Topic 1: Exam Pool A
A remote user called the help desk to report a notification indicating there is limited or no connectivity. The user can access local file folders and other local machines but none of the organization's servers or network items. Web pages do not appear to function either. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of the issue?
A. The user's internet connection is down
B. The user's domain account is locked out
C. The user's switch has stopped working
D. The user's IP address needs to be renewed.
Explanation: Based on the information provided in the scenario, the most likely cause of
the issue is that the user’s internet connection is down (option A). This would explain why
the user is unable to access any of the organization’s servers or network items and why
web pages are not functioning. However, since the user can still access local file folders
and other local machines, it suggests that their local network is still functioning.
The user can access local file folders and other local machines but none of the
organization's servers or network items, indicating that the issue is with the user's internet
connection, not with the user's domain account, switch, or IP address.
When a user receives a notification indicating that there is limited or no connectivity, it
means that their device is unable to establish a connection to the network. In this scenario,
the user can access local file folders and other local machines but is unable to access any
of the organization’s servers or network items and web pages are not functioning. This
suggests that the issue is with the user’s internet connection.
An internet connection allows a device to communicate with other devices and servers outside of its local network. If the internet connection is down or not functioning properly,
the device will be unable to access any resources outside of its local network. This would
explain why the user in this scenario can still access local resources but is unable to
access any of the organization’s servers or network items.
A technician is troubleshooting a network issue. Users report that the connection keeps dropping and reconnecting every few seconds. The technician:
Verifies the network configuration settings are correct on the workstation Tests the network cable from the workstation to the switch and finds no issues
Uses a known-good workstation on the existing network cable and replicates the reported issue
Which of the following should the technician do next?
A. Add new network hardware to reduce congestion.
B. Assign a static IP to the impacted workstations.
C. Validate the environment for external interference.
D. Check the network logs for evidence of port flapping.
A technician needs to fix a Cat 5 cable issue. The cable, which is connected to a network jack, fails when it is moved around. Which of the following items must the technician use to fix the issue? (Select TWO).
A. Scissors
B. Network tap
C. Magnetized screwdriver
D. Tone generator
E. RJ45 connector
F. Crimper
Explanation: To fix a Cat 5 cable issue where the cable fails when it is moved around, the
technician would need to use an RJ45 connector (option E) and a crimper (option F). The
technician can use the crimper to attach a new RJ45 connector to the end of the cable,
which should resolve the issue.
An RJ45 connector (option E) is a type of connector commonly used for Ethernet
networking. It is an 8-position, 8-contact (8P8C) modular plug and jack that is used to
terminate Cat 5 and other types of twisted pair cables. A crimper (option F) is a tool used
to attach connectors to the ends of cables. In this case, the technician would use the
crimper to attach a new RJ45 connector to the end of the Cat 5 cable.
When a cable fails when it is moved around, it often indicates that there is a problem with
the connector at the end of the cable. By attaching a new RJ45 connector using a crimper,
the technician can ensure that the cable has a secure and reliable connection.
A customer calls the help desk to report a problem connecting to a shared drive on a server. The technician determines that the user's server credentials have expired and reactivates them. Which of the following should the technician do next?
A. Escalate the issue.
B. Document the findings.
C. Perform backups of all critical data.
D. Verify system functionality.
Explanation: After resolving the immediate issue (reactivating server credentials), verifying system functionality ensures the solution works as intended and the user can now access the shared drive. This step is a part of the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology:
✑ Identify the problem.
✑ Establish a theory of probable cause.
✑ Test the theory to determine the cause.
✑ Establish a plan of action.
✑ Implement the solution.
✑ Verify full system functionality.
✑ Document findings, actions, and outcomes.
✑ Why Not B (Document the findings): Documentation comes after verifying the system works.
✑ Why Not A (Escalate the issue): Escalation is unnecessary since the problem was resolved.
✑ Why Not C (Perform backups): Performing backups is unrelated to verifying credential functionality.
CompTIA 220-1101 : Practice Test CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 2 (220-1102), Section 3.1, troubleshooting methodology.
A technician identified an issue on a workstation, obtained details from the user, and made a backup of the system. Which of the following should the technician do NEXT?
A. Determine the next steps to resolve the issue and document it.
B. Design a plan of action to resolve the issue and implement the solution.
C. Document the findings, actions, and outcomes
D. Establish a theory of probable cause, researching internally or externally as needed.
Explanation: After the issue has been identified and the backup of the system has been made, the next step is to establish a theory of probable cause. This involves researching the issue to determine the root cause of the problem. This can involve researching internally (e.g. referring to the system logs) or externally (e.g. searching online). Once the probable cause has been identified, the technician can then move on to the next step of designing a plan of action to resolve the issue and implementing the solution.
A field technician has been dispatched to a site with an internet outage. Upon arriving, the technician discovers that the POTS lines are not working as well. Which of the following technologies is the site MOST likely using?
