The CompTIA 220-901 exam is one of two exams requires to obtain the CompTIA A+ (900 series). This exam will cover topics like networking, mobile devices and hardware and network troubleshooting.
1) Choose the option that is NOT hot swap-able:
USB, VGA and yes, even SATA are all hot swap able. You should never hot swap a device that is internal to your PC, but if kept externally a SATA device can be hot swapped with a supported driver. A PATA device should never be hot swapped.
This question is filed under objective 1, Hardware
2) While working as an IT Support Technician your employer has purchased 200 used desktop computers from a bulk reseller. You have been asked to reset the bios settings, identify and diagnose POST issues and install Windows 10 professional. Which option will reset the BIOS to it's factory default settings?
Resetting the CMOS battery will clear any saved BIOS configurations and the computer will instead use the factory default. BIOS settings are not managed in Windows and re-seating the HDD jumper will not affect the BIOS config.
This question is filed under objective 1, Hardware
Nonvolatile BIOS memory refers to a small memory on PC motherboards that is used to store BIOS settings It is traditionally called CMOS RAM because it uses a volatile, low-power complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) SRAM (such as the Motorola MC146818 or similar) powered by a small "CMOS" battery when system and standby power is off It is referred to as non-volatile memory or NVRAM because, after the system loses power, it does retain state by virtue of the CMOS battery The typical NVRAM capacity is 256 bytesThe CMOS RAM and the real-time clock have been integrated as a part of the southbridge chipset and it may not be a standalone chip on modern motherboards… Read More
3) What is the term used to describe the binary value used in RAM and RAID storage to determine if data has been corrupted?
A parity bit or parity check is used by some types of RAM and RAID configurations to verify if data has been corrupted.
This question is filed under objective 1, Hardware
A parity bit, or check bit, is a bit added to a string of binary code Parity bits are used as the simplest form of error detecting code Parity bits are generally applied to the smallest units of a communication protocol, typically 8-bit octets (bytes), although they can also be applied separately to an entire message string of bits The parity bit ensures that the total number of 1-bits in the string is even or odd Accordingly, there are two variants of parity bits: even parity bit and odd parity bit In the case of even parity, for a given set of bits, the occurrences of bits whose value is 1 are counted… Read More
4) Similar to PATA, Serial ATA can be used to connect multiple disk drives using a single data cable.
This is false. Serial ATA (Sata) cables only support one device per cable. PATA cables do support multiple devices using a single cable.
This question is filed under objective 1, 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
5) Which options is the MOST accurate when describing ECC memory?
Error Correcting Ram (ECC) is capable of detecting and correcting errors in memory (RAM). It does use parity but does not alert a user if an error is found. It is also common in servers but this is because of it's error correcting capabilities and not due to increased speed or clock rate.
This question is filed under objective 1, Hardware
Error correction code memory (ECC memory) is a type of computer data storage that uses an error correction code (ECC) to detect and correct n-bit data corruption which occurs in memory ECC memory is used in most computers where data corruption cannot be tolerated under any circumstances, like industrial control applications, critical databases, and infrastructural memory caches Typically, ECC memory maintains a memory system immune to single-bit errors: the data that is read from each word is always the same as the data that had been written to it, even if one of the bits actually stored has been flipped to the wrong state… Read More
6) Your IT department has access to Network Attached Storage (NAS). You learn that files are accessed from storage technology that combines multiple disk drives into a single logical unit to increase logical volume size, improve performance, or reliability. This combination of individual disk drives to make a single logical unit is know as a:
Redundant array of independent disks (RAID) storage uses multiple disks to provide fault tolerance and/or to increase storage capacity in a system.
