Comprehensive CompTIA A+ 220-901 Final Mock Exam *Q&A* (100% Correct) 2025/2026 |VERIFIED|

Comprehensive CompTIA A+ 220-901 Final Mock Exam *Q&A* (100% Correct) 2025/2026 |VERIFIED| How many pins are found in a SATA data cable, which is used for connecting storage devices such as hard drives and SSDs to the motherboard of a computer? 7 The USB 3.0 standard is capable of supporting multiple devices simultaneously. How many devices can this standard support through a single USB hub connection? 127 When using USB devices in a computer system, what is the standard voltage supplied by a typical USB port to power connected peripherals, ensuring that devices like keyboards, mice, and external drives function properly? 5V Historically, what type of port was traditionally used to connect peripherals such as mice and keyboards to a computer, providing a reliable connection for input devices before USB ports became more common? PS/2 In terms of connection distance, what is the maximum allowable length of a USB 2.0 cable between a device and a computer, ensuring that data can be transmitted without significant loss or signal degradation? 5m For Ethernet network connections, what is the standard maximum cable length that ensures the network's performance does not degrade, allowing for optimal communication between devices across a local area network (LAN)? 100m Which category of Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cabling is most commonly used in networking and supports 1Gbps data transfer speeds, providing a reliable connection for both home and office networks? Cat5e 1 Which type of network cabling uses light signals for transmitting data, offering much faster speeds and greater distance coverage than traditional copper cables, and is commonly used for high-speed, long distance communication? Fiber optic The most commonly used protocol for data transmission on the internet and local area networks (LANs) today is known for its reliability and efficiency. What is this protocol called? TCP/IP When browsing the internet or accessing network resources by name, which network service is responsible for translating domain names (like ) into their corresponding numerical IP addresses, allowing devices to locate each other on the network? DNS or Domain Name System For a network where multiple devices need to connect and communicate, which network service dynamically assigns unique IP addresses to each device as it joins the network, ensuring smooth and efficient operation? DHCP In laptops, which component is most commonly replaced over time due to wear and tear, often due to the natural degradation of battery cells, which results in a reduced ability to hold a charge? Battery What can users adjust in a portable computer to extend battery life, often by optimizing energy consumption, dimming the display, and reducing power usage of idle components? Power options Within a CPU, small temporary storage areas are used to store data that is being processed or moved. What are these storage areas called, which allow for quick access to frequently used information? Registers The CPU contains a key component that performs essential mathematical and logical operations. What is the name of this part of the CPU responsible for carrying out calculations and logical comparisons? ALU or Arithmetic Logic Unit To improve performance and enable multitasking, modern CPUs are often designed with multiple processors, each capable of executing tasks independently. What are these individual processors within a CPU called? Cores 2 In computer architecture, what is the most common processing architecture used in modern CPUs, supporting both 32-bit and 64-bit operations, and commonly found in desktop and laptop computers today? X86 or 32-bit The most recent standard of memory, which operates at bandwidths of up to 12,800 Mbps, offers significantly higher performance for demanding tasks like gaming and professional applications. What is this standard called? DDR3-1600 or PC 12800 When it comes to modern memory, what is the data path width that allows memory modules to transfer data more efficiently, typically offering 8 bytes of data simultaneously to improve overall system performance? 64-bit When connecting a monitor or graphics card to a PC, which connection type is commonly used for transmitting digital video signals and offering high-quality display output without significant loss in visual f idelity? DVI-D For transmitting high-definition video and audio signals to external displays such as HDTVs, which type of connector is often used, providing both video and audio output through a single cable? HDMI In terms of optical media, which format offers the highest capacity, with the original dual-layer discs supporting up to 50GB of storage space, making it suitable for storing high-definition movies and large f iles? Blu-ray For optical media, which format allows the use of dual-layer technology to increase the storage capacity to 8.5GB per disc, making it a suitable choice for larger software installations and data backups? DVD-9 or DVD-DL TCP/IP addresses, specifically in the most widely used version today, are composed of how many bits to represent both the network and host portions of the address, allowing for efficient routing of data packets? 