A. Fiber
B. Cable
C. DSL
D. Satellite
Explanation: DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) uses POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines to provide high-speed internet access. If the POTS lines are not working, it could cause an internet outage for DSL customers. Fiber and cable internet typically use different types of infrastructure, while satellite internet is not reliant on POTS lines. References: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 - Page 231
In which of the following cloud models is the customer not responsible for hardware and OS layers but is responsible for the data and the application?
A. PaaS
B. SaaS
C. laaS
D. CaaS
Explanation: In Platform as a Service (PaaS), the cloud provider manages the hardware, operating system, and middleware, while the customer is responsible for managing data and applications.
✑ Why Not B (SaaS): In SaaS, the provider manages all layers, including
applications and data, leaving no responsibility for the customer.
✑ Why Not C (IaaS): In IaaS, the customer manages the OS, data, and applications, while the provider only handles the hardware.
✑ Why Not D (CaaS): CaaS (Container as a Service) is not a primary cloud model described in the CompTIA objectives and is less commonly referenced.
CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 1 (220-1101), Section 4.1, cloud computing models.
A user has been unable to sync mobile data from a smartphone to the cloud. Upon investigation, the technician notices the user has a large number of applications installed on the smartphone. Which of the following should the technician do next to help sync the data successfully?
A. Reduce the data cap.
B. Add the cloud site to the Preferred Roaming List.
C. Enable Bluetooth discovery.
D. Remove unnecessary applications and data.
An array is making clicking noises. An administrator identifies the potential cause of the RAID 5 issue. Which of the following steps should the administrator take next?
A. Perform a full data backup.
B. Review logs to verify the theory.
C. Replace the failing drive.
D. Document the findings and outcomes.
Explanation: Upon identifying a potential cause of an issue with a RAID 5 array, especially when the array is making clicking noises that suggest a failing drive, the next critical step is to perform a full data backup. This ensures that data is preserved before any further troubleshooting steps are taken, such as replacing the failing drive. RAID 5 provides fault tolerance, but ensuring data is backed up minimizes the risk of data loss during the repair process.
References:
✑ CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Exam Objectives, especially the sections dealing with storage devices and data backup and recovery principles, which would include strategies for dealing with potential drive failures in RAID arrays.
✑ Best practices in data management and protection, emphasizing the importance of securing a backup before undertaking hardware replacements or repairs in storage arrays to prevent data loss.
A laptop is displaying vertical lines in different colors on the screen. Which of the following components should a technician replace to most likely correct this issue?
A. Inverter
B. Motherboard
C. Low-voltage differential signaling cable
D. Liquid crystal display
Explanation: Vertical lines in different colors on a laptop screen are often indicative of an issue with the liquid crystal display (LCD) itself. This could be due to a damaged display panel or issues with the connections between the display and the rest of the system. Replacing the LCD is the most likely solution to resolve this issue, as it addresses potential faults in the display hardware that are causing the visual artifacts.
A user is unable to hear sound from a laptop. However, the user can hear sound when connected to a Bluetooth headset. Which of the following actions would most likely resolve the issue?
A. Updating the Bluetooth drivers
B. Toggling the laptop's mute setting
C. Updating the speaker drivers
D. Replacing the laptop's speakers
Explanation:
If the user can hear sound through a Bluetooth headset but not through the laptop's internal speakers, the issue is likely related to the laptop's audio settings. One of the most common causes is that the laptop's speakers might be muted, either in the system settings or via a hardware mute button. This is the simplest and most likely solution to the problem.
✑ B. Toggling the laptop's mute setting: Checking whether the laptop is muted, either
through the keyboard shortcut or the system sound settings, is a quick way to resolve this common issue.
Why the other options are incorrect:
✑ A. Updating the Bluetooth drivers: The issue is not with the Bluetooth headset, as it is working correctly. The problem is with the laptop's speakers.
✑ C. Updating the speaker drivers: Updating the drivers is not the first step in troubleshooting, as the issue is more likely related to settings rather than outdated drivers.
✑ D. Replacing the laptop's speakers: This is an extreme step and unlikely to be
necessary if the problem is simply related to audio settings.
This scenario covers hardware troubleshooting and falls under the Hardware and Software Troubleshooting domain in the CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam.
Which of the following is used primarily for archiving data?
A. PAN
B. MAN
C. SAN
D. LAN
E. WAN
Explanation: A Storage Area Network (SAN) is primarily used for data archiving and large-scale storage. SANs provide high-speed, block-level storage for enterprise environments.
✑ Why Not A (PAN): Personal Area Networks are for connecting personal devices
like phones and smartwatches.
✑ Why Not B (MAN): Metropolitan Area Networks are for city-wide data communication, not storage.
✑ Why Not D (LAN): Local Area Networks are for general connectivity, not dedicated storage.
✑ Why Not WAN: Wide Area Networks are for connecting geographically dispersed networks, not storage.
CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 1 (220-1101), Section 2.7, network types and purposes.
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