RAID configurations are common when utilizing NAS systems
This question is filed under objective 2, Networking
RAID ("Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks" or "Redundant Array of Independent Disks") is a data storage virtualization technology that combines multiple physical disk drive components into one or more logical units for the purposes of data redundancy, performance improvement, or both This was in contrast to the previous concept of highly reliable mainframe disk drives referred to as "single large expensive disk" (SLED)Data is distributed across the drives in one of several ways, referred to as RAID levels, depending on the required level of redundancy and performance The different schemes, or data distribution layouts, are named by the word "RAID" followed by a number, for example RAID 0 or RAID 1… Read More
7) You are an IT consultant working with a large retail company who recently implemented Apple Pay in all stores. The companies customer service department has been receiving calls asking why some iOS users are unable to use Apple Pay. What is most likely the issue?
The most likely cause is that their iOS devices are simply too old to support Near Field Communication (NFC) which is required for Apple pay (and Android pay for Android devices). NFC support started in iPhone 6 devices and is generally available in all newer models. Apple pay does not require a cell or WiFi signal.
This question is filed under objective 3, Mobile Devices
Near-Field Communication (NFC) is a set of communication protocols for communication between two electronic devices over a distance of 4 cm (11⁄2 in) or less NFC offers a low-speed connection with simple setup that can be used to bootstrap more-capable wireless connectionsNFC devices can act as electronic identity documents and keycards They are used in contactless payment systems and allow mobile payment replacing or supplementing systems such as credit cards and electronic ticket smart cards This is sometimes called NFC/CTLS or CTLS NFC, with contactless abbreviated CTLS NFC can be used for sharing small files such as contacts, and bootstrapping fast connections to share larger media such as photos, videos, and other files… Read More
8) You are a desktop technician at a large company. A user has been complaining that their desktop has been making clicking noises and tasks like booting up and opening files has become very slow. What is most likely the cause of these issues?
Most computers only have one moving/mechanical part - the hard disk drive. A clicking noise is a common indicator of a failing drive. The slowness is likely caused by disk read errors, leaving the logical answer to be the HDD. It is not likely to be a SSD issue because solid state drives do not have moving parts and would not make a clicking noise.
This question is filed under objective 4, Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
Click of death is a term that had become common in the late 1990s referring to the clicking sound in disk storage systems that signals a disk drive has failed, often catastrophicallyThe clicking sound itself arises from the unexpected movement of the disk's read/write actuator At startup, and during use, the disk head must move correctly and be able to confirm it is correctly tracking data on the disk If the head fails to move as expected or upon moving cannot track the disk surface correctly, the disk controller may attempt to recover from the error by returning the head to its home position and then retrying, at times causing an audible "click"… Read More
9) Which answer correctly describes a characteristic of the AM3 processor socket?
Socket AM3 is a 941 pin processor socket designed for AMD processors. Socket AM3 supports DDR3 memory which is it's main advantage over AM2 and AM2+.
This question is filed under objective 1, Hardware
Socket AM3 is a CPU socket for AMD processors AM3 was launched on February 9, 2009 as the successor to Socket AM2+, alongside the initial grouping of Phenom II processors designed for it The sole principal change from AM2+ to AM3 is support for DDR3 SDRAM The fastest CPU for socket AM3 is the Phenom II X6 1100T Like the previous AMD socket, the "AM3 Processor Functional Data Sheet" (AMD document number 40778) has not been made publicly available The "Family 10h AMD Phenom™ Processor Product Data Sheet" (document 446878) has, but contains only a brief list of features of the Phenom, and does not contain any substantive technical data regarding socket AM3… Read More
10) Of the following connectors, which is the most common connector type used for a PCs power supply and other hardware components located inside the computer case?
While there is a variety of connectors for PCs, the pin (male) and socket (female) design of the Molex design has become recognized and very common for simplicity, reliability, and low cost.
