CompTIA A+ Practice Test (220-1201)

A wireless network interface card (NIC) enables a computer to connect to wireless networks (Wi-Fi). Installing this expansion card provides the necessary hardware to interface with wireless signals, which allows a desktop without built-in Wi-Fi to connect to a network wirelessly.

The correct answer is 'Display settings,' as this is typically where color, brightness, saturation, and contrast can be adjusted. Changing the display settings can often correct color issues without the need for more invasive troubleshooting or hardware replacements. Checking for a software update may resolve some issues but is less likely to be the immediate cause of color problems. Resetting the device to factory settings is a more drastic measure and should only be done after other troubleshooting steps have been exhausted.

This statement is false. Load balancers are designed to distribute incoming network traffic across a group of backend servers. This functionality is not restricted to a single geographic location, as load balancers can manage traffic for servers distributed across different data centers globally, enhancing both performance and redundancy.

The correct answer is SODIMM, which stands for Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module. SODIMMs are more compact than DIMMs, which makes them suitable for small form factor devices like laptops and some compact desktops. Understanding the difference between these types of memory modules is essential for technicians when it comes to installations or upgrades in differing form factors.

The most viable internet connectivity method for an isolated location devoid of common infrastructure would be a satellite-based service. This type of service can span vast and remote distances without the need for ground-based cabling or towers, thus providing internet connectivity in areas where other types may not be technically feasible or economically viable.

When a projector displays a 'No signal' message, it's often due to the data source not being correctly selected on the projector. One should first ensure that the projector is set to the correct input source (e.g., HDMI, VGA, DVI) that is used by the laptop to transmit the presentation. Verifying the projector's input source is a simpler and quicker check before moving to troubleshooting physical connections, which would typically follow if the input source is confirmed to be correct. Changing resolution or display mode, and replacing the bulb, are not related to 'No signal' issues and typically would not resolve the problem.

When a printer's memory DIMM is faulty or not fully seated, the device can misinterpret print data, resulting in pages of garbled text. Re-seating or replacing the memory module usually resolves the issue. Incorrect paper type, low toner, or a worn fuser affect image quality (smudges, light print, paper jams) but do not typically generate random characters.

The most logical initial step when approaching a problem with potential data loss or corruption is to check the status of any storage drives, as they directly deal with data. The LED status indicators and S.M.A.R.T. status can quickly reveal if there are hardware issues with the storage drives that could lead to data loss or corruption. Checking for missing or damaged files would typically be done after confirming that the hardware is fully operational, as file issues can be a symptom of drive distress. Recreating user profiles and conducting antivirus scans are secondary actions that address system integrity and security concerns after hardware issues have been ruled out or taken care of.

Scalable infrastructure is a technical benefit and not a business benefit of cloud computing. Of course this is still indirectly beneficial to a business, but most non-IT department personnel at a business will not know what scalable infrastructure means. It is important to be able to explain the business and technical benefits of different computing options based on your audience.

A network tap, or test access point, is specifically designed to monitor network traffic. It is used to create a mirror of network traffic that can be analyzed or inspected by a network monitoring system without causing any disruption to the actual data flow. Network taps are used for the diagnosis of network problems or for monitoring network security and performance.

USB 3.0 would be the correct choice because it supports transfer rates of up to 5 Gbps, which is more than adequate to handle a 10 GB file transfer in approximately 5 minutes. USB 2.0, with a maximum transfer rate of 480 Mbps, would result in a significantly slower transfer, taking much longer than speeds with USB 3.0. Similarly, transfer through an Ethernet port would depend on the network standard; unless it's a Gigabit Ethernet, it would be slower than USB 3.0. Lastly, HDMI cables are used for displaying video on a monitor or screen but not for transferring files.

Cloud infrastructure, like all infrastructure, still requires special care to ensure its security. Some benefits of cloud infrastructure include the pay-as-you-go consumption model (often per-second or per-minute billing), the flexibility to create and delete servers on demand or automatically, and the ease of provisioning complex services such as database clusters without requiring highly specialized experts. Security, however, follows a shared-responsibility model: the provider protects the physical facilities and underlying platform, while customers must secure the OS, applications, identities, and data. Therefore, it is incorrect to assume that the cloud provider will handle all security on your behalf, making that statement not a benefit.

Port 23 is traditionally used by Telnet for unencrypted remote administration. Telnet communicates in plaintext, making it susceptible to eavesdropping, and is therefore considered insecure. SSH on port 22, on the other hand, provides a secure, encrypted method for remote administration. While port 21 is used by FTP, it is for file transfers and not for remote administration, and similarly, while port 80 serves content unencrypted, it is for HTTP traffic, resulting in no relevance to remote administration security concerns.

Some cell phones have the ability to be used as a mobile hotspot. This allows devices to connect to the Internet using the cellular network of the phone by hosting a WiFi network for other devices to connect to. Connected devices can then access the internet via the smart device's cellular network connection.

Thermal printers require specially coated paper that is heat-sensitive to produce an image. Utilizing non-thermal paper will not produce an image when heat is applied by the thermal print head, as the coating on thermal paper is what reacts to the heat to create the visible print.