This is a practice exam for IT professionals studying for the CompTIA A+ 220-801. A+ covers the fundamentals of computer technology, installation and configuration of PCs, laptops and related hardware, and basic networking.
1) You want to host a gaming server for you and your friends to play on. Where on your network would you place it?
A DMZ will allow your server to be accessed through the internet, but keep it separate from your local LAN. This ensures your LAN is still secure if the server is attacked.
This question is filed under objective 2, Networking
In computer security, a DMZ or demilitarized zone (sometimes referred to as a perimeter network or screened subnet) is a physical or logical subnetwork that contains and exposes an organization's external-facing services to an untrusted, usually larger, network such as the Internet The purpose of a DMZ is to add an additional layer of security to an organization's local area network (LAN): an external network node can access only what is exposed in the DMZ, while the rest of the organization's network is firewalled The DMZ functions as a small, isolated network positioned between the Internet and the private network and, if its design is effective, allows the organization extra time to detect and address breaches before they would further… Read More
2) Which medium can travel the farthest distance while losing minimal data?
Because Fiber cabling uses light, it can travel extremely far distances while losing a very small amount of data.
This question is filed under objective 2, Networking
Fiber-optic communication is a method of transmitting information from one place to another by sending pulses of infrared light through an optical fiber The light forms an electromagnetic carrier wave that is modulated to carry information Fiber is preferred over electrical cabling when high bandwidth, long distance, or immunity to electromagnetic interference is required This type of communication can transmit voice, video, and telemetry through local area networks or across long distancesOptical fiber is used by many telecommunications companies to transmit telephone signals, Internet communication, and cable television signals Researchers at Bell Labs have reached internet speeds of over 100 petabit×kilometer per second using… Read More
3) Which of the following network standards can operate at two different channel widths on the same spectrum simultaneously?
Using "channel bonding" the 802.11n wireless standard is capable of operating on two separate channels at the same time. This feature allows 802.11n networks to double their bandwidth, however it can result in increases interference and power usage.
This question is filed under objective 2, Networking
IEEE 80211n-2009, commonly shortened to 80211n, is a wireless-networking standard that uses multiple antennas to increase data rates The Wi-Fi Alliance has also retroactively labelled the technology for the standard as Wi-Fi 4 It standardized support for multiple-input multiple-output, frame aggregation, and security improvements, among other features, and can be used in the 24 GHz or 5 GHz frequency bands As the first Wi-Fi standard that introduced MIMO (Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output) support, sometimes devices/systems that support 80211n standard (or draft version of the standard) are being referred to as MIMO (Wi-Fi products), especially before the introduction of the next generation standard… Read More
4) You are worried about your cabling being susceptible to EMI, what would be the best choice if cost is not a factor?
Fiber is the most expensive cable type, but provides the fastest data speeds and is immune to electromagnetic interference.
This question is filed under objective 2, Networking
An optical fiber is a flexible, transparent fiber made by drawing glass (silica) or plastic to a diameter slightly thicker than that of a human hair Optical fibers are used most often as a means to transmit light between the two ends of the fiber and find wide usage in fiber-optic communications, where they permit transmission over longer distances and at higher bandwidths (data transfer rates) than electrical cables Fibers are used instead of metal wires because signals travel along them with less loss in addition, fibers are immune to electromagnetic interference, a problem from which metal wires suffer Fibers are also used for illumination and imaging, and are often wrapped in bundles so they may be used to carry light into, or… Read More
5) Which of the following will be the first to receive heat leaving a processor?
Thermal paste (or Thermal grease) is designed to conduct heat traveling between two elements. In this case, Thermal paste allows heat to efficiently leave the processor and travel to the heat sink.
This question is filed under objective 1, PC Hardware
Thermal paste (also called thermal compound, thermal grease, thermal interface material (TIM), thermal gel, heat paste, heat sink compound, heat sink paste or CPU grease) is a thermally conductive (but usually electrically insulating) compound, which is commonly used as an interface between heat sinks and heat sources such as high-power semiconductor devices The main role of thermal paste is to eliminate air gaps or spaces (which act as thermal insulation) from the interface area in order to maximize heat transfer and dissipation Thermal paste is an example of a thermal interface material As opposed to thermal adhesive, thermal paste does not add mechanical strength to the bond between heat source and heat sink… Read More
6) Which of the following network topologies provides the most redundancy?
In a Mesh network topology every network node (router, switch, hub, etc) is connected to every other network node. If a connection breaks, the node can easily communicate with another through multiple existing connections. In reality this is too complex to implement in a large network, but it is still very common to see a hybrid network with several mesh style layers.
