral interface standards, not structured network cabling solutions, and they are not intended for long-distance network installations.
CompTIA emphasizes selecting the appropriate cabling type based on environmental factors, particularly when interference is a concern. For locations with potential EMI, STP is the recommended choice.
Reference: CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Official Study Guide C Network Cabling, EMI, and Installation Best Practices
Question #104
Which of the following is designed to be used in commercial spaces?
- A . USB 3.1 Gen 2
- B . Straight tip fiber connector
- C . Plenum cabling
- D . Cat 8
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
Plenum cabling is designed for use in commercial spaces where cables run through air ducts or plenum spaces, as it has fire-resistant properties and emits less toxic smoke.
Why Not A (USB 3.1 Gen 2): USB is for peripheral connections, not large-scale commercial installations.
Why Not B (Straight tip fiber connector): Fiber connectors are for high-speed connections but are not specifically for commercial spaces.
Why Not D (Cat 8): While Cat 8 is high-speed, it is not uniquely suited for commercial spaces like plenum cabling.
CompTIA A+ Exam
Reference: Core 1 (220-1201), Section 3.1, cabling standards.
C
Explanation:
Plenum cabling is designed for use in commercial spaces where cables run through air ducts or plenum spaces, as it has fire-resistant properties and emits less toxic smoke.
Why Not A (USB 3.1 Gen 2): USB is for peripheral connections, not large-scale commercial installations.
Why Not B (Straight tip fiber connector): Fiber connectors are for high-speed connections but are not specifically for commercial spaces.
Why Not D (Cat 8): While Cat 8 is high-speed, it is not uniquely suited for commercial spaces like plenum cabling.
CompTIA A+ Exam
Reference: Core 1 (220-1201), Section 3.1, cabling standards.
Question #105
Which of the following connector types is associated with coaxial terminations serving cable internet deployments?
- A . DB9
- B . ST
- C . F-type
- D . RJ45
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
F-type connectors are commonly used to terminate coaxial cables in cable internet, cable TV, and satellite connections.
From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 3.1 C Network cables and connectors:
“F-type connectors are used for coaxial cable terminations in cable modem and TV installations.”
Verified Source:
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 3: Networking Cables and Connectors
CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 3.1
C
Explanation:
F-type connectors are commonly used to terminate coaxial cables in cable internet, cable TV, and satellite connections.
From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 3.1 C Network cables and connectors:
“F-type connectors are used for coaxial cable terminations in cable modem and TV installations.”
Verified Source:
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 3: Networking Cables and Connectors
CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 3.1
Question #106
A user returns from a trip and discovers a computer that is connected to the LAN times out intermittently Upon investigation, a technician finds the RJ45 pin is not property terminated.
Which of the following networking tools is most appropriate to fix the issue?
- A . Toner probe
- B . Cable tester
- C . Punchdown
- D . Crimper
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
D. Crimper:
A crimper is used to terminate an RJ45 cable properly by attaching the connector to the twisted-pair wires.
If the termination is not done correctly, the connection will be intermittent or fail entirely.
Incorrect Options:
D
Explanation:
D. Crimper:
A crimper is used to terminate an RJ45 cable properly by attaching the connector to the twisted-pair wires.
If the termination is not done correctly, the connection will be intermittent or fail entirely.
Incorrect Options:
Question #107
A user would like to connect a laptop to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse when in the office. The user prefers to use as few cables as possible.
Which of the following would best achieve that goal?
- A . Bluetooth
- B . Managed switch
- C . Docking station
- D . Near-field communication
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
A docking station allows users to connect multiple peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.) to a laptop with a single connection, reducing cable clutter and improving convenience.
From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 3.1 C Laptop hardware and connections:
“A docking station enables the use of multiple external devices with a laptop using only one or two connections, making it ideal for office environments.”
Verified Source:
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 3: Laptop Hardware
CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 3.1
C
Explanation:
A docking station allows users to connect multiple peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.) to a laptop with a single connection, reducing cable clutter and improving convenience.
From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 3.1 C Laptop hardware and connections:
“A docking station enables the use of multiple external devices with a laptop using only one or two connections, making it ideal for office environments.”
Verified Source:
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 3: Laptop Hardware
CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 3.1
Question #108
Which of the following is used to verify that an emailer is allowed and designated to send emails from a particular IP address?
- A . CNAME
- B . SPF
- C . DKIM
- D . DMARC
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is the mechanism used to verify whether a sending mail server’s IP address is authorized to send email on behalf of a specific domain. SPF works through a DNS record
(typically a TXT record) published by the domain owner. When a receiving mail server gets an email claiming to be from a domain, it checks the SPF record for that domain and compares the source IP of the sending server against the list of permitted IP addresses or permitted sending services. If the IP is listed (or matches an allowed range/mechanism), SPF passes; if not, SPF fails. This directly matches the question requirement: “verify that an emailer is allowed and designated to send emails from a particular IP address.”
The other options do not focus on authorizing an IP to send mail. DKIM uses cryptographic signatures to verify message integrity and that the message was signed by a domain’s private key, not to authorize a sending IP. DMARC is a policy framework that tells receivers what to do when SPF and/or DKIM fail and adds alignment rules and reporting. CNAME is a DNS alias record and is not an email authorization control. Therefore, the correct answer is SPF.
