WGU C272 Introduction to IT Exam
2025/2026 – Verified Questions and
Correct Answers | A Grade
Question 1: Which of the following is a primary function of an operating system?
A. Execute application software B. Manage hardware resources C. Encrypt network traffic D.
Store database records
Rationale: An operating system (OS) manages hardware resources (CPU, memory, storage) and
provides services for software, ensuring efficient system operation. Executing software (A) is
secondary, encryption (C) is a security function, and storing records (D) is database-specific.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a firewall in a network?
A. Increase internet speed B. Protect against unauthorized access C. Store network data D.
Route network traffic
Rationale: A firewall monitors and filters network traffic to prevent unauthorized access,
enhancing security (CompTIA Network+). Speed (A) is unrelated, storage (C) is for databases,
and routing (D) is a router’s function.
Question 3: Which protocol is used for secure web browsing?
A. FTP B. HTTP C. HTTPS D. SMTP
Rationale: HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) uses SSL/TLS to encrypt web
communications, ensuring data privacy (e.g., e-commerce transactions). FTP transfers files,
HTTP is unsecured, SMTP is for email.
Question 4: A database is best described as:
A. A collection of unrelated data B. An organized collection of data C. A hardware storage
device D. A network protocol
,Rationale: A database organizes data (e.g., tables in a relational database) for efficient retrieval
and management, supporting business applications like CRM. Unrelated data (A), hardware (C),
and protocols (D) are incorrect.
Question 5: Which of the following is a characteristic of a relational database?
A. Stores data in a single file B. Uses tables with primary and foreign keys C. Requires cloud
storage D. Uses unstructured data only
Rationale: Relational databases organize data into tables linked by keys (e.g., SQL databases),
enabling structured queries. Single files (A) are flat, cloud (C) is deployment-specific,
unstructured (D) is for NoSQL.
Question 6: What does the acronym CPU stand for?
A. Central Programming Unit B. Central Processing Unit C. Computer Processing Unit D.
Core Programming Utility
Rationale: The CPU is the computer’s “brain,” executing instructions by processing data. It’s
critical for system performance in IT infrastructure (CompTIA A+).
Question 7: Which device connects multiple networks together?
A. Switch B. Hub C. Router D. Access Point
Rationale: A router forwards data between networks (e.g., LAN to WAN), enabling internet
connectivity. Switches connect devices within a network, hubs are outdated, and access points
enable Wi-Fi.
Question 8: What is the primary purpose of an IP address?
A. Encrypt data B. Identify devices on a network C. Store user credentials D. Manage software
updates
Rationale: IP addresses uniquely identify devices for network communication (e.g., IPv4:
192.168.1.1). Encryption (A), credentials (C), and updates (D) are unrelated functions.
, Question 9: Which of the following is a type of malware?
A. Operating System B. Virus C. Firewall D. Router
Rationale: A virus is malicious software that infects systems, compromising security. OS (A),
firewalls (C), and routers (D) are not malware but IT components (CompTIA Security+).
Question 10: What does SQL stand for in database management?
A. System Query Language B. Simple Query Logic C. Structured Query Language D.
Standard Query Link
Rationale: SQL is used to query and manage relational databases, enabling data retrieval and
manipulation (e.g., SELECT statements). It’s foundational for database administration.
Question 11: Which network topology connects all devices to a central point?
A. Bus B. Star C. Ring D. Mesh
Rationale: Star topology uses a central hub or switch, common in modern LANs for scalability.
Bus (A) uses a single backbone, ring (C) loops devices, mesh (D) connects all directly.
Question 12: What is the purpose of encryption in cybersecurity?
A. Speed up data transfer B. Protect data confidentiality C. Increase storage capacity D.
Simplify network configuration
Rationale: Encryption (e.g., AES) scrambles data to prevent unauthorized access, ensuring
confidentiality in applications like online banking (CISSP principles).
Question 13: Which storage device uses flash memory?
A. HDD B. CD-ROM C. SSD D. Tape Drive
Rationale: Solid State Drives (SSDs) use flash memory for faster, reliable storage compared to
spinning HDDs (A). CD-ROM (B) and tape (D) are older technologies (CompTIA A+).