This question is filed under objective 2, Networking
A mesh network (or simply meshnet) is a local network topology in which the infrastructure nodes (ie bridges, switches, and other infrastructure devices) connect directly, dynamically and non-hierarchically to as many other nodes as possible and cooperate with one another to efficiently route data from/to clients This lack of dependency on one node allows for every node to participate in the relay of information Mesh networks dynamically self-organize and self-configure, which can reduce installation overhead The ability to self-configure enables dynamic distribution of workloads, particularly in the event a few nodes should fail This in turn contributes to fault-tolerance and reduced maintenance costs… Read More
7) You need to build or select a PC that will be mass produced for your corporate network. What should you consider most?
You should establish the requirements for the applications these PC's will be running, from there you can easily find the system hardware requirements.
This question is filed under objective 1, PC Hardware
In systems engineering and software engineering, requirements analysis focuses on the tasks that determine the needs or conditions to meet the new or altered product or project, taking account of the possibly conflicting requirements of the various stakeholders, analyzing, documenting, validating and managing software or system requirementsRequirements analysis is critical to the success or failure of a systems or software project The requirements should be documented, actionable, measurable, testable, traceable, related to identified business needs or opportunities, and defined to a level of detail sufficient for system design … Read More
8) You are a Server Administrator at a small company. Company policy dictates that all remote connections must be encrypted and accessed using some form of authentication. Which of the following will allow a user to upload a large file from home, while adhering to company policy?
Secure-FTP (or SSH-FTP) uses Secure Shell (SSH) to encrypt a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) connection. This allows you to upload files to a SFTP server on a secure connection. FTP servers can also be configured to require a username/password as authentication.
This question is filed under objective 2, Networking
In computing, the SSH File Transfer Protocol (also Secure File Transfer Protocol, or SFTP) is a network protocol that provides file access, file transfer, and file management over any reliable data stream It was designed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) as an extension of the Secure Shell protocol (SSH) version 20 to provide secure file transfer capabilities The IETF Internet Draft states that, even though this protocol is described in the context of the SSH-2 protocol, it could be used in a number of different applications, such as secure file transfer over Transport Layer Security (TLS) and transfer of management information in VPN applications… Read More
9) You are installing a floppy drive into a new desktop PC, what should you check for before purchasing or installing?
A Berg adapter is used to supply power from the power supply, to the floppy drive. Some newer power supplies do not come with a berg due to low demand for floppy drives. You can purchase molex->berg adapters to fix this issue.
This question is filed under objective 1, PC Hardware
Berg connector is a brand of electrical connector used in computer hardware Berg connectors are manufactured by Berg Electronics Corporation of St Louis, Missouri, now part of Amphenol … Read More
10) What type of expansion card can record security footage from a CCTV system?
A TV Tuner allows you to input various inputs such as coax, HDMI, and RGB video.
This question is filed under objective 1, PC Hardware
A TV tuner card is a kind of television tuner that allows television signals to be received by a computer Most TV tuners also function as video capture cards, allowing them to record television programs onto a hard disk much like the digital video recorder (DVR) does The interfaces for TV tuner cards are most commonly either PCI bus expansion card or the newer PCI Express (PCIe) bus for many modern cards, but PCMCIA, ExpressCard, or USB devices also exist In addition, some video cards double as TV tuners, notably the ATI All-In-Wonder series The card contains a tuner and an analog-to-digital converter (collectively known as the analog front end) along with demodulation and interface logic… Read More
11) You are trying to use RDP to control a Windows computer from your office to an accountant's computer in the corporate office building. What port should be opened in the firewalls between the two locations?
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) uses port 3389 to communicate.
This question is filed under objective 2, Networking
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft which provides a user with a graphical interface to connect to another computer over a network connection The user employs RDP client software for this purpose, while the other computer must run RDP server software Clients exist for most versions of Microsoft Windows (including Windows Mobile), Linux, Unix, macOS, iOS, Android, and other operating systems RDP servers are built into Windows operating systems an RDP server for Unix and OS X also exists By default, the server listens on TCP port 3389 and UDP port 3389Microsoft currently refers to their official RDP client software as Remote Desktop Connection, formerly "Terminal Services Client"… Read More
12) A 802.11g wireless network has a max speed of?
802.11g is capable of communicating at speeds up to 54 Megabits per second.
This question is filed under objective 2, Networking
IEEE 80211g-2003 or 80211g is an amendment to the IEEE 80211 specification that operates in the 24 GHz microwave band The standard has extended throughput to up to 54 Mbit/s using the same 20MHz bandwidth as 80211b uses to achieve 11 Mbit/s This specification under the marketing name of Wi-Fi has been implemented all over the world The 80211g protocol is now Clause 19 of the published IEEE 80211-2007 standard, and Clause 19 of the published IEEE 80211-2012 standard 80211 is a set of IEEE standards that govern wireless networking transmission methods… Read More
13) Which of the following protocols will assign IP addresses to network devices?