B
Explanation:
SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is the mechanism used to verify whether a sending mail server’s IP address is authorized to send email on behalf of a specific domain. SPF works through a DNS record
(typically a TXT record) published by the domain owner. When a receiving mail server gets an email claiming to be from a domain, it checks the SPF record for that domain and compares the source IP of the sending server against the list of permitted IP addresses or permitted sending services. If the IP is listed (or matches an allowed range/mechanism), SPF passes; if not, SPF fails. This directly matches the question requirement: “verify that an emailer is allowed and designated to send emails from a particular IP address.”
The other options do not focus on authorizing an IP to send mail. DKIM uses cryptographic signatures to verify message integrity and that the message was signed by a domain’s private key, not to authorize a sending IP. DMARC is a policy framework that tells receivers what to do when SPF and/or DKIM fail and adds alignment rules and reporting. CNAME is a DNS alias record and is not an email authorization control. Therefore, the correct answer is SPF.
Question #109
A user’s new computer is exhibiting issues after a couple hours of use. The screen freezes and typed characters do not appear for several seconds, if at all. The computer unexpectedly restarts while the user is reading an email. A technician runs diagnostics and verifies that no components show any errors. All hardware meets or exceeds recommendations.
Which of the following should the technician do next?
- A . Check for swollen capacitors.
- B . Replace the power supply with a higher wattage rating.
- C . Increase the amount of RAM.
- D . Change the CMOS battery.
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Intermittent freezing followed by unexpected restarts after the system has been running for a while often points to a hardware stability problem that worsens with heat and time, rather than an immediate configuration or “not enough resources” issue. When diagnostics show no errors, the next CompTIA A+-style step is to look for physical signs of failing components. Swollen or leaking capacitors on the motherboard or in the power delivery area can cause unstable voltage regulation as the system warms up, leading to input lag, lockups, and spontaneous reboots even during light tasks like reading email. A visual inspection can quickly confirm this failure mode and is an appropriate next troubleshooting action when software and basic diagnostics are inconclusive.
Replacing the power supply with a higher wattage is not the best next step because the workload described is not high draw, and the symptom is not clearly tied to peak load; if a PSU is suspect, the usual step is testing with a known-good PSU of correct specs, not simply “higher wattage.” Increasing RAM is unnecessary because the system meets requirements and this would more commonly cause persistent slowness, not sudden restarts. A CMOS battery issue typically causes time resets or BIOS setting loss, not freezing and random reboots after hours.
A
Explanation:
Intermittent freezing followed by unexpected restarts after the system has been running for a while often points to a hardware stability problem that worsens with heat and time, rather than an immediate configuration or “not enough resources” issue. When diagnostics show no errors, the next CompTIA A+-style step is to look for physical signs of failing components. Swollen or leaking capacitors on the motherboard or in the power delivery area can cause unstable voltage regulation as the system warms up, leading to input lag, lockups, and spontaneous reboots even during light tasks like reading email. A visual inspection can quickly confirm this failure mode and is an appropriate next troubleshooting action when software and basic diagnostics are inconclusive.
Replacing the power supply with a higher wattage is not the best next step because the workload described is not high draw, and the symptom is not clearly tied to peak load; if a PSU is suspect, the usual step is testing with a known-good PSU of correct specs, not simply “higher wattage.” Increasing RAM is unnecessary because the system meets requirements and this would more commonly cause persistent slowness, not sudden restarts. A CMOS battery issue typically causes time resets or BIOS setting loss, not freezing and random reboots after hours.
Question #110
A user is experiencing multiple issues with an in-place upgrade of a laptop’s operating system. The built-in camera is unresponsive, and the user is unable to pair the device with any Bluetooth accessories.
Which of the following ate most likely causing three issues? (Select two).
- A . Incorrect configuration of the settings
- B . OS and device version incompatibility
- C . Disabled settings following the upgrade
- D . Full storage
- E . Outdated drivers
- F . Corrupted registry entries
Correct Answer: C,E
C,E
Explanation:
Outdated drivers: Device functionality issues after an OS upgrade are often caused by incompatible or outdated drivers.
Disabled settings: Some features may be disabled during the upgrade process, requiring re-enablement.
Why Not A (Incorrect configuration): This is unlikely given the issues arose only after the upgrade.
Why Not B (OS and device incompatibility): Upgrades check for compatibility before installation.
Why Not D (Full storage): Storage issues typically prevent installation, not device functionality.
Why Not F (Corrupted registry entries): While possible, this is less common than the selected answers.
CompTIA A+ Exam
Reference: Core 1 (220-1201), Section 3.5, troubleshooting OS upgrades.
C,E
Explanation:
Outdated drivers: Device functionality issues after an OS upgrade are often caused by incompatible or outdated drivers.
Disabled settings: Some features may be disabled during the upgrade process, requiring re-enablement.
Why Not A (Incorrect configuration): This is unlikely given the issues arose only after the upgrade.
Why Not B (OS and device incompatibility): Upgrades check for compatibility before installation.
Why Not D (Full storage): Storage issues typically prevent installation, not device functionality.
Why Not F (Corrupted registry entries): While possible, this is less common than the selected answers.
CompTIA A+ Exam
Reference: Core 1 (220-1201), Section 3.5, troubleshooting OS upgrades.