Explanation: When configuring a network device like a printer, assigning it a static IP address ensures that it always uses the same IP address. If a static IP cannot be set due to security restrictions, the next best solution is to configure a reservation in the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server. This reservation ensures that the device (in this case, the printer) always receives the same IP address based on its MAC address, even if the router restarts.
✑ A. Reservation: A DHCP reservation ties a specific IP address to the MAC address of a device, ensuring it always receives the same IP address from the DHCP server. Why the other options are incorrect:
✑ B. Scope: A DHCP scope defines the range of IP addresses that can be assigned to devices. It doesn’t ensure that a specific device always gets the same IP.
✑ C. Lease: A lease refers to the length of time a device is assigned an IP address from the DHCP server. It doesn’t guarantee that the same IP will be re-assigned after the lease expires.
✑ D. Exclusion: An exclusion in DHCP configuration excludes specific IP addresses from being assigned dynamically. This is used to prevent certain addresses from being given out but doesn’t ensure a device will always get the same IP.
This topic is covered under the Networking domain of the CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam.

Explanation: To connect printers without an RJ45 port to the network, the technician needs to enable wireless connectivity. By configuring the printers to connect to the network wirelessly, the company can achieve the desired consistency in printer configuration across the office. This approach allows printers without built-in wired network capabilities to be part of the network, facilitating shared access and remote printing functionalities. References:
✑ CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Exam Objectives, Section 2.3 Networking, specifically the information on configuring and troubleshooting wireless connectivity for devices, which includes enabling and securing wireless connections on network printers.
✑ General understanding of network printer configuration options, including the use of wireless connectivity to integrate printers into a network environment, particularly when wired connections are not feasible.

Explanation: If an application was previously running in a virtualized environment and is not launching after being installed directly on the base operating system, it's possible that the technician did not account for dependencies or configurations specific to the virtualized environment that are not present or are incompatible with the base operating system. This mismatch can prevent the application from launching properly.
References: ✑ CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objectives Section 4.0: Virtualization and Cloud Computing
✑ CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objectives Section 5.0: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

Explanation: A failing power supply can cause random system crashes and degraded performance as it struggles to maintain a consistent voltage, especially as the system demands increase over time. The CMOS battery only affects system time and settings, while the video card typically causes display issues rather than system-wide crashes. System memory issues often result in specific errors or performance issues rather than gradual slowdowns. CompTIA A+ Core 1 objectives highlight troubleshooting power supply issues as part of hardware and system maintenance.

Explanation: When a new GPU is installed and results in lower screen resolution and picture quality, it's often because the appropriate OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) drivers for the GPU have not been installed. Without these drivers, the operating system may revert to generic drivers that do not fully support the GPU's capabilities, leading to suboptimal performance. Installing the correct OEM drivers should resolve the issue and allow the GPU to function at its intended performance level.
References: ✑ CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Exam Objectives, particularly those relating to the installation and configuration of hardware components like GPUs, and the importance of installing the correct device drivers for optimal hardware performance.
✑ General knowledge of hardware installation and the role of device drivers in ensuring hardware components such as GPUs operate correctly within a system.

Explanation: If a desktop PC shuts down suddenly and there is a burning smell coming from the area where it is connected to the wall socket, the first step should be to check that the power cable is not damaged. A damaged power cable can cause electrical shorts or overheating, leading to sudden shutdowns and a burning smell. Inspecting the power cable CompTIA 220-1101 : Practice Test for fraying, cuts, or other damage can help identify if it is the source of the problem.

Explanation: When a laptop screen is not displaying on a conference room TV despite being connected to a wireless HDMI dongle, the issue is often related to the TV being set to the wrong input source. Since the in-room computer's desktop is displayed, it suggests the TV is currently set to the input source used by the in-room computer. Changing the TV's input source to the one associated with the wireless HDMI dongle connected to the user's laptop is the simplest and most direct approach to resolve the issue. This does not involve adjusting network settings or hardware configurations but rather selecting the correct input source through the TV's input selection menu.
References: This solution is aligned with best practices for troubleshooting display connectivity issues, which emphasize checking and adjusting input sources on the display device as a first step.

Explanation: A network tap (Test Access Point) is a device used for monitoring network traffic. It allows the technician to passively observe the traffic between two network nodes in real-time without introducing latency or affecting the network's performance. By using a network tap, the technician can analyze the data packets flowing through the network to identify if packet loss is occurring, which could be contributing to the slow network traffic in the branch office.
References: Network taps are widely recognized in the field of network troubleshooting and monitoring for their ability to provide a mirror of the traffic that can be analyzed for issues such as packet loss.

Explanation: A firewall monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules, protecting the network from unauthorized access and threats.
✑ Why Not A (Switch): A switch connects devices within a network but does not monitor or filter traffic.
✑ Why Not B (Access point): An access point provides Wi-Fi connectivity but does not filter traffic.
✑ Why Not D (Hub): A hub simply broadcasts data to all connected devices without filtering traffic.
CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 1 (220-1101), Section 2.2, network security concepts.