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) assigns IP's to network devices. Domain Name Service (DNS) translates between IP Addresses and Domain names. Address Resolution Protocol translates between IP Addresses and MAC Addresses (Reverse-ARP, RARP does the opposite)
This question is filed under objective 2, Networking
The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network management protocol used on Internet Protocol networks whereby a DHCP server dynamically assigns an IP address and other network configuration parameters to each device on a network so they can communicate with other IP networks A DHCP server enables computers to request IP addresses and networking parameters automatically from the Internet service provider (ISP), reducing the need for a network administrator or a user to manually assign IP addresses to all network devices In the absence of a DHCP server, a computer or other device on the network needs to be manually assigned an IP address, or to assign itself an APIPA address, the latter of which will not enable it to communicate… Read More
14) Which connector type is used for CAT5e cabling?
15) What CAT version is RATED to provide a transmission speed of 100 mbps?
CAT5 is rated at 100 megabits per second.
This question is filed under objective 2, Networking
Category 5 cable (Cat 5) is a twisted pair cable for computer networks Since 2001, the variant commonly in use is the Category 5e specification (Cat 5e) The cable standard provides performance of up to 100 MHz and is suitable for most varieties of Ethernet over twisted pair up to 1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet) Cat 5 is also used to carry other signals such as telephony and video This cable is commonly connected using punch-down blocks and modular connectors Most Category 5 cables are unshielded, relying on the balanced line twisted pair design and differential signaling for noise rejection … Read More
16) Which of the following should have a heat sink?
CPU's generate the most heat in a very short amount of time, you should always have a heat sink on your CPU. A fan can also be installed to blow the hot air off of the heat sink.
This question is filed under objective 1, PC Hardware
A heat sink (also commonly spelled heatsink) is a passive heat exchanger that transfers the heat generated by an electronic or a mechanical device to a fluid medium, often air or a liquid coolant, where it is dissipated away from the device, thereby allowing regulation of the device's temperature In computers, heat sinks are used to cool CPUs, GPUs, and some chipsets and RAM modules Heat sinks are used with high-power semiconductor devices such as power transistors and optoelectronics such as lasers and light emitting diodes (LEDs), where the heat dissipation ability of the component itself is insufficient to moderate its temperature… Read More
17) Which of the following tools will attach an RJ-45 end to a Cat-5 cable?
A Crimper is used to attach RJ-45 to CAT cables. A punch down tool is used to attach it to a punch down block. Loopbacks and cable testers are used for testing purposes once the cables are finished.
This question is filed under objective 2, Networking
Crimping is joining two or more pieces of metal or other ductile material by deforming one or both of them to hold the other The bend or deformity is called the crimp… Read More
18) A client is complaining their laptop often does not charge, or stops charging if they move it. What is most likely the issue?
The DC jack is where the power adapter feeds power to the laptops power supply, and can often break due to heat or become loose over time.
This question is filed under objective 1, PC Hardware
A DC connector (or DC plug, for one common type of connector) is an electrical connector for supplying direct current (DC) power Compared to domestic AC power plugs and sockets, DC connectors have many more standard types that are not interchangeable The dimensions and arrangement of DC connectors can be chosen to prevent accidental interconnection of incompatible sources and loads Types vary from small coaxial connectors used to power portable electronic devices from AC adapters, to connectors used for automotive accessories and for battery packs in portable equipment … Read More
19) What storage media should you purchase to build a RAID array for a server?
SATA HDDs are the only type of media that would be able to support RAID.
This question is filed under objective 1, PC Hardware
Serial ATA (SATA, abbreviated from Serial AT Attachment) is a computer bus interface that connects host bus adapters to mass storage devices such as hard disk drives, optical drives, and solid-state drives Serial ATA succeeded the earlier Parallel ATA (PATA) standard to become the predominant interface for storage devices Serial ATA industry compatibility specifications originate from the Serial ATA International Organization (SATA-IO) which are then promulgated by the INCITS Technical Committee T13, AT Attachment (INCITS T13) … Read More
20) Why would you use plenum rated cables when installing new cabling in a data-center?
Plenum is a special material used to jacket a cable, this jacket is fire retardant and will reduce the amount of hazardous fumes in the air if the cable is subject to a fire.
This question is filed under objective 2, Networking
Plenum cable is electrical cable that is laid in the plenum spaces of buildings In the United States, plastics used in the construction of plenum cable are regulated under the National Fire Protection Association standard NFPA 90A: Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems All materials intended for use on wire and cables to be placed in plenum spaces are designed to meet rigorous fire safety test standards in accordance with NFPA 262 and outlined in NFPA 90A Plenum cable is jacketed with a fire-retardant plastic jacket of either a low-smoke polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or a fluorinated ethylene polymer (FEP)… Read More
You can go back and review your answers or grade your test.