This question is filed under objective 4, Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
Molex connector is the vernacular term for a two-piece pin and socket interconnection Pioneered by Molex Connector Company, the two-piece design became an early electronic standard Molex developed and patented the first examples of this connector style in the late 1950s and early 1960s First used in home appliances, other industries soon began designing it into their products from automobiles to vending machines to mini-computers In such a connector, cylindrical spring-metal pins fit into cylindrical spring-metal sockets The pins and sockets are held in a rectangular matrix in a nylon shell The connector typically has 2 to 24 contacts and is polarized or keyed to ensure correct orientation… Read More
11) Which option is a feature of cabling that uses an RJ-11 connector?
RJ-11 connectors are used with 4 copper based cables (2 pairs). Typically used with telephones and does not use fiber-optic cabling or coaxial cabling.
This question is filed under objective 2, Networking
12) Which option can commonly be found as an internal storage component in a mobile device like a tablet or smart phone?
Many mobile devices like smart phones and tablets use eMMC (embedded Multi Media Card) as an internal storage mechanism. eSata is not commonly found in these devices and is a not a storage medium but a bus interface for transmitting data. SDHC and Micro-SD are memory cards and not internal components.
This question is filed under objective 3, Mobile Devices
MultiMediaCard, officially abbreviated as MMC, is a memory card standard used for solid-state storage Unveiled in 1997 by SanDisk and Siemens AG, MMC is based on a surface-contact low pin-count serial interface using a single memory stack substrate assembly, and is therefore much smaller than earlier systems based on high pin-count parallel interfaces using traditional surface-mount assembly such as CompactFlash Both products were initially introduced using SanDisk NOR-based flash technology MMC is about the size of a postage stamp: 24 mm × 32 mm × 14 mm MMC originally used a 1-bit serial interface, but newer versions of the specification allow transfers of 4 or 8 bits at a time… Read More
13) The DVI-D connector type is capable of transmitting both analog and digital signals?
The DVI-D connector type only supports digital transmissions. DVI-I type is capable of transmitting both digital and analog.
This question is filed under objective 1, Hardware
Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is a video display interface developed by the Digital Display Working Group (DDWG) The digital interface is used to connect a video source, such as a video display controller, to a display device, such as a computer monitor It was developed with the intention of creating an industry standard for the transfer of digital video content This interface is designed to transmit uncompressed digital video and can be configured to support multiple modes such as DVI-A (analog only), DVI-D (digital only) or DVI-I (digital and analog) Featuring support for analog connections, the DVI specification is compatible with the VGA interface… Read More
14) You are on the procurement team in the IT department of a large corporation. Your responsibility is to fact-check any IT related purchase requests to ensure the request's requirements are met. While reviewing an order of 6500 new tablet devices you notice one of the requirements is for a multi-color screen. Based on the type of tablets to be purchased you think this order will not meet this requirement. The tablets most likely have which type of screen?
LCD, LED & OLED are common screen types that support multiple colors. E Ink screens are used for eReaders and support only black & white.
This question is filed under objective 3, Mobile Devices
E Ink ("electronic ink") is a brand of electronic paper (e-paper) display technology commercialized by the E Ink Corporation, which was co-founded in 1997 by MIT undergraduates JD Albert and Barrett Comiskey, MIT Media Lab professor Joseph Jacobson, Jerome Rubin and Russ WilcoxIt is currently available commercially in grayscale and color and is commonly used in mobile devices such as e-readers, and, to a lesser extent, digital signage, smartwatches, mobile phones, electronic shelf labels and architecture panels… Read More
15) A double layer DVD can store up to how many MB of data?
A Dual/Double Layer DVD holds 8.5 GB of data. Depending on who you ask, 8.5GB is either 8500 MB (8.5 * 1000) or 8704 MB (5.5 * 1024). The official size of a gigabyte is 1000 MB and a gibibyte is 1024 MB. This was not always the case, causing the confusion over 1000 vs 1024 megabytes to a gigabyte. You should be aware that both could be true depending on the vendor and technology being used.
This question is filed under objective 1, Hardware
16) The ability to add or remove a component without causing an interruption or powering off a system is known as what?