32 The subnet mask is used in networking to divide an IP address into two parts. What function does the subnet mask serve in relation to the network, distinguishing between the network ID and the host ID portions of the address? Separates and distinguishes the network ID and host ID portions of the address 3 If you notice an unusual burning smell coming from a PC, which component should you immediately suspect as the source of the problem, as it is responsible for supplying power to all other parts of the computer? Power supply The binary number "" represents a value in the decimal system. What is its equivalent value when converted to decimal? 220 Which network device is primarily responsible for forwarding data packets from one network segment to another, ensuring proper communication between different subnets in a network? Router Which type of internet connection is known for providing high-speed shared data access, with speeds often exceeding 75Mbps, making it suitable for both home users and businesses? Cable Which type of printer uses powdered toner to form images on paper, using an electrostatic process and a heated drum to fuse the toner to the paper? Laser Within the laser printing process, which phase involves the actual creation of the image on the EP drum using a laser beam to create a charged pattern that will later attract toner? Writing During the final stage of the laser printing process, which phase ensures that the toner particles are effectively melted onto the paper, producing a durable, smudge-resistant print? Fusing The motherboard contains several components responsible for communication between different system parts. Which component is in charge of handling high-speed data transfers between the CPU and RAM, as well as video components? Northbridge For gamers who require higher-end graphics processing, which component is the most likely to need an upgrade, as it directly impacts the performance and rendering quality of graphics-intensive applications? Video card 4 Which interface standard is most commonly used for modern display adapters, allowing for high-speed communication between the video card and the motherboard to deliver quality graphics and visual performance? PCIe Which outdated drive standard required a master/slave configuration for drives connected to the same channel, limiting its flexibility and speed compared to newer technologies? IDE Which modern drive standard allows for data transfer rates of up to 600Mbps, providing faster speeds for both magnetic hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs) alike? SATA 3 For connecting external devices like cameras, audio equipment, or hard drives, which standard offers high-speed data transfer capabilities of up to 800Mbps and allows for up to 63 devices to be connected on a single channel? Firewire Which Wi-Fi standard operates on the 2.4GHz frequency range and provides a maximum data transfer speed of 54Mbps, offering decent wireless performance for home networking applications? 802.11g Which wireless security protocol is the most recent and widely used today, offering AES encryption to secure the data transmitted over the wireless network and ensuring strong protection against unauthorized access? WPA-2 To improve wireless network security by keeping the network's name hidden from unauthorized users, which setting should be enabled on the router to prevent the SSID (network name) from being broadcast? Disable SSID broadcast In wireless networking, what term is used to describe a network configuration where wireless devices are connected through an access point, integrating both wired and wireless technologies for seamless communication? Infrastructure mode When setting up a network with UTP cables, which type of connector is most commonly used to terminate the cables, allowing for the transmission of data between network devices? RJ-45 5 If network cables must be routed through HVAC ducts to avoid disruption from other equipment or hazards, which type of cabling is required by safety regulations to prevent the spread of fire and ensure safe operation? Plenum-rated cabling or plenum If a printer is producing garbled or distorted output, which component should be checked first to ensure that the printer can communicate correctly with the computer and process print jobs accurately? Device driver Modern plug-and-play devices, such as printers and external hard drives, rely on a specific feature that allows the system to automatically install the necessary drivers and configure resources upon connection. What is this feature called? Plug and Play What device is commonly used at the perimeter of a network to prevent unauthorized access or attacks, f iltering traffic based on security rules and ensuring that only authorized traffic can pass between network segments? Firewall What is the difference between a solid-state drive (SSD) and a hard disk drive (HDD)? An SSD uses flash memory to store data, providing faster access speeds and lower power consumption than an HDD, which uses mechanical spinning disks to store data. What is the purpose of a BIOS in a computer? The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is firmware that initializes hardware components during boot-up and provides a low-level interface between the operating system and hardware. Explain the function of RAM in a computer. RAM (Random Access Memory) temporarily stores data and instructions that the CPU needs for active tasks, allowing quick access and improving system performance. What is the difference between DDR3 and DDR4 RAM? DDR4 offers higher speeds, increased bandwidth, and lower power consumption compared to DDR3. It also has a higher density for greater memory capacity. 