2025/2026 – Verified Questions and
Correct Answers | A Grade
Question 1: Which of the following is a primary function of an operating system?
A. Execute application software B. Manage hardware resources C. Encrypt network traffic D.
Store database records
Rationale: An operating system (OS) manages hardware resources (CPU, memory, storage) and
provides services for software, ensuring efficient system operation. Executing software (A) is
secondary, encryption (C) is a security function, and storing records (D) is database-specific.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a firewall in a network?
A. Increase internet speed B. Protect against unauthorized access C. Store network data D.
Route network traffic
Rationale: A firewall monitors and filters network traffic to prevent unauthorized access,
enhancing security (CompTIA Network+). Speed (A) is unrelated, storage (C) is for databases,
and routing (D) is a router’s function.
Question 3: Which protocol is used for secure web browsing?
A. FTP B. HTTP C. HTTPS D. SMTP
Rationale: HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) uses SSL/TLS to encrypt web
communications, ensuring data privacy (e.g., e-commerce transactions). FTP transfers files,
HTTP is unsecured, SMTP is for email.
Question 4: A database is best described as:
A. A collection of unrelated data B. An organized collection of data C. A hardware storage
device D. A network protocol
,Rationale: A database organizes data (e.g., tables in a relational database) for efficient retrieval
and management, supporting business applications like CRM. Unrelated data (A), hardware (C),
and protocols (D) are incorrect.
Question 5: Which of the following is a characteristic of a relational database?
A. Stores data in a single file B. Uses tables with primary and foreign keys C. Requires cloud
storage D. Uses unstructured data only
Rationale: Relational databases organize data into tables linked by keys (e.g., SQL databases),
enabling structured queries. Single files (A) are flat, cloud (C) is deployment-specific,
unstructured (D) is for NoSQL.
Question 6: What does the acronym CPU stand for?
A. Central Programming Unit B. Central Processing Unit C. Computer Processing Unit D.
Core Programming Utility
Rationale: The CPU is the computer’s “brain,” executing instructions by processing data. It’s
critical for system performance in IT infrastructure (CompTIA A+).
Question 7: Which device connects multiple networks together?
A. Switch B. Hub C. Router D. Access Point
Rationale: A router forwards data between networks (e.g., LAN to WAN), enabling internet
connectivity. Switches connect devices within a network, hubs are outdated, and access points
enable Wi-Fi.
Question 8: What is the primary purpose of an IP address?
A. Encrypt data B. Identify devices on a network C. Store user credentials D. Manage software
updates
Rationale: IP addresses uniquely identify devices for network communication (e.g., IPv4:
192.168.1.1). Encryption (A), credentials (C), and updates (D) are unrelated functions.
, Question 9: Which of the following is a type of malware?
A. Operating System B. Virus C. Firewall D. Router
Rationale: A virus is malicious software that infects systems, compromising security. OS (A),
firewalls (C), and routers (D) are not malware but IT components (CompTIA Security+).
Question 10: What does SQL stand for in database management?
A. System Query Language B. Simple Query Logic C. Structured Query Language D.
Standard Query Link
Rationale: SQL is used to query and manage relational databases, enabling data retrieval and
manipulation (e.g., SELECT statements). It’s foundational for database administration.
Question 11: Which network topology connects all devices to a central point?
A. Bus B. Star C. Ring D. Mesh
Rationale: Star topology uses a central hub or switch, common in modern LANs for scalability.
Bus (A) uses a single backbone, ring (C) loops devices, mesh (D) connects all directly.
Question 12: What is the purpose of encryption in cybersecurity?
A. Speed up data transfer B. Protect data confidentiality C. Increase storage capacity D.
Simplify network configuration
Rationale: Encryption (e.g., AES) scrambles data to prevent unauthorized access, ensuring
confidentiality in applications like online banking (CISSP principles).
Question 13: Which storage device uses flash memory?
A. HDD B. CD-ROM C. SSD D. Tape Drive
Rationale: Solid State Drives (SSDs) use flash memory for faster, reliable storage compared to
spinning HDDs (A). CD-ROM (B) and tape (D) are older technologies (CompTIA A+).