Hot swapping or hot plugging refers to a component that can be removed or added to a system while it is "hot" (powered on). A common example is a USB device.
This question is filed under objective 1, Hardware
Hot swapping is the replacement or addition of components to a computer system without stopping, shutting down, or rebooting the system hot plugging describes the addition of components only Components which have such functionality are said to be hot-swappable or hot-pluggable likewise, components which do not are cold-swappable or cold-pluggable Most desktop computer hardware, such as CPUs and memory, are only cold-pluggable However, it is common for mid-end servers, high-end servers and mainframes to feature hot-swappable capability for hardware components, such as CPU, memory, PCIe, SATA and SAS drives A well-known example of hot swap functionality is the Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection, which allows users to add or remove… Read More
17) Which component can you install to link a computer to the network cable system?
A Network Interface Card/Controller (NIC) provides the physical connection between the computer's expansion bus and the network cabling.
This question is filed under objective 4, Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
A network interface controller (NIC, also known as a network interface card, network adapter, LAN adapter or physical network interface, and by similar terms) is a computer hardware component that connects a computer to a computer networkEarly network interface controllers were commonly implemented on expansion cards that plugged into a computer bus The low cost and ubiquity of the Ethernet standard means that most newer computers have a network interface built into the motherboard Modern network interface controllers offer advanced features such as interrupt and DMA interfaces to the host processors, support for multiple receive and transmit queues, partitioning into multiple logical interfaces, and on-controller network traffic processing… Read More
18) A common purpose of the CMOS battery is:
The CMOS battery (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) is a small battery that provides power to a motherboard while it is powered off. This power source is used to store the BIOS configuration data (but not the BIOS firmware itself) and powers the Real Time Clock (RTC). The BIOS firmware is “hardcoded†in the motherboard itself and is not lost or deleted if a CMOS is removed, but the configuration data will be.
This question is filed under objective 1, Hardware
A real-time clock (RTC) is an electronic device (most often in the form of an integrated circuit) that measures the passage of time Although the term often refers to the devices in personal computers, servers and embedded systems, RTCs are present in almost any electronic device which needs to keep accurate time … Read More
19) How many pins are present on a DDR3 SO-DIMM?
Dual Data Rate (DDR) 3 Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (SO-DIMM) uses 204 pins. DDR and DDR2 pin counts can have 100, 144 or 200 pins. DDR4 SO-DIM uses 260 pins. SO-DIMM RAM is primarily used in laptops and other small devices.
This question is filed under objective 1, Hardware
A SO-DIMM, SODIMM, or small outline dual in-line memory module, is a type of computer memory built using integrated circuits SO-DIMMs are a smaller alternative to a DIMM, being roughly half the size of regular DIMMs SO-DIMMs are often used in systems that have limited space, which include laptops, notebooks, small-footprint personal computers such as those based on Nano-ITX motherboards, high-end upgradable office printers, and networking hardware such as routers and NAS devices… Read More
20) You are setting up a new workstation and decided to use a twisted-pair copper cable to connect the PC to your switch. Which connector would best suit your needs?
RJ-45 is the common name for the 8-pin connector (8P8C) used for various Ethernet cables (CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, etc), which come with twisted pairs for cross-talk (interference) resistance.
This question is filed under objective 2, Networking
Ethernet () is a family of wired computer networking technologies commonly used in local area networks (LAN), metropolitan area networks (MAN) and wide area networks (WAN) It was commercially introduced in 1980 and first standardized in 1983 as IEEE 8023 Ethernet has since been refined to support higher bit rates, a greater number of nodes, and longer link distances, but retains much backward compatibility Over time, Ethernet has largely replaced competing wired LAN technologies such as Token Ring, FDDI and ARCNET The original 10BASE5 Ethernet uses coaxial cable as a shared medium, while the newer Ethernet variants use twisted pair and fiber optic links in conjunction with switches… Read More
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