6 7 What is an IP address, and why is it important? An IP address is a unique identifier assigned to each device on a network, allowing devices to communicate and identify each other over the Internet or a local network. What is the function of a power supply unit (PSU) in a computer? The PSU converts AC power from a wall outlet into DC power to supply the components of a computer with the necessary power for operation. What is the difference between VGA and HDMI? VGA is an analog video signal standard used for older displays, while HDMI is a digital interface capable of transmitting both high-definition video and audio signals. What are the common causes of a computer failing to boot? Common causes include hardware failures (e.g., power supply or motherboard issues), missing or corrupt operating system files, and improper BIOS settings. Explain the function of the motherboard in a computer. The motherboard is the main circuit board that houses the CPU, memory, and other essential components. It allows communication between all hardware components and peripherals. What is the purpose of a cooling fan in a computer system? Cooling fans help dissipate heat generated by components like the CPU and GPU, preventing overheating and ensuring proper functioning of the system. How does a laser printer differ from an inkjet printer? A laser printer uses a toner cartridge and laser technology to print text and images, providing fast and precise printing, while inkjet printers use liquid ink and are typically slower. What is the purpose of a graphics card in a computer? A graphics card processes and renders visual data for display on monitors, offloading graphical tasks from the CPU and enhancing performance in tasks such as gaming or video editing. 8 What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS? HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is an unsecured protocol for web communication, while HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) uses SSL/TLS encryption for secure communication. What does RAID stand for, and what is its purpose? RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a storage technology that combines multiple drives for redundancy or improved performance, depending on the RAID level. What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6? IPv4 uses a 32-bit address space, while IPv6 uses a 128-bit address space, allowing for a larger number of unique IP addresses and improved network efficiency. How do you troubleshoot a "No Signal" issue on a monitor? First, check the cable connection between the monitor and the computer. Ensure the monitor is powered on and set to the correct input source. Test with a different cable or monitor if necessary. What is the purpose of the Device Manager in Windows? The Device Manager is a utility that allows users to view and manage hardware devices installed on the system, including troubleshooting driver issues and updating device drivers. What are the typical components found inside a desktop computer case? A desktop computer case typically contains the motherboard, CPU, RAM, power supply, storage drives, cooling fans, and expansion cards. What is the purpose of the Windows Task Manager? The Task Manager is used to monitor system performance, manage running processes, and troubleshoot issues such as high CPU or memory usage. What is the difference between a USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 port? 9 USB 3.0 offers faster data transfer speeds (up to 5 Gbps) compared to USB 2.0 (up to 480 Mbps) and can provide more power to connected devices. What is the difference between a switch and a router in networking? A switch is used to connect devices within the same local network, while a router connects multiple networks together and directs traffic between them, including to and from the Internet. What is the function of the CMOS battery? The CMOS battery powers the motherboard's real-time clock and retains BIOS settings, such as boot order and hardware configuration, when the computer is powered off. What is a common cause of slow performance on a computer? Slow performance can be caused by a lack of RAM, insufficient disk space, malware, outdated hardware, or too many background processes consuming system resources. What is the role of the operating system in a computer? The operating system manages hardware resources, provides a user interface, and allows software applications to interact with the hardware. What is the difference between a 32-bit and a 64-bit processor? A 64-bit processor can handle larger amounts of data and access more memory than a 32-bit processor, allowing for improved performance and capabilities, especially with 64-bit operating systems. What is a network adapter, and why is it important? A network adapter enables a computer to connect to a network, either via a wired Ethernet connection or wirelessly through Wi-Fi, facilitating communication between devices. What is a file extension, and why is it important? A file extension is a suffix added to a file name that indicates the file type and the software used to open it, helping the operating system determine how to handle the file. 10 What is the difference between a static and a dynamic IP address? A static IP address is manually assigned and does not change, while a dynamic IP address is assigned by a DHCP server and can change over time. What is the difference between an SSD and an M.2 drive? An SSD is a storage device that uses flash memory, while an M.2 drive is a form factor for storage devices (including SSDs) that is smaller and often used in laptops and ultrabooks. What is the difference between a Hub and a Switch in networking? A hub broadcasts data to all connected devices, whereas a switch sends data only to the intended device, improving network efficiency and security. What is the purpose of Windows Safe Mode? Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode that starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services, allowing users to troubleshoot and resolve issues that prevent normal startup. What is the function of a network cable tester? A network cable tester is used to check the functionality and wiring integrity of network cables, ensuring that the cable is correctly wired and functioning properly. What is the difference between an IP address and a MAC address? An IP address is used to identify a device on a network, while a MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to the network interface card (NIC) and is used for local communication. How do you configure a wireless router? To configure a wireless router, access the router’s web interface by entering its IP address in a browser, then set up the SSID, encryption, and password settings for the wireless network. What is the purpose of a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)? A UPS provides backup power during outages and protects against voltage spikes, allowing users to save work and safely shut down devices without data loss. 11 What is a ping test used for in networking? A ping test is used to check the connectivity between two network devices, measuring the round trip time for packets and identifying issues like network latency or downtime. What is the difference between a 3.5mm audio jack and an optical audio out port? A 3.5mm audio jack is used for analog audio output, while an optical audio out port uses digital signals to transmit higher-quality audio to compatible devices. How do you reset a password on a Windows computer? To reset a password on a Windows computer, you can use a password reset disk, log in with another account with administrative privileges, or use Windows recovery options. What are the steps involved in replacing a faulty power supply unit? To replace a faulty power supply, power down the computer, unplug it, remove the old PSU, install the new PSU, reconnect all cables, and power up the system to verify proper function. What is the function of the System Restore feature in Windows? System Restore allows users to revert their computer’s system files, settings, and installed programs to an earlier state in case of system issues or software problems. What are the steps to install a new hard drive in a computer? To install a new hard drive, power down the computer, open the case, connect the drive to the motherboard and power supply, and format the drive in the operating system. What is the function of a firewall in a network? A firewall monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined security rules, helping to protect the network from unauthorized access and attacks. What is the purpose of device drivers? 12 Device drivers allow the operating system to communicate with hardware devices, enabling proper functionality and ensuring compatibility between the OS and hardware. What are common symptoms of overheating in a computer? Common symptoms include unexpected shutdowns, slow performance, or graphical glitches, often caused by dust accumulation, faulty cooling fans, or inadequate airflow. What is the purpose of the Windows Registry? The Windows Registry is a database that stores configuration settings and options for the operating system and installed applications, helping the system function properly. What is an example of peripheral hardware? Peripheral hardware includes devices like printers, keyboards, mice, monitors, and external storage drives, which are connected to the computer to extend its functionality. What does the term "cloud computing" refer to? Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services (e.g., storage, processing power, software) over the Internet, allowing users to access resources remotely without maintaining local infrastructure. What are common signs that a power supply is failing? Signs include random shutdowns, system instability, strange noises, or failure to power up, often caused by power fluctuations or an inability to provide sufficient power. What device in the computer system does all the processing of information obtained from various input devices? CPU What PC component is referred to as primary storage and loses its content when power is removed? RAM Where are the instructions to start the computer system stored? BIOS What type of firmware supports the new Secure Boot option which guarantees the integrity of the startup files? UEFI Which CPU feature needs to be enabled in the BIOS and is designed to help thwart malware attempts to corrupt the system files? No Execute Bit or Disable Execute Bit What device is described as a mini computer in your pocket running a mobile operating system? Smart phone Which PC component provides data communications for all other internal and external components? Motherboard A data pathway in a computer system is referred to as what? Which component modifies AC voltage into DC voltage? Bus Power supply What are the three voltages provided by the power supply in most systems? 3.3, 5, 12 Which network device has replaced hubs in most networks due to increased efficiency? What internal hardware component is used for secondary storage? How many pins are contained in the Molex drive connector? Hard drive 4 Switch 13